Intent to sign contract

[futuredo32]

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🙂I'm a PGY-1 in psychiatry. I love the program, the residents, and attendings. However, I have been really thinking for several months now that I miss primary care and I have really been considering a switch to either FP or IM.
Today, we were presented with a form that asked us to sign our intent to renew our contracts.
So, I talked to our amazing program director and told her how I have been feeling. She was incredible and very supportive and she said that my feelings are very common and she'd like me to take some time to consider this because it is obviously a huge decision. She said that she actually probably would not replace me if I decided to leave so she isn't in a hurry for me to decide, which is really really awesome.
My question is this, can I sign that form and then leave in July? It's not the actual contract or anything. My PD said that it's her understanding that even if I sign the form or a contract, she can "release me" from the contract and I could leave in July. I don't doubt her honesty, I just want to make sure that her statement is based on accurate information in this very confusing world of ACGME rules.

BTW, I am a DO and I did an osteopathic traditional rotating internship last year before starting my allopathic psychiatry residency this year, so I am almost positive that I could find an osteopathic PGY1 or PGY2 spot in primary care, so finding a spot isn't a concern, I'm just worried about the legalities of me signing this form.
Thanks🙂

 

[colbgw02]

This sounds like a bunch of nonsense straight from a Dazed and Confused highschool football coach. Do they really expect people to stay in their program - who might have otherwise left - because they had previously signed some nonbinding letter of intent? The real question here is how miserable will your PD make your life if you don't sign the letter but decide to stay in the program.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Anything you sign is basically a contract. You should look carefully at what that contract says. It should state what happens if you decide to change your mind in the future. If it's just a letter that says "I plan on signing a contract in April", then it doesn't mean much.

Regardless, my advice would be to not sign it if you aren't certain of your plans. Obviously you'll need to talk to your PD. You seem to have only good things to say about them, so perhaps they will be very understanding.

There are no ACGME / NRMP / Match issues here. It's all about signing a contract, and then adhering to that contract or dealing with the consequences of breaking it.

 

[futuredo32]

Thanks so much🙂