Leaving residency program?

[Bunsen Honeydew]

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Im a first yr resident and am facing what I believe to be a rare situation in the field: I'm considering leaving my program. Its really a confluence of issues but the bottom line is that I'm no longer certain it's the right field for me. There are serious problems with my program that make it borderline untenable for all of us but its more complicated for me or else I'd prob stick it out. I really need to talk to someone in the field, preferably attending. But everyone I would feel comfortable talking to is at least indirectly associated with my program. My family and friends are supportive but can't understand the questions and concerns I have. Any advice on where to turn?

 

[RadOncDoc21]

Are your feelings program specific or related to the field overall? If it's program specific, maybe you can swap or go somewhere else. If it's the field, stick it out... I'm sure they told you, first year sucks!

-R

 

[CyberKnife19]

Are your feelings program specific or related to the field overall? If it's program specific, maybe you can swap or go somewhere else. If it's the field, stick it out... I'm sure they told you, first year sucks!

-R

I have to respectfully disagree with the comment above about first year. Sure, there are times in your first couple of rotations where you can feel utterly inept, but I would hope that all attendings would be very understanding and take the time to educate the resident on even the basic things that first years simply don't know. I am loving first year, but maybe a lot of that has to do with my program...not sure. 🙂

 

[RadOncDoc21]

I have to respectfully disagree with the comment above about first year. Sure, there are times in your first couple of rotations where you can feel utterly inept, but I would hope that all attendings would be very understanding and take the time to educate the resident on even the basic things that first years simply don't know. I am loving first year, but maybe a lot of that has to do with my program...not sure. 🙂

Sure, well let me clarify my statement... First year is not as good in comparison with other years.

-R

 

[thesauce]

First year is by far the worst at my program. There are various reasons for this including that we have a big project required and we run the flagship clinics ourselves. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a vacation day or two. Our senior residents are happy as clams and just handle the overflow or cherry-pick cases.

OP: I'm only a junior resident but I'm more than happy to talk with you if you'd like to PM me.

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

THanks to everyone who PM'd me and posted. it's great to have feedback.

 

[member455]

Im in a similar boat.

Im a first year in a mid-top tier program and I just dont have alot of faith in my program.

I see what my upper levels look like and I dont have a lot of confidence in them.

Im not sure I could name one faculty member in the department who I felt comfortable enough with to choose as a dedicated mentor.

The chair is well respected but seems distant and minimally involved.

Im not sure the program really suits my needs academically or clinically.

Im scared to death of having to start all over looking for another program for a transfer but I just cant see myself being happy or productive here after another 2-3 years.

Transferring seems impossible and I cant imagine the thought of having to pseudo scramble for a spot in another program as this would be outside the match...

Any suggestions?

 

[iradi8u]

Have you considered looking for a community radonc near your program to bounce ideas off of? You could ask around about different community docs & just call one & ask if you can shadow them, bounce some career questions off of them, etc. I've met several community docs who would be great mentors for me if I were in your shoes. May be worth a try, you've certainly got nothing to lose!

 

[Scatter]

Im in a similar boat.

Im a first year in a mid-top tier program and I just dont have alot of faith in my program.

I see what my upper levels look like and I dont have a lot of confidence in them.

Im not sure I could name one faculty member in the department who I felt comfortable enough with to choose as a dedicated mentor.

The chair is well respected but seems distant and minimally involved.

Im not sure the program really suits my needs academically or clinically.

Im scared to death of having to start all over looking for another program for a transfer but I just cant see myself being happy or productive here after another 2-3 years.

Transferring seems impossible and I cant imagine the thought of having to pseudo scramble for a spot in another program as this would be outside the match...

Any suggestions?

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your situation. Since you're just a PGY2, and it is the most difficult year, could it be that it's just a perception or something truly is awry. If it's a mid-top tier program, when you say you don't have confidence in the senior residents, is this reflective of their level of training or personality? Did you talk to your program director to address your concerns? He/she would have to release you from the contract if you want to transfer.