leaving residency

[generic1]

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Lets say that you enter into a residency program and after awhile (maybe 3 months or 3 years depending on your program) decide that the program is not what you want for your career. Are there any potential career suicide implications that should be considered?

Any constructive input would be appreciated.

 

[Guy Smiley]

Lets say that you enter into a residency program and after awhile (maybe 3 months or 3 years depending on your program) decide that the program is not what you want for your career. Are there any potential career suicide implications that should be considered?

Any constructive input would be appreciated.

You'd have to give more info for people to give you better advice. What are your career goals? What kind of residency are you in? GPR, OMFS? Do you want to get into another program or just go out and be a general dentist?

 

[DrTacoElf]

Most likely its OMFS, GPR is only 1 year so most people would tough it out. 😀

 

[toothmaniac]

l

 

[rarm1]

Lets say that you enter into a residency program and after awhile (maybe 3 months or 3 years depending on your program) decide that the program is not what you want for your career. Are there any potential career suicide implications that should be considered?

Any constructive input would be appreciated.

First, if there is any problems, communicate - speak to the program director, other staff members. See what they say.

While a residency is not for everyone - it is a year to learn and be paid for it; to make errors on someone elses time with help near by; etc....

PROBLEMS LEAVING = YES

you have a contract. breaking a contract can lead to legal problems. the institution and sue you for breach of contract. They can notify others about your unethical behavior - ie other training problems and state boards that may be like career suicide. If you apply for a job and there is a gap... the new job may ask to see info,,, quitting does not look good.

With that said, after discussions, most problems can be worked out. Often the program director will release you. ALways be up front, be honest. Remember your decisions will not only effect you but your fellow residents and the patients being treated.

Dentistry is a caring profession.... Access to Care is important; AND giving back once you made it.

Think about your plans. Speak to people. Be Honest.

Good luck

 

[generic1]

Thanks for the replies. It seems as though there is not a cookie cutter answer. Therein lies the problem, if you talk to the PD and they won't release you then you are in a very awkward situation and if you posture aggresively and they call your bluff you are in an bad place.

However, it seems as though most reasonable people would accept a "hey I made a bad call please let me get on with my life". Maybe not though. We'll see I guess.

 

[Demeter]

If you are not going to apply to any future residency programs you won't have any future problems if you decide to quit. Remember one thing- No one can take away your dental license if you choose not to complete your residency program. It's not like you are leaving the military.
I quit my residency program, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was miserable. The program did not offer any advanced training, and everything I was told during the interview ended up being lies. A few months after I started, the other 2 residents requested a transfer. After trying to communicate our concerns about the lack of advanced training, our residency became a hostile environment. Some programs are simply profit driven, and depend on a cheap labor force. ( know any other dentists making 20K per year?) There is only one reason you are there- to get advanced training. If they don't offer this then you are wasting your time.

 

[Lidopaine82]

If you are not going to apply to any future residency programs you won't have any future problems if you decide to quit. Remember one thing- No one can take away your dental license if you choose not to complete your residency program. It's not like you are leaving the military.
I quit my residency program, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was miserable. The program did not offer any advanced training, and everything I was told during the interview ended up being lies. A few months after I started, the other 2 residents requested a transfer. After trying to communicate our concerns about the lack of advanced training, our residency became a hostile environment. Some programs are simply profit driven, and depend on a cheap labor force. ( know any other dentists making 20K per year?) There is only one reason you are there- to get advanced training. If they don't offer this then you are wasting your time.

Looking back, can you (or rarm1, anyone) give advice on how to spot these profit driven programs?

 

[ToothDecay09]

If you are not going to apply to any future residency programs you won't have any future problems if you decide to quit. Remember one thing- No one can take away your dental license if you choose not to complete your residency program. It's not like you are leaving the military.
I quit my residency program, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was miserable. The program did not offer any advanced training, and everything I was told during the interview ended up being lies. A few months after I started, the other 2 residents requested a transfer. After trying to communicate our concerns about the lack of advanced training, our residency became a hostile environment. Some programs are simply profit driven, and depend on a cheap labor force. ( know any other dentists making 20K per year?) There is only one reason you are there- to get advanced training. If they don't offer this then you are wasting your time.

I am just curious, what program was that? It is good that the programs that lie to residents should be addressed. As long as you have your license, it is good you left. Programs that abuse residents should be addressed. Now, not all programs are bad. There are some very good ones, with very good instructors that do want to make a difference with their shared experience with residents. I think that asking past residents of a program to get to know the pros and cons is a good strategy.

 

[rarm1]

Looking back, can you (or rarm1, anyone) give advice on how to spot these profit driven programs?

As I have said, speak to the current residents, speak to grads of your school that might have gone to that program, visit the program in your third year... especially after Jan, when the residents know a lot about of the program.

While programs may change, they don't change that much.

Any problems about a program should be reported internally - must programs like positive feedback so they can improve. If all fails, they is a system to report the program to CODA - the accrediation body.