Medical Logistics of switching from OB/GYN to FP or Peds

[Lee]

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Hello and thanks for reading... I am a PGY-2 in ob/gyn. I would really like to switch to a non-surgical specialty. I have realized that my values and goals in medicine aren't specific to ob/gyn, and I could see myself very happy in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics. I would like to switch specialties for July 2019 rather than move up to PGY-3 in ob/gyn. Can I enter those primary care specialties as a PGY-2? I am definitely not opposed to entering as a PGY-1. More importantly, how do I find openings for myself as a transfer from another specialty? I know ERAS would be preferable but I missed the application deadline for most programs. Thank you so much for any guidance.

Have you spoken with any FP, IM or Peds program directors? That's where I recommend you start with this process. FP, IM and Peds programs often have PGY-2 slots open-up because someone wants to change specialties or couldn't make it through PGY-1. You can get these outside of a match and it's often a fairly easy process.

I'd say that it's very likely you can switch into a PGY-2 year in IM or FP. Not sure about peds -- If there is a peds expert available they may be able to answer that.

There may be some rotations that you'll need to take to make-up for differences in your PGY-1 training. Those could potentially be taken in-place of what might have been an elective during PGY-2 or 3 years. That's going to be a discussion with the residency program director.