Logistics of switching residency programs as PGY2

[deleted556287]

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I am in process of starting a PGY2/R1 year in an advanced residency. I know that my Match contract requires that I spend at least 45 days in my program. The reason I want to change programs is because my wife is active duty military physician and cannot be stationed in the city to which I am matched. She has 4 years of commitment remaining and will find out her location later this year. My options as I see them are to quit after 45 days and reapply to the match, continue with my training as a PGY-2 and hope that a swap position is available after the 45 day period, or to continue training and hope that PGY-3 position opens up for next year in the area to which she'll be stationed. I am curious as to which scenario you think I should go for, risks of quitting a program to be with a spouse, or any alternative scenarios you may know of. Thanks!

 

[DIce3]

risks of quitting a program to be with a spouse!

Would not consider quitting without a definite spot somewhere else.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

Have you talked with your program director about the situation? Is it a situation that existed before you matched there or has it developed since then? If its a new situation, I think many program directors wouldn't look down on you for your desire to change. I think your worst option is to quit after 45 days and reapply to the match. Other programs will be leery of hiring you in that situation. Having a swap position during this year could be possible, but I think the safest thing is finishing your year and look to get a position in a program where your wife is or could relocate to.

 

[deleted556287]

Have you talked with your program director about the situation? Is it a situation that existed before you matched there or has it developed since then? If its a new situation, I think many program directors wouldn't look down on you for your desire to change. I think your worst option is to quit after 45 days and reapply to the match. Other programs will be leery of hiring you in that situation. Having a swap position during this year could be possible, but I think the safest thing is finishing your year and look to get a position in a program where your wife is or could relocate to.

Yes, the marriage happened after the match. I haven't talked to the PD yet. Do you think I should bring it up already? I wasn't too optimistic about a PGY-2 spot opening up during the year. I am not too worried about my PD's response, as I assumed this situation would warrant an amicable transfer. Thanks!

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I would discuss it with your PD sooner rather than later. With the change in your situation and the result of it being out of your control, your PD will be your best resource and ally to land an equivalent position where your wife is located. I'm sure they would appreciate your openness and honesty. I would also consider how you would answer the question of what you would do if you couldn't find a spot open somewhere. Would you consider living apart for a few years and visiting on weekends when you have a golden weekend or she is able to be free and come to visit? You didn't mention what type of residency it is, but almost all residencies have vacancies come PGY2 year with attrition. Where those are, though, might not help you. Basically in summary, be honest with yourself and your PD and open to different possibilities. Good luck with it.

 

[deleted556287]

I have been monitoring open spots (on forums and residentswap.org) and there have been quite a few already in locations that would be near her likely placements. However, I can't apply for them as I'm still bound by the match contract. I will wait until after the 45 day requirement before bringing it up with my PD so as not to risk any violations. It will be tough if we can't get placed together, but I don't think that dropping out of residency is a good idea like you said and will probably burn bridges, plus delay my career unnecessarily. In that scenario, we'd likely have to do frequent trips (her clinical requirements will vary depending on which institution she gets stationed in).