Military second residency?

[iswitched]

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I've researched this question and have only found anecdotal references so...

Is it possible for a civilian board certified internal medicine physician to join the service, serve in this capacity for a 2-3 year tour, then apply for and be accepted to a second (this time military) residency program (e.g. rads or anesthesia)? I've read one website where the military program specifically noted that physicians already residency trained wouldn't be considered for a position. I do understand that time in military residency does incur longer contract obligations.

Thanks for the help.

 

[orbitsurgMD]

I've researched this question and have only found anecdotal references so...

Is it possible for a civilian board certified internal medicine physician to join the service, serve in this capacity for a 2-3 year tour, then apply for and be accepted to a second (this time military) residency program (e.g. rads or anesthesia)? I've read one website where the military program specifically noted that physicians already residency trained wouldn't be considered for a position. I do understand that time in military residency does incur longer contract obligations.

Thanks for the help.

I believe this is possible, but if the residency program director is opposed to taking candidates who are already boarded in something else, then that would obviously be a limitation. I think you would be best advised to speak with the program directors of the specific programs you are interested in before committing yourself to that plan.

I suppose some might not want to consider candidates who selected other training if they failed matching for their specialty of choice out of medical school. The competitive specialties in the civilian world, like rads and ophtho, are typically even more competitive in the military, so getting a slot won't necessarily be easier for you and being board certified in another specialty won't necessarily help you.

 

[Homunculus]

yes it's possible-- and you will make staff pay while a "resident" in your second residency. it's one of the few upsides to military GME i guess. of course, along with the new residency comes a new committment to fulfill.

at my residency program before i graduated one of our staff pediatric intensivists (peds residency, pediatric ICU fellowship) left to start an anesthesia residency. i don't know if she kept her intensivist pay or not while a resident, but she's definitely one the the highest paid residents i know, lol.

--your friendly neighborhood jsut say no to more ADSO caveman

 

[backrow]

At portsmouth there is a former civilian IM doctor who is now an anesthesia resident. I believe he initially came in as a flight surgeon after spending several years as an IM doc in Alabama if I remember correctly.

 

[dtn3t]

yes it's possible-- and you will make staff pay while a "resident" in your second residency. it's one of the few upsides to military GME i guess. of course, along with the new residency comes a new committment to fulfill.

at my residency program before i graduated one of our staff pediatric intensivists (peds residency, pediatric ICU fellowship) left to start an anesthesia residency. i don't know if she kept her intensivist pay or not while a resident, but she's definitely one the the highest paid residents i know, lol.

--your friendly neighborhood jsut say no to more ADSO caveman

She was definitely anticipating on keeping her Intensivist pay. And good to see you've been posting more lately Caveman. Haven't seen you around too much lately.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Others have done this. You can also apply to the military residencies as a civilian, although you are less likely to be selected. If you want gas, look up the various specialty leaders and email them for advice.

 

[chillin691]

i've only heard it in IM and in anesthesia, but the answer is def yes

 

[NavyFP]

i've only heard it in IM and in anesthesia, but the answer is def yes

Over the years, I have seen mult people do second residencies. If you come in and do 3 years you are fully eligible for GME. You could apply to any program. Odds of acceptance will be determined by med school grades, board scores, and what you have done in the military.

 

[RugbyJC]

I met a pathologist turned psychiatrist, but i think he did all his training--including the first residency--in the service. Oh yeah...and an FP turned psychiatrist, but again, service trained. Its amusing having a resident who out ranks just about everyone at the command.

 

[Ziehl-Neelsen]

I met a pathologist turned psychiatrist, but i think he did all his training--including the first residency--in the service. Oh yeah...and an FP turned psychiatrist, but again, service trained. Its amusing having a resident who out ranks just about everyone at the command.

The pathologist turned psychiatrist is a naval captain who up and decided to begin a psych residency. He certainly must be the highest paid resident in the military (and probably the nation).

 

[trixmd]

I think there is also an Aerospace guy doing Anesthesia, an FP turned ENT resident, and FP turned general surgery resident at NMC Portsmouth. Also, one of their staff dermatologists was a Navy FP, and one of the outservice derm guys was an Aerospace dude.