Need Advice...

[Ned Needlelandr]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,

I am a US allopath grad currently in an IM program. IM is nice but really find myself interested in Radiology. Any advice on how to switch from IM to rads. I have exceptional step 1, and above average step2 (need more of course). Help is greatly appreciated, thanks!!!

-Ned Needlelandr
(" In germany I was a god")

 

[f_w]

Radiology is traditionally full of ex-internists and ex-surgeons. While it has become more difficult to switch due to the improved competitiveness in radiology, it is still possible. There is a good chance that the PD who has to look at your application was something else before he went into rads.

Contact programs directly, (best yield seem to be emails to PD's), and explain that you are looking for a R1 position. Be sure to let your IM PD know. If you are diplomatic about it, he/she can be your best ally by calling emailing around. If you just start looking and your PD hears about it from some rads PD calling him up, you might turn him/her into your enemy.

And then there is of course the match. The only problem as you know is that the match which is currently starting is for 6/07 positions.

One issue to be aware of are the medicare funding rules. In the goverments eyes, your 'initial residency period' is limited to 3 years (bc you started out in IM). What this means is that the funding for the hospital will drop from about ~100k per year to ~80k per year once you are past the 3 year mark. At some hospitals, this can work against you, at others the PD and selection committee don't even know about this stuff.

Good Luck.