Need help for my ERAS programs

[shjaffri]

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I need some help determining choosing my programs for ERAS application (residency) programs.

I want know if I select IM, FM, and pediatrics.

a) Can I choose FM or pediatrics and then switch to IM after completing my first year ?

b) Will this be counted in the internal medicine residency and I can apply to PGY-2 level after words ?

c) Will I be in contract with residency program, and cannot switch after 1st year or within 1st year?

d) Do you recommend this approach maximizing my chances for getting residency for 2009 match ?

e) Is it possible if I choose this path, and I will end up having total 4 years of residency.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

A. Yes, but your first year won't count for much, so you'll have to start again as a PGY-1. This is not easy -- you'll need to apply to and interview at IM programs in Nov-Jan, and getting time off from your residency to do so is not easy. Also, you'll have used one year of your GME funding so you'll be short a year of funding -- there are many threads about this problem.

B. No. Neither a year of FM nor a year of Peds will count towards IM.

C. Contracts are for 1 year at a time. You are free to try and switch after your first year, but as mentioned above this is not easy.

D. I would only apply to IM, FM, and peds if you'd be happy in all three fields. Applying to FM and/or Peds in the hopes of getting a PGY-1 and then switching to IM is a difficult path.

E. Yes, you should count on it. Again, this is a difficult path. best option is to apply to IM, FM, and peds and then finish the residency you match into. Another option is to complete an FM residency, and then apply to IM. You theoretically would be able to get credit for a PGY-1, so this would be a 5 year plan. No one in their right mind would give you PGY-1 credit in IM for completing a peds residency.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Are you asking for your fiancee again?

As aPD notes above, she cannot do a year of Peds and then switch to IM or vice versa. She needs to decide what she wants to do and work on getting into a training program that suits her rather than a scattershot approach to getting anything, IMHO.

 

[shjaffri]

Thanks guys, you are right she should not go for Fm or peds residency if she is looking for IM in the end. That's what I exactly told her, she is nervous and due to her personal reasons she is desprate to get residency next year, this was all due to the ill advise given to her by someone but now thanks to you guys it's cleared up. I just suggested her keep your options open like apply 80% Im programs and leave 20% (for peds and FM). In end if you get offer, compare to no offer just go far FM residency, after all it's not that bad. My question to you guys can she do something like that, will this approach effect her ERAS application process, like she might interview in IM but adding FM and Ped she might just get interview offers for non IM stuff or in end just get matching for non IM residency, I am not aware of how matching process works out, will she get choice in end of match like A B C , select your fav residency / program or just it will be 1 matching from (FM, IM or peds) please advise. Also now she has strong LORs, good scores, and US clinical / research experience. We now just want to improve her eras commom application form. As in experience sectiton we are just putting general statement, hands on experience in taking histories, performing physical examinations, good bedside manners etc. Any we can do anything to enhance this experience to highlight like it was done on xyz hospital one of the best in the area, research experience in ABC sponsord by XYZ univeristy. Should US experience needs to be highlighted in personal statement as well ? PLEASE advise

 

[NotAProgDirector]

If she applies to multiple specialties (i.e. IM, FM, peds) she will only match to one program. She can rank all of the IM programs first, and then the others, or she can rank them in any order.

Her problem is likely to be one of two issues:

1. She doesn't get many interviews, because of her lack of US experience / distance from med school graduation / etc, or

2. She gets a pre-match offer.

There's nothing she can really do about #1, except try to get some US experience which is tough.

#2 is the really "dangerous" one. See Doowai's recent threads here. If she gets a "prematch" offer from an FM program, and a regular interview from an IM program, she'll need to decide if she wants to take the FM program, or let the FM offer go and try for the match instead (and take the risk of not matching at all). It's a tough call.

You can read all about the matching process at www.nrmp.org

 

[shjaffri]

How much US clinical experience can be counted as good or sufficient.

She has 8 months observership experience in IM department at local hospital
Volunteer experience in a private practice for 6 months.

6 + months ongoing experience in very good research programs sponsored by a famous university.

Now she is also doing observership with one physician in private practice (2 months)


Is this something can be counted as good US experience? Can she use LOR she got from research work as one of three LOR for application or she need fourth one ?

 

[buckley]

I dont think anyone can give you a clear cut answer on that one. Some programs state it clearly, i.e. at least 2 months or 6 months or 1 year US clinial experience. As for me, I had no US experience when I came in for the interviews and I addressed that a lot of times. After the first few, I realized it was always asked so I eventually became the one to bring it up. I said I knew it was a disadvantage and I expect it will be harder for me but that I'm willing to take on the challenge (gulp...I'm an inern now and this is just making me feel really small! hahaha...the things we say in the interviews...). SO anyway, my point is just that you can work your way around the "US experience" criteria. I believe many programs will be satisfied by your fiancee's list.

 

[Blade28]

In general, observerships don't count as US clinical experience. Too little direct patient contact/interaction/care.