Need to leave program...help!

[Need2Switch]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I usually post under a different name, but hopefully you can understand the need for anonymity...

I am a PGY-1 in a 4-year program, which I just started and (so far) love.

However, in the past month I've had some terrible personal news. Without going into too much detail, an immediate family member has been diagnosed with a severe illness that will likely be terminal. All of my family is basically across the country from where I matched. While I was happy with my match at the time, circumstances have now changed dramatically and I feel horrible that I'm not closer to home.

To get to the point, I really want to move back home to be with my family during this difficult period. I need some advice -- is this even possible? I know I'm under contract for a year (and I'll fill that obligation if I must), but what happens after that? The program near my home is a 3-year program. I'm OK with repeating intern year if that's what it comes to. Who would I need to talk with first? Would I have to go through the Match again? Is this something that has been done before?

Surely I'm not the first person to have family issues arise during residency...I'm just not sure where to start investigating my options. I could talk with my PD but I'd rather save that until I know what my options are...

Sorry to be long winded.
Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[AmoryBlaine]

mmmmm. Maybe some of the attendings/BKN can weigh in but it sounds like you're going to have a hard row to hoe on this thing. PDs are not exactly clamoring to release warm bodies from their programs.

Even if you were able to leave you would like not be a very attractive candidate to the local 3 year program. Why do I say that? Because you are going to have to be COMPLETELY honest about why you are leaving your other program and the local PD might not be too hasty to rank someone with such a serious personal crisis going on.

Like I said, the best advice is going to come from the higher-ups, this is just my $0.02.

Best of luck though, sounds like a terrible situation.

 

[roja]

First and foremost, go speak to your program director. Although you are in a tough spot, there are several options available for you. Sometimes spots open up. And no program wants you there if you are going to be miserable. Believe it or not, your PD wants you to be happy and productive.

Do NOTHING behind your PD's back.

Be very honest, explain how you are feeling and ask what your options are.

 

[13770]

Is it really your belief that a program that you "love" would not have your interests in mind? And if so, is that where you want to be? I hope not.

One of my fellow residents last year had a situation where her husband got a great job close to home, and on the other side of the country. Our program director told her that if she saw an opportunity at a program closer to her husband then he'd understand her looking into it - this was the early part of the second year of our pgy1-3 program.

3 weeks after telling her this, an opening was announced at a program very close to her husband. Our program director and associate program director took the information to her and told her they wouldn't feel right not making her aware of it.

She was a friend and a solid resident who was happy here. She was supported throughout the entire transfer and left 3 months later with the slot in the other program. Our PD and APD position throughout the entire thing was that it was simply the right thing to do: "if you really care about your people, you do anything you can for them."

Think about it.

If you were at my program, I really believe our directors and coordinator would be upset with you about NOT telling them something so important and integral to you as this development.

Good luck. And I hope a position opens near your family because you should follow your heart, not your fears.

 

[aequanimitas]

I agree with 13770 and Roja. Your situation is a unfortunate event that is a part of life. If you really must relocate for this reason, for say more than 6-months, it should entirely reasonable to switch. Let your PD know and they should understand. I can't imagine a PD whom would not understand your situation. Granted it puts them in a tough spot too; perhaps they may consider you taking a leave of absence for medical/personal reasons for a few months--it is not that hard to work around some schedules, even if it means having to work an extra month at the end of your residency to "make up" the time you missed.

I know a number of residents whom had to have surgery (accidents from skiing, snowboarding, etc), pregnancy and delivery, etc, whom then successfully graduated having only to make up a month or so at the end of the residency. Maybe this can be an option?

Regardless, your PD will understand. Tell your PD the truth.

Good luck to you and your family.

Is it really your belief that a program that you "love" would not have your interests in mind? And if so, is that where you want to be? I hope not.

One of my fellow residents last year had a situation where her husband got a great job close to home, and on the other side of the country. Our program director told her that if she saw an opportunity at a program closer to her husband then he'd understand her looking into it - this was the early part of the second year of our pgy1-3 program.

3 weeks after telling her this, an opening was announced at a program very close to her husband. Our program director and associate program director took the information to her and told her they wouldn't feel right not making her aware of it.

She was a friend and a solid resident who was happy here. She was supported throughout the entire transfer and left 3 months later with the slot in the other program. Our PD and APD position throughout the entire thing was that it was simply the right thing to do: "if you really care about your people, you do anything you can for them."

Think about it.

If you were at my program, I really believe our directors and coordinator would be upset with you about NOT telling them something so important and integral to you as this development.

Good luck. And I hope a position opens near your family because you should follow your heart, not your fears.

 

[GeneralVeers]

You could always take a leave of absence, even three months to visit family. You'd have to make up the time at the end of residency.

 

[Aloha Kid]

I'll provide some counter comments to the above.

1. The family member must really be close. If it's your brothers - godfathers - nephew's - neice for example it's not gonna fly
2. If you choose to leave, there are repercussions for everyone else in the residency including more shifts to pick up for the ones you can't do. It does hurt moral
3. Have you considered a temporary leave of absence for a 2 week period for example. This will allow you more time to better assess the situation.
4. Would this ill family member of yours want you to end your training? Most of the ill would not want this, but of course, the issue is variable.
5. Life goes one and so does death.
6. Being supportive of someone ill, does not necessarily have to come by way of being at their bedside.

 

[EctopicFetus]

I think if it is something serious enough to consider leaving your program then it likely has merit. Your PD and APD want happy people. It seems like this might really weigh on your consciousness. I would be upfront with your PD first and let them know whats going on.

Remember your PD is a human with normal human emotions like you and would understand where you are coming from. I say be honest and enlist their help, they want you to be happy.

 

[spyderdoc]

My dad fell ill with panc CA during my 3rd yr of residency (4yr program). My program was very helpful in helping me out. They helped rearrange my schedule so I could use my vacation time to take a few weeks off to go home and help out. After the vacation time was up, I went back to work and had my schedule arranged so I could fly home a couple of times/mo for a few days here and there. As my dad became more terminal and went into hospice care, I was able to have an "elective" research month set up...I spent time at home and got a bunch of work done on my research project....I was able to be home a lot to be with my dad, yet still be able to continue residency and finish on time. They offered to put me on leave, but things worked out to where I didn't need to take it....This went on for 9 mos from time of Dx to time of death. I have no regrets and I think my dad felt better that I did not get delayed in finishing up with residency....

I understand that it may be more difficult to do this as a busy intern, but if your PD can help you re-arrange your vacation schedule and perhaps let you do an "away" elective, this may work out for you and your family. Good luck.

 

[EMResident]

Talk with your PD and tell them exactly what you put in your original post. Let them know that things are weighing heavily on you and you are in the midst of deciding what to do. Do not approach any other program -- the first thing they will tell you is "talk with your PD."

Do not try to do this alone - you need to be able to process this. While your colleagues may have to pick up some shifts if you leave, in truth being down an intern (no offense) in a 4 year program is not that big a deal. Regardless, that is an issue for your PD that will unlikely impact your classmates.

Residency is like family - sometimes dysfunctional, but ultimately PDs look out for you. They wouldn't do the job if they weren't, at heart, educators. And wellness is a key part of education.

 

[NinerNiner999]

Talk to your PD ASAP - while there is still time...

 

[newschooldoc]

A while back I saw a website where you could enter where you are and where you wanted to go. Presumably if another resident was looking to go the opposite direction you would have a proposal for your PD. Sorry I don't have the site handy.

And of course, talk to your PD. They're used to life changes and should be able to roll with it.

 

[BOOP]

Do not try to do this alone - you need to be able to process this. While your colleagues may have to pick up some shifts if you leave, in truth being down an intern (no offense) in a 4 year program is not that big a deal. Regardless, that is an issue for your PD that will unlikely impact your classmates.

I'd like to add your colleges and PD wouldn't have to wait very long. I, like many, am a warm-body just itching for the chance to jump on any unexpected PGY-1 opening. Sadly, I realize my best shot at EM right now (save the 2009 match) is because of anothers misfortune. I feel as greasy as a short-seller on the stock market.

I'm sorry to learn of your situation, my condolences.