Observership/Externship after PGY-1 residency

[IMGtoDoc]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I had to leave residency due to a medical condition during my second year of residency. I am now interested in returning to residency but in a different field. I am applying in the match but I have not had much success. I am interested in finding ways to strengthen my application (as I may have to go through the SOAP process) and possibly get more experience in the field I would like to pursue.

I have several questions about my situation.

1. Am I allowed to complete an externship or observership even though I already completed a residency? Some websites suggest that this would be practicing medicine without a license.

2. What experiences do you suggest to strengthen my application?

3. Do you know of any opportunities that would demonstrate my readiness to return to residency?

Thank you.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I had to leave residency due to a medical condition during my second year of residency. I am now interested in returning to residency but in a different field. I am applying in the match but I have not had much success. I am interested in finding ways to strengthen my application (as I may have to go through the SOAP process) and possibly get more experience in the field I would like to pursue.

I have several questions about my situation.

1. Am I allowed to complete an externship or observership even though I already completed a residency? Some websites suggest that this would be practicing medicine without a license.

2. What experiences do you suggest to strengthen my application?

3. Do you know of any opportunities that would demonstrate my readiness to return to residency?

Thank you.

1. Yes and No. Yes, you can theoretically do an observership. But, you would do so at the level of a medical student, because you have no license. So, it would be a big step backwards from what you've done before, and hence not clearly very helpful.

This assumes you don't have a license. It might be possible to get a license in some states based upon your prior training. If so, you could actually work as a physician in those states, or at least try to get some real clinical experience -- although finding a position with incomplete training can be a challenge.

2. Clinical experience (which I realize is circular logic, given #1 above). The trick is trying to figure out how to do so. You could ocntact your prior program, even if they can't take you as a full time resident, perhaps they can find a way to get you 1-2 months of experience.

You also didn't mention what field you're looking at now. If you're trying to get something more competitive than what you had before, it's going to be a challenge.

 

[docu]

lets say you are licensed, what sorts of things can you do to get back in residency? moonlighting? what else besides that?

 

[apma77]

Email me at GNSanesthesia at yahoo if you want to work as a medical assistant. We are located in GA.

 

[samsoniter]

Kind of a toughie here, I would get in touch with your old program and, if on good terms, I know a letter or call from your prior PD can go a long way to vouch for you. Another option, though somewhat field specific, is research- it can really bolster an application and show dedication to the field. You can also obtain a state license with 1 yr of PG training (though this may be different if you are IMG) and do locums in (probably) high need rural areas in SOME states.
Lastly, and perhaps a little late in the game, make sure you have a great explanation as to why you did not finish your first residency and why this is very unlikely to happen again.

 

[IMGtoDoc]

Thank you. I appreciate all of the advice.