Opting out of residency

[joedoctor]

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What can you do with an MD degree if you don't complete a residency? What if you complete Step III and become licensed but don't complete an actual residency? I am wondering if this would be a possibility that anyone has ever tried before.

 

[Rafa]

I wish you hadn't posted in this and the Allo boards, because I had to copy/paste my post here after the other one got locked. One unique thread per forum is best.

With that said, here're my two cents:

Lots of people do this. If you want to practice overseas, or in vastly underserved areas in parts of South America, Africa, or Asia, you can ship out as soon as you've got a degree. You won't be doing brain surgery, but you'll do an immeasurable amount of good for populations that are getting by on dtp ratios of 1:100 or worse.

 

[emac]

You could probably teach high school science if you got a teaching license or volunteer in a local hospital. The food service industry would also be a possibility. If you were really motivated you could go to nursing school and get your RN degree. I hear there is a huge nursing shortage.

Seriously though, after first year, some residents moonlight in the ER and make good money. After a year you could just work in the ER and make good money doing that. Maybe you could be an expert witness or work for a managed care company doing something.

 

[usnavdoc]

You could probably teach high school science if you got a teaching license or volunteer in a local hospital. The food service industry would also be a possibility. If you were really motivated you could go to nursing school and get your RN degree. I hear there is a huge nursing shortage.

Seriously though, after first year, some residents moonlight in the ER and make good money. After a year you could just work in the ER and make good money doing that. Maybe you could be an expert witness or work for a managed care company doing something.

lol he cant be an expert witness. He wouldnt be an expert in anything after just internship. Well maybe the cheap tv comercial lawyers would hire you. lol

Seriously this is not a great option if you actually want to see patients. Just do a residency and quit being lazy.