PD letter from prior program

[Target2]

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I was in a FM residency program a few years back but had to resign after a few months into the intern year because I was young/confused and didn't know whether I wanted to stay in medicine. I also contemplating switching to another specialty. The program was supportive of my decision. Well fast forward, I'm back to applying for FM positions after trying out other careers/interests and deciding that FM is the best choice for me. Hey, sometimes you need to try out other things before you can truly appreciate the things that you have/had. Anyway- I took Step 3 recently and passed, and am doing research at a top tier school....trying to improve my application b/c of my gap.

I got a few interviews but I don't know how the Program Director's letter comes into play and how much it is weighed. The reason I ask is b/c I remember telling the PD when I was resigning that I didn't enjoy Peds and Ob and that I may want to go into IM. The PD wrote the letter last year when I was still contemplating IM. I didn't waive my right to see the letter b/c I wanted to play it safe and I haven't uploaded the letter to ERAS. The letter was very brief...maybe one or two sentences that confirmed I was in the program for a few months and I resigned b/c I wanted to switch over to IM. Of course, now I want to shoot myself in the leg b/c I truly do want to go back to FM and not IM.

So my question is- when will the inviting program ask for the PD letter? Or will they want to speak to the PD over the phone? I am concerned that the PD will reiterate that I didn't like FM. I'm thinking of emailing my PD and letting him know the circumstances surrounding my decision to stick with FM. Any constructive thoughts/advice?

 

[septoplasty]

In your ERAS app, it asked if you had prior training and if you had a letter from your PD, so definitely will come up if you've attached it. If you haven't then you kinda shot yourself regardless.

Also, if you hav attached the letter, and your letter states you wanted to pursue IM rather then FM, I think it might come up during the IV (if they decide to give you one based on how unsure you are).

Lets see what aprogdirector says.

 

[gutonc]

The primary purpose of the PD's letter is to show that you left the program in good standing rather than under duress in "quit or get fired" mode. Nobody really expects it to be a glowing recommendation...but they do expect it.

 

[Target2]

Thank you gutonc, nice to get the prospective from an attending. I don't think my prior program will have anything negative to say about me other than the facts listed above....I wasn't terminated or forced to resign, so I guess that's one positive thing.

In my opinion, I really don't find too much of a difference between the 2 specialties- I was planning to go into primary care/outpatient medicine either ways....not specialize. My final decision was based on the fact that FM residency is more outpatient oriented than IM, which is what I enjoy the most. I just don't care too much for inpatient OB or NICU....but I totally wouldn't mind it in an outpatient setting.

 

[K31]

Why not just ask your former PD to write an updated letter now that you have decided on FM?

 

[Target2]

that's a good idea....although the process takes a while (writing the letter, getting approval from the university, uploading to ERAS, etc). And I hate to bother him during the busy interview season, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try.