Peds to Anesthesia Transition

[lynnier79]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Just curious if anyone has any experience with switching from Peds to Anesthesia.

Im in the midst of my intern year, and have grown to realize that Im not quite pursuing the right career path. Without going into slews of complicated details - i do like pediatric patients, and will some day want to specialize in treating them. But i dont really see myself as a pediatrician the way i once did, either general or subspecialty.

Im interested in anesthesia because i like the fact that its intellectually challenging almost all the time - its dynamic, the situation changes, and the clinician has to make decisions on the fly. i also like the idea of doing procedures, and i like the direct input-->output of evidence and outcomes one a moment to moment basis.

There is an opening for a CA-1 this July at my current institution (where i would really like to stay for family reasons) and im sort of in the midst of throwing my "hat into the ring" so to speak.

I was just curious if anyone had any experience with this, and what sagely thoughts might be.

thanks everyone for their time.

 

[michigangirl]

I did anesthesia residency after I finished my pediatrics residency-- so I don't have experience with transferring during the first year, but if you know you love the OR and wouldn't mind taking care of adults-- go for it. Now is the time. No reason continuing in a residency you don't plan on using for your future career. It's a steep learning curve after a year of peds residency, but doable and much easier with only one year of peds under your belt, especially taking care of adults. For me, that was the most painful part. But that's me.

I'm going to say it again, make sure you like the OR. Have you done an anesthesia rotation/elective (longer than two weeks?) This is huge and key.

I'm happy to chat more PM if that would be helpful.

 

[jumpingforjoy]

I follow this blog and she also transitioned out from pediatric residency to anesthesia. Her name is Michelle Au and her blog is at http://theunderweardrawer.blogspot.com. She posted her reasons on the blog a few years back, so you can probably do a search.

 

[Gashog]

I've known two people who have made the transition and both are much happier. They feel much more comfortable with ped anesthesia then other residents due to their knowledge base and experience. The transition to thinking about coronary disease and copd and such has been kind funny - they were kinda like med students in that it was all new to them. That being said they caught on pretty quick and are doing great. Good luck!!