Personal Statement Question if Switching Specialties Quick Help thanks!

[FutureProof]

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I had a very simple, quick question, couldn't find an answer in other posts.

I did one year of internship already in internal medicine and am not in a program since I wanted to switch to anesthesia.

I am applying through eras in the next couple days but I wanted to know if I should make a one line note at the top of my personal statement stating:

I am applying for 2013 CA1 spots but am also interested in any opening spots for 2012.

Wasn't sure if this was understood or if I should make a note of it so that programs know in case a position opens up or if there are out of match spots there.

Appreciate your advice ! Thanks

 

[fakin' the funk]

I had a very simple, quick question, couldn't find an answer in other posts.

I did one year of internship already in internal medicine and am not in a program since I wanted to switch to anesthesia.

I am applying through eras in the next couple days but I wanted to know if I should make a one line note at the top of my personal statement stating:

I am applying for 2013 CA1 spots but am also interested in any opening spots for 2012.

I don't think your proposed plan is a good one.

As I see it, you have at least 3 good options.

One is to work into the text/body of the personal statement that you are available for out-of-match 2012 CA1 positions as well as applying for in-match 2013 CA1 positions. Hopefully you will be discussing whatever it is you are doing this academic year in your PS -- and if you don't you certainly will be asked during interviews.

Another is to just email all the PDs of the programs you are ERAS-applying to stating your situation.

Another is just to bring this up at interviews -- though this involves waiting, and waiting during interview season is never a good idea.

 

[epidural man]

ERAS - been a while for me.

but, I would say - similar to what fakin' said - don't say what you propose. In fact, I wouldn't even say anything about when and what year you would like to do anesthesia in your personal statement. You PS has to do with why you are the coolest person on the planet, and why you want to do anesthesia. The year you want to do it has nothing to do with it.

Now, after you apply to the programs through ERAS, you call them directly and let them know you are available when you are available. There is plenty of 'outside the match' matching going on.

Or send them a cover letter. Or better yet, call the program secretary and ask her what you should do to get an outside the match spot.

 

[FutureProof]

thank you both for the helpful advice, I will definitely email/call programs after,

thanks again!!