Prelim or Transitional year?

[dongfeng41]

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General question: which is better/preferred? Is there a requirement set by Neuro programs, or is it pretty much individual preference?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[dongfeng41]

General question: which is better/preferred? Is there a requirement set by Neuro programs, or is it pretty much individual preference?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

ANYBODY? 😕

 

[syrinx]

ANYBODY? 😕

Some programs are very specific about having a one year prelim year in internal medicine prior to starting neurology training. For example, Columbia will not accept a transitional year. It appears that a transitional year will qualify for many programs as long as it includes 6 months of internal medicine. As for myself, I'm applying only for prelim spots for 2 reasons. It satisfies the requirements of all neurology programs and will better prepare me for residency. Hope that helps.

 

[dongfeng41]

Some programs are very specific about having a one year prelim year in internal medicine prior to starting neurology training. For example, Columbia will not accept a transitional year. It appears that a transitional year will qualify for many programs as long as it includes 6 months of internal medicine. As for myself, I'm applying only for prelim spots for 2 reasons. It satisfies the requirements of all neurology programs and will better prepare me for residency. Hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the reply. Where did you read that we need 6 months? I actually thought we needed 8!

 

[syrinx]

Thanks so much for the reply. Where did you read that we need 6 months? I actually thought we needed 8!

http://www.abpn.com/certification/faqneurology.html#9

"A full year of ACGME-accredited training in internal medicine, or as an acceptable alternative, a full year in an ACGME-accredited program in which a minimum of six months of training must be in internal medicine, the details of which must be documented by the training director. The composition of these six months may NOT include rotations in neurology, family medicine, or emergency medicine. To ensure that these six months constitute a high quality experience, they should emphasize progressive responsibility for the resident. At least two of the additional six months must be spent in internal medicine, pediatrics, and/or emergency medicine. For candidates entering neurology residency on or after July 1, 2001, at least two of the additional six months must be spent in internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and/or emergency medicine. No more than two of the remaining four months may be spent in neurology."

 

[dongfeng41]

Ah, I see. Thanks for posting that.

Then how would a transitional year work then? It seems that only a few months are dedicated towards internal medicine. Would one simple have to "elect" to do more internal medicine? ie- use the elective time to do IM to fulfill the 6+2 months of IM requirement?

Also, why do u say that Prelim year would give you better training as opposed to Transitional year? Is it simply b/c there is more focus on IM?

thanks again,

 

[scm]

Ah, I see. Thanks for posting that.

Then how would a transitional year work then? It seems that only a few months are dedicated towards internal medicine. Would one simple have to "elect" to do more internal medicine? ie- use the elective time to do IM to fulfill the 6+2 months of IM requirement?

Also, why do u say that Prelim year would give you better training as opposed to Transitional year? Is it simply b/c there is more focus on IM?

thanks again,

actually, most Trans years dont work, i've met many residents in neuro, ive never met anyone who did a transitional year, or knew of anyone who had.

prelim is better training because you spend 12 months on IM, vs. spending a month on ob/gyn, surgery etc etc, it's like 3rd year of medical school all over again, but from my interactions with transitional students at one particular program, you might actually get very little patient experience(on ob/gyn service, the trans students did almost nothing, just an occasionaly H+P) and receive very different treatment in each unit due to your transience(i.e. never full integrated into any team/given responsibilities etc)...granted, im sure some tran programs provide solid training..this is just my experience...also, IM might be the most relevant of your trans rotations for neuro anyway....

scm