Question about PGY2 Neuro spots for the same year

[neurotacos]

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I applied to neuro and unfortunately did not match, but scrambled into an IM Categorical program (I couldnt scramble into a Prelim, so took whatev I could). I love Neuro though and I plan to reapply next year having finished my PGY1 Medicine year but this is my question:

All the advanced progs I interviewed at were for July 2012 start dates (requiring prelim 2011-2012), and I noticed none of these advanced progs were interviewing (people that already completed their PGY1) for a PGY2 spot for the same year ie. July 2011.

Do any progs interview for PGY2 spots for the same year or is my only bet scrambling into an unfilled advanced (PGY2) position next year? If certain progs do interview for PGY2 spots for the same year, does anyone know which progs do this?

Thanks so much for reading, any input is appreciated!

 

[LAhottie]

I applied to neuro and unfortunately did not match, but scrambled into an IM Categorical program (I couldnt scramble into a Prelim, so took whatev I could). I love Neuro though and I plan to reapply next year having finished my PGY1 Medicine year but this is my question:

All the advanced progs I interviewed at were for July 2012 start dates (requiring prelim 2011-2012), and I noticed none of these advanced progs were interviewing (people that already completed their PGY1) for a PGY2 spot for the same year ie. July 2011.

Do any progs interview for PGY2 spots for the same year or is my only bet scrambling into an unfilled advanced (PGY2) position next year? If certain progs do interview for PGY2 spots for the same year, does anyone know which progs do this?

Thanks so much for reading, any input is appreciated!

You are going to have a really tough time since you are in a categorical spot. You are screwing the IM PD.

 

[danielmd06]

Do any progs interview for PGY2 spots for the same year or is my only bet scrambling into an unfilled advanced (PGY2) position next year? If certain progs do interview for PGY2 spots for the same year, does anyone know which progs do this?

Sorry you didn't match.

This plan can probably be accomplished, but I would be very forthcoming and clear with your home IM program (who are probably already well aware that neurology was your first choice) and would ask for help from your "home" neurology program, too. The attendings might have knowledge of programs out there that have unfilled spots...not to mention they could possibly have one of their own.

Programs do indeed have PGY-2 spots available from time to time. PGY-1 folks decide to "jump ship" to EM, IM, or whatever. Also, some neuro PGY-2's decide the same thing...or switch to another program and therefore open PGY-3 spots occur as well. These issues leave gaps in a program that can be filled by a warm body at the PGY-2 level (even if there is properly a PGY-3 vacancy).

I would aggressively be checking around throughout the summer. Good luck.

 

[neurotacos]

Thanks a lot for the useful info DanielMD! Unfortunately, my hospital does not have a home Neurology residency, but I will exhaust all the other avenues this summer in searching for an open spot. So I take it advanced (PGY2) spots don't enter the match for the same year then?

To LAHottie, yes sort of, but my PD is aware that my #1 choice was Neurology (it was in fact on my cover letter) and I did remind him before I signed the contract that if I was not satisfied with Internal Medicine, I had plans of pursuing Neurology. Appreciate your input anyway.

 

[ICCONFETTI]

I'm not sure if PGY2 spots enter the eras match, but I do know that while I was at UMass interviewing, they were interviewing a PGY2 candidate the same day as us. He was in a prelim medicine program.