RE: want psyc now, too late to apply?

[zooey]

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I recently had an epiphany: I cannot be an internal med doctor. The rotation I enjoyed the most was psyc and would like to apply for the up-coming match. Does anyone know if I still have time? Does anyone know any programs that would even consider someone right now? My next problem is whether I should match in IM for a year and then switch to psyc (would the year count for anything?) OR should I take my chances with the scramble (considering low board scores and being an IMG). The old saying about "a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush" keeps coming into my head (I would prefer to be doing something productive next year). Thanks for your help
Zooey

 

[Magree]

Hi:

You have a couple options. I think you would have a hard time getting interviews at most programs given the late date. However, there still may be interview spots so you have nothing to lose (except $$$$) of course if you apply. You can do a year of IM and then transfer ( that's what I did). Its a painful year but you won't regret it. You really do see a lot of medicine in psych and you'll be much more comfortable managing medical stuff when your on call if you did a full IM internship. Some programs have spots expressly for people transferring from other programs. Your last three years will be different than for people who started in psych as interns (i.e. less electives) but you still finish in 3 years. If you do end up doing a year of IM - and know you want to do psych I would suggest you use your elective rotations to do neuro since psych requires 2 months of neuro. You may also want to do an audition rotation at a local psych program if your PD allows it and you have an extra elective intern rotation (I did that and it helped).

Hope this helps.

M-

 

[VentdependenT]

78/1002 spots left unfilled in last years match. Not the greatest chance ever but far from impossible. Call up a few programs tomorrow and let them know what you are thinking and ask if its too late to submit your ERAS app for a view. I think you will be pleasantly suprised.