Should I tell the administration I want to transfer?

[pls accept me]

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The second week of instructed just ended, but I am very sure I want to go to another medical school. I am very homesick, and a school closer to home would be good. Should I tell the administration now so that they may advise me on what I should do? Or will it just look bad? They might wonder why I came in the first place, and that may taint the Dean's letter.

 

[Touchdown]

Someone told me you cant tranfer until after the USMLE. Not sure if this is true but I think you should check that out before notifying the administration.

However, I really think you should wait a little bit more before actually doing this. Usually the 2nd week is the worst for homesickness, at least stick out the semister.

 

[tupac_don]

Someone told me you cant tranfer until after the USMLE. Not sure if this is true but I think you should check that out before notifying the administration.

However, I really think you should wait a little bit more before actually doing this. Usually the 2nd week is the worst for homesickness, at least stick out the semister.

That's absolutely right, you can only transfer into 3rd year, and you have to have a completed USMLE and that is only if you have a valid reason why, the school has space for you, and the school actually accepts transfer students (as not all schools do).

 

[poorfrommedscho]

After 3rd year

 

[tugbug]

I transferred after first year and the administrators at the school helped me. I was told that transfers were only done for "valid" reasons though, and I'm not sure homesickness would have qualified.

I'd tread lightly.

 

[Law2Doc]

Someone told me you cant tranfer until after the USMLE. Not sure if this is true but I think you should check that out before notifying the administration.

Depends on the policies of the target school, but after second year and a passing USMLE is the norm. Also the school you want to go to has to have an opening, which isn't a given, and you won't be the only person seeking that seat. And even if the target school permits transferring after the first year, the target school has to have the same course structure or you could have huge gaps in your education and be in bad shape for the boards.

 

[pls accept me]

But should I tell them upfront that I want to transfer for year 3 after taking the USMLEs? So they can help me plan out my next two years to maximize transfer success. I am aware that it will be pretty hard to transfer, but I want to try. However, I am afraid of giving a bad impression.

 

[Touchdown]

^How can you be so sure after only two weeks in med school? Is this your first time away from home?

I strongly suggest that you take a step back, focus on your classes and think about this some more after Christmas. New England is a very pretty area (sorry I peaked at your previous posts to figure out where you are if Im wrong that still doesnt change anything else I said) and in a month the area will be at its best with the fall foliage. There is also a lot of things to do too (yes its not New York but my family is from the area so trust me 🙂).

Its not abnormal to feel homesick, especially during the second week, but a lot of people manage to get over it after a while. Give it some time, besides its not like you would be seeing much of your family anyways given our work load 😉.

 

[njbmd]

The second week of instructed just ended, but I am very sure I want to go to another medical school. I am very homesick, and a school closer to home would be good. Should I tell the administration now so that they may advise me on what I should do? Or will it just look bad? They might wonder why I came in the first place, and that may taint the Dean's letter.

Hi there,
If you are just at week two, you are still in the "major" adjustment phase of starting medical school. Concentrate on your studies until you have gone through a little more time and then have a chat with your Dean of Students. If your feelings are getting worse and worse and you are not able to function, make an appointment and have a chat earlier rather than later. Your Dean is going to have to help you with the transfer process anyway.

This is not a case of "how something looks" but a case of doing what will be best for you and your career in the long run. Transferring between medical schools is not easy and getting more difficult as medical school attrition rates are going down. The medical school that you want to go to has to 1. Take transfer students and 2. Have a slot for you to transfer into. Not all schools have available space.

Good luck and hang in there!
njbmd

 

[bjackrian]

You may want to consider talking to someone at the psychology center for your campus. I'm not trying to suggest that being homesick is a psychological d/o, but several of my friends during both undergrad and med school talked to the campus psychologists about homesickness and related issues and felt that it really helped to have someone unbiased to use as a sounding board. Just a thought, but several of my friends swear by them.

Good luck to you!

 

[silas2642]

The second week of instructed just ended, but I am very sure I want to go to another medical school. I am very homesick, and a school closer to home would be good. Should I tell the administration now so that they may advise me on what I should do? Or will it just look bad? They might wonder why I came in the first place, and that may taint the Dean's letter.

Try to hang in there, pal. I know it's really hard being away from friends and family and being in a totally new environment, especially if you were used to living in the city. Just remember why you're there-- you're there to become the best physician you can be, so try really hard to focus on your studies and in time I think you'll find that you'll adjust.

If you're really really having a hard time, can't you go to the office of student affairs and find someone to talk to?

 

[78222]

The second week of instructed just ended, but I am very sure I want to go to another medical school. I am very homesick, and a school closer to home would be good. Should I tell the administration now so that they may advise me on what I should do? Or will it just look bad? They might wonder why I came in the first place, and that may taint the Dean's letter.

Grow up! Homesickness is not a valid reason to transfer schools. You've been there two frickin weeks, SUCK IT UP.

 

[45408]

Grow up! Homesickness is not a valid reason to transfer schools. You've been there two frickin weeks, SUCK IT UP.

How kind of you. 🙄

for the OP - we have several different faculty/staff who told us duuring orientation week to come to them if anything was wrong. If you're feeling homesick, I wouldn't hesitate to talk to them. Maybe they can help plug you in with some student organizations, some friendly upperclassmen (who maybe dealt with the same issue), or just let you vent, which might be all you need to do.

 

[78222]

How kind of you. 🙄

for the OP - we have several different faculty/staff who told us duuring orientation week to come to them if anything was wrong. If you're feeling homesick, I wouldn't hesitate to talk to them. Maybe they can help plug you in with some student organizations, some friendly upperclassmen (who maybe dealt with the same issue), or just let you vent, which might be all you need to do.

Why do I have to be kind? We should all be adults by this point and part of being an adult is being away from mama's teet.

 

[45408]

Why do I have to be kind? We should all be adults by this point and part of being an adult is being away from mama's teet.

Let me guess, if one of your patients comes in with depression (which may be part of what the OP has going on), you're just going to tell them to suck it up and stop being so sad? Those voices go away on their own!

Being adults doesn't require that you not miss your friends, family and familiar places when you're in the middle of somewhere brand new.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

You may want to consider talking to someone at the psychology center for your campus. I'm not trying to suggest that being homesick is a psychological d/o, but several of my friends during both undergrad and med school talked to the campus psychologists about homesickness and related issues and felt that it really helped to have someone unbiased to use as a sounding board. Just a thought, but several of my friends swear by them.

Good luck to you!

Good idea. I know my school really talks up its counseling services, and I'm guessing that's pretty normal (or at least should be). It's free, and it might help you feel better. In the long run, moving about from home might be the best thing that's happened to you. It's really too early to do anything proactive about transferring.

 

[78222]

Let me guess, if one of your patients comes in with depression (which may be part of what the OP has going on), you're just going to tell them to suck it up and stop being so sad? Those voices go away on their own!

Being adults doesn't require that you not miss your friends, family and familiar places when you're in the middle of somewhere brand new.

My gf is ~8k miles away at the moment (for at the very least, 5 more months). My family lives 8 hours away. I moved to a new city where I no absolutely no one. Basically, I don't have a lot of pity for the OP.

If a patient comes to me with a problem, I am not going to sugar coat my opinion. You are an adult, being an adult sucks, get used to it cinderella.

 

[45408]

My gf is ~8k miles away at the moment (for at the very least, 5 more months). My family lives 8 hours away. I moved to a new city where I no absolutely no one. Basically, I don't have a lot of pity for the OP.

Wow! srsly? Do you want a cookie? Chocolate chip or peanut butter, maybe?

🙄 So everybody should be just like you, right? Congrats on being able to adjust better. Doesn't mean that somebody else doesn't have an issue that needs to be addressed.

If a patient comes to me with a problem, I am not going to sugar coat my opinion. You are an adult, being an adult sucks, get used to it cinderella.

Great job, doc. Psychiatry is definitely not for you.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Wow! srsly? Do you want a cookie? Chocolate chip or peanut butter, maybe?

🙄 So everybody should be just like you, right? Congrats on being able to adjust better. Doesn't mean that somebody else doesn't have an issue that needs to be addressed.


Great job, doc. Psychiatry is definitely not for you.

Or any specialty that requires any human interaction. 🙂

 

[78222]

Give me a break. Being a good doctor does not require me to be touchy feely nice. I can interact fine with people, probably better than most of you. That doesn't mean I should just tell patients what they want to here.

Moving away from my gf and friends was probably one of the hardest things i've ever done. It has not been that easy for me to adjust. However, I am able to put things into perspective, which I what I am trying to get hte OP to do. This sucks, but so do a lot of things in life. Realize it could be worse.

 

[78222]

And I'd like a Peanut Butter cookie, chewy please. God help you if its crunchy and not chewey.

 

[Touchdown]

Give me a break. Being a good doctor does not require me to be touchy feely nice. I can interact fine with people, probably better than most of you. That doesn't mean I should just tell patients what they want to here.

Moving away from my gf and friends was probably one of the hardest things i've ever done. It has not been that easy for me to adjust. However, I am able to put things into perspective, which I what I am trying to get hte OP to do. This sucks, but so do a lot of things in life. Realize it could be worse.

There are plenty of posts doing exactly that on this thread, without coming off as a jerk. Heres a test, if a post you are about to put up is liable to land you a punch in the face if said to a person face to face then maybe you shouldnt post it.

 

[78222]

There are plenty of posts doing exactly that on this thread, without coming off as a jerk. Heres a test, if a post you are about to put up is liable to land you a punch in the face if said to a person face to face then maybe you shouldnt post it.

If anyone gets angry enough reading a post on the internet to punch someone in the face, they should probably seek counciling.

 

[78222]

Rereading my post, I can see that the OP might find it a little harsh. I appologize for coming off as mean. I just think the OP needs to tough it up a little.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Rereading my post, I can see that the OP might find it a little harsh. I appologize for coming off as mean. I just think the OP needs to tough it up a little.

"grow up," "buck up," and "suck it up" are all terms that can trigger a lot of negativity. I agree that sometimes it's better to be honest than sugarcoat things, but these phrases will rub some people the wrong way, including me. It sounds like you realized that, which is good. 🙂

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

Grow up! Homesickness is not a valid reason to transfer schools. You've been there two frickin weeks, SUCK IT UP.

Can't wait to see his bedside manner!!!

 

[78222]

I love how you guys take my post and come back with the lame "you'll be a terrible doctor" response.

Quit being so hyper sensitive or you'll never make it in a hospital.

 

[45408]

I love how you guys take my post and come back with the lame "you'll be a terrible doctor" response.

Quit being so hyper sensitive or you'll never make it in a hospital.

Discretion, homes. It's a worthwhile attribute. I just might be saving you a knuckle sandwich in a bar.

 

[samenewme]

So, let's see, what was this thread about again? Someone is having a hard time adjusting to a med school far from home and wants to know when he should tell his administration he should transfer. Advice includes:
1. Give it a couple of weeks. This may just be homesickness plus the difficult adjustment to med school we all make.
2. Talk to whomever in your administration stood up in orientation and said "Stop by if you need any thing or just want to talk to someone" and tell them how you're feeling. You may want to transfer at some point or you just might need help adjusting.
3. Suck it up.

Now the thread seems to be about #3 vs. #'s 1 and 2. I'm more a #1 and 2 person, myself, but I'm not ready to comment on whether anybody in the #3 faction is some sort of heartless doodlebutt or not, because I don't think it's topical.

I do think telling a distraught person to suck it up is like telling a two-year-old to clean his room. Sure, it may be what needs to be done, but clearly the skill is not there and more detailed guidance and support are needed.

 

[akademiks1989]

Or any specialty that requires any human interaction. 🙂

LMAO. Everyone is different, you can't just say "grow up, be an adult." You don't know this person's history and they for sure are nothing like you. I'd recommend pathology. 👍

 

[Law2Doc]

I do think telling a distraught person to suck it up is like telling a two-year-old to clean his room. Sure, it may be what needs to be done, but clearly the skill is not there and more detailed guidance and support are needed.

It may be a guy versus gal sensibility actually. Guys throughout school athletics injuries have been told to "shake it off" and "suck it up" and get back in the game by less than compassionate coaches and gym teachers throughout their schooling. Thus quite a few of us DO consider that to be legit, albeit callous, advice, here. And in this situation, where to some extent the OP has been muddied by the reality of med school (it is a lot of hard work, time consuming, takes you far away from home and not always fun to not know what is going on) certainly pushing on, "playing hurt" and seeing how it goes is one viable alternative. So let's not send surebreC out of the profession or off to pathology just yet.

 

[samenewme]

...So let's not send surebreC out of the profession or off to pathology just yet.

Fair enough. I disagree with the efficacy of the "just shake it off" advice (though tough it out a bit longer and see if you still feel this way is fine advice to my way of thinking) but I agree it doesn't make sense to make generalizations about someone's empathy or fitness for a particular profession based on the advice he gives to strangers on the Internet.

 

[78222]

Please don't banish me to pathology

 

[DrWanahbe]

Here's my take on this.

In a way, I do agree with the poster who said "shake it off". I would not use the same words, but I think this should be at least tried.

So much of how we respond to things going on in our lives boils down to choices. The OP could sit down, take a deep breath and say "Ok, this is what I've chosen to do. I need to figure out a way to make myself happy and give this the best chance I can. How am I going to do that?" It will probably require looking at all of the positive things happening around them, for example, "I've worked hard, reached my goal, I'm here. The classes are great. Sure, I'm having problems meeting people (or whatever it is she doesn't like) but things do come with time, and I need to give it a fair shot." Or, the OP could freak out, become depressed, and pack up and go home. I would hope OP would consider the first option, since it's only two weeks into the semester.

This is not to say that the counseling route is not a bad one to take either. I just get the strong feeling that OP is having a knee jerk reaction to the whole situation. I wouldn't want her to do anything too hasty...homesickness is tough, but it can be gotten over, whether you do it yourself or tap into other support networks. I've always been a more "figure out how to get yourself through it" type person. I have a lot of tough breaks in life. But, for some reason, I just can't give up. One of the posters on this forum has a great signature line that I've written down, and when the going gets tough and I think I'm crazy for doing the things I'm doing, I just think "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. What do we do? We swiiiiimm, swiiiiimm"

Works for me!

Good luck OP!

 

[SoCuteMD]

It may be a guy versus gal sensibility actually. Guys throughout school athletics injuries have been told to "shake it off" and "suck it up" and get back in the game by less than compassionate coaches and gym teachers throughout their schooling.

Dude, usually I agree with your posts, but you are WAY OFF in the opening line.

Us female athletes get told to "suck it up" "shake it off" at least as often as male athletes. So if you are attributing surebreC's "male" response to coaches and gym teachers (amongst others) then I beg to differ.

 

[1Path]

I'd recommend pathology. 👍

Why pathology? Why not surgery since most of the docs that I know that need personality transplants are surgeons?😕

 

[Law2Doc]

Dude, usually I agree with your posts, but you are WAY OFF in the opening line.

Us female athletes get told to "suck it up" "shake it off" at least as often as male athletes. So if you are attributing surebreC's "male" response to coaches and gym teachers (amongst others) then I beg to differ.

My bad. Perhaps it's an athlete versus non-athlete distinction rather than a gender based response. Either way, it's not an unreasonable opinion, just inelegantly put.

 

[SoCuteMD]

My bad. Perhaps it's an athlete versus non-athlete distinction rather than a gender based response. Either way, it's not an unreasonable opinion, just inelegantly put.

I know, I just had a strong reaction to the opening line as a female athlete!! 🙂

 

[Miami_med]

"suck it up" does seem a bit harsh, but I have to agree with the idea. This is like the "I want extra test time because of ADHD or any other I want special treatment idea." The OP wants a special concession (A transfer) for an invalid reason (homesickness). It is not like the OP has a spouse and two kids in another city.

Medical School is hard. It is supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and it wouldn't pay as well. everyone looks at this from one side. Lets think of the patient. This is an issue of a reaction, not a feeling. The fact that the initial reaction to a stressor that the OP has is to run away is concerning.

If this thread were: "I feel homesick, how did you guys deal with it?" I would understand and empathize. The OP wants to run, and shirk the responsibility that she chose (Taking the opportunity from someone else in the process who wanted the spot in her school that she is occupying). The reaction of "suck it up" is for the future patient. If the OP makes it through this without quitting, she will mature, making her better prepared to deal with hardship, which is what most doctors do every day.

 

[beetlerum]

"suck it up" does seem a bit harsh, but I have to agree with the idea. This is like the "I want extra test time because of ADHD or any other I want special treatment idea." The OP wants a special concession (A transfer) for an invalid reason (homesickness). It is not like the OP has a spouse and two kids in another city.

Medical School is hard. It is supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and it wouldn't pay as well. everyone looks at this from one side. Lets think of the patient. This is an issue of a reaction, not a feeling. The fact that the initial reaction to a stressor that the OP has is to run away is concerning.

If this thread were: "I feel homesick, how did you guys deal with it?" I would understand and empathize. The OP wants to run, and shirk the responsibility that she chose (Taking the opportunity from someone else in the process who wanted the spot in her school that she is occupying). The reaction of "suck it up" is for the future patient. If the OP makes it through this without quitting, she will mature, making her better prepared to deal with hardship, which is what most doctors do every day.

Oh, good lord . . . here it goes again. The same post as always. Unbelievable. That said, the general point of the responses is correct. The OP should wait until the end of the semester. At that point, if the OP wants to transfer, he or she can research which schools would accept applications after first year and apply. It would not be a major moral transgression, nor sign of an unsuitable character for a doctor.

 

[funshine]

The second week of instructed just ended, but I am very sure I want to go to another medical school. I am very homesick, and a school closer to home would be good. Should I tell the administration now so that they may advise me on what I should do? Or will it just look bad? They might wonder why I came in the first place, and that may taint the Dean's letter.

hey, i have similar feelings of homesickness and wishing I just went to my state school at home, etc. , but I don't think it's wise to think about transferring. You are there so you might as well make the best of your situation.

Here's what someone very wise once told me:
Maintain your relationships. If they aren't healthy, you may as well forget about everything else. So, for now, work on getting to know your classmates and finding a few key people you can spend time with. I know it's tempting to isolate yourself when you're feeling sad and homesick, but that's probably the worst thing you can do. good luck, and remember that a lot of us are struggling with this transition 🙂 .

 

[WantsThisBad]

Grow up! Homesickness is not a valid reason to transfer schools. You've been there two frickin weeks, SUCK IT UP.

While I agree with the general idea of what you're saying, I think you need to learn that the way you say things makes a large difference in the way people percieve them. Theres no need to be rude in this situation. When a fellow SDN member asks for help or an opinion they are not looking for this type of feedback.

My advice: Wait it out a little longer and talk to someone about your feelings. You dont want to rush something and screw up an oppertunity that you've worked as hard as you have for. Think about the process you went through to get into med school and dont take where you are for granted.

 

[78222]

While I agree with the general idea of what you're saying, I think you need to learn that the way you say things makes a large difference in the way people percieve them. Theres no need to be rude in this situation. When a fellow SDN member asks for help or an opinion they are not looking for this type of feedback.

My advice: Wait it out a little longer and talk to someone about your feelings. You dont want to rush something and screw up an oppertunity that you've worked as hard as you have for. Think about the process you went through to get into med school and dont take where you are for granted.

I already appologized for coming off as rude. I am a little stressed too, I've been a lot ruder lately.

 

[DrWanahbe]

"suck it up" does seem a bit harsh, but I have to agree with the idea. This is like the "I want extra test time because of ADHD or any other I want special treatment idea." The OP wants a special concession (A transfer) for an invalid reason (homesickness). It is not like the OP has a spouse and two kids in another city.

Be careful here! The ADA specifically permits accommodations like this to be made, if the person has a documented disability that impacts a major life activity. You're comparing apples to oranges here.

 

[Miami_med]

Be careful here! The ADA specifically permits accommodations like this to be made, if the person has a documented disability that impacts a major life activity. You're comparing apples to oranges here.

Yes, because the government is never wrong.🙄

 

[Church]

If we can't say "suck it up," can we say: "You've never been away from home for 2 weeks before?"

I'd be very shocked if the OP's school didn't have a counselling service available to it's students to help with this. THAT would be an appropriate place to go for a warm shoulder and kind words. Also, counsellors won't go run to the administration and say "Student X wants to transfer, let's make his/her life worse"... Try going to a counsellor and talking about your unhappiness, it might help, you might feel better, and you might stay where you are, saving yourself a bunch of stress later trying to transfer.

 

[Church]

And yes, I do get crap during the standardized patient encounters for not asking about their hobbies... So anyone who wants to dump me in path can rest assured, I've heard that line before 😛

 

[pls accept me]

Yes, it is my first time living away from my parents. This place is so far away from my parents and friends. I end up crying when I should be studying.

Guys, thanks for the advice. I'm going to try to go for counseling of some kind and wait out at least this term. The issue of transferring will be brought up with someone in the administration who deals with, well, student happiness.

 

[Church]

Ok, since this is your first time away, I can see how this would be an issue. The feeling of being very lonely will pass, you just have to soldier on through it for now. If you are depressed to the point of tears, I think you're doing the right thing by going to someone. At my school, the student health office has someone to talk to. Might be a good place to start; if your school works differently, the health office can at least point you in the right direction. If you're religious, try praying about it. Heck, try praying even if you aren't religious. Can't hurt.

The important thing while this is going on is to keep working on your studies. You'll get through this, and you don't want the burden of being behind to become an issue.

 

[stoic]

Yes, it is my first time living away from my parents. This place is so far away from my parents and friends. I end up crying when I should be studying.

Guys, thanks for the advice. I'm going to try to go for counseling of some kind and wait out at least this term. The issue of transferring will be brought up with someone in the administration who deals with, well, student happiness.

Ok, this talk of transferring is WAY premature (as others have pointed out). If you went to the administration to talk about transfering at this point, they would tell you that the adjustment to med school is tough for everyone, especially for you being you're away from your family for the first time. They would then steer you towards counseling services and tell you to give it some time.

Transferring med schools can happen, but you really do need a good reason. Homesick 2 weeks into school won't cut it.

Now, that's not to say that how you're feeling isn't important. It's just that major life change + major new stress = unhappiness for most people. Find a counseler. Through your school or otherwise. Also, and I'm totally serious about this - you might want to talk to either you doc back home or the student health services about trying an SSRI. It's not that you're majorly depressed (well maybe you are, can't really say online), it's just that as you're discovering there isn't time for this kind of stuff in med school. And believe you me, this won't be the only time you're majorly stressed/upset in med school. A little zoloft or lexapro might go a long ways towards giving you a "stress buffer."

And yes, I'm a little SSRI happy. Especially for med students. We didn't evolve to deal with med school. It's like mental boot-camp over and over and over. I certainly am not well adjusted enough to handle it all especially well. I know a lot of med students who take an SSRI. Myself included.

That's not to say that you shouldn't also persue the counseling avenue. Definately do. But counseling takes time to get results. And as you're figuring out, there isn't much extra time right now.

I like lexapro.

Don't forget to call home and talk to you folks and friends about how you're feeling and let them give you support.