Should I transfer?

[GKM1984]

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It seems like there are a lot of transfer related posts recently, so I apologize in advance for starting another one.

Here is the situation: I am a PGY1 IM resident and just started 1 month ago. I am at an academic program and I am already thinking of transferring back to my home med school program on the east coast.

I grew up and went to undergrad and med school in the same place. So prior to moving to for residency, I had never lived anywhere else in my life. Residency seemed like the perfect time to move out of home and be on my own. I love my family too but don't miss my home or hometown a whole lot.

I must have had a really high dose of the interview Koolaid since a lot of things I was told or assumed have turned out to be a not so true. Instead of listing the problems I will just say that the traning leaves a lot to be desired.

The program back home will most definitely have a spot open for a PGY2 (inside info) and I am wondering if I should transfer back. My med school is mid tier and the IM program there is definitely not a top 20 or anything. But I loved my med school and my IM rotations there and felt that the residents were very well trained. My current program is decent but not as great as it looked initially. People are great at both places so its not malignant.

I am not in tears or thinking of quitting my program. I can finish my year or even 3 years here but I feel that moving back would be better for my career and for my well being even though. Any suggestions/advice? I am not the type to quit what I start so this has been a real dilemma for me.

 

[tracheatoedoc]

Make the most of your opportunity. Study and work harder than anyone else in your program. Make it your entire life. Get along with everyone from your chair to the hospital janitor. Then do a fellowship..
Now, get off the computer and read.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It's still early, so I would give it another few months. But, there's no harm in reaching out to the PD at your home institution and mentioning that you might be interested in a PGY-2 position. If you're going to make the switch, you want to finalize plans Dec - Feb -- that leaves your current program enough time to fill your slot.

 

[GKM1984]

Thank you. I am thinking of waiting at least until the match process begins to see if any positions open up. I am of course still trying my best to get through this year and learn a lot. The decision to transfer has been very difficult especially since the people here are great. So I don't intend to leave them in a lurch. I hope they understand that it's a good program but just not for me. Wish I had don't this prior to ranking the programs but hindsight is 20/20 and I hope I am not the only person to go through this.