Strategy for a PGY-1?

[MandM06]

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Hey guys, here is my situation. I completed my PGY-1 in surgery (not categorical) but decided that anesthesiology was the more appropriate field of choice for me. I've applied to about 22 programs (gotten 1 interview and 3 rejections). My numbers are by no means spectacular - Step 1 - 209, Step 2 - 211 (I failed once), 4th quartile. The programs I've applied to told me that they had CA-1 positions for July 2008. Should I try applying for CA-1 positions in July 2009 through ERAS or am I automatically black-listed since I'm a PGY-1? Also what are some mid to low tier programs should I consider applying to?

 

[bubalus]

You are not automatically black listed. Apply through ERAS for 2009 CA1 and also by contacting programs directly by sending a CV and cover letter inquiring about outside the match spots (which you can get since you're not a graduating medical student. Send as many CVs and apply to as many spots as you think you will need. You can always cancel interviews, and having to go through the process again will be more expensive than adding a few extra applications now. Good luck.

 

[MandM06]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely put more apps in!!

 

[hopeful26]

Im sorry, this might sound like a dumb question but could someone explain to me what is the difference between categorial and advanced?

 

[bubalus]

Categorical = all years required for board certification included in the position. For anesthesia, it would be a 4 year position including the clinical base year and CA1-CA3 years. Put another way, it's PGY-1 through PGY-4.

Advanced = all years required for board certification EXCEPT the preliminary year. For anesthesia, it would be a 3 year position including CA1-CA3 years. You would still have to come up with a prelim year. Put another way, it's PGY-2 through PGY-4.

Prelim = one year position. PGY-1 only.

 

[JZZZZZZZs]

I'm currently an OB/GYN intern and am looking into switching to Anesthesia. I would like to apply outside of the match and stay in the city that I'm currently in. My problem is how do I get a LOR from an anesthesia attending with my busy intern schedule? Any similar experience from other residents who transferred into gas?

 

[bubalus]

You don't need a letter from anesthesia. You're much better off getting letters from attendings who know you well. If you haven't met with the PD at your institution, you should do that right away.