Such thing as transferring medical schools?

[moops]

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Is there really a such thing as transfering in medical school. Seaworthc posted something about her parents "transfering" and I was wondering how this happens, since schools can have such different curriculum?

 

[tBw]

transfers normally occur after 2nd year so once the pre-clinical work is over.

Note that some schools do not accept any transfers and most require a very significant reason for doing so, not just a 'i feel like it' as you also need a supporting letter from the school you are coming from.

 

[moops]

in the case of transfers, what school does one's degree come from? the m1/m2 school or m3/m4? is the process kind of like transfering in college?

 

[Cydney Foote]

Your degree comes from your last med school (just as in college), but transfers are noted on your transcript. It's very difficult to transfer AND it does raise questions when you apply for your residencies. Your reasons must be very good. Some successful one's I've known are moving to care for an ailing parent and spouse being transferred to another city. You do need the support of both programs so transferring just because you think you'll get a better education somewhere else is NOT enough.

 

[moops]

so it's wrong even if you are transfering to a school because of it superior facilities and program and more extensive hospital network?

 

[Cydney Foote]

I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm just saying it's very, very difficult. You have to justify it to both schools -- and if your reason is that the new school is better, the one you're leaving will be offended, and the one you're going will question why you weren't accepted there in the first place. When you apply for residencies you will have to answer questions about the transfer -- why you transferred, what you didn't like about the first school, etc. If it's done for a frivolous reason (which is actually hard, because frivolous reasons usually aren't rewarded with successful transfers), you could be seen as someone who's easily dissatisfied, hard to please, thinks the grass is always greener, etc. (On the other hand, you might be able to spin it as a quest to better yourself.)

 

[Medical123]

When I interviewed at one particular school, someone asked the person coordinating the interviews about transferring to another school if he should be accepted. He was told that you generally have to have a letter from the dean of the medical school, recommending you for the transfer. He said that the dean of this particular school doesn't take too kindly to that and you will get a mediocre letter at the best. I still can't believe that someone would even ask that at an interview!!!!

Also, whether or not you can transfer to some schools depends on if the school you are transferring to has an opening in their program.