Switch to rad onc

[boarditis]

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So in short, I entered a very competitive surgical program and want to switch to rad onc. I have very competitive numbers. I have not had any formal rotation and currently do not have any letters from faculty in rad onc.

Is this possible and what is the best way to do it logistically? Would it be wise to enter a research program for a year in order to get letters and added credentials?

 

[CaptainXRT]

I'm hardly on expert on what's possible when it comes to getting a spot, but I think it's possible, albeit with difficulty. First thing I'd do is go to the radonc department where you're currently doing surgery. Don't know if they have a residency program or not, but even if they don't go get to know the radiation oncologists, see what they do, and see if they have any research you can get involved with. If they do have a residency program, just tell the program director your situation and ask what advice he (or she) has for you. As for the year off for research, I don't think it can hurt, but it's a big commitment, so I'm gonna defer advice on that to those more knowledgeable and experienced than I.
I will say this on the experience I had with a friend who ended up hating his surgery residency and tried to switch to radonc - have a better reason for switching other than 'surgery blows' and 'radoncs look pretty happy'. I know that sounds so obvious, but it was kind of clear that my surgeon pal had no real deep interest in radonc and thought it just liked a nice place to be. Needless to say, he didn't get a spot (now is in ER). Make sure that you express your reasons for switching as based in a genuine love and interest of radonc.