switching from an Integrated Program to General Surgery

[orangesky38]

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Hi,

So I know I'm in a fairly uncommon position, but here goes. I want to switch from an integrated cardiothoracic surgery program to a general surgery program. I have stats good enough that I matched at a very good integrated program, but I've realized over time that it's not what I want. Do you guys have any input about feasibility of this transition? One big hiccup I've come up with is whether my surgical intern year in a 0-6 program will qualify me for credit for an intern year in general surgery or do I have to start again from scratch? I know it works the other way around- meaning people who did gen surg intern years are able to transition to PGY-2 I6 programs but I don't know about the reverse. Any input appreciated as I'm planning this out now.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

Have you inquired if there are openings in your own program to go to the General Surgery track? I would expect that your intern year would be equivalent and count. It'd likely be easier switching to your own hospital's gen surgery residency than to to look elsewhere.

 

[PB n J]

Wow, I wasn't expecting to hear this from you, @orangesky38. You wrote a few really long and detailed posts about interviewing and matching into an I6 program. It totally seemed like it was what you wanted.

If you don't mind me asking, what is it that made you change your mind so early?

 

[Winged Scapula]

The ABS or the General Surgery dept at your program can provide you with information on what rotations can be used toward GS training ( and what cannot).

As noted above, your home program would (generally) be the easiest transition. However if you leave your current program in good standing, many General Surgery programs will give you as much credit as allowable to fit into their roster where a position is open. This may mean PGY1, it may be a shortened PGY 1 with you finishing residency early or maybe even as a PGY two.

 

[addy]

Wow, I wasn't expecting to hear this from you, @orangesky38. You wrote a few really long and detailed posts about interviewing and matching into an I6 program. It totally seemed like it was what you wanted.

If you don't mind me asking, what is it that made you change your mind so early?

@orangesky38 I'd love to hear your thoughts, too.