Switching from FM to IM residency

[moosa]

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I am an IMG and got matched into FM this year. I wanted to know if it is possible for me to apply for IM this year? Wouldn't it be considered a breach in the residency contract that we sign?

 

[K31]

I believe changing your mind about what residency you want to do is one of those things that will get you a Match waiver from the NRMP, so you could probably apply to IM without penalty.

OTOH, your FM program will need to know that you are applying again (the IM programs will need at least a letter from your FM program stating that you are in good standing), so don't count on having a job in 2014 if you don't match this time around. Just something to consider.

 

[IamnotFreud]

I believe changing your mind about what residency you want to do is one of those things that will get you a Match waiver from the NRMP, so you could probably apply to IM without penalty.

OTOH, your FM program will need to know that you are applying again (the IM programs will need at least a letter from your FM program stating that you are in good standing), so don't count on having a job in 2014 if you don't match this time around. Just something to consider.

This is incorrect actually. OP only needs to work 45 days of residency in order to fulfill his/her match committment, and since I am assuming they start FM in July, they cannot get a waiver now. At this point OP's only choice to prevent a violation is to start and do at least 45 days of his current residency. He can apply through the match again with no issues and still be in his/her current residency program. OP does not need to inform their program from a match/NRMP perspective. Whether other programs will require a letter or not, that's another story, but they don't have to disclose that they are applying through the match if they don't want to.

 

[K31]

This is incorrect actually.

Yeah, I think I mixed that up in my mind with residents doing a prelim position and already matched to an advanced position, and wanting to get out of the advanced position so they can apply for something different.

Nonetheless, the point stands it can be done without incurring a Match violation.

 

[umean2tellme]

Did you apply to both FM and IM and matched to an FM program, or did you apply only FM and have now had a change of heart?

 

[Textbookversion]

I am an IMG and got matched into FM this year. I wanted to know if it is possible for me to apply for IM this year? Wouldn't it be considered a breach in the residency contract that we sign?

You mean work for a year, and try and match into an IM program for next year? This is not a match violation people switch residencies all the time. This may burn a bridge with your FM program though. Plus you have to be realistic about what your chances are.

 

[Bostonredsox]

easiest option for you is to complete your FM intern year, and stack all of your electives, presuming as FM you have a few, with Inpt medicine blocks/hospitalist blocks, and ICU. Then reapply this fall for a PGY-1 spot in IM next july, then apply for 6 months advanced standing. Will lengthen your residency to 3.5 years but youll be IM. I have several friends who have done this and a few even in my own program. Most of them were traditional interns, but a few were FM interns. You can also try applying for a PGY-2 Im spot next year, there are usually vacancies, but unless you really stack electives with medicine/ICU/cardio etc, you probably wont have enough IM blocks to get credit for a full year. Either way, if you finish your FM intern year, and are a good resident, work hard and be in good standing, you shouldnt have trouble moving over to IM next July, Just realise you will most likely have to do an extra 6 months.