Switching from IM to OB

[GYN DOC]

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I want to reapply for ob/gyn. Does anyone know if its considered improper to cold call programs to see if they have vacancies or any suspected vacancies? I know that since the match rate was so high last march that a lot of people are probably going to start switching out of ob. I really dread having to go throught the match again and am hoping to find a program that will be willing to let me replace someone thats leaving and finish out the year for them. I know that intens who matched are obligated to one year but i was hoping to find a program that might have vacanies secondary to someone leaving for maybe personal reasons. Most people who want to switch programs say from peds to int med at the same program never have to go through the match because these programs can usually create spots or have several vacancies throughout the year. However most ob/gyn residencies only have a small limited number of spots (excluding ut southwestern) meaning that if you want to get in you have to rematch. Why would a program accept someone in the match that would have funding issues when there are so many other candidates to look at. Is this a lost cause? My boards were ok 210 and 238 before applying. I had to apply to a limited number of cities. Any hope?

 

[roxtu]

Check out the CREOG list:

http://www.acog.org/departments/dept_notice.cfm?recno=1&bulletin=122

It's the clearinghouse for open OB/GYN positions maintained by ACOG. I believe most programs use it. I'm not sure how frequently it's updated (monthly? weekly?), but you could keep checking back. Right now it looks like there are no open PGY-1 spots.

 

[fuzzyerin]

No one's going to have an open PGY1 spot yet - PD will try to talk someone out of quitting this early on. I agree with the above poster, check the Clearinghouse. You might call programs to say you're interested, but I think this early, you'll be out of luck. I'd just reapply for the Match, and maybe when you're interviewing, if there's a PGY1 that's quitting, you could offer to fill the spot.

Good luck!

 

[cali-ob]

The clearinghouse is updated daily, so check it daily. Based on info I was told by PDs, first year spots if they will become availble, usually don't become available until around Sep/Oct. Someone has personal issues, someone realizes they hate this crap etc. Keep checking every day (you'll know when they've updated it because it will say "as of Tuesday August 7th" or whatever), and prepare for the match again. I know that sounds like torture. But you might not have to go through with it, if a spot becomes availabe because they'll be so desperate for a new resident they will want to fill the spot immediately. My advice to you would be to keep your application in your bag with you at all times so that if a vacancy becomes available, you can fax it from work. There are people who do nothing but check that site waiting for an opening and you really have to be quick. Good luck.