switching G-surg programs?

[cowboy1978]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Any suggestions or experience with switching programs?

I am currently a 3rd year in g-surg and don't really know how to find open spots other than looking at the APDS website.

Looking to move for personal reasons and have a pretty solid rep within my program. (I would be very sad to leave, actually, but sometimes you got to do what you got to do)

Thanks for your help.

 

[Pilot Doc]

Are you looking to be near someplace specific or just leave where you are?

You know that you have to do the last two years of your training in one program? (i.e. from this point on, whenever you switch, you'll have to start as a PGY4.)

From my understanding, these things are mostly word of mouth. Do you have a sympathetic PD who can look for you?

If you are looking on your own, look for big research programs. They often end up with holes when people stay long/short in the lab. Penn, UTSW, Hopkins, Stanford, UCSF and WashU come to mind, though that's not a comprehensive list at all.

 

[izz-ay]

like cowboy 1978- i am finding myself needing to switch G-surg programs midway through....love my program and am well respected there...but I too was wondering if anyone had some words of wisdom.
I already got the PD helping me out but does anyone have advice on just "cold-calling" or "cold-emailing" programs and saying something like:
"not sure if you've got a spot available but if one does come up please keep me in mind"kind of thing?
I know about the APDS website, but I've heard some places don't really make there open spots public if there's a possibilty of filling w/o having to advertise that they have someone leaving.
any advice anyone could give would be great.

 

[Blade28]

Your residency coordinator will likely know of any open spots (that are not necessarily advertised on APDS).

 

[gasnewby]

I already got the PD helping me out but does anyone have advice on just "cold-calling" or "cold-emailing" programs

that's not a bad idea. make sure your PD knows, of course, before you start emailing other PDs. i would attach your CV, give your usmle and absite scores, and assure them that you will have excellent recommendations. you might want to say why you're considering the switch. start thinking about who can write you letters. technically i think you only need one from your PD.