Switching programs, same specialty

[futuredo32]

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I'm in a residency program and my PGY-1 class was the first class in the new residency program and they promised us the world. It ends up that we are barely meeting the ACGME standards and really NOT getting a good education at all. If one wanted to switch programs but stay in the same specialty would you suggest emailing the PD or program coordinator? We are currently PGY2s in a 4 year specialty, so it's basically looking for a pgy3 spot.
Thanks🙂

 

[samsoniter]

Hmmm... sounds like quite a quandary. My first advice would be to tread carefully, from what I understand declaring your intentions to depart without having a spot at a another program can be disastrous. There is also a catch 22 regarding seeking out new spots, but I believe (but definitely double check) as you are PGY2 the MATCH rules no longer apply which means you are free to contact other PDs freely. My advice would be to get your foot in the door of another program before you even consider letting the cat out of the bag, so to speak, at your current program. Lastly, as this sounds like a brand new program, have you considered trying to increase the quality yourself? Maybe join a committee of some kind and work out a lot of the kinks for the next few years? Just a thought, good luck to you!

 

[futuredo32]

Thanks
The problems are pretty much due to the hospital being cheap and we won't get a quality education. The didactics are pretty bad, but I read a lot so I can deal with bad lectures.
My PD knows I want to leave. It's definitely not a secret. So, email PDs or their assistant?

 

[gutonc]

Thanks
The problems are pretty much due to the hospital being cheap and we won't get a quality education. The didactics are pretty bad, but I read a lot so I can deal with bad lectures.
My PD knows I want to leave. It's definitely not a secret. So, email PDs or their assistant?

So...after all this time, are you finally going to be willing/able to move? Because if you want to transfer, you're going to be limited (obviously) to the few programs out there that have a position, or are willing to create one for you.

 

[samsoniter]

Unfortunately, the only method I am aware of is indeed "cold calling" other programs. I would try to speak directly with PD's though you may need to go through PCs to ensure proper etiquette. Other places to peruse include residentswap.org, and perhaps the equivalent of the APDR website (this is for radiology program directors and sometimes lists vacancies etc.). Another thing to keep in mind is having a great explanation of why your current program is no longer a good fit (but bear in mind you will likely need a letter of rec of sorts from your current PD), and also why you would be an asset to the new program.
I know it is possible, though perhaps unlikely, to switch residencies so keep trying and I am sure something will come up at some point!

 

[mcl]

Assuming you're an AMG, try contacting your medical school classmates who went into the same specialty. Residents often know if their program has a potential spot available (sometimes before the PD/PC) and can be discreet. My program filled a 3rd yr spot in this way several years ago. It never hurts to check.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree with the above advice.

Don't be afraid to contact PD's directly. We don't bite. Most of the time.

The fact that your PD is aware is helpful.

 

[Paddington]

I knew people at other programs who successfully transferred out. I know people who wanted to transfer out, but weren't able to (couldn't get a spot somewhere else basically).

On 60 Minutes, they were interviewing this guy about why he bought the Jacksonville Jaguars. And he snapped back that buying a football team is not like shopping for typical commodities, you have to buy what's available.

That also is your dilemma. You need a spot to open up that's agreeable, and one that's a PGY-3. That can be exceedingly rare, maybe even rarer than an NFL team for sale.

If your current PD knows that you want to leave, they may in fact be recruiting to replace your spot with someone else's. Or they may decide not to renew your contract. Or like the people I knew who wanted to transfer out but failed to do so, you could end up on their personal blacklist and they give you a hard time for the rest of residency.