This post is regarding me wanting to switch into Psych. Any constructive advice/recommendations will be deeply appreciated.
I'm a PGY2 in a competitive specialty who always had a passion for psych, even before med school. I sadly chose another field due to family pressure (tsk,tsk, I know). Although I successfully finished my medical intern year at a great program, I have been in constant distress due to chronic daily migraines. They are most exacerbated in my operating room rotations, likely due to dehydration. They distract me to the point where I can't keep up with the acuity of the hands-on tasks, all of which leaves me, at best, proficient. On the contrary, I manage the headaches better in my off-service rotations (IM, ER, clinic), partially because I am able to be healthier, but probably also because I am happier coming to work. I receive stellar evals that highlight my people skills, with patients and colleagues. At this point, I do not see myself doing justice to surgical work, whereas in a field like Psych, I could shine, grow, and really make a difference.
My PD has been completely supportive of me taking FMLA to address my own health, organize some family matters, and finally, to decide how I want to continue in medicine. My family also is encouraging me to prioritize my health and and do something that makes me happy.
Thus, I want to finally pursue psychiatry. Being that it is mid November, what is the best way to minimize time wasted? I cannot wait until next fall to apply for a 2017 PGY1 spot in Psych. Is someone aware of an open PGY1 or 2 spot in their program right now that I can switch into? Is it possible to try to join a PGY2 in July 2016 outside the match by contacting programs independently? I am in good standing and my PD will readily help me secure a spot at my home institution for next summer but I would like to explore other options where I can be closer to my aging parents and/or extended family (New England, OH/Chicago, TX).
Thank you for your support. Can't wait to join you all.
I'm a PGY2 in a competitive specialty who always had a passion for psych, even before med school. I sadly chose another field due to family pressure (tsk,tsk, I know). Although I successfully finished my medical intern year at a great program, I have been in constant distress due to chronic daily migraines. They are most exacerbated in my operating room rotations, likely due to dehydration. They distract me to the point where I can't keep up with the acuity of the hands-on tasks, all of which leaves me, at best, proficient. On the contrary, I manage the headaches better in my off-service rotations (IM, ER, clinic), partially because I am able to be healthier, but probably also because I am happier coming to work. I receive stellar evals that highlight my people skills, with patients and colleagues. At this point, I do not see myself doing justice to surgical work, whereas in a field like Psych, I could shine, grow, and really make a difference.
My PD has been completely supportive of me taking FMLA to address my own health, organize some family matters, and finally, to decide how I want to continue in medicine. My family also is encouraging me to prioritize my health and and do something that makes me happy.
Thus, I want to finally pursue psychiatry. Being that it is mid November, what is the best way to minimize time wasted? I cannot wait until next fall to apply for a 2017 PGY1 spot in Psych. Is someone aware of an open PGY1 or 2 spot in their program right now that I can switch into? Is it possible to try to join a PGY2 in July 2016 outside the match by contacting programs independently? I am in good standing and my PD will readily help me secure a spot at my home institution for next summer but I would like to explore other options where I can be closer to my aging parents and/or extended family (New England, OH/Chicago, TX).
Thank you for your support. Can't wait to join you all.
