switching to anesthesia

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switching2gas

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Hey guys. So, long story short, I am thinking of switching from my surgery program to anesthesia. I haven't started my program yet, but know that it is not right for me, and wish I had taken more time to figure out what I really wanted last fall, but was having a hard time making ANY career decisions and kinda made this one under the gun, and I regret it now. I'm not happy with where I matched and not happy with the field I chose, and really think I would be happier in anesthesia. So I am going to do my intern year in surgery and try to transfer out next year. I would be willing to go through the Match again and try to get a four-year program but obviously would love to just find a CA-1 position for july 2010.

Here are my stats: good medical school, Step 1 240's, Step 2 260's, AOA, good letters, plenty of home program support (I believe they would take me back if I wanted,) geographically somewhat limited to a very popular city with extremely competitive programs.

How wishy-washy does it make me look to try to do this? I feel badly for doing this to the surgery program I matched with, but also do not want to stay and not be true to myself. I will go in with a positive attitude and do my best and be open to the possibility that I matched with this less-than-optimal program for a reason, but am also going to make a contigency plan for anesthesia if I find that I am right about not wanting to continue as a general surgeon.

How hard is this to do, do I have a prayer, and any advice?
Thanks
 
How wishy-washy does it make me look to try to do this?

Not at all. Anesthesia is full of refugees from other fields, and you have the numbers to be taken seriously.

Work hard, do well, be upfront and don't burn any bridges with your current program ... don't know what to make of your geographic limitations, but there's no reason to think you can't be a CA-1 in 2010. Many great programs hold advanced spots outside the match exactly for people like you.
 
I was in a similar situation. Did 2 years of surgery and then realized I really liked anesthesia. Just matched into my #1 choice. My friend from med school is finishing up his 3rd year of urology and he just got a CA1 spot for 2010 at our home school. One of my co-interns from surgery decided to switch halfway through the year, applied and got a spot at the Brigham starting as soon as he finished his intern year. Two residents from my surgery rotation in med school switched while I was on the rotation, two anesthesia residents at my surgery program switched from surgery (one after doing 4 years), the list goes on and on. You are definitely👍 not alone in this.

I had very similar stats as you. You'll be fine. Do your surgery intern year, you'll need a PGY1 anyway. Send your resume with a cover letter to a bunch of programs and explain that you're looking for a CA1 spot for 2010. You might get a spot this way. If that doesn't work apply for the match early (as soon as it opens). When you start going on interviews some places will ask you if you're interested in a 2010 spot or a 2011 spot (this happened to me at least 3 times). Worst comes to worst you'll have a year off between intern year and CA1 year. You can do research, maybe do a second year of surgery, take your Step 3, etc.

pm me if you want more info.
 
Your geographical limitations may hinder you but many programs would be happy to have you.

Cambie
 
Thanks so much guys. I don't mind taking a year off b/w intern year and getting an MPH or doing research. I just want an escape route from this nightmare I have gotten myself into and I have finally seen the anesthesia light. 😍
 
love the "do i have a prayer with 240, 260, AOA" posts.
the question is: what made you see "the light"?
 
With those numbers, you'll be set. On the interview trail, I met refugees from surgery (or their sub specs) at more than half the programs (18 places). It's very common for people to switch, and from what I recall, I've heard it's somewhere around 7%.
 
love the "do i have a prayer with 240, 260, AOA" posts.
the question is: what made you see "the light"?

I think I always loved CCM, after I took the elective very late in fourth year, but never liked the idea of getting there through Medicine, so I finally took anesthesia and loved the thought process involved. And I always knew I wanted to work with my hands, but am not necessarily certain that I want to be a surgeon. So this seems like the right compromise.
 
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