Switching to EM

[macdown]

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It's been a long time since I've posted, but I have a question for the forum. I've been hardcore surgery since the begining of 2nd year, rocked my third year rotation and done several electives this year. I love everything about surgery; the technology, the science and the skill set. However, there are caveats for my applying: I am not willing to take the mental abuse by attendings, I am not willing to neglect my personal needs for surgery and I am not willing to give up my personal wants and desires for surgery. I thought it was a matter of finding the right program, but this last elective has left me feeling as if that is not possible. So this morning I find myself thinking I should apply for my number 2 choice, emergency medicine. Is it too late to begin applying to programs? Should I get new letters? Should I interview for both (I have 7 surgical interviews lined up)? Should I start a surgical internship and then consider switching? What is everybody's opinion about this?

 

[turtle md]

If you truly think you will love EM, then go for it - it is not too late. But if you are viewing EM as a back-up to surgery, i.e., surgery-light, then please do not apply, for you will be disappointed.

 

[Aloha Kid]

There's a lot of EM spots which is good thing for you. You could opt out now and rush for interviews. Trouble is, all you LORs etc will need to take a 180 degree turn around. On the other hand, you may always be looking back wondering if you should have done surgery. Perhaps going through a surgical intern year would be helpful. That way you could say for sure that you wouldnt miss surgery if you did opt out. A surgical intern year will make you procedurally competent, but may make you dumber with regards to medicine issues. Another thing to consider is that when you do opt out of surgical intern year, you'll have to deal with the dissapointment of your fellow interns/residents/ and attendings. The breakup would occur fairly early in the start of the year because you will need to start looking for positions as early as 2-3 months into you surgical internship, granted, if you can find the time. Have you considered a transitional year?