thoughts about switching to different speciality

[barefootrunner]

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I was applying into a specialty and did not match. However, I was able to scramble into a different specialty that is very similar.

I just have a few questions if people are willing to share some insight.

1. I have not decided to switch just yet but I am definitely having second thoughts. So, when is the right time to let the program director know if this is a real possibility.
2. Would it be possible to switch from one residency to another in the same specialty? and how would I approach the program director about this?
3. If I decide to reapply into the match? does anyone have any tips on how to go about this?

I wanted to thank you in advance if you have any insight.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I was applying into a specialty and did not match. However, I was able to scramble into a different specialty that is very similar.

I just have a few questions if people are willing to share some insight.

1. I have not decided to switch just yet but I am definitely having second thoughts. So, when is the right time to let the program director know if this is a real possibility.
2. Would it be possible to switch from one residency to another in the same specialty? and how would I approach the program director about this?
3. If I decide to reapply into the match? does anyone have any tips on how to go about this?

I wanted to thank you in advance if you have any insight.

When you say you "scrambled" into a position, do you mean you used SOAP, and were offered and accepted a position?

If the latter: "Positions offered and accepted during SOAP establish a binding commitment enforced by the Match Participation Agreement."

Thus, if you accepted the position and don't take it, you are in violation of the match and reapplying that route may not be an option.

 

[barefootrunner]

When you say you "scrambled" into a position, do you mean you used SOAP, and were offered and accepted a position?

If the latter: "Positions offered and accepted during SOAP establish a binding commitment enforced by the Match Participation Agreement."

Thus, if you accepted the position and don't take it, you are in violation of the match and reapplying that route may not be an option.

I accepted a position that I was offered post-SOAP. I know I should have waited for a TRI but I was not sure if I was going to receive any more offers.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I accepted a position that I was offered post-SOAP. I know I should have waited for a TRI but I was not sure if I was going to receive any more offers.

Would you rather risk no position in the future instead of the opportunity already before you?

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Give Family Medicine a shot. You might actually like it-- or like it well enough to try to tailor your practice towards kids.

If after a few months you are certain you are unhappy, be honest with your program director- you will need his/her support if you go through the match again. You will need a strong letter from your PD and you need him/her to accept phone calls and the like on your behalf.

You can only go through the match, now that the 'all out / all in' rule has been established. You will get a few months of pediatrics credit for your FM internship, but likely not enough to be considered for a PGY-2 slot in peds even if the peds program was willing to let you graduate off-cycle.

Your applications next year will both be strengthened by your being an intern (more clinical experience, more time to write up a case report and get published, fresher letters) and hurt (GME funding clock, failed applicant last year).

You did the smart thing, accepting a categorical ACGME position and a guaranteed job some day. Seriously-- as many have said, give FM a shot.

 

[barefootrunner]

thank you all for the advice. I am definitely going to give FM a shot at this point. And, have gotten some great advice from my Attendings on my current FM rotation to at least try it for a year.