Timing of Telling PD that you want to switch specialties

[Not Here]

---

Members don't see this ad.

When is the best time of the year to tell your PD that you want to switch specialties and that you are not happy with what you are doing?

 

[Getgo123]

I would be very careful about this. You need to understand how your PD generally responds to resident transfers and make sure no one else in the department is aware of this. If your PD has never allowed residents to transfer (for whatever reason), you would be well advised to finish and considering switching after that point. Otherwise, if you know he/she has been supportive, I would approach them as soon as possible. Be very careful not to upset anyone or make it seem as though you are not conducting your clinical/call responsibilities (leaving anyone short-changed). This comes from personal experience, programs will do anything possible to discredit a resident who "burns them" by leaving an opening that could potentially go unfilled. Suddenly your evaluations are not as good anymore, etc. (you get the idea).

 

[gutonc]

When is the best time of the year to tell your PD that you want to switch specialties and that you are not happy with what you are doing?

Before you start.

Barring that as a possibility, there's not really a "good" time to do it. But since you'll need your PD to vouch for you with any new specialty/program you definitely want to let him/her know before other programs start to call.

Also, there's "good" from the perspective of the PD and "good" from your perspective. From the PD's perspective (in terms of filling your spot), earlier is better. From your perspective however, if you tell the PD too early, s/he may find a replacement for you and figure out a way to push you out mid-year.

 

[Groove]

When is the best time of the year to tell your PD that you want to switch specialties and that you are not happy with what you are doing?

The best time? At your graduation ceremony.