Transfer between residencies

[Medstart108]

I know that in the U.S, you are unable to transfer between residencies i.e IM to Gen Surg or FM to IM, but is it possible in Canada? I heard that once you are in a residency program, transferring is possible. btw, this question is regarding IMGs. Thank you very much

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[NotAProgDirector]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know that your original statement is incorrect. There is no rule preventing you from switching from one specialty to another. In fact, I've had several residents do so, both into and out of Internal Medicine.

There are hurdles to overcome. You'd need to apply for and be considered for a spot in your new field of interest, and if you weren't competitive enough to get it the first time, it's not clear that starting a different field will make you any more competitive. There are funding limits that can cause problems. You may or may not receive credit for your prior training. If you're on a visa in the US, that can complicate matters. Etc. I expect that the issues in Canada are similar.

 

[Giemsa]

For CMGs, you can transfer between any residency programs, assuming that there is an open spot at the other end or someone wants to swap with you AND your program directors are OK with it.

For IMGS, the situation is somewhat different. A minority of provinces write conditions into the contacts to the effect of "you can't transfer". This is because IMGs have used programs as an opportunity to get "in the door" and then abandoned the program at the first opportunity, which the PDs understandably don't like. As well, IMGs will end up with a "return of service" contract to fulfill.

Read more here:
http://carms.ca/eng/r1_eligibility_prov_e.shtml