transfer to another program

[hzma]

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This is a how-to question.
If i want to transfer from one program to another, i'm a PGY1 right now, and i've signed the contract for PGY-2, but i'm considering transferring, how do i do that?
How do i notify my program, how early, how do i contact another program, how long does it take, etc. Any info you guys have got would be great-
Thanks!

 

[Mickey the Rat]

Dude,
One thing I do know, make sure you have already signed a contract with another program, before do anything. No matter what your reasons for transferring, keep it formal. Of course, your program director will ask why you are transferring, come up with a good reason. If all else fails, blame spouse or significant other

 

[hzma]

Ok, so even if i've already signed with this one, i can sign with another? How many months in advance do i have to inform my program that i'm leaving? thanks for answering-

 

[djmd]

It sounds like you are in a bad situation.

The first thing you need to do is find someplace else that has a opening. Check pathologyoutlines and career MD for PGY2 openings.

There is no defined procedure for leaving a program.
The only other thing I can thing of is that you are better off changing programs around July 1, I would think. But I don't know if there is enough time to work something out before this july 1.

 

[yaah]

Eventually you are going to need help from your own program. The new one is going to want references, recommendations, performance evals (probably). I think a lot of people have the idea they can just shop around and then bolt when everything is all said and done, and tell the current program on the way out. Residency doesn't work that way, as far as I can tell. If you think your program is not for you, someone in your program should be able to help you. If you go about it in a sneaky or backhanded way until the last minute, it will be more difficult.

 

[hzma]

Eventually you are going to need help from your own program. The new one is going to want references, recommendations, performance evals (probably). I think a lot of people have the idea they can just shop around and then bolt when everything is all said and done, and tell the current program on the way out. Residency doesn't work that way, as far as I can tell. If you think your program is not for you, someone in your program should be able to help you. If you go about it in a sneaky or backhanded way until the last minute, it will be more difficult.

Yeah, that's what i thought. I don't know if its worth the effort, and having on your record that you changed programs, when i could just stick it out, and move on. The best thing about residency is that it has an end, and you move on.
Well, i have to think.