Transferring advanced program

[hkneuro]

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Hey,

So I recently matched into my #1 choice for an advanced program but now I realize I don't really want to be there and I want to move to a different larger city.

I have not signed my contract yet with my advanced program and so I was wondering if it would be possible for me to transfer over to another program provided the blessings of my current advanced program.

Do other people have experience in this? Are there any obstacles you encountered that you didn't think about? Again, I can't say I necessarily have a good reason to want to transfer I just know that I won't be happy at the program I'm currently assigned to.

Would it be better for the program if I found someone to swap with?

Thanks

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Technically, you can't.

You matched into your advanced program (?presumably neuro, from your username). Regardless, your new PD can't "release" you from your match, only the NRMP can do that. In order to do so, you'll need to petition the NRMP for a waiver.

If you have a new hardship, you can request a waiver of your match. This would need to be something new and unexpected, simply changing your mind isn't going to cut it.

You can also ask for a waiver if you've changed your mind about specialties. If you no longer want to do your advanced field, and notify the NRMP by mid January, then you'll get a waiver. But, then you will not be able to match into that field again. Can you try to find a spot outside the match? Probably.

If you decide to apply for the waiver (esp with the second pathway above), you can't look for a new spot until your waiver is processed -- i.e. you're not allowed to look for a new spot and then only try to resign your old spot once you find one.

Why is this? Well, the problem is that if you resign your spot, your program would have rather had the next person on their rank list -- but now likely that person (and many below them) are already matched elsewhere. So, your advanced program now has to find a replacement among everyone whom is left without a spot, and that can be a problem.

Could you find someone to switch with? Maybe. It's definitely against the NRMP rules, but if the two of you switch spots and the NRMP never finds out an all programs are happy, then perhaps you could say "what's the harm?". I would point out that the harm is that if the NRMP finds out, both you and the program could be in serious trouble (mostly the program, since you'll already have a training spot). There's also the question of whether it's "fair" to programs for trainees to try and switch spots. My personal feeling is that it's fine, although I would need to approve the new person -- if they were not acceptable to me, then you'd need to either satisfy your match requirement, apply for a waiver, or violate the match.

 

[DocDanny]

What made you suddenly realize the hospital you ranked highest of all wasn't what you wanted?

 

[hkneuro]

Ah ok. Looks like I'll just stay in the program. Too much of a hassle to switch around.

Honestly I like the program a lot just not the city its in. I've been in this area my whole life and wanted to get out of here. I think I made an emotional decision when I made my rank list and thought I would miss my family too much and my significant other but I don't think I did whats best for me in the end of the day.....

Oh well, there is always fellowship.

The aProgDirector. Your post, as usual, was super helpful.

 

[hkneuro]

Technically, you can't.

You matched into your advanced program (?presumably neuro, from your username). Regardless, your new PD can't "release" you from your match, only the NRMP can do that. In order to do so, you'll need to petition the NRMP for a waiver.

If you have a new hardship, you can request a waiver of your match. This would need to be something new and unexpected, simply changing your mind isn't going to cut it.

You can also ask for a waiver if you've changed your mind about specialties. If you no longer want to do your advanced field, and notify the NRMP by mid January, then you'll get a waiver. But, then you will not be able to match into that field again. Can you try to find a spot outside the match? Probably.

If you decide to apply for the waiver (esp with the second pathway above), you can't look for a new spot until your waiver is processed -- i.e. you're not allowed to look for a new spot and then only try to resign your old spot once you find one.

Why is this? Well, the problem is that if you resign your spot, your program would have rather had the next person on their rank list -- but now likely that person (and many below them) are already matched elsewhere. So, your advanced program now has to find a replacement among everyone whom is left without a spot, and that can be a problem.

Could you find someone to switch with? Maybe. It's definitely against the NRMP rules, but if the two of you switch spots and the NRMP never finds out an all programs are happy, then perhaps you could say "what's the harm?". I would point out that the harm is that if the NRMP finds out, both you and the program could be in serious trouble (mostly the program, since you'll already have a training spot). There's also the question of whether it's "fair" to programs for trainees to try and switch spots. My personal feeling is that it's fine, although I would need to approve the new person -- if they were not acceptable to me, then you'd need to either satisfy your match requirement, apply for a waiver, or violate the match.

Hey aProgDirector,

Lets say I decide to drop out of my Transitional year program which I found outside of the match this year. Would I still be committed to the advanced neurology position by the NRMP? I thought I am committed to that position as long as I have secured a preliminary training program.

Thanks

 

[NotAProgDirector]

An interesting question.

If you bailed on your TY, then you might no longer qualify for your advanced spot. Therefore, you might get your advanced match waived.

On the other hand, your entire life could be screwed by this. The next program you apply too is likely to wonder whether you'll just bail on them too. And, the NRMP will investigate the situation and if it's found that you simply bailed to get out of your PGY-2 match, they might decide to label you a match violator.

Don't be dumb. Finish your TY, and start your advanced program. If you're really unhappy, try to transfer at the end of your PGY-2.

 

[hkneuro]

Haha Ok. You're right. I'm over thinking things. Thanks again.