Transferring mid-residency

[emergmeder]

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Help!
Does anyone have any experience transferring mid-residency?
While I've gotten good reviews from my program and had a successful intern year, this just doesn't feel like the right place for me.
Advice?
Do you think this would negatively affect one's career?
Thanks.

 

[DrQuinn]

No one in my program has transferred in or out (but that's because we're a new program). I will ask my PD and Asst PD what they would think of people who switched programs. IMHO, I think it would raise a few eyebrows, but honestly people in EM are pretty laid back and it would be forgotten after a few brewskis.

Q, DO

 

[Sessamoid]

Honestly, I think you're going to have to come up with a more compelling reason that just not feeling at home there. In any case, positions open for transfers are already pretty unusual, so it's a tough thing even with a compelling reason (new spouse, illness in family, etc.).

 

[Derek]

From personal experience, any time you speak of switching programns you become suspect to the program director and the attendings in your current program. I would be truthful with everyone if they ask whatyour intentions, but pretty much have a position in hand prior to asking you current director for their letter of rec. as all programs you are applying to will want this before you start.

 

[emergmeder]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for your posts.
I should state that my reasons for wanting to transfer are little deeper than not feeling at home. Unfortunately, there is a long list of reasons why I feel pretty miserable here, and the thought of continuing to be this unhappy for another 3 years is growing pretty concerning.
I am certainly concerned about not living up to an obligation.
I am also concerned whether I'd be significantly happier at another program--though my hunch would be yes, assuming it's the right one (where residents are actively taught, and respected). (Or is that too much to ask?)
Regardless, I don't imagine that it (transfer) is a good thing to have on one's CV; at the same time, my happiness comes before my CV.
Quinn, if you can give my the scoop on what yr PD thinks about switching, I'd be very interested (and appreciative).
I'm trying to speak to an independed PD or two to get some more opinions.
THanks
EM'ER

 

[DrQuinn]

My PD is out of town until next week but I will hit up any of the big wigs at my program for their opinion, and I"ll post it in this thread.

Q, DO

 

[Sessamoid]

I am also concerned whether I'd be significantly happier at another program--though my hunch would be yes, assuming it's the right one (where residents are actively taught, and respected). (Or is that too much to ask?)

Unless it's a compelling external personal reason, I don't think it'll be approved. It sounds like you're not happy with the quality or attitude of your residency, and that's a shame. But leaving for that reason alone will instantly brand you as a "dissatisfied resident", who is likely to exhibit the same problems in a new residency. If your current PD is willing, some strings might be pulled between programs.

Not knowing your particular situation, it's hard to say for sure. However, if I was the PD of a prospective receiving program in the deal, I'd be extremely wary of a transferring resident who left for purely educational reasons (i.e. having to do with the program, rather than something else in your life). Still, if a program has a sudden unexpected opening and they really want it filled, it's always a possibility if your current program is okay with it.

 

[beyond all hope]

There is a reason that residency programs only offer one year contracts at a time (at least the ones I'm familar with). Just because the residency may act like they own you does not mean that's true. You have a right to switch programs. You do NOT need approval from anyone. The ACGME has already ratified this.

No one wants an unhappy resident. If you can somehow convince everyone that the problem is just a bad match between you and the program, rather than a bad program, few people will blame you for trying to switch. If your PD is particularly enlightened, he or she may even help you.

You don't need to have an 'external' reason, but it helps a lot. Everyone likes it (the old program and the new) if you say you need to move because of family/personal commitments, because it doesn't necessarily reflect poorly on your old residency program.

However, you can be honest and simply say that you're not happy at the program you're at. Unfortunately, may become labelled as a problem resident, a complainer or someone who can't commit.

Remember that programs with open spots need to have those spots filled, and the only way to fill a PG-2 slot is with a PG-2 resident. That resident has to be leaving somewhere, and there only so many people with good 'external' reasons for leaving. Transferring programs is not as much taboo as a lot of people try to make it out to be.

That being said, I recommend not telling your PD (or anyone else at the residency you don't implicitly trust) about switching until you've got a job elsewhere. This is tough because a lot of residencies won't accept your application for transfer until you have a letter of intent from your old PD. Make sure not to badmouth your program to anyone. It's unprofessional and makes you look bad as well.

Stay positive, and realize there are open slots that go unfilled every year, just waiting for someone like you to fill them.

 

[southerndoc]

Whatever happened to this person? I hope they found a program that was more suited to their taste.

 

[Paulista]

You can check following website for vacancies:

SAEM.ORG

there are many vacancies because people do switch in between.

You do have to come up with a very good reason, since programs lose money by losing a resident. It is like trying to pull a healthy tooth..it may hurt them tremendously.

Lastly, you are going to need the support of your residency director..very tough task...

Who is going to laugh when they are losing money!!!

I would be wary about disclosing your intention to anyone this including your resident buddies.

You may not realize, but you can make your program turn against you.

Some guy in East coast tried to switch because of poor academics of his particular program. There was another PD willing to accept him, but when the accepting PD called the current PD things turned against this resident.
He started to get harassed without reason, and some attendings started to write negative comments on this performance.

Ultimately, this resident ended up staying because his current PD was playing
little mafia games.

Money can turn an angel into a REAL EVIL!

 

[AVD]

One approach to this might be to take a year off. Give a few month's notice and then take 6 months or a year to travel in Sri Lanka and study buddhism (or wherever.) Travel, or whatever life interest, would provide a reasonable excuse for leaving the program, and would allow you to re-enter another program with fewer question asked about your intention. This might be easier for your PD to support. (and a fun as hell once in-a-lifetime opportunity)