Transferring Out

[15Blade]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am currently a general surgery resident at a private community hospital on the east coast. Although my program is decent, I am considering the possibility of transferring to an academic institution, preferably out west closer to my family. My question is this: Do you guys know of any resources, such as websites, where you can find open PGY-2, PGY-3, etc. spots?? There must be an easier way than just calling every program to see if they have open spots. I'd appreciate any input.

 

[navysurgeon]

if you have not already...check in the back of..

NEJM
The blue journal
Archives of Surgery

and

Check the ACS website under 'jobs'...

I've seen spots listed frequently..

TNS

 

[surg]

The best resource is
1) your program director. They will be in the loop if they go to meetings and such.
2) the apds website www.apds.org This is the website for program directors. There is a spot to advertise your availability and a spot for programs to advertise openings.
3) networking with fellow residents. Get to some of the national meetings. I'd suggest ACS, AAS, or SUS given your interest in an academic style program.

if all else fails, consider going into the lab after your PGY-2 year at a program that you'd like to go to (with the permission of your PD). It's surprising how often a spot opens up. Youcan usually work it out to go back to your original program as a PGY-3 and if a spot opens up there, well then...you can usually work out a switch.

 

[chowhound]

To do what you are trying to accomplish could lead to political suicide if things do not work out.

It sounds like you are in intern currently looking to start at a new program in four weeks. First, have you signed your contract for next year yet? If you are not VERY politically savvy, your chair/PD could simply find some dude/dudette from APDS.org looking for a PGY-2 position to take your place, leaving you out in the cold. In order to apply for one of those open positions, two to three letters are usually required, and one of those letters usually has to come from your chair/PD.

Also, if you go to some place and do your lab time, your home program must still sponsor you (you are still under their jurisdiction). Meaning, in order to take the ABSITE they still have to report to the ACGME that you are in a training program. If you lose that sponsorship, life can be difficult.

But getting back to your original question, navysurgeon has some good advice, but I would be careful about approaching your PD and saying you are considering transferring. Often a PD does not have YOUR best interests in mind, but his/her PROGRAM'S best interest in mind... and going into the next academic year one junior resident down is not a good thing for morale, or for the schedule, or for the 80 hr work week.

Good luck 15blade.

If you want to be in an academic program closer to your family, did you interview on the west coast? Did you rank west coast programs? And for the applicants next year, what decent private community hospital on the east coast are you in currently? It sounds like you are unhappy for some reason. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Celiac Plexus]

I am currently a general surgery resident at a private community hospital on the east coast. Although my program is decent, I am considering the possibility of transferring to an academic institution, preferably out west closer to my family. My question is this: Do you guys know of any resources, such as websites, where you can find open PGY-2, PGY-3, etc. spots?? There must be an easier way than just calling every program to see if they have open spots. I'd appreciate any input.

if you are serious about doing this, then you should tell your pd right away. this gives him/her the chance to both help you out in any way, and gives the max time available to find a resident to replace you. you will eventually have to tell your pd anyway, better sooner than later.