Transferring programs

[Peds123456]

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I know this is a controversial topic, but I was wondering what the process was for transferring programs. Long Long story (semi) short, I ranked the program I am at now number one and successfully matched there, but only ranked it number one because of family reasons that no longer are an issue. Originally it was not one of my top choices, but figured I could tough it out for some important reasons. Well it turns out to be less compatible with me than I even thought before and now the family reasons aren't an issue. I don't want to ruin my career and burn any bridges so I would like to know the process first (and have people tell me how big a mistake it is so I can get it out of my head heh ).

But l was wondering how to go about finding which programs have spots/could/would accept me? When/what service I apply through? Then if I could successfully do this how would it affect the rest of my residency, i.e. schedules are different at different institutions, getting letters for fellowship, etc...Currently I don't know exactly what I want to do after residency, but I am sure I want to have a career in academics, mostly in medical education. Will switching basically burn too many bridges to make that goal a reality?

I am sorry for the long post and know this is a tough and controversial topic, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cuthbert]

I know this is a controversial topic, but I was wondering what the process was for transferring programs. Long Long story (semi) short, I ranked the program I am at now number one and successfully matched there, but only ranked it number one because of family reasons that no longer are an issue. Originally it was not one of my top choices, but figured I could tough it out for some important reasons. Well it turns out to be less compatible with me than I even thought before and now the family reasons aren't an issue. I don't want to ruin my career and burn any bridges so I would like to know the process first (and have people tell me how big a mistake it is so I can get it out of my head heh ).

But l was wondering how to go about finding which programs have spots/could/would accept me? When/what service I apply through? Then if I could successfully do this how would it affect the rest of my residency, i.e. schedules are different at different institutions, getting letters for fellowship, etc...Currently I don't know exactly what I want to do after residency, but I am sure I want to have a career in academics, mostly in medical education. Will switching basically burn too many bridges to make that goal a reality?

I am sorry for the long post and know this is a tough and controversial topic, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Curious: What are the reasons for the program NOT being a good fit? Legit reasons could help to make the transfer a smooth one and one that would not burn bridges.

 

[anoz]

I know this is a controversial topic, but I was wondering what the process was for transferring programs. Long Long story (semi) short, I ranked the program I am at now number one and successfully matched there, but only ranked it number one because of family reasons that no longer are an issue. Originally it was not one of my top choices, but figured I could tough it out for some important reasons. Well it turns out to be less compatible with me than I even thought before and now the family reasons aren't an issue. I don't want to ruin my career and burn any bridges so I would like to know the process first (and have people tell me how big a mistake it is so I can get it out of my head heh ).

But l was wondering how to go about finding which programs have spots/could/would accept me? When/what service I apply through? Then if I could successfully do this how would it affect the rest of my residency, i.e. schedules are different at different institutions, getting letters for fellowship, etc...Currently I don't know exactly what I want to do after residency, but I am sure I want to have a career in academics, mostly in medical education. Will switching basically burn too many bridges to make that goal a reality?

I am sorry for the long post and know this is a tough and controversial topic, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Step 1, find spot you want. There are a number of ways to accomplish this - through the APPD (association of pediatric program directors) who post both residency and fellowship openings, through residency swap, or through studentdoctor. The APPD listings are here:
https://www.appd.org/communications/positions.cfm. Check the listings frequently. There are both competitive and not so competitive spots posted.

Step 2, strategize. If you have a reasonable PD or associate PD, you may want to sit down and discuss with them your desire to leave and PERSONAL reasons for wanting to do so. Nobody likes to hear that the program they run is poor or subpar and that is the reason that you are leaving, so politically I would not include that as part of your explanation. Most PD's are pretty reasonable and will even help facilitate transfer if you are a strong resident and have legitimate personal reasons for wanting to transfer. If you are at a malignant program, I don't have experience with that, but have heard horror stories about fallout if you aren't able to leave.

Step 3. Apply to program(s). If this is a posting of an open position, the application process is laid out for you. Usually this includes submitting your ERAS application, a basic letter about why you want to go to their program, and letters of recommendation - a letter from your PD or assistant PD is often required as one of these. They will review your application, you may or may not go to the program to interview. They may ask to speak to your PD directly on the phone.

If you try and go through a residency swap, logistics are more complicated because their PD has to aprove you and vice versa. There is also more potential for it to fall through since people can be fickle or circumstances change, as in your case.

Step 4, switch programs. You get to learn an entirely new system all over again -n ew attendings, new protocols, new patients. You feel like an intern all over again. And you will get asked over and over "why did you switch programs?" But this time will pass. Soon you will be comfortable.

Good luck!

 

[Peds123456]

Curious: What are the reasons for the program NOT being a good fit? Legit reasons could help to make the transfer a smooth one and one that would not burn bridges.

I was purposefully vague as some people around my program may be able to figure out who it is. But to try and give a little more. The setting, culture, and attitude of hospital and city are different than what promotes my personal and career goals. Things like the kind of hospital (university based v. affiliated v. community based), academic opportunities, common attitudes and culture of the city/patient population, etc...

Thanks for the advice so far!

 

[Peds123456]

I was also wondering if a transfer isn't possible, is it possible to reapply to the match? I guess I would have to repeat intern year with that though.