Transferring Programs

[aequanimitas]

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Hi all. Due to personal (read--relationship) reasons (isn't it always), I am starting to explore the possibility of transferring programs. I am wondering if anyone has any experience in this process or woudn't mind providing some advice?

I've looked at the SAEM website for advertised openings. However, I am also wondering if anyone had any experience in calling programs and just asking them if they can accomodate someone? I feel like I've seen "visiting" residents at my and other programs, maybe they were "auditioning"? I also thought that many programs are approved for more positions than they take in, possibly due to funding reasons. If they were able to resolve their funding issues, perhaps I may find out about positions not otherwise advertised?

Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to move to the new york city area.

Thanks and happy turkeyday.

 

[NinerNiner999]

That sucks, but believe me - you don't want or need to transfer because of a relationship issue. Not to sound harsh, but getting through these issues is an important part of residency training, and will help you learn things about yourself along the way. Don't move (read run away from your problems) and learn to deal with things. Of course, if it is an issue that prevents you from functioning and living your life (I.E. destroying you clinically) then you need to do what you've got to do.

First, you would need approval from your PD/RRC to transfer to another program, and then you would need to find another program to take you. I would leave your decision with your PD open-ended, so if you don't find a replacement program, you will still have a job. After you get the permission, I would call every potential program directly and send them a CV and an explanation of why you want to transfer. Be careful in the wording here - you are communicating with several institutions in a place where you want to live and you don't want to cast yourself in a negative light. EM is a small community. If they give you an interview, you should be allowed to transfer out of the match, assuming you have permission from your PD to do so. You will need this permission, most likely in writing, before you will be offered a spot most likely...

Good luck, and I hope things work out for you in the best way possible😳

 

[dlung]

I would reiterate that you need to be very careful in this whole process and you need to definitely make sure your PD is aware when you start each step of the process... It isn't unheard of that PDs have been contacted by other programs' PDs for recommendations when they had no idea their resident was looking to transfer.

In general, plan to expect that your PD won't be thrilled (it creates a lot of logistical problems for everyone), but if you have a compelling reason, they shouldn't object.

As opposed to NinerNiner, I would say that if you have to do it, do it. Family should come first... although I will qualify that and say that if it's not-quite-family, then maybe they should be not-quite-first...

 

[GeneralVeers]

I'm going through this process right now, and would like to tell you that the process if awful, and not something you should embark upon by choice.

Our program is closing which means FORCED placement in 6 months or so. In the meantime all of us are trying to jump ship......there are only 2 spots open in the country for my training year. To transfer you have to go through the whole process of getting faculty letters, and support from your PD. This is a gamble, as you risk alienating your colleagues and faculty if the transfer is unsuccessful and you remain at the same program.

 

[southerndoc]

I'm going through this process right now, and would like to tell you that the process if awful, and not something you should embark upon by choice.

Our program is closing which means FORCED placement in 6 months or so. In the meantime all of us are trying to jump ship......there are only 2 spots open in the country for my training year. To transfer you have to go through the whole process of getting faculty letters, and support from your PD. This is a gamble, as you risk alienating your colleagues and faculty if the transfer is unsuccessful and you remain at the same program.

You're a PGY-2 right? I just saw 5 PGY-2 slots and 4 PGY-3 slots listed on the SAEM website.

 

[GeneralVeers]

You're a PGY-2 right? I just saw 5 PGY-2 slots and 4 PGY-3 slots listed on the SAEM website.

Many of those are full. SAEM is slow to take down spots that have filled.

 

[BKN]

Many of those are full. SAEM is slow to take down spots that have filled.

Further, the ACGME is sending out some stuff about transfers from Drew. I think some places will be interested in helping out, decreasing the number of random transfer slots.

 

[roja]

Further, the ACGME is sending out some stuff about transfers from Drew. I think some places will be interested in helping out, decreasing the number of random transfer slots.

I know we were willing to take several charity residents when that was being tossed around. However, since they didn't want to loose thier gme money we didn't.

I am not sure if our program will be opening spots but it might be willing. I would recommend contacting programs Drew residents are from adn seeing. Often times, if the money is coming with you, there is provisional approval from the acgme (from what I understand)

 

[BKN]

I know we were willing to take several charity residents when that was being tossed around. However, since they didn't want to loose thier gme money we didn't.

I am not sure if our program will be opening spots but it might be willing. I would recommend contacting programs Drew residents are from adn seeing. Often times, if the money is coming with you, there is provisional approval from the acgme (from what I understand)

I don't think money will be coming.

 

[Babe]

IMHO, if you feel as if your relationship is worth transferring ,than go for it. I live by the philosophy that medicine is what we do and its not who we are. You have to nourish your relationships outside of medicine. I think alot of residents do not practice this and that is why depression is so high amongst residents. Only you can decide if your relationship is worth the transfer. And if you deteremine that you are willing to take that risk, go for it. Your job should never be the center of you life. And residency is simply that: a job. Do not let it overwhelm your life. If you do not set limits now. When will you. Thirty years from now when you are married to your job and disconnected from your friends and family? Do what you fell is best for your well being. And only you can decide. No on else is walking in your shoes but you.

Good luck:🙂

 

[aequanimitas]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions, I really appreciate it. I certainly believe in my relationship and would never sacrafice it over my job. That's the reason I started thinking about the possibility of transferring and wanted to explore this option.

BKN and Roja both touched upon the issue I was referring to, but I did know enough-and thus did not know the profer terms-to ask in the right way. I guess what I'm wondering about is if that's something I can do--to call programs and just ask them about my situation and whether they think it would be possible?

Ninerniner999's comments are greatly appreciated too, and I certainly would not want to _not_ confront issues that need to be addressed; I guess my significant other and I have had enough conversations to know we both seem to want to work on this relationship, but it's hard when we're 3000 miles away from each other.

I do have a question about his other comment--So is the consensus that I have to ask my PD about this even at this stage? I feel like it is very early yet, and, I'd hate to shoot myself in the foot by asking my PD if he'd support my leaving--which I understand he will eventually have to endorse--when I don't even know it is a possibility. I was hoping I could call some programs just to see if they are looking for an extra resident (if they don't have an advertised opening), or would be open to that possibility. If so, I'd stop, and let my PD know I'm thinking about it for personal reasons, etc.

Thanks again to everyone and I look forward to your suggestions!!

Happy gobble-gobble-gobble-day.

 

[roja]

You really need to talk to your program director. No PD is going to awnser this question-I think-without knowing that you have been discussing this with your own PD.

Consider deeply about doing this. This is not just your job. Its your career. Residency is a finite time. If you don't do this well, it could affect you for the rest of your life. It could follow you forever.

Yes, its been done. But you have to be very careful and make sure that you have exhausted every other option.

 

[dlung]

Unless you are going to inquire at specific programs indirectly (ie have someone you know ask for you without any chance of mentioning any identifying information), yes, you absolutely need to discuss things with your PD. You absolutely can't take a chance that your PD will find out about your trying to transfer before you tell them... 'cause if it does, you are really jeapordizing your ability to get a job after residency...

 

[aequanimitas]

Thanks guys. I'm meeting with my PD this week to let him know what I'm thinking about, ask for advice, etc. Thanks for the help and hope everyone had a great holiday. I'll post what happens so that, if others experience a similar situation, it'll be another data point to consider.