Transferring specialties

[RevDrC]

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I am contemplating leaving a categorical IM program in search of a PGY-2 position in Neurology for 2010. My board scores aren't great, but first time pass, I'm in good standing at my current program and I can get excellent letters of rec from 2 Neurologists and most likely good letters from the PD and my primary preceptor from my continuity clinic here. As yet, I don't have any research. My current program is a university affiliated community program and I'm a grad of one the "big 4" Carribean schools.

I was just wondering how risky a proposition it is to leave a categorical position without any guarantee of finding another position. If I left this job would I be likely to find another? Thanks in advance.

 

[dragonfly99]

I don't think you should leave unless/until you find another position.
Or if you can't find an open neuro spot in the next couple of months, try to fix it so you can do neurology research for a year. If you start working on this ASAP, you maybe be able to find something...sometimes they want you for a minimum of 2 years, though. Only do this if you can find someone who seems to be a decent research mentor (i.e. decent number of publications, has had trainees coauthor stuff in the past, and hopefully and MD so he/she can help you with getting residency in the future). I don't see any good reason for leaving your IM program unless/until you have another job lined up.

I don't think not having top scores is that much of a hindrance for most neuro programs. I think you should be able to find something eventually if you play your cards right. You may end up having to do a 2nd year of IM though, or even finishing your whole IM residency (hopefully not). If you leave your IM residency, try to leave on good terms (always better not to burn bridges).

 

[RevDrC]

Thank you for your thoughts.

Ideally I would much prefer not to leave without having another position lined up. My thoughts were that when I informed my PD what I was thinking of (and in order to get his recommendation) they would not want to bring me back knowing that I will be searching for another spot.

It seems the best thing to do at this point is to have a talk with my program director and get his thoughts.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Definitely don't quit-- but you can inform your PD of your interests. I'm no expert but I don't think having a strong interest in neurology would be in any way frowned upon by IM if you truly feel it's a better fit. Derm/rads/rad onc/ophtho, etc would be.

Last year there were 10 neuro positions open in the scramble. Are you registered for the Match this year? If not you can't scramble, unfortunately, but in case you are you'll need your PD on board in order to find a place successfully.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Last year there were 10 neuro positions open in the scramble. Are you registered for the Match this year? If not you can't scramble...

Can register for the match right up until the ROL deadline, which is later this week. So, not too late.

 

[undecided3yr]

Talk to the neuro PD at your program ASAP. If they dont have room at your home institution, they may be able to talk with others who know ahead of time about attrition from their program. There are always some neuro spots open from PGY2s who stayed in IM after their prelim year.

Just be honest early and people will help you. PDs understand this situation and should become a very helpful asset for you. It is not uncommon to have residents switch.