Transferring to a different program as a 2nd year resident?

[amoura]

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice, thoughts, or recommendations about switching programs after intern year. I am currently very happy in a good internal medicine program, but would like to move to another state for important family reasons. Is this possible? When would I need to act on it? How does one go about transferring? I was planning on applying for a fellowship that has an early match (GI) -- will it be too difficult to both transfer for 2nd year and then start applications for fellowship?

Thanks -- I'd appreciate any advice!!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice, thoughts, or recommendations about switching programs after intern year. I am currently very happy in a good internal medicine program, but would like to move to another state for important family reasons. Is this possible? When would I need to act on it? How does one go about transferring? I was planning on applying for a fellowship that has an early match (GI) -- will it be too difficult to both transfer for 2nd year and then start applications for fellowship?

Thanks -- I'd appreciate any advice!!

There really isn't any such entity as transferring during residency. If a position opens, you apply for it - either through ERAS/NRMP or the hospital itself. You need to let your current PD know as soon as possible and hope that the news is well received; you will need a good eval from him/her to get a position elsewhere.

You can apply for a PGY2 position elsewhere and then shortly thereafter for a fellowship, bear in mind that they will want letters frm your current PD - whomever that it; the logistics can get a bit messy.

 

[AJM]

While not that common, transferring during residency is definitely possible. The best way to go about it is to discuss your options with your program director. Program directors talk to each other, and around November-December of each year they will discuss amongst each other various openings that they might have in their programs for possible incoming 2nd or 3rd year residents.

In order to transfer, programs will require that your PD send a letter of support. Because of this, it's best to be up front and honest with your PD right from the beginning. If your PD is supportive, he/she will make calls to the PD's at the programs you're interested in going to in order to see if there are any openings, and to help you get the process started. Some programs will require you to apply through ERAS, others will want you to send documents separately.

If you are thinking about transferring for your second year, you should talk with your PD before the end of October so that you have some time to work it out. Programs that you are interested in transferring to should be contacted by early November at the latest. Most transfer positions fill up by mid-January.

As far as applying for fellowship immediately after transferring, it will be difficult, but doable. Make sure you don't burn bridges at your current program, because you will probably need to rely mostly on the attendings there to write letters for you. Also -- GI is starting to participate in the match through the NRMP, so it will no longer be an early application process, which will buy you some extra time.

 

[beyond all hope]

I have actually done it. I transferred from a program in my intern year to a different program in the same speciality for 2nd year.

It's not easy. First you have to decide if you are going to do this on the sly or in the open. Some places really discourage residents from looking for other spots, so you may have to do it without telling anyone.

However, if you think your PD will be receptive, it's best to tell him or her right away. Explain your reasons, explain that it has nothing to do with the program and everything to do with family. No PD wants to let an unhappy resident transfer and then talk trash about his program.

An understanding PD can be an incredible benefit. S/he may even help you in the search.

A bad PD can make things really rough. However, it is your decision to move, not the PD's. This right is protected by the ACGME and if you need to you can call them.

The second thing is to look for a place to transfer to. Since you have a specific location in mind, I recommend just emailing the PDs and ask if they have open spots.

Don't transfer without giving it some serious thought. It's not easy being the new guy/girl. Everyone else knows how the system works and you're like an intern again with a 2nd year's responsibilities.

The fellowship application is also going to be very tricky. Consider that as well.

Good luck.