Transferring

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maude eh

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Unfortunately, ive matched at a place I'd rather not be. Ive heard of people transferring out of their programs before. How does this work?
 
unfortunately? what does that mean, that program somehow slipped in there, you keyed in the wrong numbers... reading these kinds of posts really makes me laugh. after all that talk over the last year about not ranking programs you don't want to go to.

good luck b/c you'll need it. all i know is that since you "signed" the nrmp binding agreement, if you violate it by not going to your residency program, you will be barred from re-joining the match for the next 3 yrs.
 
ripped cheese said:
unfortunately? what does that mean, that program somehow slipped in there, you keyed in the wrong numbers... reading these kinds of posts really makes me laugh. after all that talk over the last year about not ranking programs you don't want to go to.

good luck b/c you'll need it. all i know is that since you "signed" the nrmp binding agreement, if you violate it by not going to your residency program, you will be barred from re-joining the match for the next 3 yrs.


I always heard this throughout medical school, but in actuality I have seen people switch out of programs quite often without any repercusions. I pursonally even know of 2 different attendings who bailed out of their programs with their prior PD telling them that they wished them the worst. However, lets face it, wishing you misfortune is all they can do because even though they can technically force you to stay, no one wants a bitter resident around. Very bad for moral. The few residents I know who did this did not have any bad interactions with their former PD's- maybe times are changing. Personally I think this is something medical schools like their students to beleive since it does hurt your schools reputation when you bail on a program, but no real personal repercusions.

-as far as the possibility of not being allowed in the match for 3 years, don't think this would happen, but if it did - who cares. Anesthesia is 4 years and besides, don't think fellowships go through the NRMP match anyways
 
It would be a match violation. Some programs (probably most) won't pursue it, as they don't want a resident who doesn't want to be there. Some, however, will. And it can get ugly.
 
I matched at a 4 year program and after my first year is done I will start at another program. I had a good long talk with my PD (with whom I have a great relationship with...) early on during my intern year. He wrote a letter to the other PD (at his request) to make everything PC... It was all pretty easy actually; I haven't burned any bridges and I know I made a great choice regarding my life. I feel real good about my decision. 😀
 
TheSandMan said:
I always heard this throughout medical school, but in actuality I have seen people switch out of programs quite often without any repercusions. I pursonally even know of 2 different attendings who bailed out of their programs with their prior PD telling them that they wished them the worst. However, lets face it, wishing you misfortune is all they can do because even though they can technically force you to stay, no one wants a bitter resident around. Very bad for moral. The few residents I know who did this did not have any bad interactions with their former PD's- maybe times are changing. Personally I think this is something medical schools like their students to beleive since it does hurt your schools reputation when you bail on a program, but no real personal repercusions.

-as far as the possibility of not being allowed in the match for 3 years, don't think this would happen, but if it did - who cares. Anesthesia is 4 years and besides, don't think fellowships go through the NRMP match anyways

I want to add to my above statement that I was seriously contemplating transfering my CA1 position to the program I'm doing my intern year. I love the hospital and overall culture of the staff and residents. Couldn't bring myself to apply though because I made an obligation to the program that accepted me for anesthesia and would not be comfortable with myself if I was to bail on them. However, that being said, this a personal reason for me and I would not fault others for thinking or doing differently.
 
maude said:
Unfortunately, ive matched at a place I'd rather not be. Ive heard of people transferring out of their programs before. How does this work?
There is info on this on the nrmp.org website. I think you can "waive" a match if you switch specialties but you must give 9 months notice. You can get a waiver under other circumstances, but you may be in violation and have penalties (like banned from the match x 3years.) We were told on match day that statistically there is less than a 1% chance you will ultimately dislike your match when all is said and done. Hope that makes you feel better. If not, remember you will sign a 1 year contract and could leave after a year if it is really that bad.
 
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