Urgent help needed -- OBGYN preliminary

[DrRobeco]

Unfortunately I did not match to a categorical program but matched to an OBGYN preliminary program. I cannot find any description on it. I applied for categorical programs and one of the programs I interviewed has a preliminary position. I ranked it thinking it is better than nothing. Now I am not sure I did the right thing. I know it is only for one year. I have the following questions:

• Is it possible that I match to an OG/GYN categorical PGY1 position next year? I just read somewhere today that programs do not want to take those who already had PGY1 training due to funding issues. Is it true?
• Is it possible that I match to IM or FM or other three-year categorical programs next year? Do I still have to face the unfavorable funding issue?
• Is OBGYN preliminary a substitute for preliminary medicine, preliminary surgery, or transitional? In other words, will I be eligible for a PGY2 position at anesthesiology, neurology, radiation oncology, radiology-diagnostic, etc? Can I scramble to these advanced programs?
• Is an OBGYN preliminary better than nothing? What should be my next plan?

I may participate in tomorrow’s scramble for an advanced program if the OBGYN preliminary satisfies the prerequisites. I urgently need to know what specialties I qualify.

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[lilycat]

An OB/Gyn preliminary position will do the following things for you:

- you can transfer directly into a categorical PGY1 OB/gyn spot if it becomes available (and they do become available)

- you can apply for an OB/gyn PGY2 categorical position, of which there are usually several by the springtime. The number typically available seems to have gone down slightly as the field has overall become more competitive, but there is still a significant attrition rate (and probably will always be) given the demanding nature of the field.

- it can count as a clinical base year for the following fields: anesthesiology, EM advanced programs (the 2-4 combo), dermatology, radiology, etc. - basically any field that requires a clinical base year of some sort. So yes, it will count the same as a prelim surgery, prelim medicine or transitional year.

- you should still be able to match for a categorical ob/gyn spot next year, if you desire. However, I would not recommend that, because if you really want to do ob/gyn, you should almost certainly find a position to transfer into during PGY1, or to start for PGY2, as long as you are hard-working and a team player, and don't make the wrong enemies at your current program.

I don't think you can try to scramble for a categorical IM or FM position for next year because you are now committed for a prelim year - they simply won't take you at this point. You could try to scramble for an advanced position in a field such as anesthesiology or radiology. However, unless you are an outstanding candidate in terms of board scores or med school grades, you will likely find this very difficult to do since you likely do not have a dedicated personal statement or letters of rec for those fields, and you will likely be competing against candidates who were trying all along to enter those fields, and not just as a fallback.

If you really want to do OB/gyn, the prelim year will serve you well, and you are almost certain to land a categorical spot by this time next year. And, if you decide you don't want to do OB but you perform well at your program, you should be a moderately competitive applicant for another field of your choosing.

Chin up, you're in good shape.👍

 

[DrRobeco]

Lilycat, thank you very much. Now I feel better.

One more question. You mentioned the opportunity to transfer to a PGY1 OB/GYN spot. Is it easy to get PD's support from the preliminary program? The PD may want to help for a PGY2 spot, but I wonder he/she would like me to transfer during PGY1.

 

[happyob]

When I was interviewing at a couple of programs that had prelims I asked about them. Usually the PD told me they did everything possible to help their prelims out.
I like to look at the ACOG webpage to see how programs are doing and who has empty spots. Spots open up ALL the time, even at great programs. People either quit their specialty, change programs or who knows. My point is spots open up all the time and if you do a great job and do well on your creogs you should have no problem.

Best of luck to you and you will be fine

 

[lilycat]

It depends on the PD, but most of the time, they do support their prelims if they are offered a categorical PGY1 spot during the course of the year. They don't have to let you go, but they also recognize that they offer you no guarantees for future employment after the year is up, and that a categorical position is what gives you career security. Check out the link on the ACOG website - there are good spots this year - Maryland, Columbia, Wash U, UCLA/Harbor, etc. Vanderbilt had a spot open just a little while ago, and so did UCI. As long as you work hard and get some good letters of rec from your current program, you will certainly land a categorical spot.

 

[Murrie]

Hi Lilycat,

I am a 4th year MS who desperately wants to go into ObGyn and unfortunately did not match. My board scores were low as is my class rank; however, I never failed a class and honored my 4th year electives and believe I have very good LOR. Next year I am doing a preliminary year in surgery and was wondering:

- could I transfer into an ObGyn PGY1 position this year?
- how likely is it I match next year; does not matching this year hurt my
chances for matching next year?
- what should I do to improve my application; will strong recommendations
from a surgery preliminary year make up for low board scores and class
rank?

Thanks for your guidance!