What IF you didn't match?

[GuP]

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guys i just wanted to hear what some of you would have done just in case you wouldn't have matched the first time into ophtho.

would you have went ahead and done a preliminiary surgery/IM or a transitional year and then reapplied again - if you are unsuccessful again, then take the next year to do research - hopefully, third times the charm

OR

would have taken the next year off, got a research gig somewhere to boost your CV and then reapply again?



also what are the differences between a prelim and TY year? which one should one shoot for if they don't match? also, is it better to do the first year and at the institution you want to eventually match at later?

 

[PDT4CNV]

also what are the differences between a prelim and TY year? which one should one shoot for if they don't match? also, is it better to do the first year and at the institution you want to eventually match at later?

The difference between a prelim medicine year and a transitional year are highly institution dependent. I inteviewed for all transitional programs, but the program design is highly variable. Some transitional programs were basically equivalent to first year of internal medicine, others had more flexibility. You also have to decide whether you want any general surgery, OB/GYN, or pediatrics because some transitional programs require these, others dont. I would advise against programs requiring OB...your life will be rather unpleasant being up at night with OB patients. Peds is not so bad.

At the hospital I did my pgy-1 year at, both prelim medicine and transitional programs were available. The difference was that transitional residents did an additional month of emergency medicine and had an additional elective whereas prelim medicine residents did inpatient medicine those months. My rotation schedule included: 4 inpatient medicine rotations, outpatient clinic, 2 emergency medicine rotations, pulmonary/critical care, cardiology, GI medicine, ophthalmology, and radiology.

Also remember to ask about the ICU's. My place had "open" ICUs which meant you could be up all night with critical patients any call night throughout the year. Some programs there are "closed" ICUs with an ICU team and you have an ICU rotation where you staff the ICU as part of the ICU team for specified period of time.

Also, be sure that a wide variety of medicine and surgical subspecialty rotations are available to choose from as well as electives so that you are not limited from pursuing your interests. Good luck!