When Does Residency "Start"

[DrPerrla]

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Yes, I tried the search function. Many of the threads are either in a different specialty or are several years old so I wanted some current info. My family and I are planning a vacation for May 27th - June 5th and I wanted to make sure whether or not this would work out. We're trying to go to a big tropical tourist destination so even though I know Match day is in 10 days, waiting that long to book flights and a rental is pushing it. I know official start date is July 1st for majority of programs but I also know many programs have a week of other random stuff like ACLS/BCLS, hopsital orientation and what have you so if I am back by June 6th, would I be ok? Thoughts?

 

[Rocher]

I can almost guarantee that won't be a problem, I'm planning on being out of the country until at least June 15th after I graduate, but obviously won't be buying tix until after match day. I wouldn't have any problem buying now if I were in your shoes though.

 

[Trogghunter]

July 1st is first clinical day, you may have orientation as early as 10d before . You'll need to do lots of paperwork with pecos, your institution, and maybe the VA if that applies. You could do some paperwork/computer work outside of the country and stuff with the VA has late may deadlines. You should do your acls recertification asap and before residency. Don't worry about reimbursement... it's like $100 now but it'd give you a free day then when your classmates are recerting

 

[gutonc]

The answer to your question is "when they say it starts". Both of the above posters have offered (I can only assume) heartfelt - but ultimately bad - advice.

It's true, June 5 probably is soon enough to come back (assuming you can be ready to roll at your program as early as 48 hours later). While the academic year starts 7/1, many programs start with clinical work in June. My first clinical day was 6/23. Orientation started on the 15th. There have been reports of programs starting as early as 6/10.

I say go ahead and plan your trip but make you sure have cancellation insurance for the non-refundable portions (like the flight).

 

[Raryn]

The earliest programs I heard of started ~June 10. Most started orientation ~June 15 or ~June 22. A tiny, tiny handful actually started orientation July 1.

For what it's worth, I started June 16 orientation with my first clinical day June 23.

 

[Siggy]

My hospital starts on June 24th (interns switch on the 24th of the month, non-interns switch on the first) and we had orientation starting on the 9th if I remember correctly (2 weeks of orientation).

 

[Rocher]

I didn't realize how early some programs started, I retract my previous statement then.

 

[DrPerrla]

Thanks for all your replies guys! I decided to move the dates up a couple days to give myself some wiggle room in case anything starts June 8th. Good luck to everyone in the match coming up!