orthores Unregistered User (9/11/00 1:31:13 pm) Reply advice I'll make this brief. I'm a PGY1 in ortho who took an extra year to get a spot. Have been in current position since 7/1. Now currently thinking about getting out. At the outset, this is not areaction to workload of PGY1 year-had feelings of doubt before and after the match. Undoubtedly foolish for continuing on with the match even though less than 100% committed. Still think it is the best specialty, the other residents are among the best guys in the hospital, and that I am extremely fortunate for obtaining this position. Just do not think that I have the passion for it that I feel is required to be successful in this field. Fundamentally do not live for the O.R. Have not consulted an orthopedist on this matter. Curious to see what other ortho residents might say about this. Objectively, I have pretty much decided that it would be best to get out. However, having difficulty overcoming my pride and reluctance to give it up. Trust me, it would be a whole lot easier to just press on and get through it. Don't want to let the other guys in the program down, yet can't help but worry that if i stay in it for the wrong reasons, I will be letting them and myself down in the long run. Obviously pretty complicated. Let me know if you have a take on this matter. IM man Unregistered User (9/12/00 6:53:07 pm) Reply want to switch? I'm one who is in IM but would rather be in ortho. I applied, had >220's step I, II, research, good LOR's and 3.5 GPA but did not match. I had to take a IM in the scramble because my wife, kids and I made deal if I did not get ortho I would stay local due to her job and not wanting to move twice in two years. ( my area doesnt have transitionals or surg prelims)hence IM. I know of several others in the same position that are surgical prelims. But seriously, I am reapplying to ortho because I am going crazy in IM, It drives me nuts. I miss the OR and am trilled when I have a pt w/ a ortho c/o. You should look into your self and what trills you. It sound like it is def nonsurg. I know that IM are considered "Fleas" but they are smart fleas. As for the pride and other horsecrap I spent 10yrs in special forces and the guys who hurt us the most were not the ones who could not make it, but those that could, but there hearts were not in it. i.e. The lesson is listen to yourself, more than likely in a little time the others will see it, Our grp always did. orthomaybe Unregistered User (9/13/00 8:59:49 am) Reply family Kind of off the subject but how has it been having a family and pursuing orthopedics. It is a great concern of mine as my wife and I will be having kids in the next year or so. Have you had time for them? Do you foresee time in the future? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. debi thomas Registered User Posts: 1 (9/14/00 12:47:30 pm) Reply I want your spot if you want to give it up! Where are you? Do you have any idea how many people would love to have your spot. I don't want to be rude, but there is nothing more frustrating to people who really really really want to do ortho than seeing people who are just doing it, but don't have their heart in it. It is not likely that I would get your spot if you decided to leave, because I am one of those late bloomers who is having trouble getting a spot due to my low test scores. I did my internship in general surgery and am now doing orthopaedic research (for peanuts I might add). I would do ANYTHING do get an ortho spot. I am planning on applying to 140 programs! I'm willing to go anywhere, no matter how crummy the program is, just so I can do ortho. I was an engineering major in college, and I live for the mechanical stuff. I also like patient interaction, so ortho is the perfect mix of the two. I would like to know where you are so I can send a letter to your program director showing my interest in any spot that may open. I certainly wish you the best in your decision making. I would think very hard before making it. It would be very difficult to go back if you changed your mind later. But, if you really feel that your heart is not in it, I wouldn't worry about what others think. You have to do what is in your heart. There are hundreds of people out there whose hearts would be in it if they were given the chance. I know that I want nothing more than to be able to spend the rest of my life dealing with orthopaedic problems...diagnostically, surgically, and educationally. I'm sure you got hundreds of replies, so I'll understand if I don't get a reply.