Hey everyone,
I'm in an interesting situation and would appreciate some candid advice. I double applied in both Ortho and EM. Emergency was not a back-up as you might suspect, I was genuinely torn between the two specialties. Per my schools PD and chair I was a competitive Ortho applicant. Board scores are fine, did Ortho research, plenty or honors and a few away rotations. I interviewed at both EM and Ortho programs and when it came to rank list time I interspersed my the Ortho and EM programs based on which programs I was most impressed by and where I thought I would be the best fit. Match Day was interesting! Needless to say I ended up in EM and am having sincere second thoughts. Thought i'd be happy in either but I find myself grabbing the ortho charts, really missing the OR, and getting annoyed at the constant flow of BS patients that clog up the ER. Here for dilauded a sandwich and a nap is NOT a chief complaint... I'm at a very competitive and well regarded EM program associated with an academic institution that has an Ortho program.
So does anyone have any experience switching to Ortho? (I did read the other two posts by EM residents wanting to switch but any useful info was PM'd and I couldn't see it) I am aware of the funding issues surrounding switching from a 3 year residency and that this would be an uphill battle. Also, what are your thoughts on applying as an EM resident who previously double applied? On the one hand I already have the research, aways, and letters. On the other hand it seems that my indecision in choosing a specialty may be looked on with some trepidation by PD's.
Any experiences/advice/pitfalls/success stories people have had switching (particularly from a shorter residency to Ortho) would be greatly appreciated. On the second point concerning reapplying after double applying conjecture is welcome.
Thanks.
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