Can you switch residency locations? (2023)

Can you switch residency locations?

A resident might be dissatisfied with a program—or vice versa—a specialty choice may change or family matters can force the doctor to relocate. Both transferring from one residency program to another—and the attrition that makes them possible—are facts of life in graduate medical education.

Selection of a residency location

In that process, students are asked to make a ranking of the medical residency specialty or subspecialty. At that time, the student has the choice of selecting a residency field that is either over-or underserved.

Since inception, Resident Swap has published thousands of residency vacancies. Members are given a financial incentive for reporting any known openings that are not yet listed. You will receive automated email or mobile telephone alerts whenever new vacancies become available that match your search criteria.

Those who do not match in the initial Main Residency Match can apply for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). There are three SOAP rounds during Match week, in which unmatched students and residency programs can connect, and many applicants are placed into residencies this way.

You can, but it can be more difficult to find a residency program the second time.

Legally, you can have multiple residences in multiple states, but only one domicile. You must be physically in the same state as your domicile most of the year, and able to prove the domicile is your principal residence, “true home” or “place you return to.”

You CAN tell a program that they are your number one choice.

However, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, and most importantly, we highly discourage anyone from making this claim to multiple programs. Why? Well, because the number one virtue for residency applicants is honesty.

If you decline after the match, you will be black listed from participating in the match in the future and wouldn't be able to get a residency next year.

How easy is it to transfer residency programs?

To transfer into a new program, you will need to find an institution that has an empty spot that was left by a previous resident. Most institutions will allow incoming transfers for multiple PGY years, so long as it is not the last year of your residency training. For example, pathology is a 4 year residency.

Getting into a residency program is a difficult process. It involves much more than studying for the USMLE® Steps 1-3 or COMLEX® Steps 1-3 or getting good grades in classes or rotations. You must be more than a good student; you must also have the ability to negotiate a system designed to select the very best.

Sometimes, residents can be wrongfully terminated from their programs and are left feeling shocked. Some of the main reasons why medical residents are terminated from their programs include unsatisfactory work, unfavorable evaluations from supervisors, and being unable to complete residency requirements.

Residents and fellows around the country have bought into the “medical training myth.” The myth states: “Life will get so much better when I finish residency/fellowship.” Sadly, too many house staff buy into this false belief and experience tremendous letdown when they graduate.

The second look can be an essential part of the residency interview process. It can provide a slight edge to your candidacy and may be worthwhile if approached the right way. On the other hand, it may not be the right move for all applicants. So, weigh the facts and make a final decision.

Residency programs typically offer between two and four weeks of vacation, with the flexibility to schedule them increasing as residents advance in their training.

The IRS considers you a U.S. resident if you were physically present in the U.S. on at least 31 days of the current year and 183 days during a three-year period. The three-year period consists of the current year and the prior two years.

Your state of residence is determined by: Where you're registered to vote (or could be legally registered) Where you lived for most of the year. Where your mail is delivered.

What determines primary residence?

The Rules Of Primary Residence

Where you spend the most time. Your legal address listed for tax returns, with the USPS, on your driver's license and on your voter registration card. The home that is near where you work or bank, recreational clubs where you're a member or other family members' homes.

1. Dermatology. Dermatologists hold the distinction for being the happiest Physicians with 39% of those surveyed feeling “very or extremely happy” in their work. This specialty is also notable for having the most physically fit Physicians.

What are the highest paid residencies in the US? Allergy & immunology, hematology, medical geneticists, rheumatology, and most forms of specialized surgery top the list. However, it's important to remember that these are subspecialty residencies, aka fellowships, and so are effectively PGY4+ residencies.

Gain Clinical Experience

Clinical experience increases your chance of getting matched into a US residency program. Clinical experience also offers you an opportunity to connect and network with doctors and other people who can possibly help you in getting your residency.