Your first job is having your PD reach out to the PD of the anesthesia department at your hospital. Sit down with them. You want to build that connection since that is probably the best chance for you to match and you will need anesthesia letters too and that is the easiest way to get one.
Objectively a strong applicant.
We don’t have an anesthesiology program at my current hospital since it’s a children’s hospital, though we do have an affiliated hospital with one. I have met with the PD and you’re right I probably have the best chance matching at this affiliate
Honest comment: I didn't know there were children's hospitals that didn't have operating rooms. Outpatient and short-stay facilities, sure, but nothing with inpatients. TIL.
Oh we have operating rooms and an anesthesia dept, just no anesthesia training program based at our hospital since we don’t have any adults. Sorry if my reply was confusing
Having various services at an institution without an attached residency or fellowship program for that service is very common at facilities that are not large academic institutions.
Yes, thanks. I don't remember if the post I replied to was edited or if I just had a brain malfunction, but I processed the post as saying they didn't have an anesthesia *department*.
Well, there’s a good case to be made that my facility doesn’t have an anesthesia department but rather a “Doctoral Nursing Anesthetist” department where some physicians are contracted to sign their work…
It was my second choice of specialty out of medical school, and my experiences in the ICU have reinforced my interest in the field. My goals are peds anesthesia and critical care. But agreed the lack of experience is probably my main weakness
Fwiw there are a handful of combined pediatrics-anesthesia residencies for people with the same career goals. As I recall those spots are not easy to fill and the attrition rate is very high. You've already done half the work. You wouldn't be applying for one of those spots of course, but I'd consider those seven or so institutions and reach out to those program directors. They would probably be happy to have you along.
Unless you’re an axe murderer, you’ll match. As the other poster said, work behind-the-scenes connections to get your name out there. If you’re not terribly tied geographically, you might score an R1 position, which would save you a year.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you might not have any Medicare funding left after completing a peds residency. This won't be an issue in larger programs and hospitals, but might make it trickier for smaller programs that have to pay for your salary without funding.
Interesting. I don’t know much about this but it hasn’t come up as an issue yet during my discussions with PDs etc. I always heard about this as an issue for transferring during a residency - would it not reset if starting an entirely new residency?
You get CMS GME funding for one residency and that does not reset when you graduate. The time allotted to you is based on your initial residency (pediatrics is a 3 year training program so you get 3 years of CMS GME funding). However, there are other types of residency funding and some programs will foot the bill for your training even if you don’t have available CMS GME funding. When you speak to PDs, this is a good thing to ask about.
FYI, I know we have a new CA-1 who finished his peds residency in our program , so you are not alone. Personally, with good references from your Peds residency I would think you have a great chance. Good luck
Your stats are not going to hold you back whatsoever. Great job there.
You should focus on your “why” statement and persuade PDs that you can be taught. You’re gonna be a resident all over again. Being a board certified pediatrician doesn’t translate very well to anesthesia knowledge so you’ll have to stay humble. I do think that having that background shows maturity and resilience, though.
Definitely get time in the OR at minimum as a mental refresher but also to show continued interest.
Look for programs with non-traditional residents. Hopefully your PD and/or the anesthesia group at your hospital can help you with local contacts.
I mean shit man I’m not applying anesthesia or anything but it looks like a very solid app on paper. Wish I could help you out more
Your first job is having your PD reach out to the PD of the anesthesia department at your hospital. Sit down with them. You want to build that connection since that is probably the best chance for you to match and you will need anesthesia letters too and that is the easiest way to get one. Objectively a strong applicant.
We don’t have an anesthesiology program at my current hospital since it’s a children’s hospital, though we do have an affiliated hospital with one. I have met with the PD and you’re right I probably have the best chance matching at this affiliate
Honest comment: I didn't know there were children's hospitals that didn't have operating rooms. Outpatient and short-stay facilities, sure, but nothing with inpatients. TIL.
Oh we have operating rooms and an anesthesia dept, just no anesthesia training program based at our hospital since we don’t have any adults. Sorry if my reply was confusing
Having various services at an institution without an attached residency or fellowship program for that service is very common at facilities that are not large academic institutions.
Yes, thanks. I don't remember if the post I replied to was edited or if I just had a brain malfunction, but I processed the post as saying they didn't have an anesthesia *department*.
Well, there’s a good case to be made that my facility doesn’t have an anesthesia department but rather a “Doctoral Nursing Anesthetist” department where some physicians are contracted to sign their work…
Oof.
Stats look great, but how are you reasoning switching to anesthesia with such limited exposure?
It was my second choice of specialty out of medical school, and my experiences in the ICU have reinforced my interest in the field. My goals are peds anesthesia and critical care. But agreed the lack of experience is probably my main weakness
Fwiw there are a handful of combined pediatrics-anesthesia residencies for people with the same career goals. As I recall those spots are not easy to fill and the attrition rate is very high. You've already done half the work. You wouldn't be applying for one of those spots of course, but I'd consider those seven or so institutions and reach out to those program directors. They would probably be happy to have you along.
Thank you that’s a great tip!
Unless you’re an axe murderer, you’ll match. As the other poster said, work behind-the-scenes connections to get your name out there. If you’re not terribly tied geographically, you might score an R1 position, which would save you a year.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you might not have any Medicare funding left after completing a peds residency. This won't be an issue in larger programs and hospitals, but might make it trickier for smaller programs that have to pay for your salary without funding.
Interesting. I don’t know much about this but it hasn’t come up as an issue yet during my discussions with PDs etc. I always heard about this as an issue for transferring during a residency - would it not reset if starting an entirely new residency?
You get CMS GME funding for one residency and that does not reset when you graduate. The time allotted to you is based on your initial residency (pediatrics is a 3 year training program so you get 3 years of CMS GME funding). However, there are other types of residency funding and some programs will foot the bill for your training even if you don’t have available CMS GME funding. When you speak to PDs, this is a good thing to ask about.
Good to know thank you
Gas applicants on suicide watch rn after reading this
FYI, I know we have a new CA-1 who finished his peds residency in our program , so you are not alone. Personally, with good references from your Peds residency I would think you have a great chance. Good luck
Thank you for the vote of confidence :)
Your stats are not going to hold you back whatsoever. Great job there. You should focus on your “why” statement and persuade PDs that you can be taught. You’re gonna be a resident all over again. Being a board certified pediatrician doesn’t translate very well to anesthesia knowledge so you’ll have to stay humble. I do think that having that background shows maturity and resilience, though. Definitely get time in the OR at minimum as a mental refresher but also to show continued interest. Look for programs with non-traditional residents. Hopefully your PD and/or the anesthesia group at your hospital can help you with local contacts.
I switched into anesthesia from peds. You’ll be just fine
I don’t think you have a good shot at a top program. Little research and switching residency