I’d really appreciate some honest advice, I feel like I’m in quite a career pickle.
I’ve already completed 4 years of post-graduate training and thinking of applying for FM residency this upcoming cycle for a July 2027 start. My training so far includes: -Transitional year internship -Preventive Medicine residency (2 years, technically a non-clinical residency but with clinical hour requirements) -non-ACGME fellowship in LGBTQ+ medicine (1 year, clinical)
I pivoted to Prev Med after losing two immediate family members within 3 weeks of each other in September of intern year. I was really not in a good place then and needed some time to heal while not in the crucible of internship. But since coming back to more consistent clinical work in fellowship, I’d really like to be able to work in clinical medicine/primary care for the long term, which is proving to be very difficult with just a Prev Med residency. FM seems like a great fit because it has a little bit of everything I’ve come to really enjoy: routine gyn care including contraception, the youths, preventive care, variety in the day, office procedures, and it’s a versatile career path. Idk why I didn’t pursue it earlier, but in retrospect I think I’ve always been FM at heart.
So my questions are:
- Am I insane for thinking of going back to residency after already completing one residency program and a fellowship?
- Would I be a decent applicant despite being super non-traditional? My boards were ok, not stellar but nothing concerning. All boards passed on first attempt, I have state licensing, DEA, great preceptor recs…
- Since I’d be applying to start FM in July of 2027, would taking this next year to apply be a red flag to PD’s? I’m looking for something to stay clinically active in some capacity, or a research project to fill the year, but I’m worried that a gap year between the end of fellowship and potentially starting FM would raise some concerns and tank my chances at matching for July 2027.
TLDR: I’m thinking of applying for FM residency for the upcoming cycle after already completing 4 years of post-grad training in other (mostly non-clinical) stuff. Good idea or absolutely nutty?