Categorical positions Vs. Preliminary positions

[HEME-ONC]

Categorical positions Vs. Preliminary positions in surgery:

What's the difference between the two. Is one better than the other?
Thanks,
Heme-ONC

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[Brewster]

Prelim positions are one year. They are intended for people who are pursuing training in another field starting PGY-2 (eg, anesthesia, ENT, ortho, etc).

Categorical positions are for the whole 5 year residency.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Originally posted by HEME-ONC
Categorical positions Vs. Preliminary positions in surgery:

What's the difference between the two. Is one better than the other?
Thanks,
Heme-ONC

Depends on your goals. If your goal is to do a General Surgical residency or Gen Surg sub-spec fellowship, then yes...the Categorical position is better than a Prelim. This is not to say that Prelim positions are not a route into a full Gen Surg residency, but they are certainly not the best or most desirable route.

If your goal is to do a surgical subspecialty such as ENT, Uro, etc. then you are generally required to do a Prelim Gen Surg year before going onto your subspecialty.