What to do post-PGY1...

[dumediat]

Well, I recently matched to a PGY1 residency program here in Akron, OH, and I've been trying to decide what I might like to do once the year is over. I've been thinking for years now that I'd like to specialize in cardiology, but I'm starting to question that. It doesn't seem that there are too many PGY2 programs for cardiology in my area (one in OH, one in KY), and I've heard that it's pretty difficult to find a job as a clinical specialist in cardiology. The other option that I'm weighing is just to find an internal medicine position after PGY1 and simply enjoy my cardio patients.

I was wondering, though, if anyone here could provide some insight into a few things. First, how competitive is the cardiology field right now, with respect to both PGY2 residency programs and jobs after PGY2. Also, does anyone know of any other options post-PGY1 besides PGY2 where I might be able to pseudo-specialize in cardio?

Thanks in advance for any advice/input!

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[MustLoveDrugs]

First of all, congratulations on matching! Relax and enjoy that accomplishment before you start developing a 10-year plan It's great that you know what your interests are already, but keep an open mind about the rest of the experiences you're bound to have at Akron. Just make sure that you get some cardiology experiences/rotations in before Midyear so you can make an informed decision about doing a PGY-2.

You may have heard that it's especially tough to get a cardiology residency, but keep in mind that it's not necessarily easy to get a residency in anything these days. Don't let the concern of not matching steer you away from trying. As you mentioned, a background in cardiology can be useful in other specialties as well - transplant, critical care, internal medicine, etc. - so an extra year of training in such a broad field can't be a bad thing. As for career opportunities, I'm sure if you look at indeed.com or usajobs.gov, you will find a host of positions available for specialists in that area of expertise. We just hired a cardiology pharmacist who had been recruited by several other hospitals simultaneously.

In terms of non-residency training options, I would consider a fellowship if you're looking for more research experience or simply want to try something new. Just because you do a residency doesn't mean you have to stay in clinical pharmacy, much the same way doing a fellowship doesn't limit you to a research position. In fact, many fellowships require (or at least prefer) residency training. Check out accp.com for their directory of residencies and fellowships - it's under the "careers" tab. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Congrats again... Enjoy your PGY-1 in sunny Ohio!

 

[dumediat]

Thanks for the congratulations!

I do intend to enjoy the upcoming year, but I had just been reflecting on my answers to "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" and thought I'd seek out some insight. I appreciate the info that you offered, and I'll be sure to look through those websites once I'm home from rotation today.

What's really nice is that Akron General just hired a new clinical specialist in cardiology, so I'll be sure to ask her about her recent experiences as well. That, and I'll be able to get some cardio/critial care rotations in before December. Not to mention that my research project is probably going to be cardio-related.

Thanks again for the info Must, and I'll welcome anything else that anyone here has to offer!

 

[ngmc11]

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy has a pgy2 in cardiology that is in candidate status right now with ASHP.