Switching to Ortho before Match Application
Looking for advice on what to do if I want to switch into ortho this late in the game (ERAS due in one month). What are my options? Should i seek out a research year or do a surgical prelim year? Is it even possible to get Sub Is at this point? Is it worth it this late in the game (ie. will i be burnt out from taking year off, applying, and not matching?)
See story below if interested
Was concerned about lifestyle at one point but i think it was more so fear of residency but now realize that every residency will be tough and actually met residents who were very happy ( i think i was just scared from reddit) Moreover, if you are passionate about something, time moves a lot quicker. Later reflected that even tho i was tired watching surgeries all day from the side, not doing anything while still waking up early, i felt fulfilled leaving and less burnt out then when i was on rotations looking at computer all day. I actually didnt mind having to be in the OR on the side watching and i think it was frustration from not getting to participate.
I am a hard worker and willing to take a year off but dont know where to start. Was originally planning on applying IM-sub spec but for some reason I miss being in the OR and all the pathology with regards to ortho. I love working with my hands and dont know that the IM sub spec will scratch the same itch.
I did 2 ortho electives during third year and thought i didnt like it but in reality i think i didnt like being a med student. Looking back its not that i didnt like the OR but i wanted to be involved and have responsibility as opposed to just watch in the corner. Arthroscopy on the screen can look boring but much different when you are actually doing it. Ortho and surgery (did it before my gen surg core) was new to me and i thought because it was foreign that i wouldnt be good at it but now that ive went through everything i dont feel as excited for something like IM. Even during my EM rotation, i loved doing the lac repair and did not find the same satisfaction from intubating, central lines etc.
My app: DO, I have one ortho related first author, bottom quartile preclincal but HP/Honor all rotations and hoping boards will make up with high score. Its a uphill battle...
Want to know if i am a lost cause or not. Is it worth to pursue a year off right before I apply? Cant get the feeling out of my head that applying IM doesnt feel right. I heavily considered peds sub specialties but felt like it was gonna go down that path that i would much rather do peds ortho.
tldr; one month till eras app, ortho giving me a gut feeling to pursue, hard worker but not strong app rn but willing to take year off if theres an opportunity/pathway; want to know if its possible (ie not taking >2 years to match)