GIM and IM

[Handsome88]

http://rcpsc.medical.org/residency/GIM_faq_e.pdf

 

Came across this and was really surprised. Not sure when this will happen, and if it will even be implemented.

 

Do you guys agree with this idea?

 

If it does happen, how would this effect the competitiveness of IM as a field? Wouldn't it make it less attractive that now it's becoming equal in length to GS? Sure you have an option of just doing the 4-yr IM, but I don't think anyone would want to be at a disadvantage when you can do 1 extra year for GIM and have a broader practice and have "higher expertise"

 

Also, by GIM now being able to "focus at least some of his/her office practice in one particular area", do you suspect this will make other subspecialties (Cards/GI) less or more competitive? Or no effect?

 

Will that affect the salary of a GIM?

[Lactic Folly]

There were concerns raised by residents, but as far as I know, it's going through.

[BlackJack]

I think we're going to see a situation similar to what happened to family medicine when it became its own specialty.

[Handsome88]

I think we're going to see a situation similar to what happened to family medicine when it became its own specialty.

 

I just don't get the reasoning behind it...In the US IM is 3 years and they're competent enough to work as internists!

[cheech10]

I just don't get the reasoning behind it...In the US IM is 3 years and they're competent enough to work as internists!

 

Agreed, and the 4 year track remains in place, so I don't know why anyone would opt for an extra year of training with no obvious benefit (except putting the word "General" in front of their specialty designation). In reality, internists in small communities are already doing conultations for the bread and butter work of most medical specialties, which is the stated raison d'etre for the GIM track. This will likely either die out due to lack of interest from residents, or maybe the academic centres will force their recruits into the 5 year program. I just don't see why anyone headed for a community spot will pick the 5 year program.

[Scholastica]

I think it's actually a win-win situation. My $0.02:

 

Right now, the government doesn't fund for the 5th year of training if you wish to use an extra year for research or training for a new skill ex. scope. With the new plan, should you wish to stay one more year to undergo research, sign up for extra training to create your own niche, then you will have the funding in place.

 

Or, if you wish to be a general internist after 4 years, you can still choose to do so.

[cheech10]

Generally, the 4th year is already extremely flexible at most centres in terms of accomodating your interests for niche training, given that you've already satisfied the R.C. requirements. Doing a 5th year will add little that you couldn't fit into 4th year, and costs a lot in terms of earning potential: $75K as a PGY-5 vs $250 to 350 K (or more) as a general internist.

[Scholastica]

That is true. However, if you wish to create your own unique niche as a GIM specialist at an academic centre (ex. GIM practicing in high risk obstetrics, focus on high profile research/clinical trials or medical education), it may be worth investing another year. And if you wish to pursue that, then the funding will be in place.

 

Either way, my understanding is that a 4-year GIM training will likely be enough to get a job anywhere in Canada, even in an academic centre since they are short of GIM docs.