Taking A Year Out For A Masters

[Edict]

Would it be possible to take a year out for a 1 year masters during residency? Would this be allowed and is it normally done? Lastly, would this hurt your chances of matching in a sub-specialty?
 

Thanks,

[A-Stark]

This is a pretty common thing to do, especially in a lot of surgery programs. Generally speaking people do it to improve their chances of getting a desired fellowship. 

 

In any case, clinician scientist programs exist in many specialties around the country. So, certainly doable - if you want to. 

 

At my centre it's possible for residents to pursue masters, certificate, and diploma programs on a part-time basis without taking off a whole year. 

[dh79]

It probably depends on the specialty, but in surgical specialties this happens frequently. It can improve job and fellowship prospects.

 

In cardiac surgery we have 1 year academic time built in to the residency. A masters is very common, almost expected. Extending it to do a phd is also common. Its a great time to do extra education because you are getting paid residency salary and it helps job prospects.