Preliminary and Transitional Year Programs
Types of Programs:
- Categorical Program: Begins with a PGY-1 year and offers full residency training required for specialty board certification.
- Advanced Program: PGY-2 position, in specialty program and require completion of 1 year of preliminary training (the PGY1 year)
- Preliminary Program: PGY-1 position and offers 1 year of training prior to entry into advanced program. After a preliminary year, a resident may be able to be licensed but is not able to be board certified. Preliminary programs are offered by Internal Medicine and General Surgery. Of note, there are a select few Ob/Gyn preliminary programs which are standalone.
- Transitional Program: PGY-1 position that is 1 year of training similar to a “rotating” internship.
Do I need a preliminary or transitional program?
How do I know I need a preliminary or transitional program?
|
Specialty |
PGY-1 Needed |
|
Anesthesiology |
Some programs require PGY-1 |
|
Child Neurology |
Yes |
|
Dermatology |
Yes |
|
Emergency Medicine |
Some programs require PGY-1 |
|
Family Medicine |
No |
|
General Surgery |
No |
|
Internal Medicine |
No |
|
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics |
No |
|
Neurological Surgery |
No |
|
Neurology |
Yes |
|
Obstetrics & Gynecology |
No |
|
Ophthalmology (see below) |
Yes, but all ophthalmology programs provide a PGY-1 in either an integrated or a joint program format. |
|
Orthopaedic Surgery |
No |
|
Otolaryngology |
No |
|
Pathology |
No |
|
Pediatrics |
No |
|
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation |
Yes |
|
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery |
No |
|
Psychiatry |
No |
|
Radiation Oncology |
Yes |
|
Radiology |
Yes |
|
Urology |
No |
What type of preliminary program do I need for my specialty?
What type of preliminary program do I need for my specialty?
- You should review each specialty program’s preliminary requirements on their website.
- For example, not all specialties will accept a transitional year. Some may indicate a preference for Internal Medicine or General Surgery, for example.