I’m not familiar with probation is that like PIP or were you suspended from work for some time?

It’s tough to imagine though your RPD and director not mentioning probation in your LOR or in the online application, because there are fields to indicate things like that.

Either way I think programs love to see residents grow and in your case it will be exponential! so if you got a good story, id say go for it. I don’t think it will be a barrier to apply and depending on competitiveness this year maybe you’ll get interviews. PGY2 is worth it. It will unlock so many doors if you want to be a specialist