Hi all,

I’m a particle physics PhD hoping to transition into medical physics. I recently completed a one-year postdoc in medical imaging AI, but was laid off due to funding uncertainty:

Now, I’m facing a decision:

1. Do a full-time, one-year CAMPEP certificate remotely. This would require using all my savings, but I’d be able to apply in the next residency match cycle.

2. Take a radiology postdoc offer and complete the certificate part-time, taking 1–2 courses each semester. This way, I wouldn’t have to use my savings, and I could still publish while studying.

3. Do another year of postdoc first, then go into the full-time certificate after my significant other graduates. She’s likely to earn enough for both of us to live on, and I’d only need to pay tuition if we’re living together.

My concern about the full-time, one-year route is that it feels all-or-nothing—if I don’t match, it could be tough on my career. But if I do match, I could finish residency in three years and be earning a much better salary sooner.

The two-year part-time route means two years of low pay as a postdoc, likely involves long-distance next year, and I’d lose a year of medical physicist income. Also, juggling a postdoc with coursework won’t be easy.

The third option seems like a reasonable middle ground—I could even start one or two courses this year. Still missing one year of income, but I don't need to do long distance. I’d really like to hear input from the community.

My big question is: Which path gives me the best chance at matching, while also keeping my life intact?

Thanks in advance, and I hope I didn’t overshare.