There's a lot of about GW that I didn't know when I ranked them. While interviewing, they made a big deal about charting being electronic (it's not), and being given new PDAs that you could synch up all over the hospital to update your patient's newest labs, etc. None of this is true. Yes they are in the process of implementing a paperless system, but as of 3mos into internship, there's no word of when its gonna happen. I can overlook the fact that they promised new PDAs to the new class, but I resented being told that we were the first class to not receive them, because they didn't think we'd use them. A PDA???? Who the F$ck doesn't use a PDA on medicine???
Of course I interviewed and read all I could about the program, but they conveniently forgot to mention that you will have 7-8 months of Q4 overnight call. I easily work 85-90 hours a week, have logged 126hours in the past 10 days and have not had a day off in >2 weeks. It's my own fault for not knowing this ahead of time, but I was led to believe that there were 6 months of call. They also imply that you get electives. But what isn't told is that it's one month, and you only get to choose between heme/onc, cards, pulm, gi, renal, and that's it.
I realize that I sound unhappy, but not really, just feeling a bit misled. But I think that the people after me should know. The redeeming aspect is that I have enjoyed most of the people I have worked with. But think carefully before you choose this program.

I'm currently a resident at GW and I know interns feel overwhelmed but what sweeper wrote about the program is not true. It's a great program with welcoming residents and attendings. Everyone is helpful and friendly.

Let's face it, intern year sucks everywhere :mad: . Yes, you don't get PDA's but you get 2 electives. One elective is clinic month which is easy and the other one can be a subspecialty or something different. The only rule is that you have to request the different elective. I don't think that is too much to ask for. Plus you have 7 ward months of which only two are q4 and the rest is q5 without overnight call. This was definitely not hidden from interns during our interviews. This has been a rule from when I started and everyone knew about it. Also during intern year you get extra time off in addition to your 4 wks of vacation in NF month. During that month you work 10 shifts the rest of the days are off.

Only one of the many rotations even had issues with going over 80 hours but that is being fixed and I have never heard of people not getting days off. As far as the paperless system, it is in the works and the hospital computer system is user friendly. Maybe SWEEPER was just angry and postcall when writing the posting, but if I had to choose a residency in DC it would be GW. The people are great and really try to work with you. I don't think you could ask for a more understanding program. :)

It seems that there are two different tales.... i think what sweeper is saying is that he was lied to...like the pda thingy i think would piss me off as well and the computer system...i think if these things were not promised then its ok but i think if residents are promised things and then just forgotten about than thats a lie....either way east coast is toooo cold for me...oh and sweeper did say that he likes the residents there, so maybe you guys are actually good friends...

GW definatly has a culture of inefficiency about it. The belief is: the longer you stay, the more dedicated a doc you are, so do your work as slowly as possible, and you can prove how dedicated you are to everyone else. Would you agree Sweeper?

Since Colonial has taken the unfortunate step of becoming argumentative, allow me to set the record straight. I still attest to everything I put in my last post. I never said that the people weren't friendly or helpful, but Colonial's last post states:

"Plus you have 7 ward months of which only two are q4 and the rest is q5 without overnight call. This was definitely not hidden from interns during our interviews."

This is absolutely FALSE. All interns in fact have 7 months of q4 call if not more. You are q4 in CCU, GW ICU, VA MICU, VA wards, and Fairfax wards. It is absolutely hidden from interviewees, because they only mention that your GW months are q5 w/ no overnight. However, you only do 2 months of GW wards. There is no way to argue fact Colonial, try as you might.

As for your reply Toxic, I can't comment on anyone else, I guess I'm just very fast...

While on the subject of GW IM residency.....I had a few questions for the current GW residents on here.........

I'm a US IMG (currently attending Ross University). I'm interested in IM and applying to GW.

I know GW is IMG friendly, but I want to know approximately how many Caribbean medical graduates are in the IM residency at GW.

Thanks

I'm currently a resident at GW and I know interns feel overwhelmed but what sweeper wrote about the program is not true. It's a great program with welcoming residents and attendings. Everyone is helpful and friendly.

Let's face it, intern year sucks everywhere :mad: . Yes, you don't get PDA's but you get 2 electives. One elective is clinic month which is easy and the other one can be a subspecialty or something different. The only rule is that you have to request the different elective. I don't think that is too much to ask for. Plus you have 7 ward months of which only two are q4 and the rest is q5 without overnight call. This was definitely not hidden from interns during our interviews. This has been a rule from when I started and everyone knew about it. Also during intern year you get extra time off in addition to your 4 wks of vacation in NF month. During that month you work 10 shifts the rest of the days are off.

Only one of the many rotations even had issues with going over 80 hours but that is being fixed and I have never heard of people not getting days off. As far as the paperless system, it is in the works and the hospital computer system is user friendly. Maybe SWEEPER was just angry and postcall when writing the posting, but if I had to choose a residency in DC it would be GW. The people are great and really try to work with you. I don't think you could ask for a more understanding program. :)


They lie...they simply falsify....
and when the get caught, they crucify.....
the person who turns on the light....
after being up q3/q4 forever in the night....;)