Finally pegged my residency as IM. Wondering if anyone has any skinny on Chicago programs (Rush, Loyola, U of I, Northwestern, U of Chicago) as well as midwest programs (U of Minnesota, U of Wisconsin, U of Iowa, U of Michigan, CWRU, Wash U).

Thanx...it's been awhile since I've returned to the forums.
S.

You might consider some of the Michigan State programs (in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw).

All community-based programs with reasonable work conditions and solid faculty. Residents usually are able to have a life and stay on top of patient workload and reading, and fellowships are usually not a problem.

In Chicago, by reputation:

1. UC
2. NW
3. Rush
3. UIC

However, in terms of clinical training, I hear that the experience at UIC rivals or tops UC. NW is VERY private and I think in those settings the training is what you want it to be -- that is, what you make of it. UC has the name, but the training program is small (like 20 catergoricals a year maybe?) which doesn't bode well for the others if one or two get sick, take leave, etc. Rush is also private, but I think like NW you can get out of it what you want.

Michigan and Wash U are top 10 IM programs. Of the Chicago programs, only UC is (maybe) in the top 10, or has been recently. Clinical training at UM and Wash U are top notch, and the academic reputation goes along as well.

Iowa is also considered a top 15-20 IM program (maybe top 10 at some point) in terms of clinical training. I also think the academic reputation there is very well regarded in the appropriate circles.

In Wisconsin, MCW is another option beyond UW.

Northwestern is no longer private. In fact, it is now 100% ward based, with ward attendings, teaching rounds, etc. I just started my internship, but would be happy to answer any questions about the program.
K-

Aside from the four already mentioned in the Chicago area, are there any others that you'd recommend? University or community is ok. Any word on Christ, Illinois Masonic, Evanston-Northwestern, or Lutheran General? Thanks.

I didn't know NW had changed that dramatically. Is this the first year with a "new" system. No more firm system? So how does it work -- are there a large # of patients getting admitted to the hospital without their own private physician that get admitted to the ward service. Do you guys cross cover on the private physician's patients?

Claymore, I don't know much about the other private programs you mentioned. Evanston is supposed to still be very private and very cush -- lots of anesthesia, rads, ophtho, derm, etc do their medicine year there. I know Masonic and LG are supposed to be decent places to work with a good mix of patients, but not much else. Also, if you want to go on to fellowship, I'd look toward the university affiliated programs at a minimum.

While I'm not positive, I would think U of I would have programs in Rockford, Peoria, and U/C. I know they have medical school programs in each of these places.

reputation/rankings/prestige-wise:
(in order)
U Chicago
NW
Rush
Loyola/UIC

the chicago lingo:

u of c
NU

Originally posted by Claymore
Aside from the four already mentioned in the Chicago area, are there any others that you'd recommend? University or community is ok. Any word on Christ, Illinois Masonic, Evanston-Northwestern, or Lutheran General? Thanks.

I just finished a sub-i at Masonic, unfortunately I don't have much to compare it to. My M3 clerkship was at Cook County! Masonic is a nice (not quite 'cush') hospital in a great neighborhood. You live in Lincoln Park and are surrounded by lots of cool bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. A very safe area, with easy access to downtown by the El one block away. On wards you get 4 days off per month however you want to schedule them. You NEVER get a whole weekend off when on wards. From what I understand, interns do 7 months of wards, the rest is elective. Almost 100% of the residents are FMGs and DOs. A minority of FMGs are Americans, mostly from Caribbean schools. The computer systems work well, the nursing staff is acceptable, and sign outs are handled well. You sign out when you're done with your work, individually, to the on-call intern. Call rooms are decent, with comfortable beds, but you may want to bring your own pillow. There is a night-float system. The patient population is a mix of indigent service patients and working-middle class private patients. Academics are surprisingly good for a small hospital. They take morning report and lectures very seriously. Overall I had a great experience there.