Student Doctor Network Forums - View Single Post - The case for training at an "elite" institution

Member 52131 · 03-22-2012, 09:57 AM

I once thought bigger, badder best rep medicine was the way to go...

After being in practice now for quite awhile, Im waiting to see ANY difference whatsoever graduating from UCSF, Harvard-Brigham, Hopkins, Washington, Stanford or UCLA etc makes.

I have not seen it for any of the graduates once you fast forward 5+ years out of training. Yeah some of the better known programs have more research types that....well, go into research, but for everyone else my anecdotal evidence suggests you should focus on social skills and just pick a training location in an area you would be happy living near...

Social skills, ability to perceive and capitalize on business opportunity and flexibility appear to be the prime determiners of success and happiness once residents and fellows leave training and these characteristics seem to be independant of where people trained.

In terms of getting exposure to quality teaching cases, almost any med center can provide that. Ive found that even at the "best" programs many residents now are lazy and dont learn what they need to be competent day 1 after they leave. Their first job with independance seems to be where they grow the most.

03-22-2012, 09:57 AM	#14
Member 52131 híppos khlōrós Status: Attending Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,464	I once thought bigger, badder best rep medicine was the way to go... After being in practice now for quite awhile, Im waiting to see ANY difference whatsoever graduating from UCSF, Harvard-Brigham, Hopkins, Washington, Stanford or UCLA etc makes. I have not seen it for any of the graduates once you fast forward 5+ years out of training. Yeah some of the better known programs have more research types that....well, go into research, but for everyone else my anecdotal evidence suggests you should focus on social skills and just pick a training location in an area you would be happy living near... Social skills, ability to perceive and capitalize on business opportunity and flexibility appear to be the prime determiners of success and happiness once residents and fellows leave training and these characteristics seem to be independant of where people trained. In terms of getting exposure to quality teaching cases, almost any med center can provide that. Ive found that even at the "best" programs many residents now are lazy and dont learn what they need to be competent day 1 after they leave. Their first job with independance seems to be where they grow the most. __________________ When are all the docs and premeds who voted for Nancy Pelosi and Obama getting their 30 pieces of silver in the mail?? Or has it arrived already?