Update to Chicago Programs?

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Hello, just finishing my M3 year and will be applying to pathology in the upcoming application cycle. Looking to go to Chicago, and I have read tons of old threads comparing the programs. However, most of those were from 2010, and the opinions about Northwestern seem to be based on their matching difficulties from a 2008 thread.

It would be really helpful if anyone with information or an opinion on the programs could chime in. Particularly, would you avoid Northwestern (or any program that previously had trouble but in general has a good name)?

Thanks so much for your help!

Bump. Also interested in current info about Northwestern

I interviewed at Northwestern last year and absolutely loved it, would have ranked it number one but life circumstances did not allow me to be in Chicago. The program director was very nice and the residents all had wonderful things to say about her. She seemed very in-tune with their needs. The residents seemed like a happy, smart bunch who worked an appropriate amount of time. They are one of the few programs that does general signout still, though there was talk that they might move to subspecialty. I can't remember if they were 3 day turnaround, but I remember there was adequate previewing time. The department overall seemed very resident-oriented.

On top of that, the facilities are beautiful and you are in the heart of Chicago.

I am a current 4th year resident at Northwestern. Yes, we are on a 3 day cycle with a dedicated preview day, and have general signout (although breast and perinatal cases are signed out separately). Our program director is great. Please feel free to ask any other questions, either publically or via PM.

NW surgical pathology has been experiencing some changes. It will have a new surg path director promoted from within. Meanwhile, there is a new AP director (also in-house) after searching for an outside candidate did not result in a match. These new developments will most likely help stabling the department and strengthen its educational mission.

That being said, the University of Chicago program is worth the consideration, too. Perhaps a much better choice for training.