CA resident with two OOS options... interested in Derm or Ortho at this point
MCW Milwaukee
Pros
Cons
Chicago Med at RFU
Pros
Cons
Summary: At this point leaning towards MCW because of the research/networking opportunities necessary for matching into competitive specialties. Open to going where I will have the best chance to match back into CA or somewhere strong.
MCW Milwaukee
Pros
- Strong research availability
- Several large hospitals surround the campus for rotations etc.
- Home residency programs
- 9 students matched to ortho in 2023
- affordable COL + slightly cheaper than RFU
Cons
- Milwaukee not as directly appealing as Chicago and not planning on staying there for residency
- New fusion curriculum starts with our class (+ or -?)... haven't heard if attendance is mandatory
- Want to come back to Southern CA, and it doesn't seem like many students matched there
Chicago Med at RFU
Pros
- Chicago seems like a cool place to live with direct flights home... RFU is outside CHI but would likely live downtown for rotations
- Impressive match list that included several CA residencies plus Northwestern, UIC... more desirable to attend residency in CHI as well
- mostly non-mandatory recorded classes
Cons
- Have heard north Chicago is tough the first two years
- No home residency programs or main hospital .... research at Rush etc. necessary?
- Probable long commutes for rotations
- only two ortho matches last year (although at seemingly strong programs UCLA/CO Boulder)
- slightly more expensive
Summary: At this point leaning towards MCW because of the research/networking opportunities necessary for matching into competitive specialties. Open to going where I will have the best chance to match back into CA or somewhere strong.