reputation of program vs location of program, job placement in saturated markets

[tensunit]

any thoughts on whether it will be more important to come from a big brand institution, i.e. Hopkins, MGH, CCF etc versus being fellowship trained locally to where you want to work? (UCSD, Virginia Mason, OHSU, Loyola..)

geographically, I mean saturated markets like southern california, seattle, portland, chicago, austin, etc


thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[SSdoc33]

any thoughts on whether it will be more important to come from a big brand institution, i.e. Hopkins, MGH, CCF etc versus being fellowship trained locally to where you want to work? (UCSD, Virginia Mason, OHSU, Loyola..)

geographically, I mean saturated markets like southern california, seattle, portland, chicago, austin, etc


thanks

Nobody cares where you trained

 

[PinchandBurn]

Nobody cares where you trained

This is sooo far from the truth.

If you are looking to be in a tight market. AND the bigger name counts. The reason is tht practice is going to want to market you.

 

[101N]

This is sooo far from the truth.

If you are looking to be in a tight market. AND the bigger name counts. The reason is tht practice is going to want to market you.

Not. Big names tend to matter most to those who paid for them. Board certified and
Fellowship trained are what matter on paper, the rest is who you are.

 

[EtherBunny]

If you want to live in a particular area of the country, especially if you have your eyes on a highly desirable/saturated market, you should train as close as possible to that area. Although it's true that prestigious fellowships will open doors for you in tight markets, it's tough to beat the connections that programs can have with local practices.

The bottom line: train where you want to live permanently. If you can't do that, then shoot for the most prestigious program you can.

Just my $0.02 based on conversations with attendings, fellows, and residents at my program.

 

[Ducttape]

The bottom line: train where you want to live permanently. If you can't do that, then shoot for the most prestigious program you can.

Just my $0.02 based on conversations with attendings, fellows, and residents at my program.

actually, i would not decide on fellowship based on someone's perception of prestige of program, unless you plan on going into academia.

much better - train at where you feel comfortable, and where you feel you fit in and will excel at. you will learn much better at a program of that caliber, compared to trying to be in an academic prestigious institution that doesnt fit your personality.

it is only one year, but a miserable year of fellowship can be a bad learning experience.

 

[Jcm800]

If you want to live in a particular area of the country, especially if you have your eyes on a highly desirable/saturated market, you should train as close as possible to that area. Although it's true that prestigious fellowships will open doors for you in tight markets, it's tough to beat the connections that programs can have with local practices.

The bottom line: train where you want to live permanently. If you can't do that, then shoot for the most prestigious program you can.

Just my $0.02 based on conversations with attendings, fellows, and residents at my program.

this is dead on. If you think you want to stay in an area, do your fellowship there, ideally at the "best" fellowship in the area, get to know the lay of the land. It is invaluable. Whether you trained at harvard, or the university of illinois, you will be almost as valuable when you come out. very few places care that you trained at an average or above average program versus a "big name" where the training is probably a lot worse anyway...

 

[emd123]

Training at a "big name academic place" matters a lot, if you want to practice academics at a big name academic place. At most jobs, which are private practice anyways, it matters much less, if at all. It's two different worlds. I agree that location and "who you know" is more important as is just flat out quality training and working with quality people.

 

[nvrsumr]

I agree with staying close geographically to where you want to practice. I don't think a big name will land you a job over another candidate but it can help with marketing to the public. Mayo, Harvard, hopkins etc..

 

[SSdoc33]

This is sooo far from the truth.

If you are looking to be in a tight market. AND the bigger name counts. The reason is tht practice is going to want to market you.

'pinch sigh'

 

[W222]

Training at a "big name academic place" matters a lot, if you want to practice academics at a big name academic place. At most jobs, which are private practice anyways, it matters much less, if at all. It's two different worlds. I agree that location and "who you know" is more important as is just flat out quality training and working with quality people.

I don't know about this. From personal experience coming from a top program is very attractive to hospitals for marketing purposes and for private practices because they expect you to be well trained. That said, if you are trying to get into a tight market then go to a local program and make local contacts.

 

[hyperalgesia]

At this level, after fellowship training, it's not likely you will be compared side by side with a bunch of other qualified applicants. I've never seen it. There just aren't that many of us. That's why "prestige" is pretty much irrelevant. As a fellowship trained, BC pain specialist, you are ripe for exploitation.

I agree if you know for sure where you want to go, getting a job there as a fellow is a huge "IN". You can get to know all the right people, patients, get credentialled everywhere, etc, etc. All without a non-compete agreement. Which is why the fellowship areas are usually competetive, with other graduates swarming the area...