Can any current MS4 comment on this year's impressive matches, in particular those matching into sub-surgical specialties. Looking at other schools that are higher up on the US totem pole, why is that Alpert fares just as well if not better in placing its seniors into reputable residency programs, the likes of Harvard, Hopkins, UPenn, and Stanford? It really has boggled my mind that Alpert consistently sends its graduates into renowned residencies despite its lower research ranking score. I would particularly appreciate it if you can address the following on the basis of preparing Brown (Alpert) students for the residency apps
1. Pre-clinical curriculum (Allow enough individual time for Step1)
2. Breadth and Depth of clinical training (Doctoring and year 3 rotations
3. Year 4 clerkships, electives, and away rotations
4. Scholarly Concentration
5. Faculty, advisor, and staff support (I really sensed a supportive vibe during my interview, which easily left me the impression that mentorship is an indisputable forte of Brown)
6. Alumni networking and extent of Brown's leadership at major residency programs. In other words are Brown graduates more favored by residency directors?
Other fellow Brown students and anyone else are welcome to chime in their thoughts.
Much thanks!
I matched into Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Mayo Clinic this year. I'll take a crack at your questions and hopefully try to answer them as thoroughly and accurately as possible.
1. Pre-Clinical Curriculum: MS-I, II are essentially the same at every single medical school across the country (including Brown). However, we allow a minimum of 6 (and more if needed) weeks for students to prepare. Some studnets have chosen to take Step 1 after 3rd year. This is an option if you so desire. One of my friends did this and matched at Mass General (Harvard). Others have done the standard 6 weeks and matched into equally reputable programs (myself included). The key to success is flexibility. We realize that each student is different and want to give them the best chance to succeed with their learning styles.
2. Clinical Curriculum: We have a fantastic clinical curriculum. I would put it up against any medical school in the country/world. Our students work hard, learn a lot, and get taught well. This shows in our away rotation evaluations as well as our match list. Our school size, Doctoring Course, and faculty's dedication to curriculum improvement all contribute to this clinical excellence. That being said, students will get what they put into their education (this goes at any med school). But the environment at Brown fosters success.
3. 4th Year: Remarkable flexibility....that is all I can say (research, independent studies, fellowship years etc....). You can mold your education to what you want it to be. This makes our students stand out during residency applications.
4. Scholarly Concentration: Frankly, in my opinion there is already so much flexibility to the curriculum I don't feel that SCs add that much to Brown. Other students in my class feel differently.
5. Staff Support: I dare say that we might have the most supportive faculty/administration anywhere. They really listen to us and care about our opinion in every aspect of our education.
6. Alumni Network: It is there and we are all well connected. We have regular networking occasions to help you network. If anyone ends up going to Brown...is interested in ENT....talk to Alex Morang and she will get you in touch with anyone who applied in the past 5-10 years (this goes for any specialty).
Hope this helps. This is a fantastic school and is only getting better. I don't know why the rankings are the way they are. But our match list (and our step scores) show how good we truly are.
) and both our experiences were great (if hard work) in that regard. 
