Advantages/Disadvantages of Going to a New Program

[HopefulDoc1984]

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I was wondering if it is wise to attend a brand new program or should you go with an established residency.

Do new programs bring in 2nd, 3rd, 4th year residents..... to fill the program when it first starts or does the program build up each year beginning with interns?

It seems that the interns learn a lot from the upper level residents at most programs so wouldn't it be a huge disadvantage not to have their guidance? Or would it be more beneficial because you get more time to learn from the attendings? The new program I am interested in is a surgical subspecialty so would you get more OR experience?

 

[Instatewaiter]

I'd think that it would be better to go to a program that has the kinks worked out. Of course, with the new work hour rules next year, it may not be a bad idea to go to a program that can start from scratch

 

[hippiedoc13]

Often new programs will start by taking both PGY-1s and PGY-2s during their first year in existence. I don't think I've ever heard of them taking anyone more advanced than that (which is not to say it doesn't happen, I've just never heard of it).

As I recently posted on another thread, I would think long and hard (and then think again) before choosing to go to a brand-new program. Any new program will have a LOT of kinks to work out. And it won't be just the first year--if you are in the first class, then you will always be their "first" all the way through. And you correctly point out, you won't have senior residents, who usually add a lot to your learning & supervision. At least for me, when faced with a similar choice (being in the 2nd recruiting class for a program), I ranked several well-established programs at very good institutions over the brand-new program at a stellar institution.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Of course, you could look at it the other way: A new program is unlikely to have much scut in it, as the faculty are already used to doing all of the work. FAculty at a new program are likely highly energized to do well, as they know that new programs are monitored more closely by the RRC. And, a new program is likely to be very open to resident input for change.