Allergy/Immunology aplication thread

[Cknight]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm quite certain this thread will die with my post, but hey, it's worth trying. I literally don't know anyone else applying this year besides me, it would be nice to know how the process is going for everyone else. Got 5 ivs so far and a pseudorejection from Penn (their program lost their funding for a 2010 spot).

 

[Mjj288]

Good luck CKnight. I've gotten a comfortable number of interviews and have visited many airports over the last two months. Hope things work out for you.

 

[cdql]

I was curious as to the competitive arena of allergy/immunology. Is this still the case?

In looking around, it seems like the salary isn't as competitive as cards/GI but it's often mentioned in the same breath in terms of competition. Any ideas why? Thx

 

[Cknight]

Good luck CKnight. I've gotten a comfortable number of interviews and have visited many airports over the last two months. Hope things work out for you.

Thanks bro, good luck to you too.

As for the competitiveness factor, I can only speak from the marginal experience I've had running around for the past 2 months. It seems to be a pretty closed circuit of applicants, as I've run into a couple of repeat interviewees along the road. Some programs are downsizing, I haven't found a single place which has actually increased the number of slots. The thing that makes it tough is exactly that there are around 100 applications per program (with 1 or 2 positions each), and the ratio is around 8-12 candidates interviewed per spot. Now, if statistics mean anything, last year there were about 180 applicants for 120 spots. I have heard from several programs that the applicant pool has been essentially cut in half this year (which bodes much better for me), which in a way may signify that a considerable number of programs may go unfilled (as far-fetched as it seems)... the opinion of the fellows about why this is regards the nebulous future of the field, I know that finding a place to work in a big city is already an issue, as few places are recruiting. I can't really comment on the salary too much, it's not something I have a great deal of knowledge about... but I haven't met any starving allergists yet. I have a feeling the average is around 200-250K.

 

[cdql]

why is the future of the field nebulous? other docs encroaching?

 

[Immune]

Any feedback on this program. They have 2009 position open.
Thanks.

 

[dazed1980]

Sorry to hijack this thread but i need your brilliant minds. I am doing an assignment on gene therapy in SCID patients. After all my research i can see its potential but it is still not a perfected technology. my question is would you recommend it to your patients or not?

 

[AIfellow]

People have tried using gene therapy for SCID. Last one to be used was for X-linked SCID which is caused by a mutation in the IL-2 common gamma chain receptor. Unfortunately, the patients who received the gene replacement therapy developed T-cell lymphoma or leukemia. As of today, bone marrow transplant is the treatment of choice for SCID. (One caveat is for ADA deficiency SCID for which they have tried gene replacement therapy with some success).

 

[nomer24]

Quick question for fellows who may be on SDN...

how would i go about researching the southern california programs for competitiveness/quality of program?

thanks!

 

[nomer24]

Would fellows please describe what their typical day is like?

What type of patients do you see?

 

[cappymo]

bump

 

[cappymo]

.

 

[coldflare]

bump