Another matching question: location vs program

[Seville]

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Sorry if this has been asked before. I couldn't find it when I searched.

How important do you think location of a program is versus say, strength of the program?

I have a program that is really awesome. The one big negative for me is the location. I absolutely hate where it is. Part of me thinks that it's not that important though since the program is so amazing. Then again, it's 3 years of your life and I hope to spend at least 10 minutes outside the hospital during that time.

On the other hand, I have a program I was not all that excited about but in a fantastic location, which is pretty much the opposite of the other conundrum.

What do you think is more important? I'm having a hard time figuring out how to rank those two places!

Thanks in advance!

 

[boo2]

I think it depends on your personality. I wanted to go to the best program I could get into- for me it was worth the sacrifice of a less desirable location(and truly you can have fun in any location with a cool group of colleagues), but thats my personality- I have always tried to get into the best place possible with my credentials, college, med school etc.

My number two was a place that socially rocked. So I figured if I matched at either number one or two I'd be happy.

You will get a great clinical training at practically any place and there are no doubt an abundance of jobs, but for me moving forward professionally I like having the strongest background possible. Truly a personal decision, just look back and have no regrets. Good luck!

 

[energy_girl]

I think it depends on your personality. I wanted to go to the best program I could get into- for me it was worth the sacrifice of a less desirable location(and truly you can have fun in any location with a cool group of colleagues), but thats my personality- I have always tried to get into the best place possible with my credentials, college, med school etc.

My number two was a place that socially rocked. So I figured if I matched at either number one or two I'd be happy.

You will get a great clinical training at practically any place and there are no doubt an abundance of jobs, but for me moving forward professionally I like having the strongest background possible. Truly a personal decision, just look back and have no regrets. Good luck!

I agree it's about personality & personal needs. You say you hate the location of the 1st program: do you have friends/family nearby? Residency is hard; I think most of us underestimate the importance of a support structure until we're in the midst of it. While you do want a program you are excited about, you should also be somewhat happy about the city, and the people in the city. I'm different from the previous poster; I'd probably go city over program..... but that's also a personality thing 🙂

 

[Seville]

I agree it's about personality & personal needs. You say you hate the location of the 1st program: do you have friends/family nearby? Residency is hard; I think most of us underestimate the importance of a support structure until we're in the midst of it. While you do want a program you are excited about, you should also be somewhat happy about the city, and the people in the city. I'm different from the previous poster; I'd probably go city over program..... but that's also a personality thing 🙂

No, it is the farthest program I interviewed. That's one of the reasons that it is worrying me, to be honest. Not because I won't know anyone there but because it is so far from my family. I almost didn't even apply there but I had heard the program was fantastic (it is) so did.

 

[HIJay]

my rankings came down to location, benefits/salary, program prestige in that order

 

[docB]

I had a really long winded reply but it made less and less sense as I went. Here's what I think: geography is important but being really excited about a program is really important too. Your residency years are years you plan of devoting to your training. Doing that in the program where you fit in the best can't be overstated. You can put up with a lot in a program you love and living somewhere great will be Hell if your work hours really suck (because there are a lot of them). I'd lean toward the exciting program unless there is some really critical issue pulling you the other way (eg. have to be near family for babysitting).

 

[diamondbum]

This is a tough call, and I agree with the above posters that it is very dependent on your personality. I grew up in Ca, and went to med school there, but ended up in what many would consider a "less desireable location" for residency because I loved the program. I have taken a job, and am moving back to Ca, but have enjoyed my less desireable location, and am thrilled with the training I got. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[J ROD]

location, location, location....🙂

 

[NEATOMD]

This might sound cliche but someone told it to me and I found it largely true:
The only climate that matters when you're considering where to go to residency is 72 and florescent.

In other words: It doesn't matter where you go, most of your waking time will be spend in the hospital or in your own home studying. For the rest of the time, you can find something to do about anywhere. Personally, considering how depressing some hospitals can be, I'd put more consideration into the climate at the hospital.