Applying to a interventional spine and pain program at same institution

[myrandom2003]

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Hey all... Just wondering if, in your opinion, it would be frowned upon to apply to a Interventional Spine Program and a Pain program at the same institution.

I would rather prefer the spine program as I would be able to continue to work on my msk and emg skills, but the institution is in an area where my family lives and want to increase my chances of getting home.

(Finally got my LORs... or so the secretary mailing them out, says)

 

[axm397]

depends on politics but generally probably not a good idea - fellowship directors talk and it may make you look like you don't know what you really want. Also, if they don't get along, that is not a good thing either. For example, when I interviewed at Penn Anesthesia fellowship, they asked me if I also applied to Slipman's fellowship - and when I said no - they were happy to tell me their opinion of that fellowship and Dr. Slipman.

 

[Disciple]

when I said no - they were happy to tell me their opinion of that fellowship and Dr. Slipman.

and that was...?

 

[DrGucciGal]

Well, I know someone who did just that at my current institution and got a spot. I guess it went over well because CLEARLY they acquired the spot, but they also interviewed with some of the same attendings since the pain fellows spend time within the spine department. The spine fellowship director interviewed me during my pain fellowship interview.

However, if you get asked during the interview, why are you applying to both...then you might want to get a better explanation. The only reason I say that is because the fellowships ARE different and I have been told that
residents who apply for pain fellowships (yet hope to get more "spine/msk") are greatly disappointed in the end.

 

[drusso]

and that was...?

Yes, please do tell...

 

[axm397]

not very complimentary

 

[SSdoc33]

just peachy that the biggest name in interventional physiatry -- the guy who literally wrote the book -- has such a stellar reputation. how many of the upenn anesthesia/pain guys can say they've done what he's done?

 

[Disciple]

Who knows whether it was because it was a competing interventional fellowship or they didn't like him personally.


Maybe both.


I had heard that the feelings went both ways.


If they say the same things about the person taking over the reigns of that fellowship, then you'll have your answer.