Are you finding the information you want about pmr residency programs?

[kstarm]

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I am curious if MS 3/4/pmr residency applicants are finding all the answers they are looking for about pmr programs through Freida and/or program websites, and if not what information are you still looking for?

Thanks for any insights!

 

[melancholy]

I remember there used to be websites that people could input what sort of interview questions were asked at different programs.. does this still exist? Additionally, there used to be scutwork.com reviews, but that was highly dependent on updated reviews and having well-rounded opinions on programs.

 

[Taus]

I am curious if MS 3/4/pmr residency applicants are finding all the answers they are looking for about is pmr programs through Freida and/or program websites, and if not what information are you still looking for?

Thanks for any insights!

I really don't think that the questions applicants really want to know about programs can be answered through Freida or even individual programs websites. Number of residents, salary, vacation time, call schedule, rotation schedule, research requirements, included protected lecture time, etc... easy to find and not really that helpful when making a decision about a program (at least to me). Most of the real info can only be found by spending time at programs, talking to candid residents and reading the occasional legit online review IMHO

Maybe I'm off base here... but I'm talking about:
-personality of the program.. ie will I fit in and flourish in that type of environment
-overall focus on learning vs residents just being workhorses
-actual amount of quality, hands-on procedural training (joint injections, EMG's, spine injections, ultrasound, botox/phenol/etoh for spasticity, etc)
-the general quality of the graduating residents
-help with and ease of obtaining jobs and fellowships of choice
-getting quality and balanced training in all areas of PM&R, not just a few

I could probably think of more along these lines... but I hope you get the point



Anyway, the feedback section on sdn is actually a pretty decent resource and has more up to date info than scutwork:
http://studentdoctor.net/schools/programs?prof=1&spec=physical

 

[kstarm]

I really don't think that the questions applicants really want to know about programs can be answered through Freida or even individual programs websites. Number of residents, salary, vacation time, call schedule, rotation schedule, research requirements, included protected lecture time, etc... easy to find and not really that helpful when making a decision about a program (at least to me). Most of the real info can only be found by spending time at programs, talking to candid residents and reading the occasional legit online review IMHO

Maybe I'm off base here... but I'm talking about:
-personality of the program.. ie will I fit in and flourish in that type of environment
-overall focus on learning vs residents just being workhorses
-actual amount of quality, hands-on procedural training (joint injections, EMG's, spine injections, ultrasound, botox/phenol/etoh for spasticity, etc)
-the general quality of the graduating residents
-help with and ease of obtaining jobs and fellowships of choice
-getting quality and balanced training in all areas of PM&R, not just a few

I could probably think of more along these lines... but I hope you get the point



Anyway, the feedback section on sdn is actually a pretty decent resource and has more up to date info than scutwork:
http://studentdoctor.net/schools/programs?prof=1&spec=physical

Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it, and wouldn't mind hearing more of your thoughts or anyone else's for that matter. I see Andy Dufrane posted similar something similar as well. I don't think you are off base at all. When I have these discussions with medical students I often get feedback that departmental websites are frequently outdated, and that Frieda doesn't really provide that much useful information (eg no one is choosing program A over B because of free parking). I have been curious if this is more universal than the few students I have talked with.

I personally feel that "how well do I fit in here" is one of the most important questions to answer. I was fortunate enough to rotate at my program before applying, but I know a lot of people will be interviewing at places they haven't rotated at. What are some good ways, or specific questions an interviewee can ask to help figure this out (not directed specifically at Taus but more to everyone)?

On the flip side, as a resident, I will be interviewing some of the applicants this year. What is a good way to determine if they would be a good fit for the program? I understand how much this would vary from program to program, but I imagine there are some general things that might make a difference. Thanks again for any feedback.

 

[melancholy]

On the flip side, as a resident, I will be interviewing some of the applicants this year. What is a good way to determine if they would be a good fit for the program? I understand how much this would vary from program to program, but I imagine there are some general things that might make a difference. Thanks again for any feedback.

If you have more a more casual time or setting to hang out and chat with applicants that is helpful to get some sort of feel. Ask what things they like to do, hobbies, what stresses them out, how do they deal with stress, what kind of environment they like, any geographical preferences (family, friends, support network nearby, etc.) I feel both sides benefit from being honest about this sort of stuff.