Big Question!

[Medicine Match]

As an IM applicant, I'd like to complete a residency at U of C based on its Chicago location, but realize that UW, Hopkins, Duke & UMich have higher ranking in IM. Hopkins, Duke & UMich also have great cards.

How should I rank these, given that I'm pursuing cards? I have no publications/research experience. Deadline is Wednesday (2/21).

 

[Medicine Match]

Anyone??

Your thoughts regarding my competitiveness as a cardiology applicant coming from these internal medicine programs would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Shah_Patel_PT]

Anyone??

Your thoughts regarding my competitiveness as a cardiology applicant coming from these internal medicine programs would be greatly appreciated.

these cardio people are too cut throat...nobody gives any help for these sort of questions...i tried that too....

 

[BlueJayBill]

from what i hear from residents and match lists, etc. I think Hopkins & Duke will offer you the most opportunity. It probably helps doing residency in a place where the faculty & fellowship are outstanding. both these schools have heavy hitters, have residents who do research for them, and in the end have probably fantastic connections.

hope this helps,

bill.

 

[spyyder]

Go where you can shine, not stand in the shadows. Go where you will be happy, not miserable. Cards is hard, so don't pick a program based on what will get you into Cards. Go where you can prove that you deserve Cards. Chances are everyone in top a program is doing the same thing, so why put yourself up against the competition, when there are places where you can prove your worth without the needless gunning. Rank where you WANT to go, not where it will get you.

 

[west coasted]

I'm currently on the interview trail and can give you some insight. UofC is an excellent program, but certainly not a top tier program for IM. Their cardiology department is more basic science oriented and has about the same reputation as their IM department. To get into a top tier cardiology fellowship you likely need: a) chief residency at 2nd/3rd tier b) top tier IM c) MD/PhD d) total package at 2nd/3rd tier (good LOR, publications/research, high class rank, etc). If you go to Hopkins, Duke, etc., then it is far easier to match into any cardiology fellowship. Of course that is if you want a top tier spot, or excellent chances at 2nd/3rd tier. I'm sure applicants from UofC do extremely well, and you would have no problem matching at an excellent program. So far, on the trail I have seen applicants from Penn, Columbia, UTSW, UVA, Beth Israel, Duke, Yale, Brigham, BU, Cleveland Clinic, among others. As you can see there is quite a mix of programs. Ultimately, you need to go where you will do well, since a poor performance at any program will ruin your chances. Good luck.