Boston IM Residencies

This is mostly a bump for your post. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
I am also interested in these programs and would like to know more info. From the research that I have done on scutwork.com and AMSA's site these are the impressions that I've gotten:
Tufts and BU are very rigorous programs where you may learn a lot but would also work a lot. St. Elizabeth may require you to do more scut work, but is less rigorous in terms of hours. Lahey has all the subspecialties and looks like a very good compromise. St. E has Cardio and Tufts fellows rotate in. Cambridge is very primary care and the hospital is small. Harvard programs are, well, Harvard programs. They take the cream of the crop and teach/torture them. They can afford to do whatever they want to do and still get THOUSANDS of applicants. Also, don't forget about Mt. Auburn in Cambridge. It is affiliated with Harvard, and pretty much that is its only claim to fame. Lahey I think is affiliated with Tufts. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.
Dani

 

Bumping this too. I'm only an incoming first-year, but I think it's likely that I'd want to do IM (yes, I know I might change my mind!) and would probably like to apply in Boston. I figure the majority of the programs are competitive even if they're not Harvard affiliated, so any advice on how to be a strong candidate would be helpful. Thanks!

 

BU's program has been described as "malignant" by some. Others see it as good experience. Good spectrum of pathology largely due to the fact that Boston Med Ctr treats people with "free care" insurance -- a state funded insurance provided to any and all persons. Drawback is that 1/4 of pts on the wards are homeless alcoholics with DTs. Moreover, although there is an IV team, interns and residents end up doing a lot of "scutwork." Again, some call this malignant while others call it good experience.

BI - Hospital not in reportedly good financial standing. However, it is Harvard affiliated. BU's teaching and experience is likely better, but Harvard name plus better ancillary services are pro's to consider.

BW - 2nd best in Boston only to MGH. Harvard affiliate.

MGH - Best of the best. Hah-vahd.

 

MGH best? Ha! The Brigham beats them hands down for one reason... the people there absolutely rock. I didn't meet a single person who picked MGH over the Brigham. BWH is pioneering a better environment for residents, while MGH still thinks its reputation can make up for brutality. The word on the street (at least amongst the residents in Boston and amongst the interviewees last year) is that the Brigham has taken over the #1 spot.

BI also cool but most people are scared, rightfully or not, by the finances.