Boston programs

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Between MGH, B&W, BIDMC anybody care to share their opinions? Obviously, all three have strong reputations, but is 1 or are 2 considered stronger academic programs? Thanks for any advice.

 

[lurksalot]

You can't go wrong with any of the three programs- you will be an excellent diagnostic surgical pathologist coming out of all three.

If you have a specific interest- i.e., you are a MD/PhD and want to continue work in your field, I'd look at the different labs in each department and see what fits your needs the most.

If you already have an inkling what fellowships you may be interested in, you may want to look at the different ACGME spots at each institution and the attendings you'd be working with. Keep in mind both the dermpath and molecular genetics fellowships are combined Harvard programs, therefore, there isn't any "in-house" favoritism when applying from any of the three residency programs. Even the non-ACGME fellowships are worth considering and comparing- for example, if you know you have an interest in soft tissue, that's a no-brainer.

The volumes are relatively similar, as are the complexity of cases. MGH also receives all specimens from MEEI. BIDMC may have a slightly lower volume but tends to give their residents more time to preview. All three have subspecialty signout systems now.

 

[zao275]

You can't go wrong with any of the three programs- you will be an excellent diagnostic surgical pathologist coming out of all three.

If you have a specific interest- i.e., you are a MD/PhD and want to continue work in your field, I'd look at the different labs in each department and see what fits your needs the most.

If you already have an inkling what fellowships you may be interested in, you may want to look at the different ACGME spots at each institution and the attendings you'd be working with. Keep in mind both the dermpath and molecular genetics fellowships are combined Harvard programs, therefore, there isn't any "in-house" favoritism when applying from any of the three residency programs. Even the non-ACGME fellowships are worth considering and comparing- for example, if you know you have an interest in soft tissue, that's a no-brainer.

The volumes are relatively similar, as are the complexity of cases. MGH also receives all specimens from MEEI. BIDMC may have a slightly lower volume but tends to give their residents more time to preview. All three have subspecialty signout systems now.

Great advice, lurksalot. May I quote your comments (with link to this thread as reference) on each of the three program pages on the pathology wiki?

 

[lurksalot]

Sure, I have no problem with that.

 

[Notsmart]

Between MGH, B&W, BIDMC anybody care to share their opinions? Obviously, all three have strong reputations, but is 1 or are 2 considered stronger academic programs? Thanks for any advice.

I agree with Lurksalot, all are great programs. While they all may be sub specialized (I know MGH and BWH are, I can not confirm BI) there still is a significant style difference between them. From my understanding, MGH is completely sub-specialized doing weekly rotations in the sub-specialties on a 1-day rotation (signout, cut, and preview everyday) and BWH still has general surgical rotations with a 3-day rotation (in addition to specialty rotations). Also BWH sees all of the Danna Farber cases (which are mostly C/S cases). As far as research goes, all of the programs pretty much let you work with whoever you want, regardless of which program the researcher is affiliated with. Everyone bounces around a fair amount. The old stereotypes of clinically oriented residents went to MGH and research oriented residents went to BWH is no longer true. Both have really equalized, MGH has a lot of great research and BWH has/produces great anatomic pathologists.

I am not saying one is better than the other, but certainly worth exploring what you feel is more appropriate for yourself. Good Luck!

 

[caffeinegirl]

As an MGH grad, I can give you my opinion on the program...

Both the AP and CP portions are strong, and the department under the leadership of Dr. Louis has definitely strengthened academically. There are ample opportunities for both clinical and basic science research, if that's your inclination. We have NIH training grants and a "SP-LIT" program which combines residency with post-doc, and which I know has been quite successful. You can choose a lab anywhere under the Harvard umbrella.

As for the training, as I have said in the past, it is awesome. But definitely not for everybody...it's rigorous and fast-paced and the program attracts those who "learn by doing." Due to the high volume, you get exposed to lots of bread and butter and zebras (both in CP and AP) which is great. I learn by reading about a certain case and by experience, rather than reading chapters in a textbook...this program was perfect for my learning style.

The camaraderie between residents and between residents and faculty is great. This is a pretty informal program (can wear scrubs if you want, call many attendings by their first name) and has a great team attitude.

During your interviews, you'll get a feel for the culture and attitude of the department...choose one which suits both your personal and academic character, and you will do well 🙂

Check out their pretty comprehensive website:
http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/pathology/training/

 

[GeneDoctor]

Last year BIDMC started a new training module for residents in genomic & personalized medicine. You can read a lot about it on their web site www.GenomicMedicineInitiative.org

 

[Enkidu]

As We have NIH training grants and a "SP-LIT" program which combines residency with post-doc, and which I know has been quite successful. You can choose a lab anywhere under the Harvard umbrella.

This is a really interesting program. Does anyone know of other institutions that have something like this?