Boston University and the 6 year program

[IzzyMD09]

Part 1.

I am hesitant to post on this subject as I have seen the closure of the previous link.

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/derm/trainin...program/information-for-residency-applicants/

There is, I'm afraid, additional circumstances that many of the previous posters on the previous forums are either not aware of, or have not taken into consideration. I will try to remain professional and unbiased, but my opinion is based on one of experience having worked with the individual who is in charge of this program. He was my former chairman, and through a series of divisive and tyrannical maneuvers, has left in his wake a nearly crumbling residency program he had led prior for 10+ years.

This individual who is the program director, has a history of unprofessionalism, having been kicked out of his own residency, he constantly threatens and places residents on "fake" probations, and uses his unchecked ability to do so as a means to instill fear in compliance in his residents, because lets be honest, we are willing to put up with anything to graduate as dermatologists.

He was the former chairperson of a Northeast Residency program affiliated with BU, but was also the program director and president of the GME committee, enabling a monopoly on decision making, while simultaneously and dictatorially preventing any information about his shady behavior, professionalism and mistreatment of his colleagues and residents to leak out to the public, ACGME, or any other governing body. Near the end of the academic year of 2012, his NIH grant for stem cell research in wound repair was not renewed and in the midst of this failure, he utilized a previously negotiated assurance, that should the program he currently chaired, fail or run out of funding, that he and his research staff would be absorbed back into BU Derm, however, no guarantee was made for the residents occupying that program. This was a deal that the residents, and his colleagues, were not made aware of until after the transaction had taken place.

Fortunately, this program acquired a new, pro-active and education focused chair and continues to rebuild. However, when the attending I speak of was re-absorbed, he became an active leader in the training of BU Derm residents, much to their unbeknownst detriment.

This is a person that demands residents do research, but not any research, his research, and the establishment of this 3+3 program appears to be another way for him to circumvent repercussions from institutions like the ACGME or ABD to enforce this. We used to believe that forcing residents to fill out the annual ACGME survey to make the program look superb was the worst thing we had encountered, but this was not the case.

....to be continued.

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[IzzyMD09]

Part 2

There is no need for me to remark on the difficulty in obtaining a dermatology residency. If you search my history of posting, you can appreciate the trials I faced applying as an international medical graduate. The amount of difficulty I had to overcome allowed me to accept a position to whomever supplied one, no questions ask, but for those of you with options either now or in the future, I beg of you to heed my warnings.

I strongly encourage you to reach out to former residents, current residents, and former colleagues of the individual who is currently program director at this Derm Program at BU. Please take time to seek out people from either the Northeast Derm Residency Program and the South Florida Residency Program this individual was affiliated with prior. I suggest speaking to both residents and faculty who have worked with him in the past.

Earlier, I took the liberty to contact the ACGME about this troubling matter, given my experience, and the experience of several others with this individual. I was told that by offering a traditional three year derm residency with board eligibility, that the ACGME would be out of its jurisdiction in ruling on whether or not requiring a 3 year contract as a faculty member following residency is legal. That being said, the woman I spoke with strongly encouraged me to have lawyers investigate any and all contractual obligations given to those interested in pursuing this option, and I would mirror that sentiment to any of you considering this.

I write these posts not to discourage any and all from fulfilling your dreams to become dermatologists or academicians, but to inform you of things you may not know until it is too late. My experience of being harassed, abused verbally, and bullied by this individual, while watching him commit similar inappropriate and unprofessional act on my co-residents as well as faculty, created a divisive and trying residency program that I would not wish on anyone.

Boston University Dermatology is a great program, and a majority of the faculty are outstanding educators, additionally, Boston is a spectacular and fun city and I would not want to discourage anyone from considering this program. That being said, I will repeat, I encourage and strongly advise each of you to heed this warning.

I am posting this because I could not live with the guilt of letting those uninformed of becoming a part of this person's depravity for a full 6 years without knowing what they were getting into. As I mentioned, my goal is not to discourage, but to inform you all. We live in a time where speaking up is acceptable, and where there is a zero tolerance policy for bullying. I offer my inbox as an opportunity for any and all to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Izzy MD 09

 

[ratherbefishing]

You wait until right before match to tell us this?

 

[IzzyMD09]

The circumstances as to what you mention are unfortunate. However, I was only made aware of this fact yesterday while interviewing for a faculty position. I met an attending who, like myself and my co-residents, was bullied and treated horrendously, including but not limited to having his life's work, research, grants and intellectual property stolen by this now PD of BU. I did not sleep last night knowing that this new "curriculum" was really proposed and put up on their website. I haven't posted on SDN in a while but wanted to clear my conscience about this person and what he has done/continues to do to residents!

 

[qvc804]

To add to what @IzzyMD09 is saying, I actually interviewed with the current program director of BU's Derm program when he was still at his former residency program in Rhode Island, which technically fell under BU. Unless things have changed, all the derm residents at that program get the BU emblem on their diplomas. Out of all my derm research fellowship interviews, he was the most pompous and an all-around dingus. All the other faculty were very nice.

He had a Wound Healing fellowship there -- never advertised on the residency website or other websites, not even on the residency webpage, which also sucks when it came to giving any useful information about the program. If it tells you anything, the fellow was expected to carry a pager 24/7 to answer any and all calls from his wound patients and yes, you got many pages. The fellow told me it was a rough fellowship where you committed to 2 years but you were also guaranteed a derm spot at that program. This was a time when giving out-of-match spots was still allowed. You were pretty much his ***** for 2 years. I think this is a common way of thinking since he came from Miami which also has many research fellows who eventually make it into the program after years (more than 2) of research.

The program's PD now, came from BU, so I had thought it was more just a switch between the two than anything else.

 

[Slack3r]

What is it with derm and this kind of behavior? You really don't hear about this walking-on-eggshells, groveling type behavior in any other field that I'm aware of. What is it about derm that let's this type of stuff go on?

 

[PatsyStone]

What is it with derm and this kind of behavior? You really don't hear about this walking-on-eggshells, groveling type behavior in any other field that I'm aware of. What is it about derm that let's this type of stuff go on?

It's a small, desirable field. A lot of people want to match into derm, so it is a seller's market. If you complain or create a stink, there will be someone behind you who is more than willing to take your spot. Hell, look at some of the threads about DO derm: there are programs that don't even pay their residents. Why? Because programs can get away of it. Similarly, BU can get away with a 6 year commitment because there is no shortage of people who are willing to match into derm, no matter the cost

 

[qvc804]

What is it with derm and this kind of behavior? You really don't hear about this walking-on-eggshells, groveling type behavior in any other field that I'm aware of. What is it about derm that let's this type of stuff go on?

I'm speaking from the vantage point of someone who did derm, but also did a derm research fellowship beforehand, so take it for what it's worth, but it comes down to the reality that faculty in derm realize how very competitive it is. They know no one in their right mind will leave the field and you can be blackballed easily once you're in. You can be easily replaced as a resident by someone who will take your spot in a heartbeat. Some of them actively cultivate this sadistic behavior in their residents and expect them to not only do their residency duties but also their research initiatives. Derm has a lot of smart and intelligent residents, but also some of the most insecure people imaginable, because you're always made to feel by some presumptuous faculty that you're never good enough for them - even if you're busting you ass off for them.

All my other friends, when I was a fellow were shocked at the type of behavior Derm faculty are able to get away with when it comes to mistreating either fellows or residents.

 

[dermie1985]

I still think we're beyond an age where mistreatment is well tolerated in any field of medicine, dermatology included. Though, this is much more when you "make it" (i.e. are already in a residency program or are a board-certified dermatologist) rather than in some sort of pre-derm fellowship (which has much less oversight). In residency and academics, there are lots of layers of accountability (ACGME, institution-specific, etc.) so these things can get properly addressed should they arise.

BU's 6-year program backfired. Many great candidates I met on the trail told me they either didn't apply to BU or never filled out their (long) secondary application. A true "academic-focused" training program would be designed to prepare residents for academic faculty positions ANYWHERE in the U.S. This is exactly what programs like Harvard, UCSF, UPenn, etc. do. The "guaranteed" faculty position at BU but with a "binding" 3-year faculty commitment, really isn't an "advantage" to residents because (1) academic positions are not difficult to obtain in dermatology outside of the very top programs and (2) BU is not one of those programs. I think many applicant saw through the BS and it ended up being a big deterrent. In other words, instead of attracting students interested in academics it probably drew them away. Sure, BU will still fill all of its spots. But, I venture they could have received a higher-quality applicant and interviewee pool had they not started this program.

 

[Dermione Granger]

I have heard of some really horrid stories from other residents who did a fellowship under some big wigs-doing personal favors, ridiculous ways to recruit research subjects (looking for orphans, immigrants who don't know any English, going to unsafe areas in the cities u name it), buying lunches on a daily basis...and more. Unfortunately, no one would speak up because of how vulnerability they were as a fellow. All they wish for is to got pubs, and a big wig LOR, and match derm. It's a small world, and many people are worried about repercussions by speaking against derm faculty. I applaud Izzy for speaking up!!

 

[PatsyStone]

I still think we're beyond an age where mistreatment is well tolerated in any field of medicine, dermatology included. Though, this is much more when you "make it" (i.e. are already in a residency program or are a board-certified dermatologist) rather than in some sort of pre-derm fellowship (which has much less oversight). In residency and academics, there are lots of layers of accountability (ACGME, institution-specific, etc.) so these things can get properly addressed should they arise.

BU's 6-year program backfired. Many great candidates I met on the trail told me they either didn't apply to BU or never filled out their (long) secondary application. A true "academic-focused" training program would be designed to prepare residents for academic faculty positions ANYWHERE in the U.S. This is exactly what programs like Harvard, UCSF, UPenn, etc. do. The "guaranteed" faculty position at BU but with a "binding" 3-year faculty commitment, really isn't an "advantage" to residents because (1) academic positions are not difficult to obtain in dermatology outside of the very top programs and (2) BU is not one of those programs. I think many applicant saw through the BS and it ended up being a big deterrent. In other words, instead of attracting students interested in academics it probably drew them away. Sure, BU will still fill all of its spots. But, I venture they could have received a higher-quality applicant and interviewee pool had they not started this program.

Maybe you've had a different experience, but based on people I know and people I met on the interview trail, people who had a clinical research record and were interested in academics did not get a BU interview, but people who had essentially no research experience or promise of an academic career got interviews. Initially I thought this was odd, but now I think it was intentional

 

[IzzyMD09]

I am glad my message Has grown louder, I only wish I knew what I know now about this megalomaniacs ambition to inculcate an environment of indentured servitude onto unsuspecting applicants. He needs to be stopped from potentially terrorizing another generation of residents.... Enough is enough!

 

[IzzyMD09]

Maybe you've had a different experience, but based on people I know and people I met on the interview trail, people who had a clinical research record and were interested in academics did not get a BU interview, but people who had essentially no research experience or promise of an academic career got interviews. Initially I thought this was odd, but now I think it was intentional

It was clearly intentional, he is trying to take advantage of the facts many of you have mentioned above. He attempts to give people the hopes of being a dermatologist to people who would not normally have this opportunity in order to establish a feeling of that person owing him everything for the opportunity. Many have taken this opportunity and suffered for it. Mark my words, 6 years of his tyranny will make you regret everything. I could not be more serious when I say you do not want to put yourself in a situation where you owe or depend on this individual for anything!

 

[One Day MD]

If things are this bad, why doesn't someone report him to the chief medical officer at the institution he works at? I'm sure this can be done anonymously...

 

[IzzyMD09]

If things are this bad, why doesn't someone report him to the chief medical officer at the institution he works at? I'm sure this can be done anonymously...

There are numerous threads on this and multiple forums detailing the intimidation placed on residents when those kinds of actions are taken. Nothing is anonymous in Derm residencies where 7-8 is considered an extremely large class, and this individual has a nasty habit of retaliation!

 

[qvc804]

I still think we're beyond an age where mistreatment is well tolerated in any field of medicine, dermatology included. Though, this is much more when you "make it" (i.e. are already in a residency program or are a board-certified dermatologist) rather than in some sort of pre-derm fellowship (which has much less oversight). In residency and academics, there are lots of layers of accountability (ACGME, institution-specific, etc.) so these things can get properly addressed should they arise.

Mistreatment is very much tolerated in dermatology, where everyone is trying to climb up the academic ladder. Those are not layers of accounbility, but more layers of bureaucracy. None of those entities will put their neck out on the line for derm residents. The PD at BU will have the complete backing of his colleagues for this 6 year program guaranteed.

Research fellows do have the highest risk but derm residents can and are mistreated at certain programs.

 

[qvc804]

I am glad my message Has grown louder, I only wish I knew what I know now about this megalomaniacs ambition to inculcate an environment of indentured servitude onto unsuspecting applicants. He needs to be stopped from potentially terrorizing another generation of residents.... Enough is enough!

Makes sense when u think about it. If you're someone who gets in derm bc of him you owe your life to him. For his wound fellowship he paid way below PGY-2 salary like 20-30k, and didn't even cover health insurance. I guess he couldn't continue the fellowship at BU since they have the Skin Oncology fellowship - another useless fellowship.

Credit to you Izzy for bringing this out into the open.

 

[DermatoFIGHT]

Makes sense when u think about it. If you're someone who gets in derm bc of him you owe your life to him. For his wound fellowship he paid way below PGY-2 salary like 20-30k, and didn't even cover health insurance. I guess he couldn't continue the fellowship at BU since they have the Skin Oncology fellowship - another useless fellowship.

Credit to you Izzy for bringing this out into the open.

He sounds like a perfect fit for Osteopathic dermatology programs, especially the ones not paying their residents. Guy sounds like an total douchebag.

 

[Idealistik]

I certainly know a little bit about the law, and enough to comment about character assassination, which IzzyMD09 engaged in very unwisely and has now led to a number of hereto entries that are gossip, off the topic, and do not pass the bar of critical thinking. I have always held the view that this is a real problem with many people going into medicine. Many individuals simply forget about the critical thinking they once had in college. Very unfortunate and deplorable. Remember that you cannot always believe what you read, and for that matter from one individual with a possible agenda and who may be acting in collusion with another person in order to secure a job (read the last part of IzzyMD09 first document). You have to verify the document information, look things up, and avoid bias. We generally call that "discovery". I would advise others who may choose to post on this thread that what IzzyMD09 did may ultimately lead to legal action, unless this honorable network finally decides to take it down (as they already promised) and in response to legal threat. Consider this. If one is able to prove damage or if indeed there is damage, then character assassination may no longer be protected under the 1st Amendment of free speech cemented in the US Constitution. Records can be subpoenaed and identities disclosed. It's one thing to complain about the unfairness of a matching system, the miserable outcome of applications, and such similar problems. I empathize. I am of the opinion that those comments are acceptable and display a time-honered frustration with systems in general. It is, however, another matter to attack someone on a personal basis, without proof, and in a way that the said person can be identified. I am sure that most people and participants in this forum do not want to get involved in that situation and the complications that may follow should legal action eventually take place.
Anyway, I do like to analyze matters critically. Example, or call it "exhibit". Going back to the long history of IzzyMD09 on this network, it is obvious that he had a serious problem getting into dermatology. Apparently, many people do. It appears that he never secured an interview (after well over 100 attempts) until the person whose character he is viciously attacking offered him one and accepted him in the program. His dream became a reality and he is a dermatologist now with a very desirable expertise in one of the dermatology certifications. Now, I am personally not one who believes that gratitude is a duty. Experience shows that most people are not grateful; I believe that gratitude is a learned skill. In fact, my experience has always been that "no good deed goes unpunished". So, at the very least, we all should be considered innocent before proven guilty, and one should at least harbor doubt about the veracity of IzzyMD09 comments. Have a nice and evidence-based day.

 

[PatsyStone]

I certainly know a little bit about the law, and enough to comment about character assassination, which IzzyMD09 engaged in very unwisely and has now led to a number of hereto entries that are gossip, off the topic, and do not pass the bar of critical thinking. I have always held the view that this is a real problem with many people going into medicine. Many individuals simply forget about the critical thinking they once had in college. Very unfortunate and deplorable. Remember that you cannot always believe what you read, and for that matter from one individual with a possible agenda and who may be acting in collusion with another person in order to secure a job (read the last part of IzzyMD09 first document). You have to verify the document information, look things up, and avoid bias. We generally call that "discovery". I would advise others who may choose to post on this thread that what IzzyMD09 did may ultimately lead to legal action, unless this honorable network finally decides to take it down (as they already promised) and in response to legal threat. Consider this. If one is able to prove damage or if indeed there is damage, then character assassination may no longer be protected under the 1st Amendment of free speech cemented in the US Constitution. Records can be subpoenaed and identities disclosed. It's one thing to complain about the unfairness of a matching system, the miserable outcome of applications, and such similar problems. I empathize. I am of the opinion that those comments are acceptable and display a time-honered frustration with systems in general. It is, however, another matter to attack someone on a personal basis, without proof, and in a way that the said person can be identified. I am sure that most people and participants in this forum do not want to get involved in that situation and the complications that may follow should legal action eventually take place.
Anyway, I do like to analyze matters critically. Example, or call it "exhibit". Going back to the long history of IzzyMD09 on this network, it is obvious that he had a serious problem getting into dermatology. Apparently, many people do. It appears that he never secured an interview (after well over 100 attempts) until the person whose character he is viciously attacking offered him one and accepted him in the program. His dream became a reality and he is a dermatologist now with a very desirable expertise in one of the dermatology certifications. Now, I am personally not one who believes that gratitude is a duty. Experience shows that most people are not grateful; I believe that gratitude is a learned skill. In fact, my experience has always been that "no good deed goes unpunished". So, at the very least, we all should be considered innocent before proven guilty, and one should at least harbor doubt about the veracity of IzzyMD09 comments. Have a nice and evidence-based day.

Note the bolded text: this is why we should not trust anything you posted.

That being said, there have been multiple posters--besides the person who created this thread--who have raised concerns about one of the faculty members at BU. Furthermore, even before this thread, there have been several posts in the forum over the past year regarding the suspect motives of BU to create a 6-year residency program.

BTW, I do find your pompous rant about how "deplorable" it is that physicians lose their critical thinking skills to be quite humorous. You malign the OP for character assassination then you turn around and reciprocate.

 

[qvc804]

Threatening legal action? What are your damages exactly? Not getting the residents at the top of your rank list? You pretty much ensured that already by making it a 6 year program in the first place = 3 years of Derm residency + 3 years of academic indentured servitude. If your threatening nature is any indication of the faculty at Boston University, this is probably why your derm residents aren't staying as faculty at BU. SDN discusses different residency programs in specialties all the time. Much to your dismay that also includes faculty who educate residents. This is not the only active thread here that discusses faculty members by name.

This is why applicants really need to actively screen the personalities of the residency program administrative faculty they will be working with. A Chair(wo)man, PD, or Associate PD can really make your life a living hell for 3 years if you're not careful. If you are, in fact, in the administration of BU Derm, you really need to learn about the Streisand effect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect.

The Internet isn't just for you to recruit unsuspecting unmatched applicants for your Cutaneous Oncology fellowship with the hopes you may throw some crumbs and they can match at BU.

Now I know why the Tufts Derm program split with BU. Yikes.

 

[FutureDerm116]

It's funny, because I actually heard that the residents at BU Derm are super-happy. I also heard that many applicants who interviewed really loved the program and apparently ranked it very high. These are really good applicants with top-notch board scores from top-ten med schools with lots of pubs. I think the stability of a 6-year program and being in Boston had lots of appeal. They have a lot of new young faculty and it is a really exciting place these days. In fact, the most recent ranking of Dermatology Depts puts them at #13. http://www.brimr.org/NIH_Awards/2014/NIH_Awards_2014.htm
They apparently have a really dynamic new chair who has turned things around in an unbelievable way and it is clearly the better of the 2 campuses b/t BU and Tufts (I think they may be merging or something like that, anyway). And, of course, it's in Boston! Seems like that would be attractive to many dermies. Just saying...

 

[dermie1985]

It's funny, because I actually heard that the residents at BU Derm are super-happy. I also heard that many applicants who interviewed really loved the program and apparently ranked it very high. These are really good applicants with top-notch board scores from top-ten med schools with lots of pubs. I think the stability of a 6-year program and being in Boston had lots of appeal. They have a lot of new young faculty and it is a really exciting place these days. In fact, the most recent ranking of Dermatology Depts puts them at #13. http://www.brimr.org/NIH_Awards/2014/NIH_Awards_2014.htm
They apparently have a really dynamic new chair who has turned things around in an unbelievable way and it is clearly the better of the 2 campuses b/t BU and Tufts (I think they may be merging or something like that, anyway). And, of course, it's in Boston! Seems like that would be attractive to many dermies. Just saying...

NIH research funding and residency program quality are not always correlated.

Also if you're an applicant why is it that you only post about BU? This thread is really weird. I have a sense BU faculty are posting here.

 

[FutureDerm116]

Or maybe students, Einstein? I just don't like you guys trashing on my school. It also seems weird that someone who is already out of training feels the need to attack a faculty member he/she is no longer affiliated with in any way. I would really wonder about the motives of such an individual and the others that are trying to trash BU for trying something new. Seems like someone who is boarded in derm might have something better to do with his/her time than post on a med stud website. Like maybe actually PRACTICING dermatology? Most derms I know are working hard to bring in the $$$ not posting on med student websites. Just sayin...

 

[IzzyMD09]

I certainly know a little bit about the law, and enough to comment about character assassination, which IzzyMD09 engaged in very unwisely and has now led to a number of hereto entries that are gossip, off the topic, and do not pass the bar of critical thinking. I have always held the view that this is a real problem with many people going into medicine. Many individuals simply forget about the critical thinking they once had in college. Very unfortunate and deplorable. Remember that you cannot always believe what you read, and for that matter from one individual with a possible agenda and who may be acting in collusion with another person in order to secure a job (read the last part of IzzyMD09 first document). You have to verify the document information, look things up, and avoid bias. We generally call that "discovery". I would advise others who may choose to post on this thread that what IzzyMD09 did may ultimately lead to legal action, unless this honorable network finally decides to take it down (as they already promised) and in response to legal threat. Consider this. If one is able to prove damage or if indeed there is damage, then character assassination may no longer be protected under the 1st Amendment of free speech cemented in the US Constitution. Records can be subpoenaed and identities disclosed. It's one thing to complain about the unfairness of a matching system, the miserable outcome of applications, and such similar problems. I empathize. I am of the opinion that those comments are acceptable and display a time-honered frustration with systems in general. It is, however, another matter to attack someone on a personal basis, without proof, and in a way that the said person can be identified. I am sure that most people and participants in this forum do not want to get involved in that situation and the complications that may follow should legal action eventually take place.
Anyway, I do like to analyze matters critically. Example, or call it "exhibit". Going back to the long history of IzzyMD09 on this network, it is obvious that he had a serious problem getting into dermatology. Apparently, many people do. It appears that he never secured an interview (after well over 100 attempts) until the person whose character he is viciously attacking offered him one and accepted him in the program. His dream became a reality and he is a dermatologist now with a very desirable expertise in one of the dermatology certifications. Now, I am personally not one who believes that gratitude is a duty. Experience shows that most people are not grateful; I believe that gratitude is a learned skill. In fact, my experience has always been that "no good deed goes unpunished". So, at the very least, we all should be considered innocent before proven guilty, and one should at least harbor doubt about the veracity of IzzyMD09 comments. Have a nice and evidence-based day.

Things I commented on, happened to me and those I have worked with. semantically choosing to hone in on my criticisms of the individual I have, while ignoring the main point of my warning, is the farthest thing from critical thinking there is.

I have already admitted to the arduous journey i underwent to get a Derm spot, again no critical thinking there, (thank you for reposting my words, very critical thinking of you) unfortunately for a simple mind like yours that's clearly bathed in arrogance, respect is earned and not expected.

As an international medical grad, my application was thrown away by more than a 120 programs, this is true, but not because of my scores grades or abundant research but because I was an IMG, funny you want to bash me for it, despite the fact the one program that interviewed me and reviewed my application accepted me! Being the first IMG to match directly into Derm in 11 years according to the NRMP must really not be an accomplishment to you and that's fine I'm not here to impress you.

I was very thankful to match, and like most of those who have, this was the result of hard work and achievement as well as perseverance, not one faculty members decision. When interviewed I was ranked by 9 faculty and 7 residents, Clearly you are not aware of how these things work! Maybe spend less time analyzing and more time seeking a rational dose of common sense.

I have finished my residency and fellowship and could care less about BU Derm, residents currently there or you. As I stated several times, the purpose of the op was to rid myself of guilt for not honestly alerting potential residents of what they are getting into. I encouraged everyone to make their own decision, that's what adults do. If you have a problem with people using a forum as a forum, maybe you should troll elsewhere!

Idealistik = member since today = troll

 

[IzzyMD09]

Character revelation does not equal assassination, unless I am lying, which I am not, I have no vested interest in warning others. This, at best, was a selfish act to clear MY conscience.

 

[IzzyMD09]

Or maybe students, Einstein? I just don't like you guys trashing on my school. It also seems weird that someone who is already out of training feels the need to attack a faculty member he/she is no longer affiliated with in any way. I would really wonder about the motives of such an individual and the others that are trying to trash BU for trying something new. Seems like someone who is boarded in derm might have something better to do with his/her time than post on a med stud website. Like maybe actually PRACTICING dermatology? Most derms I know are working hard to bring in the $$$ not posting on med student websites. Just sayin...

Where in my posts have I trashed BU? I have pointed out the dangers of a curriculum under the thumb of a know bully! Stop trolling, your two cents contributes nothing to the discussion, if you aren't even going to read the posts, go elsewhere! Additionally, it's not a 6 year program, it's a 3 year residency followed by a binding term of 3 years of employment. If a program is truly a magnet for success, why does it need to enslave graduating residents? ( not my words but paraphrased from other posts in this forum)!

 

[qvc804]

Where in my posts have I trashed BU? I have pointed out the dangers of a curriculum under the thumb of a know bully! Stop trolling, your two cents contributes nothing to the discussion, if you aren't even going to read the posts, go elsewhere! Additionally, it's not a 6 year program, it's a 3 year residency followed by a binding term of 3 years of employment. If a program is truly a magnet for success, why does it need to enslave graduating residents? ( not my words but paraphrased from other posts in this forum)!

If u see Future116's posts, he/she also was the one who got the first thread on BU's derm program closed down by namecalling. He/She started his/her account at around the same time to defend the program and only posted on this one topic. It's either a BU student gunner trying to get in their good graces or a BU derm faculty member posting. Either way, despicable. Don't take the bait.

 

[asmallchild]

Let's keep it professional. Users have the right to both criticize and defend their program / PD but this can and should be done courteously.

Veiled threats and personal attacks are unacceptable...

 

[IzzyMD09]

Let's keep it professional. Users have the right to both criticize and defend their program / PD but this can and should be done courteously.

Veiled threats and personal attacks are unacceptable...

Thank you asmallchild, for reiterating that SDN has zero tolerance for cyber bullying, ambiguous or not!

P.s. Longdong is an asst mod now... What's the world coming too ! Congrats to him, he has always been a source of good advice and comedy!!

 

[ratherbefishing]

When I interviewed at BU, the 3+3 didn't seem like an absolute binding agreement. I don't think they have the faculty spots for that many grads. Like was mentioned before, there is a new chair who brings lots of energy and cool new faculty. PD aside, there was a lot to like about the place.

 

[dermie1985]

When I interviewed at BU, the 3+3 didn't seem like an absolute binding agreement. I don't think they have the faculty spots for that many grads. Like was mentioned before, there is a new chair who brings lots of energy and cool new faculty. PD aside, there was a lot to like about the place.

That makes even less sense to me. Why would you make a 3 + 3 program where you require residents to make a commitment to the program, but you don't even make a real commitment to the residents? I just feel like this was a poorly conceived idea that doesn't make any sense.

 

[IzzyMD09]

When I interviewed at BU, the 3+3 didn't seem like an absolute binding agreement. I don't think they have the faculty spots for that many grads. Like was mentioned before, there is a new chair who brings lots of energy and cool new faculty. PD aside, there was a lot to like about the place.

It's a great hospital with a diverse population and a great diversity of interesting pathology , plus Boston is an amazing place to live! There is no denying this, I can vouch positively for all aspects of the program aside from the PD and his intention of the three + three! I hope it's not binding.

 

[Dermione Granger]

Or maybe students, Einstein? I just don't like you guys trashing on my school. It also seems weird that someone who is already out of training feels the need to attack a faculty member he/she is no longer affiliated with in any way. I would really wonder about the motives of such an individual and the others that are trying to trash BU for trying something new. Seems like someone who is boarded in derm might have something better to do with his/her time than post on a med stud website. Like maybe actually PRACTICING dermatology? Most derms I know are working hard to bring in the $$$ not posting on med student websites. Just sayin...

Actually a lot of attendings and residents still go on sdn frequently. This is going on across specialties. There is a good number of IM/Path/Psych PDs and even school/program admins who have written very insightful posts, tips and responses regarding the match and SOAP or residency. Some do it anonymously and some do it with their public signature. A lot of us can agree that these individuals have provided valuable advice to med students and residents. Furthermore this board is technically a physician/resident forum, and we talk about other things on life after match, including the boards, fellowship, job search, contract negotiation, reimbursement, life/work balance. Medical student posts are much welcomed because much of the time the topics posted here are best answered by those who went through the match process. Practicing dermatologists could still find time to post here and talk about things pertinent to our fields or give advice to med students. It doesn't mean they are not working hard though

 

[qvc804]

When I interviewed at BU, the 3+3 didn't seem like an absolute binding agreement. I don't think they have the faculty spots for that many grads. Like was mentioned before, there is a new chair who brings lots of energy and cool new faculty. PD aside, there was a lot to like about the place.

Are you talking about the relatively new chair - Dr. Alani? Realize the day to day residency stuff is handled by the PD, not the chair(wo)man at most programs. Your annual interview will also be with the PD who assesses your competence for promotion. A PD can truly make or break a program in terms of resident happiness.

The chair(wo)man is ultimately responsible for everything in the department - overall finances, research, etc.

 

[qvc804]

NIH research funding and residency program quality are not always correlated.

I would say in many instances, it is inversely correlated.

 

[DermatoFIGHT]

Appreciate the honest posts in this thread. Student doctor finally laying out everything!

 

[IzzyMD09]

Good Afternoon,

I am asking that my good friends asmallchild or LongDong, to shut down this thread. I believe the original message has been received by the intended audience.

It has become clear that the integrity SDN requests (albeit not requires) of anonymous posters has become compromised by two individuals who have posted on this thread masquerading as residents, applying medical students, or non-faculty members. These posts were created by the individuals in question, to defend the program and its new practice of an enforced 6 years. I would hope these posters would realize that the program was not attacked.

I drew attention to the shady practice of requiring or enforcing matriculating residents to sign a 3 year contract as faculty following the completion of the residency, with a focus on my experiences working with the PD, as well as a composite opinion of individuals both residents and faculty alike whom have also worked with the now BU PD. Others on this threat who have had similar experiences, have also expressed their opinions on the matter.

The overly familiar writing/speaking style of these posts, the numerous inside sources who have written, called and emailed me about this particular topic, and, well call it a "sneaking suspicion," has led me to believe what many of us have concluded all along;

FutureDerm116 is likely the chairperson of the BU Derm Program and Idealistik is like the BU Program Director/former PD of the other residency program/former Chairperson of the other residency program etc.

SDN is an open forum for residents, students, fellows, and faculty can freely express their professional opinions with out fear of retaliation from attendings, faculty, staff etc. Threats have already been made (which go against the principles of SDN) that are the equivalent of cyber-bullying and suppression of the freedom of speech.

Again, I think closing the forum at this time, along with alerting others posting to the nature of the aforementioned individuals and their attempts to infiltrate this website, is the best course of action.

 

[asmallchild]

Thread locked per OP's request