Brown vs. Miami (INTERVIEWS ONLY)

[miamimama]

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Hello. Sorry I know this is usually for acceptances but I have been very fortunate to get interviews at both of these schools. Unfortunately, due to work I can only take off the time to attend one (I have tried everything possible but it really is an either/or situation). I have done some light searching around for pros/cons but really wanted to hear what others opinions were on these programs. I am interested in OB/GYN or maybe surgical. I know location is likely to come up, but my main priority is a matching at a top tier program. Thoughts?


School: Brown
Pros

• That match list though.. (even the thought at matching at Brigham for Ob makes me smile)
• Possibly more connected, more prestige for future in academics?

Cons

• Moving from NYC to Providence may be very difficult in terms of things to do
• It has a lower acceptance rate compared to Miami so in terms of sheer acceptance possibility this is probably less likely

School: Miami
Pros

• My family lives nearby
• Since I have previously lived there and worked at UMH/Jackson I have a lot of mentors already on the faculty and know the system well

Cons

• Went to Miami for undergrad so kind of a been there done that feeling towards the city
• Had some pretty bad experiences at Jackson and felt at times it could be toxic
• I don't speak Spanish so curious to know if that will hinder my learning in clinical years

Summary: Interview only. Want to match in OB/GYN. Do you pick the slightly more prestigious one in a small city or one close to home in a larger city but in a hospital system you didn't enjoy working at?

 

[Rachapkis]

Sixty percent of applicants do not get admitted. You may not get many chances yourself. If you truly want to become a doctor, you should advise your work that YOU WILL BE ATTENDING the interviews, but will try to schedule them at the most convenient time. It would be unwise to let two days of work potentially spoil your future. Having gone to Brown as an undergraduate, I can say that Providence is a lovely city that grows on you.

 

[miamimama]

Sorry I should have clarified that I already have an acceptance at a place I would be happy to go to but also want to check out other options but have to be selective with those options

 

[RNthenDoc]

If it were me and I had to pick one to shoot for the moon with, I'd go with the Ivy league invite just for the experience.

 

[DokterMom]

Sorry I should have clarified that I already have an acceptance at a place I would be happy to go to but also want to check out other options but have to be selective with those options

Since you already have an acceptance that you're content with, shoot for the moon and go to the one you think you'd most enjoy. Sounds like that's Brown.

That said, since you've already been accepted, your job is now officially "just a job" (versus 'career') and the worst that can happen is they fire you and you need to find another "just a job" for a few months. That would really be a pretty lousy thing for them to do, and would also be shooting themselves in the foot because then they'd need to find and train someone new.

I second the advice to "notify" your work that you will be attending both interviews but that you'll be sure to have your work completed before you go so they're not inconvenienced any more than necessary.

Too many 'good girls' let themselves be pushed around because they're afraid to stand up for themselves. Be sure you're not one of them.

 

[mass-premed66]

Having interviewed at Brown, I can vouch that it was an awesome experience and I loved my time there. If you really can’t go to both (although I also suggest going to both), then I can’t recommend Brown enough

 

[ChymeofPassion]

I interviewed at Brown, loved it. In terms of taking time off work, I have taken every interview I can get, and made it very clear to my job that that is my priority. You have the leverage here.

 

[Icebird]

100% Brown

 

[coffee&scrubs]

If you had to choose, I'd say go to Brown. I'm an RI resident, so I might be partial to this little state, but Providence is a wonderfully diverse city with a lot of resources, and it's very close to Boston or NYC. I also interviewed at Brown recently and I LOVED it. It already was my top choice, but the interview cemented it. I do agree with the posters above however. You should interview at Miami too. Even if you went there for undergrad, this will give you the chance to see the school in a different light and give you at least a chance to stay close to family if that's what you may want in the end.