BWH v. MGH

[radiology_hopeful]

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Sorry to be "that guy" and post yet another comparison thread, but I'm having an incredibly hard time deciding between these two program, both of which really appeal to me. They're obviously both great institutions, but I'm curious about the impression other got from the two.

For what it's worth, I'm interested in pediatric neuroimaging research, which would seem to make BWH stand out somewhat due to its affiliation with BCH. That being said, I know there are certainly pediatric brain tumors that pass through MGH, and the MGH research infrastructure is probably a bit more robust. I'm not sure how practical of a difference that would really make for me as a resident, however.

Thoughts appreciated!

 

[shark2000]

BWH: More clinical. Less emphasize on research compared to Top programs, however if you want to do research tons of opportunities (2nd or 3rd highest NIH research fund). It is a very friendly environment to work at. Its Peds radiology is definitely better (much better). Most fellowships are excellent. Top notch Pediatrics, Neuro, Body and mammo fellowships. Its US department is indisputably the best in the country. Its IR is good, but not as good and comprehensive as less name brand places and may not prepare you very well for pp. Its MSK fellowship is very good, but behind some other programs.

MGH: More research oriented. Endless research money and opportunities. Very solid clinical program. Many academic programs esp in west coast love to take people who were trained at MGH. Its Neuroradiology is one of the two best in the country, neck and neck with UCSF and marginally better than BWH. Its Peds radiology is not in the size of the MGH name (probably the same for its IR). Practically has a small Peds department which is not really better than average. IR fellowship is in the same league as BWH. Top notch MSK, Body and mammo fellowships. Outstanding chest department.

Bottom line: You will do perfect in both. The difference between these two at the level of residency is next to nothing. For fellowships the story is a little different. You can go to any fellowship from either of these two. However, if you want to do Peds research during your residency, go for BWH. You can make lots of connections in Boston Children's hospital as you rotate there.

About Pediatrics radiology: It is a very small world, similar or smaller than mammo. People here know each other by name. Peds Neuro is even a smaller world. High end Pediatrics radiology is practiced in very few large children's hospital in US (about 20 of them). If you want to do Pediatrics, try to be at one of the top ones: Cincinnati, Boston and CHOP. Recently people told me that while graduates of these programs find very good jobs, graduates of many other programs have relatively hard time to find a job in a big Pediatric's hospital.

Alert: I know that someone will jump in and will badmouth my opinion about IR at either of these programs. If you want to do IR, go for residency to these programs then find a fellowship at one of the more comprehensive IR programs. My 2 cents.

 

[maxxor]

Throwing out my generic comparisons.
BWH:
Based at BWH with a few outpatient imaging centers here and there. Dedicated 3 months at BCH during 2nd year. 1 month at MEEI.
Strong pediatrics
IR is perhaps slightly better
Lots of Fellows
High enough case volume (no figures stated this season)
Overnight attending coverage on call.
Always on call ultrasound techs
Volume of call very low. I think it's 2 weeks ED call and 2 weeks consult call per year.
PD is older. Very informal. Very open. Young new assistant PDs.

MGH:
Based at MGH with a few outpatient imaging centers here and there; mainly all at one campus with primarily academic, referral type of cases. BU has Boston City hospital (major trauma center) and MGH competes with 4 other radiology programs in the city of Boston.
Weaker pediatrics
IR is ok
Lots of Fellows
Extremely high case volume (750,000 cases quoted this season)
Overnight attending coverage on call.
Always on call ultrasound techs
Volume of call on the lower end
PD is older. Very formal. May change soon.
Boston

Ok, now to compare "gut feelings" / "observations while rotating". BWH is perhaps more cush than MGH, not because the programs are that different, but because of the types of residents that select BWH. They are more laid back, which when combined with the lower call responsibility, leads to a super cush feel. None of the services are truly resident run, so if residents were to disappear, the attendings and fellows could pick up the slack (in fact, it might make them faster).

I will say, if you are super oriented into research, BWH is actually the better program, as you will have more time and will be "on site" to make BCH connections. They also have the 3+2 program, so if you wanted to set up research during your first year to continue throughout the 5 years, you can do that. Amongst the Harvard hospitals, BWH is actually the more research focused and MGH is the more clinically focused, simply because MGH is FAR busier than BWH is. They have to be more clinically focused in order to get the work done.

 

[radiology_hopeful]

I really appreciate your responses. I've admittedly been feeling like BWH is a better "fit" for quite some time now, but simultaneously grappling with the fact that MGH strikes me as more in line with my academics goals. That being said, I think the point about volume interfering with research time is actually quite astute, and I think in that sense my "fit" and goals are well in line with one another.

 

[radiology_hopeful]

Any additional thoughts on the two purely with regard to academics? Can anyone make a compelling case that there is a difference at the resident level between either program?