Carilion - Any recent interviewees?

[bbpiano1]

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I'm having second thoughts about interviewing at Carilion. Can anybody comment on the area? I know there's not much to do in Roanoke, but is it at least nice/clean/friendly/picturesque?

bb

 

[psychbender]

I'm having second thoughts about interviewing at Carilion. Can anybody comment on the area? I know there's not much to do in Roanoke, but is it at least nice/clean/friendly/picturesque?

bb

Where are you coming from, and what are you interviewing for (prelim Med/Surg or Transitional)? I lived in Blacksburg for 9 years, and did several of my rotations at Carilion RMH for medical school and my medic program. I hate cities, really like the mountains and more rural locales. As such, I liked the area quite a bit. You probably don't want to live in the city of Roanoke itself, as the place is kind of a ****-hole. Roanoke County and Salem, however, are nice, clean places. The Roanoke and New River Valley areas are both rather picturesque, and I would return there in a heartbeat. That having been said, I am not a fan of the Big-C, as I used to be an employee, and did not like how they treated people in my division (EMS and patient transport), nor did I appreciate the line that they took with the various physician groups when they were consolidating into the Carilion Clinic (basically, told everyone to become direct employees, complete with 50% pay cut, or scram).

 

[ReadyFreddy]

The city really depends on what you're looking for. I would consider it for myself, since I'm outdoorsy and like smaller cities/large towns. Roanoke is 15-30 minutes from the Appalachian Trail and lots of other hiking in the Blue Ridge. The town has a cute downtown area and some community/cultural activities (free jazz outside the library in the summer, for one), but not that much else I imagine. If you're looking for a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, I would suggest elsewhere.

My info, by the way, comes from a month spent on a rotation there. Others who have spent more time in Roanoke or more time at Carilion may have more to say.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[bbpiano1]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm from the northeast but I do like nature activities and more temperate winters. I guess I'll give Carilion a chance and see what they have to offer.

bb

 

[musicman83]

The Carilion TY program is great, and I like the area - not a big city person after having spent 6yrs in Richmond, and 2 yrs in DC. And there's plenty to do, esp that I like golfing.

 

[gluon999]

The Carilion TY program is great, and I like the area - not a big city person after having spent 6yrs in Richmond, and 2 yrs in DC. And there's plenty to do, esp that I like golfing.

can you elaborate as to what else there is to do? Also, are most people single or married? Do interns hang out with other interns/people from the hospital?

 

[psychbender]

can you elaborate as to what else there is to do? Also, are most people single or married? Do interns hang out with other interns/people from the hospital?

If you enjoy the outdoors, there is a ton to do, with beautiful mountains surrounding the area (and the Appalachian Trail runs right by Roanoke). Quality white water rafting (Gauley or New River) is also a short trip away into West Virginia. Some events/concerts also do come to the Roanoke Civic Center (I remember going to a Metallica and Godsmack concert several years ago). Let us also not forget that you are less than an hour away from Virginia Tech, if college sports is more your angle. Do not expect a major metropolitan area, though. Roanoke is still fairly rural, and appeals most to those who appreciate that kind of environment.

 

[Dral]

The hospital catchment area includes some of the poorest people in the State. I think one of the counties (Craig maybe?) doesn't even have its own hospital iirc.

If you like working with that population, it may be a draw. Obviously they are not the only patient population.

 

[psychbender]

The hospital catchment area includes some of the poorest people in the State. I think one of the counties (Craig maybe?) doesn't even have its own hospital iirc.

If you like working with that population, it may be a draw. Obviously they are not the only patient population.

More than one county in its catchment area (yes, Craig County has nothing, and neither does Floyd). I would hardly call the little thing in Patrick County a hospital.