Chief-dom

[smq123]

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How important is being Chief Resident when applying for jobs and/or OB fellowships? Does it boost your application a lot? Not at all? Just a little bit?

At our program, it's time to think about next year's chief. I kind of don't want to do it (I get a little tired of all the politics, scheduling, and whining), but I also don't want to ruin my application should I definitely want to do an OB fellowship. I mean, I wouldn't MIND doing it. Any thoughts?

 

[EdibleEgg]

I enjoyed being chief. There was occasional drama, but it was never that bad. I don't think it will make or break you, but it can't hurt.

 

[cali-ob]

I don't think being chief resident is going to get you a position you wouldn't otherwise be qualified for/deserve. However I think it can give you a boost over another candidate all other things being equal. The AAFP chief resident conference is a great leadership development program and very well worth going to, plus you get to go to the scientific assembly for free. I am really enjoying being chief resident, and even though I am chief in a year of great change for our program, and there are admin headaches, I love it and I'm really glad I did it.
I was told by my (new) employer that the salary they offered me was higher than what they usually start new grads out at because of my chief residency...fwiw. 😉

 

[deleted87716]

I wouldn't suggest taking on the responsibilities of chief resident unless you really want them. It's not much of a resume-booster, although it does show leadership ability and is a vote of confidence from your program.

That being said, I declined the opportunity to be chief, and it hasn't hurt me a bit. 😉

 

[lowbudget]

Chiefdom gives you a backstage pass to the real world in the eyes of the residency. It's a great learning opportunity not without heart/headaches. If you have never experienced what its like to be a manager or a leader, you should do it. You will learn non-textbook learn-able skills that come up in daily business life. When I hear people say how med school and residency don't teach you about business and management, I say to them that the learning opportunity is there in the form of chief resident if they ever cared to take up the challenge and learn from that opportunity.

 

[Doc Alamat]

I have done it twice already and frankly, I like it. As most have said here, it gives you a different perspective on how things are run. Your co-residents start to see you in a different light. In that regard, I have actually made known to many that I plan to get into administrative stuff if not get into being a program director.
It also looks good on your resume as it does tell everyone, you have been in a position of leadership. And that my friend could speak volumes.

 

[smq123]

Thanks for your input, everyone. 🙂

Part of my reluctance to run for chief is that it's a really small program, but over half of my class wants to run for chief. I don't know if I want to throw my hat into that ring, too. I don't think it would create hard feelings, but I don't want to run the risk that it would, either.

I already do have "leadership" activities - one of the resident representatives on our Patient Centered Medical Home initiative, as well as president of the hospital house staff. But maybe that doesn't say as much on a resume as being chief....

Decisions, decisions. 😕

 

[markglt]

Do it.