I understand this is highly program-dependent and specific, but how are chief residents chosen/appointed? Is it merely a popularity contest among the other residents, core faculty or both or are there other aspects like ITE scores, etc taken into consideration?
If you want to be chief resident in the future, is this something you should convey early on to a higher-up in your program? I envision a career in admin, but don't want to come off as a gunner so hoping to show interest as genuinely as possible.
Yes, you nailed it -- very program-dependent.
Some places might end up being a popularity contest as you described.
Most I'd like to think are more multi-faceted and less superficial than just focused on popularity.
PD experience with resident, ITE scores, faculty clinical feedback, off-service clinical feedback, resident peer feedback, coordinator administrative feedback, didactic attendance, and yes overall likeability all play a role at my shop.
They aren't going to pursue a resident that scores 100% on ITE, but everyone hates working with resident due to personality flaws.
They aren't going to pursue a resident that everyone loves, but scored 20th percentile on ITE or seems to be lacking in clinical acumen.
The entire class is asked if they wish to have their name withdrawn from consideration. If half the class leaves their name in the pot -- a lengthy evaluation process takes place on those residents and then the PD makes the ultimate decision anywhere from Feb to April depending on the program.
And there are certainly always individuals that have all gold stars but are not interested in the extra workload/hassle during their final year of residency, so withdraw their name from consideration.
Ultimately, the hope is that a clinically excellent hardworking resident with strong interpersonal skills, always meets deadlines, and interested in advocating for the needs of the coresidents in their program will serve as chief.
