Children's vs. CHOP?

[JadaCat]

Re-kindling the age old question: CHOP or Boston for pediatric training?

I'm struggling with putting together my rank list and have no idea how to weigh each program. I'm extremely invested in research, and both have strong, developed programs in my field.

I loved Children's on my interview day and they seem to speak to my inner researcher, but I worry about what my day-to-day pediatric training will look like. Will I be an excellent clinician when I leave there? Is the q4 call in years 2 and 3 overly taxing?

CHOP seems to have superb general pediatric training, but there is a LOT of time spent on the inpatient wards, and the program doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about carving out a research niche for oneself during residency. Is this impression true?

Both are absolutely amazing programs and I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to compare the two against one another... I just wonder if anyone has any additional insight beyond what is provided by the one day interview...

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[oldbearprofessor]

Well, not a whole lot of responses so I'll give it a try...

This is a bit like asking "Hopkins or MGH?" in the IM forums. If you've got what it takes to match at either CHOP or BCH, you'll do well in the fellowship of your choosing and I'd bet a lot that you're planning on a fellowship.

The two programs, are, as you know, outstanding as are many other academic research oriented programs not located on the East Coast. I think it is likely very hard to find much to compare in terms of future opportunities and even residency-related research. I would go with your general sense of how you feel you liked the set-up and your take on the residents. Also, Boston and Philly are very different cities - if you stay in one for 6, instead of 3 years, which would you prefer

If that doesn't work, flip a coin.

Now, the real question is...where will you rank #3???

 

[SB100]

At CHOP and CHOB, are residents required to do research or is it suggested?

 

[michigangirl]

First, not sure Boston children's has ever been referred to as CHOB. 😉

Second, most peds residency programs do not REQUIRE research like fellowship programs do-- there is simply too much to accomplish to get you clinically ready in 3 years. But most do encourage research if you have a topic of interest and someone to work with during a research elective. Usually residents are able to get their feet wet with a Quality improvement project or something small in scope.