Choosing between 2 residency programs

[Relentlessrook18]

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I've found 2 fm residency programs that I like. One opposed in a smaller city. The other is unopposed in a small town. Both have no issues getting the required numbers. One focuses more on OB, the other gives a few more electives.

Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to choose between the two? Any experiences good or bad in opposed or unopposed residencies for FM?

Thanks!

 

[mvenus929]

Did you interview at them? Half my rank list came down to gut feeling when I interviewed.

 

[Relentlessrook18]

Yes, I did. And good to note!

 

[mvenus929]

I have no specific advice about FM programs, but what are your ultimate goals for your career? Do you want to work at an academic center, or in a small town? Do you want to do more OB as part of your practice? In general, I think you'll get a more rounded knowledge for a generalist at an unopposed program, but more specialty knowledge at an opposed program.

 

[AdmiralChz]

It's a personal decision, and up to you how you rank the pros and cons of different programs. Your best bet is to talk to current residents at both programs (if you can) to get a sense of what it's like day-to-day there, and to make a pro/con list of the programs to help organize your thoughts.

It's still very, VERY early in the application process - I am surprised you have two interviews already under your belt, but I would still recommend keeping an open mind on other programs - you never know what is out there.

 

[galactus]

Shouldn't this be in the family medicine forum?

 

[Relentlessrook18]

Yes, I did interview at both. Doing an audition at one right now, and I am loving it. Although it will require my wife to quit her job and find another in the area if we decide to move to this one.

I think the biggest thing for me has always been unopposed vs opposed. I thought that unopposed would be the best place to go for training (in a smaller town) because you would get access to all procedures and not have to worry about fighting other residents for them. But now, I've been doing a rotation at an opposed program (in a medium sized city, 183k) that has more than enough to share with all the residents, and everyone meets their numbers for anything that they want to do.

My preference is to eventually move to a smaller town or work on the outskirts of the city, but I guess that's still up in the air right now. Haha.

Thank you everyone for your input. I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.