Community vs Academic

[OBGirlie]

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This is my dilemma. I did really well in clinicals, both steps, honors, research, blah blah blah blah blah big deal. However, I feel like I'm competitive and I thought I wanted to go to an academic program b/c of reputation, etc, fellowships, and what not. But the people at my home program, which is a community based/university affiliate are the NICEST people in the world.

However, I haven't done an away rotation anywhere else and so I'm sure there are other places out there where the faculty is equally as nice. . . I guess I just don't know how important the name thing is and community vs academic is in terms of future opportunities? I don't want to limit myself, but then again, who says that a Stanford, Brigham, Wash U etc environment is where I need too be. . . .

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I guess I am basically asking for thoughts on whether career opportunities would be greater for me coming out of a academic vs a blended urban/inner city program and since I have great stats, should I be shooting for the most "prestigious" place I can or just go where I'm happy (by the way, my program has a full accreditation, never been on probation, so they are fine in that aspect.)

 

[chrisisinnocent]

I think it depends on what you want to do later on. Unless you want to stay in academia there is no clear disadvantage to going for a Community program.
Even if you plan on doing fellowship you can get those spots out of community programs.
I really think that the people at a program should be the main determining factor of where you decide to go. You will be working 80 hour weeks for four years with these people, you better get along with them. Residency is hard enough as it is without the added stress of personality conflicts. Also, different personalities will need different environments to thrive in. One persons' malignant is anothers' stimulating etc.

 

[pruritis_ani]

Go where you are happy...

If you are 100% that you want a fellowship, an academic program with a good placement history is a big help. If you are strongly considering a career in academia, than a University program is likely a better choice.

But, for most of us, the label of "academic vs community" means little. A good community program can certainly get you a fellowship. A good community program can give you excellent training. And, many of us are happier in the community environment.

At the end, you have to realistically assess your goals and assess the individual programs' ability to help you meet them. Then, you need to pick where you will be happiest, out of the programs that can get you where you want to be.

Best of luck!