Completely torn between two mid-tier programs

[VneZonyDostupa]

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The two programs are UT Health Science Center (Mempthis, TN) and Maine Medical Center (Portland, ME).

I want to go into ID and model my career on a few attendings I've worked with, doing some months of ID consults, and some months of hospitalist work. My dream career would be in international work, working in academic medicine, or working in the CDC's epidemiology groups, but who knows how realistic that is.

So, basically I have great shots at both of these programs (as far as can be told based on feedback). On the one hand, UT is a university program and I already have ID basic science research connections there...but I can't stand the city of Memphis. On the other hand, Maine Medical Center is smaller, it's a university-affiliated community program, and there's little to no bench research done there...but it's in an area I love.

Would I be shooting myself in the foot fellowship and career-wise by NOT taking the university program, and just sucking it up and living in Memphis for three (possibly six if I do fellowship there) years? Or would I still have just as many doors open to me if I did the uni-affiliated community program for residency in Maine? And would either program be more or less likely to help me get a job in academics or international work?

I know I asked a billion questions but...I just can't figure it out. Any help from you seasoned IM people would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[sunset823]

I interviewed at Maine, and also love the area, Portland or the surrounding area is somewhere I could live the rest of my life. IMHO it really doesn't matter where you go for ID, it is not a competitive fellowship, so if you think you'll be happier in Maine go for it. I think they still have a great level of pathology (esp with the refugee population) and you'll be exposed to a lot of interesting bugs, just maybe not the typical inner city fare.

 

[doobiedoobah]

I am struggling with something very similar, and, while I'm not a seasoned IM person, I have spoken to a lot of people about this and here is what they have told me. If you have any interest at all in a future in academics you should do whatever you can to train at a university program. Everyone has told me that same thing. They have all said that no matter how great of training you receive, or how excellent of a physician you are, when it comes down to job placement and career opportunities in academics, what is really going to get you through the door is the name of the hospital where you trained.

So, if I were you I would rank UT higher. It might not be an ideal place for you to live, but it is only 3 years, and you have to think 3 years compared to the rest of your life.

 

[VneZonyDostupa]

Thanks for the input, both of you! =)

 

[darkelven29]

Maine has their match list posted on their website, it looks like you won't be at disadvantage to go into ID there. Ideally, you want to do residency in university program if you want to do academics in the future, but you could go to Maine and then try to get into ID fellowship in a university setting (if you remain interested in academics).

Where are you thinking of practicing? Northeast or Deep South? Do you fit among the residents in Memphis? If you hate the city, you better like the residents you will be working with. Have you also considered harsh winters in Maine? Do you want to work in inner city/urban or suburban setting? They seem to be programs in completely different setting, should be easier to decide than you think.

 

[infarct]

statistically, Maine is the least ethnically diverse state in the entire country. I see that as a huge negative, but doesnt really matter what I think.

 

[VneZonyDostupa]

Maine itself is less ethnically diverse, true, but Portland is also a federally designated refugee reolcation center. Close to 40% of their clinic patients are non-native speaking patients, according to the stats given on interview day.

 

[thierryhenry]

Sounds like you are biased towards Maine so you should rank as you like.
I personally loved the city of Memphis and I thought the program was phenomenal.
I think you have better exposure since you have been there the last 4 years (maybe longer?)
Like you said, being an AMG and applying to ID should not worry you coming from almost ANY residency program so you should be happy with your location for the next 3 years.

 

[intmed3]

Maine itself is less ethnically diverse, true, but Portland is also a federally designated refugee reolcation center. Close to 40% of their clinic patients are non-native speaking patients, according to the stats given on interview day.

I lived in Maine for a few years and can confirm this. Huge population of immigrants.