Dartmouth vs Vermont.....Help!

[psych.MD]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone,

I loved both of these programs so I'm confused about ranking them 1 vs 2.

Obviously they both have pros and cons.

I guess the main pro for Vermont over Dartmouth is that the city is so much larger and there is much more to do: shopping, restaurants, etc. In Hanover (Dartmouth), if I have a day off there really is not much to do....but drive the 1.5-2 hours to Burlington or Boston.

Dartmouth, however, has a recognized name and I really was impressed by the faculty and residents. The hospital is awesome as well.

Any thoughts from applicants that interviewed at the new places or from current residents? How did you decide?

I like the program at Dartmouth more overall, but I like the city of Burlington, VT better.

 

[Chewbacca Jung]

I interviewed at both of those places, and had similar sentiments. I really liked the program and Faculty at Dartmouth, though I am a little concerned about the lack of patient diversity. I personally think Hanover, and all those little towns in surrounding the area, are pretty cool, and I would be content with the lower population and the slower pace of life. My wife, however, may go nuts in the winter, with no where to go, while I work away my daylight (and nightlight) hours in residency. I think vermont has some quality faculty as well, but a much smaller class-- 4. Burlington is a cool town, but the next largest city to it is montreal. Whereas Dartmouth isn't all that far from Boston or New York.

But anyway, I think they are both great programs, in beautiful areas. But if I were casting a vote today, I would say Dartmouth-1, Vermont-2. Though, its a close call, and I think I'll have to think about it more before I actually rank them.

 

[Big Lebowski]

What is it you're wanting to do? Are you thinking academic or clincal career? Does having a more "recognized name" going to give you an advantage in any way? Where are you going to be happiest (environment, peers, family, etc)? What are the major deficiencies in the training program (ie. little psychotherapy education)?

Answers to these questions will probably help you. Most residency graduates practive within 60 miles of where they train if they are pursuing a non-academic career. So geography may be very important in that situation. Also, location becomes important when networking for jobs/fellowships. Sorry, I don't have any specifics about the programs themselves. I would just consider those factors when ranking.

 

[PygmalionUndone]

I've interviewed at both Dartmouth and Vermont as well, and I'm still very torn between them, as well as UMass and the Institute of Living. As of now, they're my muddled top 4, with Dartmouth in a slim lead. I'm at U Washington now and I love Seattle, but I'm concerned about the competitiveness of some of these programs...especially UW and UMass' and IOL's Child and Adolescent Psych early entrance slots.

Basically, Dartmouth "felt" so comfortable but they are a little more biologically oriented. Vermont is the most psychotherapy oriented, which is a big plus to me, but they don't have a child and adolescent fellowship yet. UMass had an awesome program coordinator for both general track and child and adolescent (trust me...it's a good thing to keep an eye on) and I loved the Child and Adolescent faculty and PD. Hartford had the most collegiality between residents. And UW seems to have the most flexibility in 3rd year which would be an issue for me since I want to fast track 3+2 for Child and Adolescent.

What are y'all's thoughts?

 

[DMBUGA34]

edit - oops, sorry, didn't check date

 

[PygmalionUndone]

No worries, although it would still be valid for others now. I ended up choosing Dartmouth and I couldn't be happier. The biggest downside here now is just being away from my immediate family. The program director is awesome, and almost everyone here to a T is nice. If anyone has questions, I'd be happy to try to help.

-Evan