Deciding between smaller vs larger programs...

[tool]

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Hello I'm going into IM and am trying to decide between a program that has 15 residents vs one with like 30. Think I'm leaning towards the smaller one since it has the same number fellowships and thus you have a better chance of getting one since there are less residents to compete against. Thoughts?

 

[JackBauERfan]

Hello I'm going into IM and am trying to decide between a program that has 15 residents vs one with like 30. Think I'm leaning towards the smaller one since it has the same number fellowships and thus you have a better chance of getting one since there are less residents to compete against. Thoughts?

some of my friends going into IM talk to me about this all the time. I have a few that are going the lower number of residents way and some going to the bigger name/program way. I guess in the end it seems like either one may be good depending on what type of place/number of residents you like. I've asked a bunch of IM specialty folks too (cardiologists) and they have also had differing opinions (I would say about 50/50). So it seems like I've written a paragraph and pretty much not given any help at all haha.

 

[robotsonic]

I'm applying in general surgery, in which "smaller program" implies 2-3 residents per year and "larger program" implies 8-9. Once you get down to these numbers you have a different set of problems - what if you don't like the ONE other categorical resident in your year?
I don't know how it works for IM, but going to a large program may not necessarily mean that you will have a more difficult time getting a fellowship, as most of the residents probably leave the program for residency anyway. I guess it might matter if you are completely set on doing fellowship at the same place as your residency.

 

[Mumpu]

Here's a problem with small programs I've seen first-hand: the moment one resident gets sick or pregnant or has a family emergency, everyone's workload doubles. Large programs are infinitely more flexible in this regard.

 

[tool]

Here's a problem with small programs I've seen first-hand: the moment one resident gets sick or pregnant or has a family emergency, everyone's workload doubles. Large programs are infinitely more flexible in this regard.

I agree but honestly how big of a deal is that...just consider it more training. My whole point was in regards to getting fellowships. Just seems like simple math....since most programs are partial to their own residents for fellowships..if you're competing against a few number of "your own" the better you chances are....esp in cards or gi.

 

[neilc]

is a program with 15 residents really considered small???? that blows my mind. my program (ob/gyn) has 3 per year. the biggest i interviewed with had 8!

 

[tool]

is a program with 15 residents really considered small???? that blows my mind. my program (ob/gyn) has 3 per year. the biggest i interviewed with had 8!

Just an example but I am really talking about medicine which has larger programs on average.

 

[APACHE3]

program with = or > 10 residents I think can ride any bumps caused by illness or pregnancy, etc. I did interview at a few places that had 6 slots and I think that could be a problem if 1 person did not work out or became ill etc. 15 residents is not a small program.

 

[tool]

bumpy bump...i don't like when my threads die 👍

 

[wkg244]

bumpy bump...i don't like when my threads die 👍

try posting this in the IM residency forum -- i'd be interested in seeing what the discussion is like over there