does it matter where u do rad onc residency?

[amherstguy]

does it matter what place u want to do rad onc residency (if u want to go into private not academics)? does the place matter or the fact that u have a spot anywhere...?

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[Gfunk6]

Not really. However there have been a couple of programs that have folded in the last few years like Howard and EVMS. If programs are close to folding, then you run the risk of getting screwed. However I'd say ~98-99% of programs are perfectly fine.

 

[radonc]

going to a top radonc program probably does help a little bit...it opens doors that may not be available if you go to a mediocre or even mid-tier program.

for example, certain private groups (mostly in desirable locations ie NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago) only hire people from top radonc programs...why? because they can. they are in a desirable location with a solid foundation and have the opportunity to attract top candidates. they market the fact that they have a harvard trained physician (or mskcc or mdacc).

going to a decent program def affects your choices if you are interested in academics. why you may ask? chances are that if you are at a pretty good program, you have more faculty, who may be more involved in the field...this lends itself to contacts at other programs. also, given that there really is no method of comparing people across the board (ie no public board score percentiles, grades, etc) the only way they can compare candidates is the interview, # of pubs, where they trained, and the strength/quality of the recommendation they receive.

 

[digimon]

going to a top radonc program probably does help a little bit...it opens doors that may not be available if you go to a mediocre or even mid-tier program.

for example, certain private groups (mostly in desirable locations ie NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago) only hire people from top radonc programs...why? because they can. they are in a desirable location with a solid foundation and have the opportunity to attract top candidates. they market the fact that they have a harvard trained physician (or mskcc or mdacc).

going to a decent program def affects your choices if you are interested in academics. why you may ask? chances are that if you are at a pretty good program, you have more faculty, who may be more involved in the field...this lends itself to contacts at other programs. also, given that there really is no method of comparing people across the board (ie no public board score percentiles, grades, etc) the only way they can compare candidates is the interview, # of pubs, where they trained, and the strength/quality of the recommendation they receive.

I agree with the above for the most part. Networking considerations are very important, and I'd add that if you're set on being in a particular region or major city, it may be easier to land a position if you're physically there and in the loop. There're obviously exceptions, but in general, the job market is pretty good and the vast majority of residency programs will give you good prep for practice.

 

[xraydude]

Of course it matters where you train. Top programs put out top docs (for the most part) and mediocre programs put out average experienced docs. If you are thinking private practice, you have many job options - BUT the best private groups often take the best candidates. And if you want to work in a particular geography, your training not only makes you more attractive, but good training programs have networks and connections that can help get that job.

If you want to practice in less desirable places, it really won't make a difference - a union card is a union card.