ECC residency PP vs Academic

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Vet593

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I have talked to some people about it, but I don't think I have heard enough opinions.
I am interested in pursuing an ECC residency. I will be doing my rotating internship this year in a PP (finances and location were big for me). Now, when it comes to residency, I am constantly debating about what route to take. Although I know I will be applying for both, I would like to know your thoughts about raking PP or Academic higher. I know, for example, that I would also be having teaching roles as a resident in an academic environment, however, I don't know when it comes to the learning experience and real-life situations, if an academic environment is better than PP.
I heard a surgery resident once that she thought that in Academia, since it's lower paced, it prepares you well for concepts but when it comes to hands-on experience maybe PP provided more opportunities (she still though it was great but was talking about the pros of each one). I think I understand that being true for internships, but is it like that for residency as well? Considering not as many places offer residencies (compared to internships), I really need to think about what I will be doing next. Additionally, since I am not the person that would simply go anywhere, I have limited placed where I would actually like to apply and I have this huge debate going on in my head.
Also, I don't know how "well" I'll be considered for Academia if I decided to do my internship at a PP.
Well. If you have helpful advice or just thoughts, feel free! 🙂
 
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I did a residency in a different specialty and my specialty only really has academic residencies, but imo as a former resident, program fit and who your mentors/coresidents will be is not considered enough. Being in a place where you don’t get along with your coworkers or you have trouble with staff and even mentors/faculty makes an already difficult residency even more difficult. I know I barely have any thought to who I’d be working with/under when applying and I should have considered that more. And I know no one starts residency thinking they won’t get along with people and places will hide their red flags to applicants, but there’s often smoke to signal a hidden fire. So much of residency is self direct learning or trial by fire, but being around people who aren’t getting along (even if you’re not the one involved in drama or if you are!) makes it even harder. I’ll let CDO and others chime in more about ecc specifically, but most likely there’s pros and cons to each. PP probably does have a bigger caseload and more opportunities, but academia may have more dedicated rounds and discussion/learning time which is equally important because of a board exam. In the end you’ll be fine in either so pick what seems like the better fit.
 
I did a residency in a different specialty and my specialty only really has academic residencies, but imo as a former resident, program fit and who your mentors/coresidents will be is not considered enough. Being in a place where you don’t get along with your coworkers or you have trouble with staff and even mentors/faculty makes an already difficult residency even more difficult. I know I barely have any thought to who I’d be working with/under when applying and I should have considered that more. And I know no one starts residency thinking they won’t get along with people and places will hide their red flags to applicants, but there’s often smoke to signal a hidden fire. So much of residency is self direct learning or trial by fire, but being around people who aren’t getting along (even if you’re not the one involved in drama or if you are!) makes it even harder. I’ll let CDO and others chime in more about ecc specifically, but most likely there’s pros and cons to each. PP probably does have a bigger caseload and more opportunities, but academia may have more dedicated rounds and discussion/learning time which is equally important because of a board exam. In the end you’ll be fine in either so pick what seems like the better fit.
Thank you for your input, though. Food for thought for sure.
 
I am very tired and will write a more detailed and helpful response later, but one thing I needed to point out
since I am not the person that would simply go anywhere, I have limited placed where I would actually like to apply
It’s okay to be picky and to want to go specific places but it’s also important to be realistic. I think last year in the US and Canada there were 32 ECC residencies taking first years, taking anywhere from 1-3 new residents. So best case scenario, we’re talking through all of North America there were less than a hundred spots for first year ECC residents. That includes the in house interns, the ER doctors who decided into residency.

You need to think hard about if you want a residency or if you’re willing to not match and do 🤷🏻‍♀️ on the hope that you’ll get a residency at a place you would actually like. My best friend matched into her 9th choice hospital this year because that’s what was available.
 
I am very tired and will write a more detailed and helpful response later, but one thing I needed to point out

It’s okay to be picky and to want to go specific places but it’s also important to be realistic. I think last year in the US and Canada there were 32 ECC residencies taking first years, taking anywhere from 1-3 new residents. So best case scenario, we’re talking through all of North America there were less than a hundred spots for first year ECC residents. That includes the in house interns, the ER doctors who decided into residency.

You need to think hard about if you want a residency or if you’re willing to not match and do 🤷🏻‍♀️ on the hope that you’ll get a residency at a place you would actually like. My best friend matched into her 9th choice hospital this year because that’s what was available.
Thank you so much. So far, I have like 10 places in my head within the states I am willing to go. I need to do more investigation about different programs for sure (and keeping an open mind), but the way different states treat women is a big factor for me (but not the most important which is why I am including a couple programs in states that still make me roll my eyes). But also, I know I would apply to both residencies and ECC internships (which I know there are only a few), to increase my chances of matching. I think I am more troubled and conflicted about what to rank first within those options -PP vs Academia- for the things mentioned above. Thank you for your input, I know getting into residency is getting harder each year. And please, any additional thoughts will be greatly appreciated (No rush, I can't imagine how busy you are).
 
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