Finding out more about different residency programs?

[keepsmiling10]

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I'm somewhat confused as to how exactly to find out more about residency programs. I have looked on their website a little bit and talked to residents somewhat, but it still seems that there are a great deal of conflicting views. How do I find out if a program is geared more towards inpt vs. outpt, what kind of didactics they have, what kind of electives they offer, what types of hospitals they mostly rotate through (ex. VA or not), what type of residents they typically have (ex. all married with kids vs. single), etc?
Anything else that I'm missing that is important? Thanks!!

 

[olafa]

I'm somewhat confused as to how exactly to find out more about residency programs. I have looked on their website a little bit and talked to residents somewhat, but it still seems that there are a great deal of conflicting views. How do I find out if a program is geared more towards inpt vs. outpt, what kind of didactics they have, what kind of electives they offer, what types of hospitals they mostly rotate through (ex. VA or not), what type of residents they typically have (ex. all married with kids vs. single), etc?
Anything else that I'm missing that is important? Thanks!!

The program website should give you some information, (in combo with FRIEDA and SDN of course) people usually put their basic interests there. Also most programs have at least a sample didactics on the website. And you sound like you have contacts, I don't know any better place to get information other than right from the residents. When you get an interview and if you can save some of your questions for then, you should be able to get all your answers.

 

[ampaphb]

You sound surprised that there might be differences of opinion regarding programs. Each resident comes to a program with his or her own perspective, wants, and needs. What is best for you may not be the same thing as what might best suit your fellow applicant's needs. Some people like more hand holding than others. Some are more independent in their approach. Some prefer hands-on programs, others prefer private places, where the resident lifestyle tends to be more cush.

Some attendings work in academics cause they couldn't survive in private practice, others are extraordinary teachers or researchers, and still others are willing to accept the trade-off of making less in exchange for having residents covering their patients. The way you interact with that mix of personalities will contribute to your positive or negative experience.

Anyone who gives you a simple "yes" or "no" in response to whether a particular program is worth investing 3-4 years at is over simplifying the issue. Get a consensus, and make certain you understand the rationale behind each person's insight.

 

[RUOkie]

I think that the best thing you can do is just ask LOTS of questions. You young-uns have the advantage of the internet partially for research, but mostly for networking. My advice is to do it like this
1) chose your field (I assume PM&R)
2) talk to the local docs-NOT JUST FACULTY!!
3) apply to LOTS of programs-do not be stingy
4) go to as many interviews as you can afford-you never know what you will find
5) network with the people you meet on the interview trail and talk to them(email etc)

When I applied (a long time ago) I lived in NJ and was told the above advice. I flew all over the country. I met a lot of interviewers and we spoke on the phone regularly. I never thought I wanted to go to TX, but lots of people told me 'you have to' but when I went to Houston, it seemed to click. The faculty and set up seemed to be what I wanted. I matched there, and interestingly, already knew 8 out of the 13 residents in my class. Some of us had not communicated with each other after the interviews, but we were all pretty similar overall. The system worked, and we all got along great (by the way, I was single, but my best friends were all married)