Has anyone heard anything about Albany Medical College?

[cocopuff13]

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I just recently interviewed at Albany Medical College and have heard mixed reviews about the program. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were and the feelings they got from their interview day?

 

[lauderdale75]

I just recently interviewed at Albany Medical College and have heard mixed reviews about the program. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were and the feelings they got from their interview day?

Just saw this post about surgery at AMC. Its my opinion that the surgery residents are pretty happy.

 

[cocopuff13]

Just saw this post about surgery at AMC. Its my opinion that the surgery residents are pretty happy.

When I interviewed there, the residents said that at least one resident gets fired every year (not from each class/year but one total resident a year), plus only about 4 residents showed up between both the dinner the night before and interview day, so I was just wondering if anyone has heard anything about the reputation of the program?

 

[lauderdale75]

When I interviewed there, the residents said that at least one resident gets fired every year (not from each class/year but one total resident a year), plus only about 4 residents showed up between both the dinner the night before and interview day, so I was just wondering if anyone has heard anything about the reputation of the program?

The three residents I know of that were fired (or about to be fired) each had their own reasons not related to academics or their performance. They had more to do with work ethic and overall attitude. Each of these persons, in my opinion, were very nice, professional, intelligent, etc., but the PD's may have seen differently when it came to their work.

Im sorry to be so vague, but I'd rather not name names or be more specific. The program is well-regarded and has amazing physicians under whom you will train.

 

[Zummy]

What about reputation of the program? I've heard so little about it and everyone I asked on the interview trail said they hadn't heard much either.

I still find it amazing that it has a true q6-7 call schedule with the last two years being only home-call. WOW. For this reason alone I want to rank it HIGH!! 😀

Seriously though, does one come out of Albany a solid practicing surgeon, or would I need a fellowship?

 

[lauderdale75]

So, Who ended up matching there?

 

[mysophobe]

Dunno, but my dad lives in Ft. Lauderdale.

 

[Swimdoc]

I graduated from Albany Med and am doing a general surgery residency next year.

The residents all work hard while working and are happy. The call schedule q6-7 is also true. The attendings are very well trained and smart but the services I was on didn't put a lot of energy into teaching on rounds. The services seem to carry a plethora of patients, trauma ranges from 40-80. I don't know the exact percentage, but they have a lot of residents from caribbean med schools. I was very impressed with these residents, and would could only hope to be as good of a resident as they are. They have a new chairman this year, who everyone seems to love, and will get a new pediatric surgeon soon.

I concur with lauderdale75 on the reason the 3 residents were fired. None were fired this year!

Most general surgery med students don't stay. Why? Mostly the city. I have a feeling I'll be missing this hospital once I leave. I feel confident in the surgeons they train here.

 

[lauderdale75]

I graduated from Albany Med and am doing a general surgery residency next year.

The residents all work hard while working and are happy. The call schedule q6-7 is also true. The attendings are very well trained and smart but the services I was on didn't put a lot of energy into teaching on rounds. The services seem to carry a plethora of patients, trauma ranges from 40-80. I don't know the exact percentage, but they have a lot of residents from caribbean med schools. I was very impressed with these residents, and would could only hope to be as good of a resident as they are. They have a new chairman this year, who everyone seems to love, and will get a new pediatric surgeon soon.

I concur with lauderdale75 on the reason the 3 residents were fired. None were fired this year!

Most general surgery med students don't stay. Why? Mostly the city. I have a feeling I'll be missing this hospital once I leave. I feel confident in the surgeons they train here.

Great comments Swimdoc and good luck to you. Your analysis above is a fair representation of AMC, its residents, attendings, and the workload. Although its a bit late to respond to this thread now, perhaps it'll be helpful to students considering AMC Surgery in future years.

The new department head is highly-regarded and will be a tremendous asset going forward (not to say that past chairs have not been).

Albany does take some getting acclimated to, but it is a fun place to be once you learn of the great bars and restaurants. It helps that we have numerous colleges so a young bar/club scene.

Re: The residents/surgeons - I would have no reservations about seeing any of them personally if I ever needed any surgery performed. They are talented, well-versed, and have impeccable bedside manner.