Having Difficulty Making a Rank List...

[173291]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I for one am having an uber tough time choosing schools. I got that "feeling" at two locations. One, was also ideal geographically. Then, I read that thread reminding me to double check accredidation cycles. Guess what... they are on a two year review!!!😱 Does anyone know if we could find out specific reasons/probs. to correct list?

My other good "feeling" school has a five year review cycle, but is in a terrible location for me.

 

[173291]

Does anyone know what is going on at UT Health science Center Houston? Why are they on a two year review cycle?!!!! Please help.

 

[Dr Serenity]

The PD at one of the schools I interviewed at stated that any program without a permanent chair in place can get a 2-year review cycle tops. That was the only reason why that particular program had a 2-year cycle.

I know that UT-Houston only just recently named a new chair. I imagine (assuming that my above statement is true) that their 2-year cycle had to do with the fact that they did not have a permanent chair in place at the time of the review...I didn't see anything else that would raise any red flags when I interviewed there. Having said that, though, I will make the disclaimer that UT-Houston was my first interview, so I may have been a bit naive in terms of red flags to look for at the time.

Hope this helps. Good luck; I know that ranking programs ain't an easy decision.

 

[173291]

The PD at one of the schools I interviewed at stated that any program without a permanent chair in place can get a 2-year review cycle tops. That was the only reason why that particular program had a 2-year cycle.

I know that UT-Houston only just recently named a new chair. I imagine (assuming that my above statement is true) that their 2-year cycle had to do with the fact that they did not have a permanent chair in place at the time of the review...I didn't see anything else that would raise any red flags when I interviewed there. Having said that, though, I will make the disclaimer that UT-Houston was my first interview, so I may have been a bit naive in terms of red flags to look for at the time.

Hope this helps. Good luck; I know that ranking programs ain't an easy decision.

Thanks for your reply. This has been really bothering me.

Anyone know how to figure out specifics of why a program is being reviwed a certain way?

 

[amyl]

I really really liked UThouston too. Dr Hagberg and Rabb both seem like awesome women. I wouldn't worry about the accreditation cycle thing...i think this is a very strong program -- there are no deficiencies. dr hagberg is starting a pain fellowship too. i got a very good impression of her...i don't think that the program, in her hands, will go anywhere but up. it was sure nice to see women in charge ;-)

 

[173291]

I really really liked UThouston too. Dr Hagberg and Rabb both seem like awesome women. I wouldn't worry about the accreditation cycle thing...i think this is a very strong program -- there are no deficiencies. dr hagberg is starting a pain fellowship too. i got a very good impression of her...i don't think that the program, in her hands, will go anywhere but up. it was sure nice to see women in charge ;-)

thanks for your reply amy! this is REALLY bothering me. I just wish I knew what their review cycle was based upon.

 

[nutmegs]

Thanks for your reply. This has been really bothering me.

Anyone know how to figure out specifics of why a program is being reviwed a certain way?

ask someone from the program. the PD and residents all know, for sure. if it's bothering you that much, just be direct and ask. if they liked you enough to rank you high, they'll still like you. do it tactfully.

 

[173291]

ask someone from the program. the PD and residents all know, for sure. if it's bothering you that much, just be direct and ask. if they liked you enough to rank you high, they'll still like you. do it tactfully.

Yeah, I really don't want to ask the PD. Who knows where I stand...I mean I thought my interviews went well (including one with the PD), but who really knows? I don't want to be bumped into the "back-up list." I will keep trying to research.

Thanks for the comment, though.

 

[amyl]

thanks for your reply amy! this is REALLY bothering me. I just wish I knew what their review cycle was based upon.

it seems to me, in my naive state, that programs go on probation for 1, abusing resident work hours, 2 low board pass, 3 lack of research, 4, failure to make numbers....
in uthouston's case i think it is likely that the short term accreditation is solely due to the transition in leadership as none of the others seem like possibilities.
i think the accreditation question is maybe not the best judge of a program. there are just too many factors. for example, there are a few 5 year programs i didn't like as much as uthouston..... not even close. good luck

 

[Dr Serenity]

Thanks for your reply. This has been really bothering me.

Anyone know how to figure out specifics of why a program is being reviwed a certain way?

Glad to help. Try contacting some of the residents you met during your interview, if possible. I'm sure they'll give you the straight dope, and you won't have to worry about committing a faux pas toward someone who might have a say where you stand on their rank list. Good luck!

 

[173291]

Glad to help. Try contacting some of the residents you met during your interview, if possible. I'm sure they'll give you the straight dope, and you won't have to worry about committing a faux pas toward someone who might have a say where you stand on their rank list. Good luck!

I just emailed this guy that I remember meeting on the interview day. He is a CA-2 who went to my med school. I spoke with him some that day, but I am not sure if he was holding back since we weren't alone. I am interested to see what he says.

Thanks🙂

 

[amyl]

will you let me know what he says?
i just interviewed somewhere else with one of their students (he did a rotation there) who actually wants to leave for personal reasons. he said there were no problems or deficits. it has been in a state of flux but is heading in the right direction now. he said it was a "solid mid tier program" -- his words not mine. hope that helps some....

 

[173291]

will you let me know what he says?
i just interviewed somewhere else with one of their students (he did a rotation there) who actually wants to leave for personal reasons. he said there were no problems or deficits. it has been in a state of flux but is heading in the right direction now. he said it was a "solid mid tier program" -- his words not mine. hope that helps some....

thanks amy. I emailed two people. I will let you know what they say. What does mid-tier mean?

 

[amyl]

i don't know exactly what he meant by that. i guess that means its not one of the top top programs like ______________________ (fill in the name of your prestigious big name program of choice) but it isn't a weak program with defiencies or problems. his general impression is that it was a solid program and that i would be well trained if i went there.....?

btw, does anyone know why programs don't offer interviews in february if no one turns in rank lists until the 27th? there are interviews i would like to schedule but january is getting crazy and stuff is conflicting ;-(

 

[173291]

i don't know exactly what he meant by that. i guess that means its not one of the top top programs like ______________________ (fill in the name of your prestigious big name program of choice) but it isn't a weak program with defiencies or problems. his general impression is that it was a solid program and that i would be well trained if i went there.....?

btw, does anyone know why programs don't offer interviews in february if no one turns in rank lists until the 27th? there are interviews i would like to schedule but january is getting crazy and stuff is conflicting ;-(

Maybe they need time to sort through all of their notes from the interview season to compile rank lists. My school sent us a link about how the match is done. From the looks of it, it is very important that you are on your programs first rank list, especially if it is a popular program (not necessarily top notch, but popular).

The fear is not being on any of your top program's first rank list. 😱

God I can't wait until this is over. Caribbean here I come!!

 

[amyl]

where you planning on going? me and my best friend are going with our hubbies to cabo if we match. there is a fantastic resort there that is adults only -- margaritas and guac on the beach and the 'hoo we caught that day on the grill. heaven.
that is if there is room on our Visas after interview season or i don't match categorical.
believe it or not the local DO TY offers a $5000 signing bonus -- if i end up not matching categorical and need a prelim year....

 

[173291]

where you planning on going? me and my best friend are going with our hubbies to cabo if we match. there is a fantastic resort there that is adults only -- margaritas and guac on the beach and the 'hoo we caught that day on the grill. heaven.
that is if there is room on our Visas after interview season or i don't match categorical.
believe it or not the local DO TY offers a $5000 signing bonus -- if i end up not matching categorical and need a prelim year....

I didn't know they had separate TYs for DOs.

My SO and I are planning on taking a cruise to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. My only job will be to drink as much rum from each island we visit as I can.

And don't worry amyl, you WILL match.

 

[amyl]

thanks for the vote of confidence. 🙂

 

[Salt Creep]

I'm going diving whether I match or not - one way I'll be very happy and on top of the world for a few months, and the other way I'll be pi$$ed at the world and need some serious release. 🙂