Help with more info on these programs for ROL (Cali )

[jae01]

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Having some last minute difficulty with these programs for rank list and would really appreciate any feedback, especially if you're a resident or have rotated at USC and UCI. I’ve looked in old threads but programs have changed since then.

USC: really loved it on my interview day but have heard residents are overworked and county program blows. There were negative comments about USC in past threads without much clarification on why.Would love more insight.

UCI: concerned because of all the negative comments in past threads and having unfilled spots in the past. Wondering if anyone has feedback on how this program may have changed. Want to rank this high since location is most ideal for a personal commitment.

 

[radfish723]

Hi, I'm an MS4 in California; I know a couple UCI residents (past and present) and have been wondering some of the same things. This is what I've gathered:

Bottom line is that the program is on the rise but they're still going to carry the previous reputation for a few years, as bad reputations have a way of sticking around. The new chair has been around for about 3 years, and has been busy in filling in the gaps, hiring a bunch of new faculty (epilepsy, neurocritical care, MS, I believe a new IR guy too). The impression that I got on my interview day is that all the new hirings have been based off of willingness to teach (which also has to do with their diminishing presence at the VA). Their neurocritical care team went from 0 attendings a couple years ago to 3 really solid/teaching-oriented attendings. I understand that the inpatient services can get BUSY, but after this PGY4 class graduates (3 residents), there will be a net gain of 1 new resident, and I believe the PD is focusing on building up the outpatient exposure as well. Of the 3 that are graduating, last I heard 2 of them are staying at UCI as fellows, so they must enjoy it to some degree. Plus, guaranteed prelim year, which I have learned these past few months is a BIG deal.

haha, that should answer some questions...

 

[jae01]

Thanks radfish723! That's reassuring to hear. I had a positive impression on my interview day too, especially after hearing about the changes with the VA. It was just a hard feeling to dismiss since on the trail, the consensus from other applicants and residents from other programs was that there were still problems with the program. I could not make out residents' happiness at the dinner or on interview day which added to the hesitation.