Help with starting the residency search

[slupeds]

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Hello all,
I am a third year who has just made the decision to go into peds. I was hoping to get the forum's input on what programs they liked. I am currently in the Midwest at St. Louis Univ. but I have no geographic limitations, as long as the residents seem relatively happy and that the program is quality. I have seen the US News and World Report list of top peds hospitals, and I was wondering how many of these programs are actually resident friendly and would make a good experience. Anyway, any reccomendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Kalel]

Try reading program reviews at scutwork.com.

http://www.scutwork.com/cgi-bin/links/page.cgi?g=Pediatrics/index.html&d=1

 

[Fabio]

Be careful with US News rankings. It's just a guide. There are great programs (which I did NOT interview at, however) that are not on the list, but a lot of applicants seem to love!
Portland, OR
Columbus Children's
Indianapolis
Phoenix Maricopa
UNC
Michigan (which fell off the list from last year)
Maine
Oakland (which I also think fell off? Not sure)

Conversely, I was not impressed with some of the "prestigious" programs on the list.

As another guide, you might try looking at US News ranking of Best Graduate Schools, and look under pediatrics. This is a rank of how pediatric education programs for the different universities rate, whereas I think the Best Hospitals just ranks facilities, number of well-known faculty, etc. It's generally the same group of hospitals that make both lists, but with a few changes.

If you are looking for a good resident experience, the only way to do that is to get yourself out there and meet the residents! Interview day is one way to do that, but go to the lunches, pre-interview dinners, etc. Perhaps stay in touch with a couple residents you meet. Alum from your school are also useful. Again, many "prestigious" programs that I am not ranking, mainly because of the vibes I got and the people I met.

Good luck.

 

[notstudying]

Others I have heard good things about or liked...

Dartmouth
Maine
Mt. Sinai
Rochester (in NY but has a midwest feel)
Yale

I'd agree that just because a pediatric hospital or program is well rated doesn't mean it will be a good fit.

 

[RuralMedicine]

Indianapolis?
Or are you referring to the IU/Clarian program at Riley Hospital for Children?

 

[otter41]

There is only one pediatrics program in the state of Indiana. IU's program based out of Riley Children's in Indianapolis. I would have to second the opinion that it is a surprisingly good program with a sound educational structure, excellent pathology, and really nice residents and faculty. It is high on my rank list and above much more "prestigious" Midwest programs. Other programs that I interviewed at and would highly recommend people consider visiting are Vanderbilt and Medical College of Wisconsin. As for academic programs that I didn't like quite as much, Wash U. and Michigan. Don't get me wrong, they were very strong programs just not a good fit for me. Another Midwest program that many people seem to like is U. of Chicago.