How did you know your program was for you?

[emrevue]

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Hey everyone- interviews are winding down, and I am stuck, in a good way. I feel like I "fit" at least 4 programs, and would be happy at all of them, if not more (like at all 12 I interviewed at!). But now I'm wondering how to go about sorting my top few out. I made the list of pros/cons, thought about location as a factor, but really feel at a standstill.

So, how did everyone decide their program was for them?

 

[Spunky Monkey]

I think it is important to realize that there are probably multiple programs that most applicants would be happy at...

Having said that: Gut instinct wins out every time.

Review your lists if necessary to make sure that the places you are ranking high have the things you want for your future path, and be willing to recognize there is no one best program.

 

[Dr.Evil1]

My program had enough incriminating evidence on me to put me away for life. Instead they insisted that I rank them #1, so I did.

That and gut feeling.

 

[Dukes]

Gut feeling is the way to go. If you are still stuck then maybe go for location.

 

[EctopicFetus]

Gut feeling and location. Did you like the residents? Do they do things you like? Some are more social and party-esque others are more into outdoor sports.

Also if you are single good cities for single people.

 

[Sweet Tea]

I have every intention of ranking programs based solely on the quality of the food at the pre-interview socials and at lunch. Food is important, and you're going to be eating there for the next 3-4 years.

 

[deleted109597]

I have every intention of ranking programs based solely on the quality of the food at the pre-interview socials and at lunch. Food is important, and you're going to be eating there for the next 3-4 years.

Copycat.

I guess now I'm going to have to base it on absolute number of hours over the course of the residency, and then dividing that on salary.
Just so I can say that I earn more than the rest of you. Or at least those of you that aren't at the same residency.

Ok, gut feeling wins still.

 

[roja]

Gut by an far. You shouldn't rank any programs you don't feel like you would be happy at.

So, close your eyes and pick the one which pops up first as the awnser.

IGnore things like reputation/3 vs 4/blah blah blah. Your brain has already melded all that crap into one cohesive idea and made a rank list for you. Stop fighting it.

Relax and go for it.

 

[Jeff698]

I knew, without a doubt, that my program was the one for me about the time I opened my envelope.

Prior to that, I made up a very extensive Excel spreadsheet. It was awesome. It had multiple pages, all referencing each other. I used macros and included every possible thing that could be measured about the program. I used several differential equations to come up with my rank order list.

Then I ignored the results and used my gut.

Take care,
Jeff

 

[vtucci]

I have every intention of ranking programs based solely on the quality of the food at the pre-interview socials and at lunch. Food is important, and you're going to be eating there for the next 3-4 years.

LOL Do any hospitals have good food?

 

[edinOH]

I agree with Guts!

The program I trained at was my next to last interview. After I interviewed there I completely changed my ROL.

Didn't regret it one bit. My gut told me so.

If you know, you know. The trick is trying to not talk yourself out of the program you think deep down is the best for you. It might be name, location, preconceived notions, or earlier promises that are holding you back. Ultimately go with your instincts (gut).

 

[aliraja]

I'll jump on the guts bandwagon. The way I remember it, I interviewed here pretty early on and then, wherever I went afterwards, I found myself comparing programs to this one over and over again. In the end I just figured that there had to be something that clicked with me even if I didn't realize exactly what it was and just made my rank list based on that.

I think something similar probably happens to most people who go with their gut feeling. You can do all sorts of in-depth analysis and make tons of spreadsheets (I did too!) but the program you just keep thinking about should probably be your first choice.

 

[Dr. Will]

I'll jump on the guts bandwagon. The way I remember it, I interviewed here pretty early on and then, wherever I went afterwards, I found myself comparing programs to this one over and over again. In the end I just figured that there had to be something that clicked with me even if I didn't realize exactly what it was and just made my rank list based on that.

I think something similar probably happens to most people who go with their gut feeling. You can do all sorts of in-depth analysis and make tons of spreadsheets (I did too!) but the program you just keep thinking about should probably be your first choice.

Hmmm...kinda describes me right now. This actually makes me feel better since my "gut" has been telling me that one program is leading over another. Now if I can only ensure that I get the spot I want! 😀

 

[SolidGold]

I'll jump on the guts bandwagon. The way I remember it, I interviewed here pretty early on and then, wherever I went afterwards, I found myself comparing programs to this one over and over again. In the end I just figured that there had to be something that clicked with me even if I didn't realize exactly what it was and just made my rank list based on that.

I think something similar probably happens to most people who go with their gut feeling. You can do all sorts of in-depth analysis and make tons of spreadsheets (I did too!) but the program you just keep thinking about should probably be your first choice.

I did one of my away rotations in the 'natti, and I've used that as my gold standard. My home program isn't even in the same league. Very few of the places i've interviewed at can come close to the EM experiences that one can get at Cinci. I still have 2 places left to interview at (just came back from the happy hour at the place i'll be interviewing tomorrow) and my gut is telling me to rank 3-4 places at #1. I'm having an impossible time deciding what order to put those in. In the end, I may end up putting the program I know best at #1...

 

[txterp98]

How's this for a semi-twist?

Location!

But just make sure you'd be happy at that said location.

ER programs are pretty similar....I think a few of the discussions around here will agree on that. Go to someplace you'd like. One, that should satisfy the gut factor. And two, if you think it's someplace that you may want to end up after residency, you'd be surprised with how many contacts (even in the community) that you'll make.