How much does pedigree matter in finding a job after residency?

[DerpyNeuroMD]

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I'm seeing a lot of variability in programs on the interview trail. Some programs that are a little less prestigious have qualities I really like. I'm worried that if I end up highly ranking and matching at one, I'll be shooting myself in the foot in the long run. Haven't really decided what I want to do yet, or if I even want to do a fellowship. Also concerned about the ability to be geographically mobile once I'm finished. And, of course, compensation. Thoughts?

 

[Postictal Raiden]

The answer, as always, it depends.

For a non-academic career, pedigree doesn’t matter much. A person who just finished residency at a community program just got a job in a very nice town within an hour drive of one of the largest cities on the West. No fellowship. Pay is 400k+ for outpatient only.

On the other hand, my program refused to hire an epileptologist who did his residency at one of top 20 programs but only did a one year epilepsy training (as opposed to two years).

Reputation and resources matter, but your mental well-being and self fulfillment matter more.

Rank based on how compatible you feel a program is with your personal and career goals.

 

[DocMom1]

As long as it's an accredited US program, there are innumerable high-paying opportunities once you finish residency. Here in Florida starting salaries are 450K+ and only climbing due to an increasing paucity of needed providers.

 

[Thama]

The answer, as always, it depends.

For a non-academic career, pedigree doesn’t matter much. A person who just finished residency at a community program just got a job in a very nice town within an hour drive of one of the largest cities on the West. No fellowship. Pay is 400k+ for outpatient only.

On the other hand, my program refused to hire an epileptologist who did his residency at one of top 20 programs but only did a one year epilepsy training (as opposed to two years).

Reputation and resources matter, but your mental well-being and self fulfillment matter more.

Rank based on how compatible you feel a program is with your personal and career goals.

This is pretty much it. Within academics it often matters. If you want a research career it matters a great deal. If you want to do private practice, it usually doesn't matter very much, though there are always exceptions within the most competitive markets.

 

[neurologist]

In private practice, practically zero, unless it’s a small group who like to hire people from their own med school(s).

In academia, pedigree matters most at the top level places. You know who they are.