How to match if there is no home program?

[amojan99]

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I'm planning on going to Downstate, and I am interested in neurosurgery. However, Downstate recently lost its neurosurgery residency program (in 01?). How much would it hurt me in matching into a competitive field like neurosurgery without a home residency program at Downstate like the other five schools in NYC?

 

[kenmc3]

I think the best thing to do is an externship as early as possible during your third year and maybe even another externship early in your fourth year. Maybe there are some other hospitals in the local area with neurosurgery departments that you could work something out with. Also, try to get some research in the neurosciences if possible.

 

[gutonc]

I'm planning on going to Downstate, and I am interested in neurosurgery. However, Downstate recently lost its neurosurgery residency program (in 01?). How much would it hurt me in matching into a competitive field like neurosurgery without a home residency program at Downstate like the other five schools in NYC?

I can't speak to how exactly it will affect you but I can tell you that we matched 1/1 into NS this year (Einstein/Monte) and have matched at least 1 into NS every year since 2001 at Einstein, NYU, Cleveland Clinic and NYMC. I don't know the guy who matched into it this year but he wasn't AOA or a PhD. The lack of a NS program may affect how many people at Downstate go into NS but I don't think it will affect your ability to go into it if that's what you really want.

Obviously, as with all surgery subspecialties (plastics, ortho, urology, ENT) you'll need to get out there and do a boatload of away electives if you expect to match since you won't have a home "safety" program. Research is a huge plus as well. As you probably know, Downstate is a phenomenal place to do Neuro research and I know several labs who have projects that would be excellent for Neurosurgery. There's also a summer research fellowship available to MS1's which pays you $3K for 2 months and gives your lab some extra cash as well (and my picture is on their PR materials).

Good luck and enjoy East 'bush.

BE