How to Rank Three Strong Programs When I Love Each One

[Singingpremed]

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Good afternoon all my SDN colleagues:

I hope that everyone had relaxing holidays and is staying warm where it is raining and snowing! I am hoping for some outside opinions on my predicament. I have a pretty clear residency program rank list except for three peds programs at the top- Indy/Riley Children's, Pitt, and Mayo. I have been agonizing over how to rank these three. I am hoping to pursue a research pathway (dual degree applicant) and stay for a NICU/PICU fellowship. A few notes:

Pitt- highest ranked program according to U.S. News and others, farther from my family in the Midwest but not a deal breaker, would be a Midwest girl in an East Coast? city, research opportunities in my area of interest, liked the people and the city, program is willing to guarantee a fellowship with the research path

Mayo- unique environment unlike the other places I interviewed, liked the people, in the Midwest, is a smaller program, have been told by several people that Mayo is known for adult medicine instead of pediatrics, a bit concerned whether I would see enough and that it does not seem to be ranked as highly as I would have expected, research track and many people staying for fellowship

Riley- unexpectedly really fell in love with this place, close to home, seem to have the most opportunities for research, not a guaranteed fellowship but most stay on after research track, everyone very enthusiastic

Based on the reputations of these programs, am I missing a key element? Is there something else I should be considering? If not, how would you decide how to rank these places? I am asking because I am legitimately torn.

Thank you so much for your time and effort!
Singingpremed

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Good afternoon all my SDN colleagues:

I hope that everyone had relaxing holidays and is staying warm where it is raining and snowing! I am hoping for some outside opinions on my predicament. I have a pretty clear residency program rank list except for three peds programs at the top- Indy/Riley Children's, Pitt, and Mayo. I have been agonizing over how to rank these three. I am hoping to pursue a research pathway (dual degree applicant) and stay for a NICU/PICU fellowship. A few notes:

Pitt- highest ranked program according to U.S. News and others, farther from my family in the Midwest but not a deal breaker, would be a Midwest girl in an East Coast? city, research opportunities in my area of interest, liked the people and the city, program is willing to guarantee a fellowship with the research path

Mayo- unique environment unlike the other places I interviewed, liked the people, in the Midwest, is a smaller program, have been told by several people that Mayo is known for adult medicine instead of pediatrics, a bit concerned whether I would see enough and that it does not seem to be ranked as highly as I would have expected, research track and many people staying for fellowship

Riley- unexpectedly really fell in love with this place, close to home, seem to have the most opportunities for research, not a guaranteed fellowship but most stay on after research track, everyone very enthusiastic

Based on the reputations of these programs, am I missing a key element? Is there something else I should be considering? If not, how would you decide how to rank these places? I am asking because I am legitimately torn.

Thank you so much for your time and effort!
Singingpremed

So you already have an MPH or PhD? Are you wanting to stay in research? Do any of those places offer a pediatric-research track (not common but some places do have them) that interests you?

In any case, no one will be able to really answer this because it is personal. I won't claim to know the specifics of each program, but I can tell you irrespective of each places nuances in training, the ACGME pretty much standardizes training so you will get more or less the same experience and gain the same fund of knowledge wherever you go. Likewise, none of those place will impact your ability to pursue fellowship. So in the end, go with your gut.

 

[Singingpremed]

SurfingDoctor, thanks for your reply. I do already have a PhD. I know it ultimately personal; but if anyone has any personal insights on the programs, I'd love to hear them.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

SurfingDoctor, thanks for your reply. I do already have a PhD. I know it ultimately personal; but if anyone has any personal insights on the programs, I'd love to hear them.

Did you meet potential PIs at each place? Since you are planning what sounds like a physician scientist career track, I would suggest going to the place with the best research infrastructure, i.e. Pediatric Department T32s, research seminars for junior investigators, and of course a PI you enjoyed meeting and interacting with and research you find most interesting and will give you a publication during your training.

 

[Ismet]

Good afternoon all my SDN colleagues:

I hope that everyone had relaxing holidays and is staying warm where it is raining and snowing! I am hoping for some outside opinions on my predicament. I have a pretty clear residency program rank list except for three peds programs at the top- Indy/Riley Children's, Pitt, and Mayo. I have been agonizing over how to rank these three. I am hoping to pursue a research pathway (dual degree applicant) and stay for a NICU/PICU fellowship. A few notes:

Pitt- highest ranked program according to U.S. News and others, farther from my family in the Midwest but not a deal breaker, would be a Midwest girl in an East Coast? city, research opportunities in my area of interest, liked the people and the city, program is willing to guarantee a fellowship with the research path

Mayo- unique environment unlike the other places I interviewed, liked the people, in the Midwest, is a smaller program, have been told by several people that Mayo is known for adult medicine instead of pediatrics, a bit concerned whether I would see enough and that it does not seem to be ranked as highly as I would have expected, research track and many people staying for fellowship

Riley- unexpectedly really fell in love with this place, close to home, seem to have the most opportunities for research, not a guaranteed fellowship but most stay on after research track, everyone very enthusiastic

Based on the reputations of these programs, am I missing a key element? Is there something else I should be considering? If not, how would you decide how to rank these places? I am asking because I am legitimately torn.

Thank you so much for your time and effort!
Singingpremed

I have no experience with Mayo or Riley, but Pittsburgh is MUCH more of a Midwest city than an East Coast city in terms of culture/atmosphere. Comparing Pittsburgh to a true East Coast city like Philly is like night and day. I don't think you'd have a problem fitting in there or enjoying the city as a Midwesterner. Heck they even say "pop" there! 😉

If you're interested in PICU, Pitt has one of the best programs in the country. Interns don't rotate in the PICU (they also don't get PALS training until 2nd year) but you do in 2nd and 3rd year. If they'd guarantee you a fellowship with the research track, that would be a great bonus.

 

[sliceofbread136]

I think Pitt. It's a much more reputable program than the other two and Pitt is a better city.

 

[FlowLimited]

I have past/current affiliations with both Riley and Pittsburgh. Both programs will provide you a very solid education and boast great program leadership, teaching, and clinical experiences. You should not have a problem finding quality research opportunities at either location. The biggest differences I see are in resident scheduling, night float vs. traditional call, opportunities for early elective time, etc.

Indianapolis is the bigger city by population, but Pittsburgh feels bigger and has a larger metro area. Both have all the amenities you would need, nightlife, great restaurants, and good cost of living.

Feel free to PM me. Overall I agree with SurfingDoctor and say you should go with your gut.