Originally posted by fugax
Andrew, quick question for you, since I saw that you went to Hopkins, I was wondering if you could comment on what you think are the positives and negatives of Iowa and Wilmer...Also, I'm trying to decide if I should drive to Iowa (from Chicago) or just fly into Cedar Rapids. I noticed in the information your program gave out that there is a free shuttle bus to Iowa City from the airport, would you recommend this or would you suggest renting a car?
Thanks and good luck to everyone!
Fugax,
First, I recommend that you take the free shuttle bus. Iowa City is tiny, and you can get around downtown by walking or taking the free Cam bus. There's not much to see so driving is not necessary.
I can give you an honest assessment of both programs because Wilmer and Iowa were my two top choices. I ended up liking Iowa more because of two things: 1) Iowa is a resident friendly program and 2) the area is great for Family. I think the reputation is stronger for Wilmer because of the research; but, I think Iowa residents are better trained. I'll explain more below.
These are the factors I looked at when I interviewed:
WILMER-
*Location*
Hopkins is located in the pits of Baltimore. It's a rough city to have a family or live in if you're not used to working in an inner city setting. The security is much better now, and there are armed guards at each street corner. IDs are required all over the hospital. New security rules were implemented after a woman was assaulted on campus and a professor was mugged and locked in his car trunk.
*Faculty*
Outstanding. The faculty love to teach and many are involved in cutting edge research. I worked closely with Neil Miller, Susan Bresslar, and Irene Maumenee. They were awesome mentors.
*Residency Training*
The residents receive good training because they see many patients. However, I think you have to be self-motivated because the resident clinic is extremely busy and there is little guidance, i.e. you see patients and manage as you see fit. Call is Q4 in the Wilmer ER, and it's tough. Everyone sends their patients to the Wilmer ER after hours. I've seen one resident having 10 people waiting to be seen at 11 PM. Also, There is not a lot of formal lectures or conferences. I often felt like the system was sink or swim. Most will do great because the best and brightest get in, so they all do well.
*Surgical Training*
Not as good as many other programs. The numbers of surgical procedures are marginal. I have been told that if you want surgical training, then do a fellowship. Nearly all residents go into fellowship. It is also emphasized that Wilmer trains future directors and academics; thus, there is not a lot of support for those who want to go into private practice.
*Fellowship Match Rates*
You'll get your pick. Wilmer grads do extremely well.
*Research*
Tons of research funding and cutting edge research.
*Reputation*
The Wilmer name speaks for itself.
*Numbers entering practice vs academics*
Many will enter academics. I don't have the exact numbers.
IOWA-
*Location*
College Town that is perfect for families with children. Great school system too. I didn't find many top 10 ophthalmology programs that had many residents with kids. The other one with tons of kids is Wash U. I had kids so Iowa City is perfect. People don't need to lock their houses or cars. The town has enough to do, but it is small for single individuals. Most of the residents here are married and have children. In my class of 5 residents, there is a total of 5 kids.
*Faculty*
Outstanding. Each speciality has a leader in the field. Faculty are friendly and enjoy working closely with residents. We don't have a resident clinic at the UIHC (asides from our 12 week rotation at the VA); thus, we work closely with the faculty. Also, because the faculty sees all patients, I think there is less chance for error and mis-management; which, can occur without supervision. At Bascom Palmer, the resident can see as many as 40-60 patients in one day. If there is any problem, then they can ask the faculty member. If you're busy with a clinic, then how bad does a problem has to be before you seek help? Here at Iowa, you move at your own pace; you're encouraged to be complete rather than fast as a first year. Some residents see 10 patients per day, and others see 20 or more.
*Residency Training*
I've been told by many programs that this is one of the best residency training programs. Iowa is resident friendly because we're not over worked and it's designed to teach residents and prepare them for both private practice and academic medicine. For instance, Iowa is one of the few programs, if not the only program, that gathers for department morning rounds every morning. Residents and faculty present at morning rounds using Powerpoint, video, microscopic slides, and overheads. In addition to morning rounds, there are also afternoon speciality conferences every day, e.g. retina FFA rounds, plastics, neuro-ophthalmology, or cornea. Finally, we also receive lectures prepared by faculty to help prepare for the OKAPs and boards. These lectures take place every Saturday. In aggregate, Iowa resident's likely receive more lectures and didactics than any other program.
*Surgical Training*
We receive good surgical training here, and the residents are recruited aggressively by many practices around the country. Surgical numbers are moderate, and because Iowa is the only tertiary referral center in the state of Iowa, we get a fair share of cases. We may not get open globes from guns or knives, but we get many from farmers banging on farm equipment, BB guns, and turkeys (these birds go for the eyes of young children).
*Fellowship Match Rates*
It varies year to year because on average, only 50% of residents decide to do fellowship. Of the residents who do, they all match very well. Last year, 2 stayed here for peds, 1 stayed here for cornea, and 1 went to the MEEI.
*Research*
Not as great in volume as some of the bigger programs, but the research done here is of high quality. In particular, Dr. Ed Stone is the first ophthalmologist in the world to be appointed a Howard Hughes Investigator Research Award. This locks him into about $1 million each year for research which is renewable. He's cloning new genes for inheritable retinal diseases. Dr. Stone (Stone Rounds) also holds a weekly gathering on Tuesday evenings where we eat dinner and discuss interesting retina cases. This is a unique and invaluable experience.
*Reputation*
Iowa has an outstanding reputation and is considered one of the best.
*Numbers entering practice vs academics*
I think it's split 50-50, but more have entered private practice in recent years.
At all the places I interviewed, I considered all of the above when I made my match list. Other programs I liked were Wash U, USC, and MEEI. I have a family so Iowa is the perfect place for me. I hope this helps.
