It's all about the location

[dilatate]

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I am a MS3 currently deciding between Radiology and Rad Onc. I know, not similar at all, but I actually find them similar in many of the things that are important to me, mainly both being consult services that are expected to advise other doctors. Anyways, my life situation pretty much requires that I be in Chicago. My question is this... If I am geographically constrained and only apply to mostly Chicago programs, are my chances of matching in Rad Onc slim to none. Am I safer just applying to Radiology? Can I do both? My stats for perspective:

Step I >255
Clinical Grades: 2/4 Honors so far
Pubs: 1 Molecular Onc 4th author, 1 Rad Onc 2nd author, 1 Rad Onc book Chapter many authors, 2 Radiology in progress, 1 BioEthics 1st author in local journal.
Lots of Leadership Extracurriculars.

 

[Gfunk6]

The Chicago area programs (AFAIK) are: U Chicago and Loyola.

That's two programs . . .

Granted your stats are impressive but I think you are running a tremendous risk by applying just to Rad Onc. You can certainly apply for both. I don't know Radiology programs very well but I'm sure there are many more spots available in the Chicago metro area for residency.

 

[dilatate]

What about Northwestern and Rush? What does AFAIK mean? Obviously I would apply to more programs, but my life would be much easier if I ended up in Chicago. Would an away rotation improve my chances?

 

[Gfunk6]

AFAIK = As far as I know

You are right, I forgot about NW/Rush. An away rotation typically improves one's chances. Keep in mind that some smaller programs may not be accepting residents with every application cycle.

 

[yeasterbunny]

I am a MS3 currently deciding between Radiology and Rad Onc. I know, not similar at all, but I actually find them similar in many of the things that are important to me, mainly both being consult services that are expected to advise other doctors. Anyways, my life situation pretty much requires that I be in Chicago. My question is this... If I am geographically constrained and only apply to mostly Chicago programs, are my chances of matching in Rad Onc slim to none. Am I safer just applying to Radiology? Can I do both? My stats for perspective:

Step I >255
Clinical Grades: 2/4 Honors so far
Pubs: 1 Molecular Onc 4th author, 1 Rad Onc 2nd author, 1 Rad Onc book Chapter many authors, 2 Radiology in progress, 1 BioEthics 1st author in local journal.
Lots of Leadership Extracurriculars.

If that's what's important to you I say go for it, applying will definitely increase your chances vs. not applying. It's not like you will be shelling out big $$ to fly to interviews. I agree that doing aways will be a big asset to your app (assuming you don't suck on your away 😀).

But surely one of the two choices appeals to you more? Despite the similarities you listed there are still many times more differences to consider. Like seeing patients or not?! Like being directly involved in curing and palliating disease? And I wouldn't say the primary role of the rad onc is to "advise other doctors," I would say it's to "treat patients." If location is the only thing you like about a program and if you are not totally on board with your choice of specialty, it is likely to show through in your rotations and interviews.

 

[dilatate]

Thanks for the advice. They are different fields and I like both for different reasons, but in the end they both appeal to me nearly equally (i.e. no rounding and awesome path!) At this point they are so neck and neck that I am considering feasibility as a factor.

I will check on which programs are accepting PGY2s in 2011 and how to get aways. I do well with patients and people in general so I am not too worried.

Any other advice?

Looks like I finally have to decide what I want to be when I grow up!

 

[deleted4401]

Chicago has great programs - 4 of them. Heck ... I'd add MCW in Milwaukee if you "have" to be near Chicago.

In a given year, there is ~9 spots in Chicago (and 2 more at MCW), so there is a possiblity. Rush, NU seem to favor their own (usually 1 of 2 is alum), and Loyola and Chicago seem to go from a national pool.

You'd probably be competitive in either field. I ask you this: "Do you prefer a lit room or a dark room?"

-S

 

[yeasterbunny]

Chicago has great programs - 4 of them. Heck ... I'd add MCW in Milwaukee if you "have" to be near Chicago.

In a given year, there is ~9 spots in Chicago (and 2 more at MCW), so there is a possiblity. Rush, NU seem to favor their own (usually 1 of 2 is alum), and Loyola and Chicago seem to go from a national pool.

You'd probably be competitive in either field. I ask you this: "Do you prefer a lit room or a dark room?"

-S

1 of the 2 at MCW is always an MCW student also.

 

[dilatate]

I ask you this: "Do you prefer a lit room or a dark room?"


That's what she said...or he said. (watching the premiere of The Office right now).

Thanks for the input. I am probably going to do some aways there next summer.