JH vs UPitt

[PocketMedicine]

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Residents often described that "gut" feeling you experience when your interviewing and you just know what to rank #1 but I had a similar feeling both at Hopkins and UPitt. Wed is approaching fast and I cant decide which to rank number one which is crazy because they have such different atmospheres. I scanned past post and all the information was helpful but if anyone has anything new to add about either program or if there are any current residents I would appreciate more thoughts. I just want the assurance that which ever one I choose I will become someone who can handle anything and handle it well. Also Im leaning more towards GI or heme-onc for fellowships, so thoughts on placement is appreciated as well. Thanks in advance!

 

[Masahiro]

JHU/JHH Hands down is #1!

hope you match there.

 

[WorkaholicsAnon]

Pitt has a definite advantage over Hopkins in its friendly and supportive learning environment, as well as the balanced workload and schedule.

Of course, Hopkins has the bigger name and the "elite" status. If those 2 things will help get you where you want to go, then by all means rank it #1.

If for what you want to ultimately do you dont really need to depend on the big name status (i.e. not going for cards or gi, etc), I recommend Pitt. It's a happier residency and you will learn just as much.

 

[JSI124]

There is a reason why Hopkins has a bigger name and "elite" status and it is definitely not based on past glory. From my personal experience on interview trail Hopkins interns/residents are definitely the most skilled ones when it comes to managing their patients, i.e. in my opinion the quality of the clinical training cannot be beaten. On the other hand, it heavily focuses on inpatient medicine and lack of primary care/world health options might be a drawback for some of us.

 

[VandyMed2009]

This is a tough one because both programs are so totally different in terms of rigor, prestige, call schedules.

JHU +: It has the name recognition. It has outstanding fellowhip placement and you would have no problem matching into GI or HemeOnc from there. Their interns are some of the top candidates from the country so you will be surrounded by brilliant people. Outstanding clinical training.

JHU - : baltimore seems like a scary place to live. Their call schedule is one of the toughest I saw anywhere (q4 10 months of the year). Their patient population is very poor/destitue (this could also be a positive for some people). Training at only 1 hospital (no VA or community hospital).

UPitt +: much easier call schedule -- mostly night float. Pittsburgh seems like a nicer/safer city. They have a very strong GI department and usually take several of their own residents each year. More room for individualization via the Tracks. Training at multiple clinical sites.

UPitt -: Definitely not as prestigious as JHU in terms of name recognition. The less intense call schedule may mean you don't get as rigorous training as you might see at Hopkins

Don't know much about either in terms of Heme/Onc, so I'm not a lot of help there!

Me, personally, I am looking for a more rigorous program, so I am ranking Hopkins highly. But I know it would be a very tough residency!