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- Apr 16, 2000
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- Resident [Any Field]
I'm going into peds and having a last-minute ROL dilemma. I finally have my top 3 settled, and am pretty comfortable with the order of the bottom 5, but I am having some issue with my fourth and fifth choices as to which I would rather be at. Advice would be appreciated.
Program A is a middle of the road program academically in a smaller city. It has few fellowships, which is a strength in terms of resident autonomy but potentially a negative for exposure to subspecialties and future fellowship opportunities (I am not sure if I will pursue fellowship, but want to keep my options open). I really liked the advocacy and international opportunities, the PD seems awesome, and got a good feeling overall from the residents and program in general. It seems like a more friendly and laid-back environment. I can "see" myself easier in this program, but I am concerned if I would be happy with the location and if my fiance would be able to find work in his field there, which is a major quality of life issue. Also, board pass rates are below average which is concerning to me.
Program B is a top 20 program in a larger city. They have good exposure to subspecialties and many fellowships, although do not appear to be fellow-driven, and great board pass rates. Much less emphasis on advocacy & international opportunities, although these are possible if you are willing to set them up more yourself. My fiance would definitely have better job opportunities there. I did not get a particularly good or bad feeling there, but it does seem that this program is more intense and residents may be more stressed out although still happy overall. I feel better about the academics here but worry that I won't have the time/energy to pursue my passion for advocacy work.
Bottom line, I definitely feel like the residency program at A would be a better "fit" for my personality & interests, but B offers a better location and stronger academics with less concern about how my & my fiance's career opportunities will be affected. All of these things are pretty important so I am having trouble deciding how to rank these! My top 3 are all pretty competitive places so it is reasonable to think I could end up at my 4th or 5th choice. What would you do?
Program A is a middle of the road program academically in a smaller city. It has few fellowships, which is a strength in terms of resident autonomy but potentially a negative for exposure to subspecialties and future fellowship opportunities (I am not sure if I will pursue fellowship, but want to keep my options open). I really liked the advocacy and international opportunities, the PD seems awesome, and got a good feeling overall from the residents and program in general. It seems like a more friendly and laid-back environment. I can "see" myself easier in this program, but I am concerned if I would be happy with the location and if my fiance would be able to find work in his field there, which is a major quality of life issue. Also, board pass rates are below average which is concerning to me.
Program B is a top 20 program in a larger city. They have good exposure to subspecialties and many fellowships, although do not appear to be fellow-driven, and great board pass rates. Much less emphasis on advocacy & international opportunities, although these are possible if you are willing to set them up more yourself. My fiance would definitely have better job opportunities there. I did not get a particularly good or bad feeling there, but it does seem that this program is more intense and residents may be more stressed out although still happy overall. I feel better about the academics here but worry that I won't have the time/energy to pursue my passion for advocacy work.
Bottom line, I definitely feel like the residency program at A would be a better "fit" for my personality & interests, but B offers a better location and stronger academics with less concern about how my & my fiance's career opportunities will be affected. All of these things are pretty important so I am having trouble deciding how to rank these! My top 3 are all pretty competitive places so it is reasonable to think I could end up at my 4th or 5th choice. What would you do?
Good luck to everyone.
