MCW vs. Rosalind Franklin

[Dr.Dude21]

CA resident with two OOS options... interested in Derm or Ortho at this point

MCW Milwaukee
Pros

• Strong research availability
• Several large hospitals surround the campus for rotations etc.
• Home residency programs
• 9 students matched to ortho in 2023
• affordable COL + slightly cheaper than RFU

Cons

• Milwaukee not as directly appealing as Chicago and not planning on staying there for residency
• New fusion curriculum starts with our class (+ or -?)... haven't heard if attendance is mandatory
• Want to come back to Southern CA, and it doesn't seem like many students matched there

Chicago Med at RFU
Pros

• Chicago seems like a cool place to live with direct flights home... RFU is outside CHI but would likely live downtown for rotations
• Impressive match list that included several CA residencies plus Northwestern, UIC... more desirable to attend residency in CHI as well
• mostly non-mandatory recorded classes

Cons

• Have heard north Chicago is tough the first two years
• No home residency programs or main hospital .... research at Rush etc. necessary?
• Probable long commutes for rotations
• only two ortho matches last year (although at seemingly strong programs UCLA/CO Boulder)
• slightly more expensive

Summary: At this point leaning towards MCW because of the research/networking opportunities necessary for matching into competitive specialties. Open to going where I will have the best chance to match back into CA or somewhere strong.

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[deleted1158770]

I would look at match lists from multiple years, but even then they are hard to interpret, since they depend on a lot of factors like how strong the applicants are and where they want to match. Based on your list, I think that having home residency programs and stronger research would make me lean towards MCW. Especially if you are shooting for a very competitive specialty.

 

[Dr.Dude21]

I would look at match lists from multiple years, but even then they are hard to interpret, since they depend on a lot of factors like how strong the applicants are and where they want to match. Based on your list, I think that having home residency programs and stronger research would make me lean towards MCW. Especially if you are shooting for a very competitive specialty.

That definitely makes sense! Thank you so much for your time and advice!!

 

[tzuyu&yuqi]

I think MCW here, seems like it’s pretty important to have a home program for competitive specialities. Also, i would guess that a lot of people that go to MCW are probably from wisconsin or from the Midwest and would want to return home, leading to the decreased Amt of California matches

 

[Dr.Dude21]

I think MCW here, seems like it’s pretty important to have a home program for competitive specialities. Also, i would guess that a lot of people that go to MCW are probably from wisconsin or from the Midwest and would want to return home, leading to the decreased Amt of California matches

That’s a great point, thank you much appreciated!!

 

[mdog31415]

RFU M1 here. RFU's a good time- North Chicago isn't as terrible so long as you have a car. Here's my objective take though. Research chances are probably a bit more conducive at MCW, and the home program is super advantageous. Cost is a big deal too. So unless you find a massive problem at MCW between now and when you have to commit OR you get a scholarship to RFU, I'd also agree with MCW.

 

[Dr.Dude21]

RFU M1 here. RFU's a good time- North Chicago isn't as terrible so long as you have a car. Here's my objective take though. Research chances are probably a bit more conducive at MCW, and the home program is super advantageous. Cost is a big deal too. So unless you find a massive problem at MCW between now and when you have to commit OR you get a scholarship to RFU, I'd also agree with MCW.

Appreciate this take and your honesty. Doesn’t seem like MCW gives out much need-based scholarship $. I’d need to commit there by June 5 and RFU says that aid award letters likely won’t be out till June so we will see