Medical University of South Carolina ( MUSC ) Residency Reviews

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Ok, I'll put at least one up.

MUSC-Charleston

Residents: None so far. But they will have 6 at or around March 15th.

Shifts: Wouldn't know, they couldn't tell me. Attendings work 8 hour shifts. I can't imagine that it would be that much different from too many other places, as everywhere works 60 hours per week, and most places are going away from 12 hour shifts due to the 13 hour rule.

Facilities: Honestly, I've seen much better. It is a very old ED that sees around 37K per year, and you spend time at a county place that sees around 15K more. There are plans for a new ED that will be done in the next 3-4 years, but it hasn't been started, so I don't know how much stock I give that estimate. Plus, working in a construction zone isn't very fun.

Peds: They are hiring some new faculty, and the peds ED is one of the brighter aspects. Still not the highest volume, and I got a vibe that the peds residents weren't the happiest folks in the world with their residency either. (Due to no actual EM residents, they had offservice people hang with us on interview day).

Trauma: They didn't have it set, but they plan on the EM guys running them on a MWF type format. And always getting airways.

Faculty: Hiring lots of new faculty, but there are a fair number that aren't residency trained in EM (including the RD). Not the biggest selling point.

Curriculum: 18 months EM, 3 months of elective (!?); medicine and peds wards months during first year. However, we were told that none of this is set in stone, and they may change some of that.

Location: Best part of the residency. Charleston is bar none the best city in the world to live in (for me). However, cost of living is high, and the traffic pretty much sucks. But there are so many things to do in Charleston that it makes up for the traffic and cost of living.

1. Moonlighting: they weren't really for moonlighting when asked (acted offended, said ACEP doesn't like it either, etc), but said that you would have opportunities as a third year.

2. Aeromedical experience: offered, nonmandatory, no pay


Dowsides:
1. Fewer ED months than some places, more ward time than many
2. I still don't know much about this place, because there was so much that hadn't been set in stone yet
3. Too few faculty right now
4. Did I mention that it is brand new, which means all new turf wars, no seniors, etc?
5. Older ED, low volume

Overall: I think the first class will have to be very gung ho about their training. There are too many parts that are just unknown right now, but maybe they will have that changed before February 21. However, there is an exciting aspect of knowing that you have the opportunity to shape your residency, and be the first picture on the wall in the conference room. Plus, you would seriously be good at procedures by the time you finish.
I wouldn't say that they are going to have to scramble, because they are interviewing roughly 25 students per spot, which is above the national average.

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Just a few point of fact(or opinion) clarifications on MUSC-Charleston from my recent interview. I've not been posting reviews consistently, mostly due to lack of anonymity. I have interviewed at the 4 Florida programs if anyone has a specific question they need answered (PM me).

MUSC-Charleston

Shifts: Wouldn't know, they couldn't tell me.

When I went they suggested that ED shifts would start at 12hr, 18-20 a month, with some faculty seeming to say they wanted the number of shifts low at 17-18, and some saying they thought 20 was appropriate. However, the department chair did say that they'd ask the residents when they got there in June, and were open to change either to 8s, 10s, or a mix.


Faculty: Hiring lots of new faculty, but there are a fair number that aren't residency trained in EM (including the RD). Not the biggest selling point.

They are hiring a new group of faculty, but the group I met (only 3) were very enthusiastic and eager to get to teaching. It was a big plus on my plus/minus list.

Curriculum: 18 months EM, 3 months of elective (!?); medicine and peds wards months during first year. However, we were told that none of this is set in stone, and they may change some of that.
We were told to basically scribble out the peds wards and med wards months that are on their current PGY-1 schedule. The dept. chair stated that he didn't think we should do any wards time. THey suggested that they might replace it with more ED months, or more "speciality" months like cardio. Whatever happens, he stated they would remain fluid during the first year, and would listen to the first person or two who did each rotation, and modifiy it based off their feedback.


1. Moonlighting: they weren't really for moonlighting when asked (acted offended, said ACEP doesn't like it either, etc), but said that you would have opportunities as a third year.
The department chair stated with no question about it that there would be no moonlighting at all, though there would be other oppurtunities to make extra cash. To him it is an ethical/moral decision, which seems like a strong move to make (though I would miss the extra cash). He's a No-Free-Lunch guy.

Anyway, the program is brandnew, but the hospital has a long tradition of residency education. I believe the EM residency will be the 54th residency/fellowship at MUSC. I got a very good vibe off the place. For all the pros/cons of being in the inaugeral class of a program, look for the big thread on that topic.
 
I interviewed there last year and thought it was an awesome place. If it were an established residency, no doubt it would be one of the most desired places in the south. Its hard to beat Charleston as a city. I will always go back there for good food and good times. Expensive, but fun.
 
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MUSC

Residents: 6 Residents: first year of program. Seem to be from diverse backgrounds with lots of different interests. 3 of them from Caribbean schools. All showed up at dinner the night before and seemed to be really happy with their decision.

Faculty: Probably the faculty most enthusiastic to teach I've run across yet. They are hiring new faculty and seem to be attracting faculty from big name programs. One of the nicest, laid back program directors I've come across yet. Research Director is MD/PhD from Cincy. Division director very interested in establishing his program as a strong research institution in future.

Curriculum: This program is a PGY 1-3 format. The intern year is 5-6 months of EM then the fairly standard off service stuff: anesthesia, rads, cards, micu. The program has three months set aside for electives. Program director stresses flexibility of curriculum and will change based on resident feedback. Also, they have teaching attending in ED at times whose sole responsibility is to teach residents and students.


Facilities: One of the smaller, older EDs I've seen. Paper charting, but some electronic patient tracking, labs, etc. In the process of opening new Heart Hospital across the street and ED physicians will probably run CP unit. Looks amazing. This will free up some room for expansion eventually. Also, should give ED offices in main hospital, dedicated conference room, resident lounge etc. I think we're talking a couple years for all of this to happen.

Negatives: It's a new program. They have lots of "flexibility" when talking about 2nd and 3rd year so you really don't know what you're getting yourself into. Not really sure how trauma is going to be handled.

Positives: Like I said, one of the most energetic, enthusiaistic faculty I've talked with yet. Charleston is amazing with great food. Seem to have a good variety of pathology. Great residents. Faculty great and willing to accomodate and listen to residents. Want to teach EM in the ED. Less offservice months.

Interview Details: 3 attendings and a resident. 15-20 minutes each. Both a morning and afternoon session. Very laid back.

Overall: I really liked the program. Loved the faculty and city. My biggest hesitation is the fact that it is so new. It will be a tough decision in the end, but MUSC will be high on my list.
 
I'm going to cover a few in rapid succession here:

YORK

PGY 1-3

All of the faculty are very professional and do a good job of promoting the program. The PD spent 4 years at Northwestern (Chicago) and 8 years at Emory (Grady, in Atlanta). He has a great program in place that really doesn't need much tinkering.

The hospital has a high volume at 70,000, the 4th-busiest in the state with 11 EM residents and ~28% admit rate. During the dinner the night before, the residents were raving about how much they get to do and see. The trauma is 90% blunt and 10% penetrating. It is a level 2 center, but the PD went to great length to explain why that's not a weakness. There are no nearby Level 1 centers so York sees everything, and they're planning on getting the Level 1 designation within the next few years anyway. I don't think there's any shortage of action here.
There is a Medical SimCenter under construction - a separate facility that looks like it's going to be very nice.

Overall, York is a rural community hospital program with emphasis on getting residents up to speed to practice in community hospital EDs. It meets all the RRC requirements for research, of course, but I didn't get the impression that it was a focus. One of the biggest things you'll have to consider about the program is its location. The area is within a couple hours drive of some cities, but the immediate location is basically a small city in the Pennsylvania countryside.

MUSC

PGY 1-3

This program will be accepting its second class of residents with our year. That means there are no senior residents, and some of the kinks will have to be worked out of the program, but I was very impressed with the faculty and think they have a great model.

The ER does not currently have departmental status, but it's moving in that direction. The Division Director and Program Director are completely behind the residency and supportive of the residents. They have met with the residents frequently this year to assess the early stages of the program and get feedback. Trauma delineation is systematized and there were no complaints from the residents about issues with the trauma service. The ED handles all airways.

The physical set-up at their main ED is a bit convoluted, and there are plans to update it, but that won't happen for a few years. I didn't hear any complaints from the residents about it though. The residents all came out for the pre-interview dinner and were a great group. Very relaxed and fun to hang out with.

Charleston is one of the most gorgeous little cities I've ever seen. Resident salaries can afford small places on or near the beach. I mean, come on, how sweet is that?! The culture is very Southern. College football is huge and people are friendly and courteous. Yes ma'am, no sir. All that jazz.

Shifts are 18 12's. Volume is >50K.

Overall, I think this program has a lot of potential in a very fun place to live. It has some unavoidable drawbacks due to its age (lack of seniors and curriculum tweaks), but I think anyone who matches here will be well-trained after three years, tanned and happy. Not a bad deal.

EVMS

PGY 1-3

I was very impressed with this program. The program director was professional and polished, but definitely approachable. The primary ED (Sentara Norfolk) is a Level 1 with 51K volume. A fairly low admit rate from what I've seen, at 20%. but the residents had no complaints about seeing enough patients or getting experience at procedures. The 23 8-hr shifts allow for more free time per day than your 12-hrs, and the program emphasizes reading and research to supplement your ED work. I was surprised at the friendliness of the residents and the amount of things to do in the Norfolk area. Virginia Beach is only 15-20 minutes away, and there is affordable housing to rent or buy within a quick drive.

Overall, I think I'd like to go back for a second look to make sure the ED is busy enough and residents are getting enough action. But otherwise, the faculty, education, facilities and lifestyle seem excellent and I would be happy to match here.

A couple more coming soon...
 
Any new reviews now that this program isn't quite so new?
 
MUSC

Residents: 6 Residents per year. Seem to be able to get jobs in fairly diverse settings. Diverse group, fun, easy to get along with.

Faculty: Good mix of older and young faculty and very enthusiastic to teach. PD is wonderful and resident wellness is a top priority. Interim chair (and likely continuing chair) is Dr Jauch who is a very big name in stroke research and remarkably down to earth to talk to. Research Director is MD/PhD from Cincy.

Curriculum:
3 year program. Intern year is fairly typical, but does continue to have a medicine floor month. 6 months of EM/Peds EM. 4 or 5 months ICU time during program. 2 months elective time. Program director willing to change program as residents express need for change. Journal club monthly, 5 hours protected time for didactics on every Thurs morning. Once per month, sim lab experience.

Trauma: ED always has airway. 50/50 split between ED and Trauma from what I saw. Trauma bay is older style with curtains dividing large room into 3 beds. Not too cramped and anything you want adjunct wise is there (u/s, glidescope, ...). CT is connected to trauma. Radiology in house 24/7, but on different floor.

Facilities: Have been somewhat renovated over the past 5 years. Separate Peds ED is 4 years old, was built completely new and the Adult ED has taken over the old Peds ED in excess of the original layout, adding about 10 beds. Agree that the main ED is one of the smaller, older EDs I've seen. Utilizes hallway beds fairly often during busy hours. Psych boarding often due to demand on psych system as a whole in SC, have witnessed 1-2 day boarding. Paper charting currently with t-sheets, but starting transition to EPIC now and will be live by next July.

Chest pain center in the new Ashley River Tower (ART): Very nice, new. About 12 beds with all large individual rooms with glass fronts. Sees a mixture of CP, heme/onc, GI surg patients with an intermixing of general ED patients (heme/onc, GI surg take place in ART so they tend to show up here instead of the main ED). Cath lab is in the ART, so any need to cath a patient means you have to transfer from Main ED to ART.

Sim lab is very nice, probably the 2nd nicest I have seen on the interview trail (behind Mayo). 3-4 years old, 2 wings with about +/-15 rooms set up with anything you could want from surgical cases to ED codes, etc. Very willing staff to work individually if you need to work on anything specific (lines,...)

There are ED offices in main hospital, dedicated conference room, resident lounge now. Pretty standard fair, about 8 computers to use for residents in lounge.

Negatives: Newer program. Psych boarding. Charleston is remarkably expensive for the size of the city and has been relatively isolated from economic downturn.

Positives: Terrific faculty very much focused on resident wellness and teaching. Charleston is amazing and has more opportunities compared to other cities that size, probably the best food in the southeast. Seems to have a good variety of pathology. Great residents and faculty.

Interview Details: 3 attendings (PD and both Asst. PDs) and a chief resident. 15-20 minutes each. Both a morning and afternoon session. Very laid back, which is very fitting to Charleston as a whole.

Overall: Its my home program, so I am a little biased as I have gotten to see where they have come from to where they are now. I think its a great 3 year program that is open to change if needed and they are very much focused on resident teaching. Charleston is a wonderful city to live in.
 
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Thanks for the reply! Very helpful. Do you know anything about why they are on a 2 year cycle for ACGME accreditation?
 
Cannot say enough about this program. I think that the “new” program feel had really worn off and it really is beginning to establish itself in the EM world. At least that is the feel I got from my interview there and from everyone I have talked to where im from. Apparently they really recruit faculty because Charleston is such an awesome place.

Residents- They all seemed chill and enjoyed things outside of work (surfing/fishing/cycling) but also seemed like the people that would get it done well in the hospitalPositives:

PD: I cannot say enough how great she seemed both from talking to her as well as all the residents. Get the feel she would be easy/fun to work with but very serious about your training.

Faculty: By far the best interviews I had on the trail, talked a lot about hobbies/the outdoors with almost everyone which all of them seem to really enjoy and just layed back interviews in general.

Location: Charleston is obviously an amazing city with off days/post shift at the beach and nightlife seems great. Also surprisingly was a very historical city, which im not into but thought it could make for some interesting tours on days off. Also everyone raved about great restaurants and from what I hear the food here is the best.

Curriculum: Seems really great with strong off-service and reportedly EM gets all the airways for traumas. 20 or so 8-9 hr shifts. Volume reportedly plentiful. Peds seems as strong as any other place & has Peds EM fellowship. Rotate at a couple different hospitals, but all in downtown and MUSC affiliated to my understanding.

Facilities: I didn't think it was bad at all. CP center was really really nice and the main ED was pretty average with a 3-4 bed trauma bay. Great sim lab.... saw so many I hardly remember it though.

Dinner: The pre-interview dinner was a pretty cool place with good food and in the heart of a great downtown scene.

Negatives: Small program with only 6 residents which I can certainly see the down side of as only 3 or 4 residents could make it to my interview dinner.... which is actually a good percentage compared to some other dinners really (Interview day I met 5-6 more who made the effort to come on their day off or pre/post shifts). Resident benefits (food/etc) didn’t seem as good as some of the other programs I looked at.
 
Interviewed here this season, great training and a great location to live.
+Lots of pods with various levels of autonomy, separate chest pain ED (soon to become specialist ED) where complicated patients come. PD is great, very interested in improving the program. Moonlighting opportunities in surrounding areas. Charleston is a great spot to live, consistently rated one of the top tourist destinations. Lots of water hobbies available, low rotation load with lots of opportunities for hobbies and life outside of medicine. Great ultrasound experience. Longitudinal peds experience.
-Only A pod sees trauma, Lots of psych boarders for >24 hrs
 
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any more recent reviews? specifically any idea if they would even look at a DO? would love to do a rotation here and have family in the area but doesnt look like they have any DOs in the program.
 
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