Mentor & Rank order advice

[StringBean]

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Hi all!

Was just wondering if I could get some opinions here. Say you have a mentor at your #1 choice (and both the mentor & the program know they are your #1) is it alright to ask he/she for advice/input on the other programs you plan to rank. I'm stuck on this one b/c I do value this persons opinion but i'm not sure if it is correct "residency/rank" etiquette.

Thanks for the advice!
Bean

 

[Koko]

Hi all!

Was just wondering if I could get some opinions here. Say you have a mentor at your #1 choice (and both the mentor & the program know they are your #1) is it alright to ask he/she for advice/input on the other programs you plan to rank. I'm stuck on this one b/c I do value this persons opinion but i'm not sure if it is correct "residency/rank" etiquette.

Thanks for the advice!
Bean

Absolutely. I wish I was in your shoes - I will be asking my mentor for the same advice, but his program is not my top choice, so it will feel more awkward, but certainly is appropriate. Good luck!

 

[rugtrousers]

My concern with this scenario is that although your #1 knows that they are your #1, you don't know what your position on their rank list is. If you ask your mentor about other programs, they may question whether they really are your number one program. Depending on your qualifications and the number of spots at your program, this could be an issue.

 

[penguins]

Show him/her your list and then they will know!!!
Isn't this akin to asking your PD/ Dean to help you out even though you ranked your home program #1?
If they really are your "mentor" then I think it would be expected/normal.

 

[missdr]

i had both my advisor and the PD at my home program help me with my rank list even though my numer 1 is my home program. i don't know if all PDs would be comfortable but mine offered (and made it clear he would help whether or not i wanted to stay), and it really helped my get #3-5 in order (1 and 2 were set). i don't think it hurts you at all and gives you a chance to really drive home why you want to stay at your home program (especially if you bring your ROL draft with that program in the#1 slot). i agree that it would be more akward to ask if you are not staying at home but i really don't think most PDs care since they want people that will be happy in their program.

 

[CANES2006]

I wouldn't do it. Then again I'm not a risk taker. 😀

 

[robotsonic]

I have an official advisor at my home program (also the home program's PD) and an unofficial mentor at my #1 program (not a PD, but an attending I know). I'm not telling my advisor anything, since I don't really want to reveal that his program isn't my first choice. My mentor, on the other hand, knows my entire rank list and I've discussed each program on it with him. He's been very helpful, and I think he would be helpful even if I chose not to rank his hospital first, so it really depends on what kind of mentor you have and your relationship with him/her.