My thoughts on my top ranking programs

[roflwaffles]

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This isn't necessarily a threat about getting advice on how I should rank these programs, but rather a chance to talk about what I thought about each program and maybe fellow applicants/residents can chime in about their thoughts too. Hopefully this thread can help people with similar lists.

Univ. Michigan: Strong experiences in all fields except for regional which is reserved for 2 straight months in CA-3 year. Seems to have very little flexibility in regards to scheduling. I keep hearing it is a "big" name especially in the midwest.
WashU: Large variety of interesting cases. Weaker regional although it seems to be getting better. Finish with about 130-150 blocks? My biggest concern (although really it was more a feeling I got) was maybe preparation going into private practice in regards to turn around time in the OR, etc. But what do I know of transitioning into private practice but the occasional rumors of needing to know this or that.
Cornell: Subsidized housing for "cheaper." Great regional but unsure about other areas such as livers/trauma (although this could be said about trauma in most of the programs listed here). Differing opinions when talking to residents regarding how many hours are worked in a week. I know bellevue is out but it seems residents are telling me they work anywhere between 65-80 hours a week before Sandy. Unsure about possible malignant atmosphere.
UPMC: Seems to be strong in everything, especially regional. May have to travel the most out of all the other programs to get to the different hospitals. I am not sure about how "strong" the name of the program is, but the residents seemed very happy. Great medical mission opportunities.
Mount Sinai: Great all around program with a fantastic PD. Lots of simulation experience which I think can be a good or bad thing. Worried about its reputation outside of the Northeast.
Yale: Weaker regional. Famous and well respected faculty. Residents stated they wished they had more time to read.
NYU: I went to this one thinking it was going to be a practice interview but I was very impressed with the program. Relaxed atmosphere, happy residents and a wide variety of patients in bellevue. Unfortunately hit by Sandy hard, but I don't think that will change the program very much.

I believe that every program I listed above, it seemed to me they all had happy residents (except for maybe Cornell, but even then it wasn't that bad). I don't think I could go wrong with any of the program listed above and neither could anyone else in a similar predicament.

I'm looking to do CCM or peds, but I would like to get lots of good regional practice just in case I change my mind on fellowships.

 

[TUBW25]

Of your listed programs I have visited 4 and can offer my opinions on each of those.

Cornell: I tried to go into this interview with a neutral approach despite what has been said on these forums and through word of mouth about residents being unhappy. Nevertheless, I felt the need to ask every resident I spoke with whether or not they were happy and if the rumors were true. In contrast to what I was expecting, no resident mentioned being unhappy. They said that they worked very hard just as residents worked hard at other programs (Columbia, MGH, UPenn, Yale, etc.) but felt they were well trained because of this and they were overall very happy in their program. In regards to work hours, I remember one resident mentioned something about averaging 60 hours per week during general OR months (calls being more frequent in the CA-2 year). Regional and pain are two of the programs strengths with also good exposure to thoracic, neuro and CCM while transplant, Peds and trauma exposure are weaker. Housing across the street from the hospital is nice. PD is young and well liked among the residents.

Mount Sinai: Another great program in NY. PD is well known for being a huge resident advocate and has definitely shaped the program into a powerhouse. Residents also mentioned they were very happy. Very well rounded with good exposure to cardiac, transplant, neuro and thoracic. Not sure about CCM or pain exposure. Regional is ok and trauma can be hit or miss. Moonlighting opportunities are pretty awesome and housing is available close to the hospital. Sinai may not be known to the lay person but in the medical world it certainly carries its own weight (Hospital is on the honor roll for top hospitals in the country). Very strong simulation program and nice incorporation of didactics.

Yale: Another program were residents mentioned working hard but overall residents were happy. Location is kind of a bust (Not much to do in New Haven). Good cardiac and OB exposure. Weaker regional, CCM and pain. PD and chairwoman were both very nice and involved in resident life.

NYU: Very happy residents. PD is a resident advocate and well liked. Chairman is unfortunately stepping down (Heard good things about him as well). Transplant is available but caseload is weak (Chief mentioned some residents do not get involved in any transplants unless interest is expressed). Good trauma exposure at Bellevue. Nice salary (highest in NY) but no housing provided.