need some help regarding residency choice

[alex21]

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So I have rotated as a medical student at a program close to my home. Although I like the program, I haven't had a chance to see many others. Now I have interviews set up, but I got an email from the "home" program stating they want me at this program. The problems with this are many, and include my family being pretty well known in this community. Also, I have interviews at some great programs that I know I would love and will be interviewing with in a few weeks.

In the meantime, family and friends are all looking at me like I am crazy for not wanting to remain close to home. Everyone assumes that I would want to stay here, not considering I might like other programs and get more out of a residency elsewhere. People are someone confused as to why I don't want to stay home, and I have to constantly explain to them that by choosing a different program, it isn't me saying I don't want to come back, but that I might benefit by training somewhere else and THEN coming back.

Also, during my rotations I was bombarded by stories of the docs in my family told to me by my attendings, and I honestly feel this took away from my chances to learn and was very, very distracting.

I hope this doesn't come across as some spoiled person who has an "in" and has things handed to him/her. My journey hasn't been easy, and I have worked very hard, and I don't want to just settle for any program. How do I explain this to people when they ask why I don't want to stay close to home. How do I tell people I must objectively look at all the programs, and try to find the best fit. If that happens to be the one close to home, then that is great. However, I want to look at them all and really give each one a chance.

 

[kdburton]

So I have rotated as a medical student at a program close to my home. Although I like the program, I haven't had a chance to see many others. Now I have interviews set up, but I got an email from the "home" program stating they want me at this program. The problems with this are many, and include my family being pretty well known in this community. Also, I have interviews at some great programs that I know I would love and will be interviewing with in a few weeks.

In the meantime, family and friends are all looking at me like I am crazy for not wanting to remain close to home. Everyone assumes that I would want to stay here, not considering I might like other programs and get more out of a residency elsewhere. People are someone confused as to why I don't want to stay home, and I have to constantly explain to them that by choosing a different program, it isn't me saying I don't want to come back, but that I might benefit by training somewhere else and THEN coming back.

Also, during my rotations I was bombarded by stories of the docs in my family told to me by my attendings, and I honestly feel this took away from my chances to learn and was very, very distracting.

I hope this doesn't come across as some spoiled person who has an "in" and has things handed to him/her. My journey hasn't been easy, and I have worked very hard, and I don't want to just settle for any program. How do I explain this to people when they ask why I don't want to stay close to home. How do I tell people I must objectively look at all the programs, and try to find the best fit. If that happens to be the one close to home, then that is great. However, I want to look at them all and really give each one a chance.

I don't understand why you have to explain anything. Just tell people that there are LOTS of programs out there and you would at least like to check out other programs - you don't need to spin it in a way that makes it sound like you're not interested in your home program (even if you really arent).

 

[atsai3]

How do I tell people I must objectively look at all the programs, and try to find the best fit. If that happens to be the one close to home, then that is great. However, I want to look at them all and really give each one a chance.

Hmmm.

"I must objectively look at all the programs, and try to find the best fit. If that happens to be the one close to home, then that is great. However, I want to look at them all and really give each one a chance."

I guess that's how you would tell them.

-AT.

 

[rachmoninov3]

I'm in same boat here (well without the "home" program knowing my parents), but opposite problem: I've really want to go to the "home" program, but I'm interviewing at 7 other (hopefully 9 other) programs just in case I don't match at home or in some strange twist of fate I really like another program. But really I like the PD and the residents at my home program, and everywhere else I'm applying is similiar to that program (rural, unopposed).

Good luck, and hope you find the best place for you!

PS Remember that every profit is shunned by his home town, so if you need to spread your wings and make your own way, then no excuses!

 

[PlutoBoy]

You would not have that problem if you had thought things through before you have applied.

Why did you apply to a place you were not interested in?

 

[jackieMD2007]

In the meantime, family and friends are all looking at me like I am crazy for not wanting to remain close to home. Everyone assumes that I would want to stay here, not considering I might like other programs and get more out of a residency elsewhere. People are someone confused as to why I don't want to stay home, and I have to constantly explain to them that by choosing a different program, it isn't me saying I don't want to come back, but that I might benefit by training somewhere else and THEN coming back.

Dear Alex,

It sounds like you need to put your big boy/big girl pants on and STOP EXPLAINING yourself to people. You don't need the justification or support from your "big medicine" family. By now your OWN JUDGMENT should be well-developed--you are going to get YOUR OWN MD this Spring, right? Stop justifying yourself.

When they ask just let them know you're working on it and will get back to them after interviews with what you thought. Stop asking and start telling.

Go wherever you want for residency. No explanations needed. You'll always have the hook-up where are are now, you can use it now, later or never.

Seriously, you've got this.

All my best,
J

 

[Dr.TobiasFünke]

Hey Alex,

Similar situation here. My school allows me to rotate in the community hospital in the town I grew up in. I've been asked by several attendings and the program director if I was applying to the program. My answer is always "I'm applying to many programs" or "no". Your residency should be about where you get the best training or where you will be happiest.