Neurosurgery program tier and its influence on academic career post-residency

[TICI3]

Hello,

I'm wondering to what extent a neurosurgical program's tier affects one's ability to land an academic faculty position at the leading academic centers in major cities (LA, NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc.). Is there some sort of hard-limit that affects one's ability to land a fellowship and subsequent academic faculty position based on the size and influence of their residency program?

Particularly interested in @mmmcdowe 's perspective on this, as well as any other neurosurgeons.

Thanks!

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[mmmcdowe]

Having flirted with a variety of programs within the territories you are referring to. I can definitely say that the number one predictor of getting a junior position right off of the bat at such programs involves doing some of your training there (I am no exception, I was in my chairman's office the day resignation of someone in my department was announced a year before I graduated. Boots on the ground makes a difference). Definitely doesn't necessarily mean residency. Could also mean medical school or fellowships. That doesn't mean it is the only predictor. Programs definitely swap graduates, so proximity is the next best thing to actually attend the program you want to work at. Merit can get you there too, but bear in mind it is hard to be particularly meritus right out of training. Even if you did good research, your limited time on the map will potentially reduce the recognizability of it. As you get further into your practice, merit becomes a much more dominant factor but ultimately interpersonal relationships in such a small field will always have a roll in advancement. Those relationships just cease to be primarily based on your training.

 

[TICI3]

Thanks for the feedback.

Reassuring to know that connections via medical school or fellowship can also play a role in securing junior faculty positions.

 

[medadmirer]

Hello Everyone,
I understand that DO students have the option to take STEP exams alongside their mandatory COMLEX exams. If they successfully pass the STEP exams, do you believe it would improve their chances of matching into a neurosurgery residency? Thanks.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Mandatory essentially as far as I know for md residencies. Maybe rules have changed