New Residencies

[anxiousnadd]

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Hey everyone,

I have two questions that I've been trying to research and get ideas about so I wanted to post it to the residents and attending's section of SDN:

1) Is it wise to go to a program that is in it's first year of accepting residents? Or does that even matter?

2) I have my own personal opinion on this particular question, but I still would like to get answers from more experienced people (I'm only a medical student) than I...but...how much does the number of admissions to the ED matter and the level of the ED when trying to figure out if it would be a worthwhile program to look into?

Thanks everyone!

 

[WallowaWanderer]

Hey everyone,

I have two questions that I've been trying to research and get ideas about so I wanted to post it to the residents and attending's section of SDN:

1) Is it wise to go to a program that is in it's first year of accepting residents? Or does that even matter?

2) I have my own personal opinion on this particular question, but I still would like to get answers from more experienced people (I'm only a medical student) than I...but...how much does the number of admissions to the ED matter and the level of the ED when trying to figure out if it would be a worthwhile program to look into?

Thanks everyone!

What do you mean by "number of admissions to the ED?" Do you mean number of patients that the ED admits (admit rate), or do you mean annual census of patients seen in the ED?

"Level of ED"? Not sure what that means. Acuity level, trauma designation, elevation, what floor it's on . . .

 

[anxiousnadd]

With respect to the number of admissions, I'm referring to the yearly admit rate, not necessarily how many literally get admitted to medicine, surgery, etc.

With respect to level, I'm referring to is it Level I, Level II, etc.

 

[anxiousnadd]

But, I'm mostly concerned with the fact of a program being new.

Thanks for the input!

 

[alreadylernd]

My thoughts:

New programs have pros and cons and it really is just a matter of the type of person you are, and the type of resident you want to be.

Pros: New program means you have a lot of influence on future residency classes (if you don't like something, the program might be more willing to hear about changes), a lot of independence perhaps in your learning, the faculty are probably all very enthusiastic about the program because it's their "baby"

Cons: You're the new kid on the block in the hospital. Turf battles will be fought with other departments. You are the guinea pig for the program so some of the kinks might not have been worked out yet.

I interviewed at one new program (had only 1 class before me). I really liked it, but ultimately decided to go elsewhere (geographically, and more established program). I don't think there is anything inherently wrong or bad about a program just because it is new. And, as many posts have previously mentioned, the strict RRC requirements of EM demand that any and all programs are "good" (whatever than means).


As for admission %, trauma level etc: Just remember, that different hospitals probably have different criteria for admission to intensive care units. A smaller, community hospital might have a higher ICU admission rate than an academic center, but that's because they can't CPAP on the floor or something. As for overall admission rate, it might not be as skewed as ICU admission %, but probably doesn't matter as long as there is good volume. If it has a residency program attached to it, I'm guessing it's more than just a fast track/urgent care center 😉

 

[SoCuteMD]

With respect to the number of admissions, I'm referring to the yearly admit rate, not necessarily how many literally get admitted to medicine, surgery, etc.

With respect to level, I'm referring to is it Level I, Level II, etc.

You are still unclear.

Do you mean:
a) Number of visits to the ED
b) Percentage of visits to ED that result in admission

 

[wrested]

...how much does the number of admissions to the ED matter and the level of the ED when trying to figure out if it would be a worthwhile program to look into?

I find the level of the ED to be very important, especially if you wear Heely's... It's really annoying when you're trying to get stuff done and you just keep rolling down toward the "low corner" 🙂

 

[RxnMan]

Here's an article about what to look for in a residency. It includes a discussion on % admissions, # of patients:

http://denverem.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=36

 

[WallowaWanderer]

I find the level of the ED to be very important, especially if you wear Heely's... It's really annoying when you're trying to get stuff done and you just keep rolling down toward the "low corner" 🙂

I like the ones that on the upper level of the hospital so that you get a good view of the city, but for some reason most of them are one the first floor. But I agree, whatever floor you're on it's important that the ground is level. Otherwise the stretchers will all roll to one side.

 

[Hard24Get]

I like the ones that on the upper level of the hospital so that you get a good view of the city, but for some reason most of them are one the first floor. But I agree, whatever floor you're on it's important that the ground is level. Otherwise the stretchers will all roll to one side.

you guuuuuuuys! This poor man or woman has only a week to turn in his or her ROL, and you are screwin' around!


the level of the ED (I, II, etc) just refers to whether there are certain specialists available for trauma patients. If it is not level I, you may get to do more, but much with also bypass you for Level I EDs. I think it is probably important to do at least some of your time and definitely a trauma rotation/experience at a Level I center.

With regard to your more important question I obviously don't have a great idea myself being only a medical student, but here are my thoughts on new programs nonetheless (mainly echos of alreadylernd):

it DOES matter, whether it is wise or not depends on what you want. If you want the excitement of carving a new program and can take the occasional bips on the head that will inevitably come your way, it is a great opportunity, and you may even be able to shimmy your way into a faculty position, from what I hear.

It is unwise if you aren't the pioneering type, if you hate the unknown, if "tried and true" is your motto. It is also unwise if the faculty starting the program are not strong enough to help you with the day to day stuff as well as with getting a job. It's almost like the experience vs change argument, pick your poison.

disclaimer: a new program is in my top 3 😉

 

[GeneralVeers]

Hey everyone,

I have two questions that I've been trying to research and get ideas about so I wanted to post it to the residents and attending's section of SDN:

1) Is it wise to go to a program that is in it's first year of accepting residents? Or does that even matter?

2) I have my own personal opinion on this particular question, but I still would like to get answers from more experienced people (I'm only a medical student) than I...but...how much does the number of admissions to the ED matter and the level of the ED when trying to figure out if it would be a worthwhile program to look into?

Thanks everyone!

As a soon-to-be graduate of a "new program" I can tell you that it's not the problem most make it out to be. The RRC is very stringent when accrediting new programs, and thus most programs will have all the requirements in place prior to your starting.

In the end you should pick places you WANT to go. Also make sure to rank every program at which you are granted an interview. The last thing you ever want to do is scramble.

 

[anxiousnadd]

Thanks for the responses everybody...including the same typical folks with the typical sarcastic remarks. Thanks anyways! It's always nice to know someone is out there to tickle me!

😀

 

[DrQuinn]

I graduated from a brand new program in the first class (and was the first chief resident), at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I am now at a new EM program in the Mideast as faculty.

I can tell you that your fears are unwarranted. In fact, it may be a BETTER opportunity for you to be at a new program. Turf battles are fought by the faculty and administration, not by the residents. Its not like all of a sudden you are this outsider on the OBGYN service, you will be an acting OB intern that month, same for anesthesia, Trauma, ortho, whatever. Your PD will have already spoken with the chiefs of each service and integrated you well before ou got there.

And when you're in the ED, there is a paucity of residents, which is GREAT for you and for interesting cases. Even now we have two classes of residents, and maybe there is an overnight PGY1 or PGY2. They get to see all the great sick cases, do all central lines/intubations/LPs/pericardios, etc.

I thought my training was excellent, and I went to a brand new program with no one else above me.

Go for it.

Q

 

[deleted109597]

I am now at a new EM program in the Mideast as faculty.

Wow. Didn't know they were hiring in Saudi.

What is the Mideast? I would consider your program to be "East Coast", or even "Northeast" by politics.

 

[DrQuinn]

Mideast is kinda MD/DC/VA.

or Saudi/Iran/Iraq.

Q

 

[Egon]

I wouldn't look at if it's new or old but rather the attendings you'll be working with and the overall program....pt poplulation, acuity, etc. I really think acuity of the pts is the best indication of the exposure you'll get. Go where they are sick, the rest usually falls into place, new or old.

 

[deleted77919]

Wow. Didn't know they were hiring in Saudi.

Indeed they are.

Disclaimer: No guys, not spam, just thought it was funny.