NJ Path Programs, ?

[hzma]

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Hello,
Any opinions anybody about the New Jersey programs? Especially Newark,
I interviewed there, but absolutely could not get a thorough impression- a lot seemed so obscure.
Like I saw they see bone, h+N, soft tissue, they have strong derm, neuro, and pretty much see everything. But how are the residents? Are they comfortable? I only met the chief resident.
What's yr opinions or experiences?
Thanks!

 

[beary]

But how are the residents? Are they comfortable? I only met the chief resident.

I know absolutely nothing about Newark or any path programs in NJ, but I personally would take it as a warning sign that you didn't get to meet any residents.

 

[uhoh!]

..I personally would take it as a warning sign that you didn't get to meet any residents..

Oh, absolutely. its a major Red Flag when any program doesn't let you get in touch with its residents freely..on the other hand, you could have asked to meet the residents, esp the first years. this is a criteria for me..don't want to get into a program that is/appears to be looking to hide stuff from me.

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

I'm doing a path elective at Monmouth Medical Center (which is a part of the St. Barnabas program). The program is a relatively small community program, but from what I've seen, the residents get decent pathology training. There are quite a few IMG's, but these are very smart individuals (some of whom were pathologists in their respective countries).

This particular hospital only logged something like 35 or so autopsies this past year, but they do rotate at St. Barnabas in Livingston, so I'm certain they get enough. The attendings I've dealt with are personable and enjoy teaching, and the residents are extremely friendly. CP rotations (which I'm on currently) are pretty relaxed; AP is also less-intense than at the St. Barnabas campus (according to the residents).

While here, the hospital gives the on call residents an apartment so they don't have to travel. The facilities are very good here: There is a large Resident's room, and each of them have nice Olympus scopes. The pathology library is quite extensive, and the hospital itself is beautiful (and just a couple blocks from the Jersey Shore!!).

I'm not sure what they offer in terms of research, but I do think it's available if the resident shows interest.

Any other questions, ask (and I'll forward them to the residents)!

Cheers!

 

[Dr.Nick Riveria]

I know some things about the program at NJMS since I did an elective there:

-The faculty are great! They are very knowledgeable and are easy to access. They are very encouraging to whatever you may pursue and will do whatever they can to pull strings for you.

-You may not have met more residents because although it is a good program, they have alot of foreign residents who may be difficult to understand. They have some american grads and I know a few who ranked it #1 but since they compete with the NYC schools they may lose some folks even though NJMS may offer more.

-The facilities at newark are not state of the art, but it could be worse.

-There are PAs that help with the paperwork but I'm not sure how much grossing they do.

-An asset to the program is the variety of specimens you can see. You rotate through 3 hospitals. In Newark you will see a broad range of infectious cases since there is a huge HIV/AIDS and indigent population, soft tissue and bone, OB/GYN, Ped, Neuro, GI, Derm, Breast, basically everything with the exception of renal...it doesn't seem like they see a lot of it. There's also the VA where you see tons of prostate and Hotel Hackensack which got that name 'cause it's the most posh hospital I've ever encountered. I've never seen the path dept. but this hospital is amazing! The residents have said they like going over there.

-I only know for sure where last year's class went but I hear they get good fellowships and do very well after graduation. Last year there were 3 graduates, 2 went into fellowship at Memorial Sloan and 1 went to dermpath fellowship at Yale.

As far as RWJ, it's a small program and I heard it's in danger of losing its credation. A fellow applicant was told not to go their by a faculty member!


Hope this helps!

 

[hzma]

Wow! Thank you so much! That is so much help.

Dr. Nick do you have any idea about their hours, (like do they have time to preview their slides?) and about their CP traing?

Thanks!

 

[Dr.Nick Riveria]

Wow! Thank you so much! That is so much help.

Dr. Nick do you have any idea about their hours, (like do they have time to preview their slides?) and about their CP traing?

Thanks!

I am not 100% sure but as far as I know, they usually have conference at 8 which is not heavily attended by the residents, But they have to arrive there latest at 9am. Their nights aren't too bad it seems like 6 pm is about the average. I think they also have time for previewing.

As far as the CP portion, i didn't rotate through there but it is not particularly strong. It doesn't seem like there is much pt. contact.

 

[hzma]

Thanks a bunch everyone!