Northwestern and U Chicago... help!

[daisyduke]

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I'm trying to decide how to rank Northwestern and U Chicago.... they both seem like strong programs but they are also very different. Anyone have opinions on either? Or know any dirt on either?

Northwestern:
Pro's: Dedicated women's hospital that is very nice and with an even nicer new hospital on the way, good vibe from the residents, huge faculty with a lot of depth, lots of interesting opportunities, crazy OB volume

Cons: really crazy OB volume!, almost all private patients (concerned about resident autonomy here), parking in downtown Chicago! 😱

U Chicago:
Pros: Great reputation of U of C, residents land awesome fellowships, beautiful clinics, lots of great clinical experience, new chair is young and enthusiastic and has recruited some good new people

Cons: Not sure how happy people are here and I have heard rumors of malignancy.... and of course Chicago south siiiiiiiiiiide! 😉

Anyone have any thoughts????

 

[DRMICKEY]

I seem to remember that Northwestern offers reasonable parking in it's garage near Prentice Women's Hospital.

 

[gyngirl631]

I'm headed for a second look at UofC on Tuesday. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm a little concerned about the malignancy stuff too!

 

[Oddmanout]

I seem to remember that Northwestern offers reasonable parking in it's garage near Prentice Women's Hospital.

If I remember right from interview day, discounted parking is only available if you live >2 miles (I think), as the crow flies, from the hospital. The residents were saying that eligibility is calculated very exactly, with very specific delineation of what house numbers on what streets are eligible.

 

[Wrigleyville]

Anyone who moves to Chicago should sell their car immediately. The public transportation is outstanding -- there is no reason to have a car, it will just end up sitting around depreciating.

 

[DrRobert]

Anyone who moves to Chicago should sell their car immediately. The public transportation is outstanding -- there is no reason to have a car, it will just end up sitting around depreciating.

I disagree.

If you are training at UofC, you definitely need a car - no doubt.

If you are training at NW, it is possible to survive without a car.

 

[Oddmanout]

I disagree.

If you are training at UofC, you definitely need a car - no doubt.

If you are training at NW, it is possible to survive without a car.

I agree about UofC. I once lived in Hyde park without a car and to this day regret it. You can get around the neighborhood fine, and can easily walk to work, but getting out is difficult. My ability to explore and enjoy Chicago was significantly impaired. I would definitely get a car if I lived there again. And if you don't live in Hyde Park and commute, you obviously will depend on a car.

 

[daisyduke]

Anyone have any comments on the programs ???? I probably wont rank the programs based on car or parking issues. 😉

 

[gyngirl631]

Just got back from my second look at UofC. It was good. I went back mainly to meet more residents and to get a better picture about the actual malignancy of the program. I really liked the residents, they were happy and helpful. One of them did tell me that they work very hard and to be prepared, but that he is happy that he chose to train at UofC. Hope this helps.