Northwestern IM program

[sitrep666]

Just finished my last interview today and I'm looking back at my programs and I think the one that stands out as far as location/quality of life/match placement/general vibe is Northwestern. I will be giving up some more prestigious programs but I really think this program would make for a happier three years.

My main concern with the program, however, is that the hospital is so well put together that the Residents maybe not get as much autonomy/responsibility as I would like. I am coming from an NYC medical school where I am used to an extraordinary amount of autonomy.

My other concern is that their Cardiology Match sounds almost unreal. I don't know if I can expect this to continue throughout the next three years/

Can anyone shed some light on this program for me?

I appreciate your input.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Rumit]

I don't want to appear too negative, but when I interviewed there a couple years ago, I had really off-putting experience. Take all of this with the caveat that it's based entirely off my individual experience visiting the program over a day and a half. I really wanted to like the place since it's in an almost ideal location. However, I was really turned off.

First, the program director was really off-putting. I think she may have only been an interim director and is gone now? She spent most of her introductory morning remarks bad-mouthing the other Chicago programs (U of Chicago in particular). It just seemed really unprofessional.

Second, the program seemed really cush and I think the residents I talked to may have overplayed this. There was a lot of talk about not pre-rounding, and the program being compliant with the new rules well before they were made official. There was also a lot of talk about the hospitalist service and it wasn't clear how integral the house-staff actually were to the running of the hospital. These could all be good things, it all just depends on what you're looking for, though.

Finally, they spent a fair amount of time showing us the simulation room and discussing how much simulation they do to learn procedures and how to run codes and whatnot. However, I couldn't get a good feel for how often residents get to run codes and actually do procedures on living patients. Again, that may or may not be important to you.

Having said all that, it's in a fantastic location and has a great reputation with an outstanding fellowship match. So, I'm sure you'd do fine there, it just wasn't right for me.

 

[styleandsugar]

Agreed, NW a very cush program that is very much not housestaff run. Residents don't have as much autonomy as those at other programs (U Chicago, big time east and west coast program). Nice location and nice facilities though, I'm sure it would be a fun, chill program.