Official 2017-2018 Help Me Rank Megathread [Internal Medicine]

[wjs010]

Can somebody comment on UT Chattanooga, Virginia tech, Greenville/usc, palmetto/usc, and mcg?


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[SilverCat]

UMinn/Dartmouth
Case/Monte
Brown

You would rank U Minn over Case?

 

[gutonc]

You would rank U Minn over Case?

I would. You might not. That's what makes the world go round.

 

[Redpancreas]

Thanks! I had 30+ but didn't make it to all of those interviews. I made that thread wondering if I should send my long shot programs letters of interest. I applied very broadly due to subpar advising and my own naivety since a lot of my list was reach programs. I still feel like I should rank a lot of them.

Something about Monte rubs me the wrong way with the nursing union and the q2 call. Every monte student I run into shoves the phlebotomy stuff under the table and act like its a universal thing that labs aren't readily available which is just odd to me.

Chicago sort of reminds me of a smaller version of NYC but in the midwest. It would be nice to match fellowship on the west coast and while I understand that there is some personal preference with having a midwest-heavy GI match, that I wouldn't want Rush to hold me back from matching on the west coast - which puts Harbor above it in my book. Harbor gets a bad rep online but a good rep with the surrounding practices (all of my personal doctors in LA tote Harbor as the best place for clinical training blah blah and like to hire their graduates or think Cedars graduates are cushy).

Out of curiosity, why is Tufts lower than Monte or even Cedars in your mind? They matched into GI fellowships on both east and west coast programs. Maybe I am biased towards Boston.

I personally don't think I applied there, but I'm not sure of its reputation. Maybe I should have? Probably solidly mid tier like Rush, UMD, etc. Thanks for the information!

 

[W19]

Why so early when ranking start mid January?

Having issue only with my top 3. Interested in ID fellowship...

1. Florida Atlantic (#1 because of location, but not sure if this program will likely make me competitive for an ID fellowship)
2. Downstate
3. U. of Arizona-Tucson

 

[nets445]

UMinn/Dartmouth
Case/Monte
Brown

What about for heme/onc?


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[Redpancreas]

Why so early when ranking start mid January?

Having issue only with my top 3. Interested in ID fellowship...

1. Florida Atlantic (#1 because of location, but not sure if this program will likely make me competitive for an ID fellowship)
2. Downstate
3. U. of Arizona-Tucson

In my opinion ID is not that competitive to begin with and there’s no separation between these. Medical school’s been hard dude. Start making some decisions that benefit your well-being. Also, is Downstate in a good place? I feel like that must be a good program too.

 

[gutonc]

Thanks for helping.

Why Dartmouth/Monte over Brown? Better for GI?

Better for everything. Brown, while a fine place, is only nominally a "University" program.

 

[rokshana]

Why so early when ranking start mid January?

Having issue only with my top 3. Interested in ID fellowship...

1. Florida Atlantic (#1 because of location, but not sure if this program will likely make me competitive for an ID fellowship)
2. Downstate
3. U. of Arizona-Tucson

you don't have to be competitive for ID...

 

[Trogghunter]

Hey guys so I've got a general sense for my list already but just curious if I'm making any mistakes as far as my opinion goes. IMG.
So list isn't as impressive as the others but what I'm looking for is mainly fellowship placement/opportunities. Then just non malignant. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.
My top two are in a constant battle.

1) CCF
1) VCU
3) UF Jax
4) Lehigh Valley
5) Rutgers Newark
6) ECU
7) UCF
8) UoT Chattanooga
9) FAU
10) FL Hospital
11) U Southern Alabama
12) Memorial Hospital
13) KU Wichita
14) St Peters (New Brunswick)

VCU is an exceptional program. The clinical training is superb. The catchment area covers something like 5,000,000 people and you get transfers from UVA, VTC and 35 other nearby hospitals. The VA that is affiliated with VCU is the leading hospital for cardiology in the VA system and they get transfers/referrals from all over the country. The bread and butter is there, but you see the zebras regularly and as new presentations..not just diagnosed already and transferred. There is more autonomy at that program than most university programs, which is excellent, but there's enough supervision as well. It's not the program for everyone, the culture is not malignant whatsoever, but you have to be able to get along with everyone.

 

[Redpancreas]

VCU is an exceptional program. The clinical training is superb. The catchment area covers something like 5,000,000 people and you get transfers from UVA, VTC and 35 other nearby hospitals. The VA that is affiliated with VCU is the leading hospital for cardiology in the VA system and they get transfers/referrals from all over the country. The bread and butter is there, but you see the zebras regularly and as new presentations..not just diagnosed already and transferred. There is more autonomy at that program than most university programs, which is excellent, but there's enough supervision as well. It's not the program for everyone, the culture is not malignant whatsoever, but you have to be able to get along with everyone.

Also, as a lesser point, Richmond is a great place to live in general.

 

[Uncle Albert]

Would appreciate some insight into how to rank my top 3. Proximity to DC is very important for family reasons. Currently, I’m 50/50 between hospitalist vs hemeonc fellowship but that can change. I currently have my top 3 as follows:

1. University of Maryland
2. Johns Hopkins - Bayview
3. NYU

Am I making a big mistake not ranking NYU first? What is the difference of getting a fellowship/Job back in the DC area if I went to Maryland/Bayview vs NYU. What am I losing out if I chose Maryland over a better ranked NYU?


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[GastriqueGraffin]

Would appreciate some insight into how to rank my top 3. Proximity to DC is very important for family reasons. Currently, I’m 50/50 between hospitalist vs hemeonc fellowship but that can change. I currently have my top 3 as follows:

1. University of Maryland
2. Johns Hopkins - Bayview
3. NYU

Am I making a big mistake not ranking NYU first? What is the difference of getting a fellowship/Job back in the DC area if I went to Maryland/Bayview vs NYU. What am I losing out if I chose Maryland over a better ranked NYU?


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You're not making a mistake. You'll match well for fellowship wherever you want if you go to any of them and do what you're supposed to. Go where you'll be happiest.

 

[CatFactorial]

Would appreciate some insight into how to rank my top 3. Proximity to DC is very important for family reasons. Currently, I’m 50/50 between hospitalist vs hemeonc fellowship but that can change. I currently have my top 3 as follows:

1. University of Maryland
2. Johns Hopkins - Bayview
3. NYU

Am I making a big mistake not ranking NYU first? What is the difference of getting a fellowship/Job back in the DC area if I went to Maryland/Bayview vs NYU. What am I losing out if I chose Maryland over a better ranked NYU?


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I’d say those programs are roughly on par with one another. For fellowship/job placement purposes your list is sensible (if you wanted to end up in NY put NYU at the top). Just curious, why 50/50 between hospitalist and heme onc?

 

[Animalcules]

I’d say those programs are roughly on par with one another. For fellowship/job placement purposes your list is sensible (if you wanted to end up in NY put NYU at the top). Just curious, why 50/50 between hospitalist and heme onc?

NYU >>> Bayview ~/> Maryland

But family comes first. So, just use your gut when deciding between Bayview and Maryland.

 

[CatFactorial]

NYU >>> Bayview ~/> Maryland

But family comes first. So, just use your gut when deciding between Bayview and Maryland.

They’re all decent programs that will likely get one where one wants to be career-wise. Subdividing among them is for the Doximity crowd.

 

[GastriqueGraffin]

NYU >>> Bayview ~/> Maryland

This is based on what? And better in terms of what? People should stop living in a premed mentality. Think of your goals and what is important to you. Chasing university names doesn't make sense 90% of the time unless you have something specific in mind that it can provide.

 

[whoknows2012]

This is based on what? And better in terms of what? People should stop living in a premed mentality. Think of your goals and what is important to you. Chasing university names doesn't make sense 90% of the time unless you have something specific in mind that it can provide.

Based on national reputation. I agree wholeheartedly. Maryland essentially =bayview and NYU is better than both of them. It’s not like night and day but definitely a difference

Happen to agree you should choose based on what makes you most happy, not on the better name. Trust me on that one your own happiness is the most important thing

 

[DBV]

Hey guys really struggling between UPMC and Duke would particularly be interested in opinions of these two.

About me: 250s/250s at mid tier east coast school with strong GI research. Interested in academic GI. Most important to me is fellowship opportunites followed by location and specific +/- from programs curriculum.

1. UPMC
2. Duke
3. Yale
4. Vanderbilt
5. U Maryland
6. UVA
7. Hopkins
8. Case Western Cleveland
9. Hopkins Bayview
10. Emory
11. U of South Florida

Help please!

 

[PTFoolUS]

Hey guys really struggling between UPMC and Duke would particularly be interested in opinions of these two.

About me: 250s/250s at mid tier east coast school with strong GI research. Interested in academic GI. Most important to me is fellowship opportunites followed by location and specific +/- from programs curriculum.

1. UPMC
2. Duke
3. Yale
4. Vanderbilt
5. U Maryland
6. UVA
7. Hopkins
8. Case Western Cleveland
9. Hopkins Bayview
10. Emory
11. U of South Florida

Help please!

I would probably move Yale Down, and Vandy, hopkins, and emory upward

 

[DBV]

I would probably move Yale Down, and Vandy, hopkins, and emory upward

You're probably right on yale and vandy. Hopkins was a miserable interview day and emory is too far.
Honestly I'm so caught up in the top two that the rest are kind of a wash and what I should figure out.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[gutonc]

Hey guys really struggling between UPMC and Duke would particularly be interested in opinions of these two.

About me: 250s/250s at mid tier east coast school with strong GI research. Interested in academic GI. Most important to me is fellowship opportunites followed by location and specific +/- from programs curriculum.

1. UPMC
2. Duke
3. Yale
4. Vanderbilt
5. U Maryland
6. UVA
7. Hopkins
8. Case Western Cleveland
9. Hopkins Bayview
10. Emory
11. U of South Florida

Help please!

Move Yale somewhere south of 6, swap Maryland and Hopkins and flip a coin between Pitt and Duke.

I'd personally do
UPMC
Vandy/Duke
Hopkins
UVA/UMD/Yale
Whatever

 

[TAVR2sday]

You're probably right on yale and vandy. Hopkins was a miserable interview day and emory is too far.
Honestly I'm so caught up in the top two that the rest are kind of a wash and what I should figure out.

Thanks for the advice!

If you’re asking solely about academic reputation and fellowship opportunities, Hopkins, Duke > Yale, Vandy, UPMC, Emory > the rest. With that said, you will be well-trained from any of those places. Obviously, your personal goals, support system, etc should play the dominant role in your decision.

 

[Uncle Albert]

You're not making a mistake. You'll match well for fellowship wherever you want if you go to any of them and do what you're supposed to. Go where you'll be happiest.

Thanks for your insight. My goal is to end up in either private practice or 7on7off hospitalist for a community hospital. With this in mind, I don't think the extra prestige NYU brings would add any additional opportunities in the private practice/hospitalist sector. Would you agree with this assessment?

I’d say those programs are roughly on par with one another. For fellowship/job placement purposes your list is sensible (if you wanted to end up in NY put NYU at the top). Just curious, why 50/50 between hospitalist and heme onc?

I'm interested in hemeonc but I also don't know if I can go through 3 additional years of training on top of 3 residency years. Plus, I'm not the brightest or most driven student (I'm just average) so idk how motivated/practical I'd be in terms of doing research on top of performing at my best clinically in the hospital.

It’s not like night and day but definitely a difference

Can you comment on how big that difference is in terms of my goals (stated above)? I don't really have any intention/interest in pursuing academics.




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[GastriqueGraffin]

Thanks for your insight. My goal is to end up in either private practice or 7on7off hospitalist for a community hospital. With this in mind, I don't think the extra prestige NYU brings would add any additional opportunities in the private practice/hospitalist sector. Would you agree with this assessment?

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This is what I was referring to. Too many people search for "national reputation", whatever that means, probably because medicine attracts many type A personalities with ego. If your goal is academic or research go where that's the best. If your goal is private hospitalist go where you have a lot of autonomy and exposure. Most of the best private community hospitalist positions want you to do procedures and help with open ICUs. If you want to be a private nonacademic specialist go to any university or bigger name community hospital for residency.

If you were competitive enough to land a NYU residency for example, then you will also land great fellowship interviews no matter where you go, if that's even something you'll want.

 

[HoldTheCoffee]

This is what I was referring to. Too many people search for "national reputation", whatever that means, probably because medicine attracts many type A personalities with ego. If your goal is academic or research go where that's the best. If your goal is private hospitalist go where you have a lot of autonomy and exposure. Most of the best private community hospitalist positions want you to do procedures and help with open ICUs. If you want to be a private nonacademic specialist go to any university or bigger name community hospital for residency.

If you were competitive enough to land a NYU residency for example, then you will also land great fellowship interviews no matter where you go, if that's even something you'll want.

Yeah, I'm not quite sure I agree with the bolded comment as a general rule for everyone. I think in this instance, the OP's choices are all reasonably good, but there are definitely some scenarios where choosing one program over another is likely going to make it harder to get into some specific fellowships/programs down the road. Unfortunately, that's just real life. Reputation/brand name matters.

 

[Broponinelevation]

oh boy here we go. here's the scoop- goal is an academic primary care job (mostly clinic but able to work with residents/med students, teaching stuff etc.) Still want to stay in academics, i just want to be focused more on outpatient stuff. Strong east coast bias for family reasons. I don't care too much about fellowship match because Primary care- GIM fellowships seem a bit unnecessary. Here's the choices:

1- Duke- really clicked well with the residents, like the area (more of a small city guy) and i loved the PD. the ACLT seemed like a cool mix of health policy and primary care with some flexibility in scheduling. My wife also got into school here so that's a huge draw too of course, and it's close to home. Definitely a high profile academic place- it is very intensive care heavy and the residents work very hard but they seemed cohesive and overall happy- dispelled the malignant rumors for me.
2 UNC- runner up to Duke but again i really felt like i fit in well with the residents (more of a laid back crowd and i'm all about the chill). debated ranking it above duke due to fit (personality maybe a little more similar to mine) but i just really enjoyed my duke interview. No specific primary care track but they did emphasize their clinic training.
3 BWH/BWH DGM and HVMA programs- loved the DGM especially- seemed overall incredible in every aspect. Boston seemed like an approachable city (for reference i didn't apply to any NY/Chicago programs because meh) and the residents seemed like a really close knit group (only 8 in the DGM track). Hard not to fall in love honestly- cost of living is high in Boston though and i like the idea of having more space- dog and yard and all that. Unlimited academic opportunity- again i don't really care about the match list though because primary care... if it wasn't for location/spouse stuff this may be #1.
4 UC-Denver- actually really impressed by their PC track, one of the better sells on the interview trail. Dr. Chacko seemed legit and really invested in finding what practical things you wanted to do with your career and making that happen withing the track. Residents were extremely chill and i loved the outdoor vibe, Denver is a cool place and i love the skiing, hiking, biking, running etc in the area.
5 UAB- wasn't expecting to put it this high but i loved the smaller city feel, the southern charm, and the overall friendliness of the program. a little farther from family. Overall seemed awesome though.

6-8
Penn +PC- i kinda got the feeling that there are a lot of gunners at Penn...obviously phenomenal academic rep and all that but idk if that's really necessary for my career. Philly was merely ok to me. Great PC program and it could very well go higher but the area wasn't as nice.
BI-deaconess + PC- didn't click quite as well with the residents but really liked the program overall. already discussed the pros and cons of boston. Liked their PC track a lot- you get to do a 6month dedicated outpatient block which is pretty much unheard of- i loved that immersion aspect.
UTSW- hard inpatient training, lots of ICU time, not malignant like the rumors that still get propagated but i feel like Dr. Kazi works hard for the reputation and i actually really enjoyed my interview with him. Lots of family in Dallas area but they definitely are not primary care focused at all and i feel like it's a big cards/heme onc hive. new parkland hospital is worth the visit though...

9-12
UVA+ PC fit in great here, loved the program, the PD, charlottesville is an amazing place to live. It would be a lot higher but they don't have the program my wife wants to do so it dropped pretty low. Similar to UNC and UAB in terms of personality.
Wake- liked the personality of the program but i would be sacrificing a little of the academic rep compared to some of the other training to be had.
VCU- same as wake although richmond is way cooler to live in. Some of the residents were a bit awkward/got a weird vibe at the pre interview dinner.
Pitt- didn't like living in pittsburgh (although great GIM faculty and huge GIM focus at pitt- a real powerhouse and great fellowships to be had).

look reasonable if my goal is academic GIM/primary care? I'm not quite sure how hard it is to land a job like that post residency...ideally with some flexibility in getting a job at a major academic center.

 

[HoldTheCoffee]

oh boy here we go. here's the scoop- goal is an academic primary care job (mostly clinic but able to work with residents/med students, teaching stuff etc.) Still want to stay in academics, i just want to be focused more on outpatient stuff. Strong east coast bias for family reasons. I don't care too much about fellowship match because Primary care- GIM fellowships seem a bit unnecessary. Here's the choices:

1- Duke- really clicked well with the residents, like the area (more of a small city guy) and i loved the PD. the ACLT seemed like a cool mix of health policy and primary care with some flexibility in scheduling. My wife also got into school here so that's a huge draw too of course, and it's close to home. Definitely a high profile academic place- it is very intensive care heavy and the residents work very hard but they seemed cohesive and overall happy- dispelled the malignant rumors for me.
2 UNC- runner up to Duke but again i really felt like i fit in well with the residents (more of a laid back crowd and i'm all about the chill). debated ranking it above duke due to fit (personality maybe a little more similar to mine) but i just really enjoyed my duke interview. No specific primary care track but they did emphasize their clinic training.
3 BWH/BWH DGM and HVMA programs- loved the DGM especially- seemed overall incredible in every aspect. Boston seemed like an approachable city (for reference i didn't apply to any NY/Chicago programs because meh) and the residents seemed like a really close knit group (only 8 in the DGM track). Hard not to fall in love honestly- cost of living is high in Boston though and i like the idea of having more space- dog and yard and all that. Unlimited academic opportunity- again i don't really care about the match list though because primary care... if it wasn't for location/spouse stuff this may be #1.
4 UC-Denver- actually really impressed by their PC track, one of the better sells on the interview trail. Dr. Chacko seemed legit and really invested in finding what practical things you wanted to do with your career and making that happen withing the track. Residents were extremely chill and i loved the outdoor vibe, Denver is a cool place and i love the skiing, hiking, biking, running etc in the area.
5 UAB- wasn't expecting to put it this high but i loved the smaller city feel, the southern charm, and the overall friendliness of the program. a little farther from family. Overall seemed awesome though.

6-8
Penn +PC- i kinda got the feeling that there are a lot of gunners at Penn...obviously phenomenal academic rep and all that but idk if that's really necessary for my career. Philly was merely ok to me. Great PC program and it could very well go higher but the area wasn't as nice.
BI-deaconess + PC- didn't click quite as well with the residents but really liked the program overall. already discussed the pros and cons of boston. Liked their PC track a lot- you get to do a 6month dedicated outpatient block which is pretty much unheard of- i loved that immersion aspect.
UTSW- hard inpatient training, lots of ICU time, not malignant like the rumors that still get propagated but i feel like Dr. Kazi works hard for the reputation and i actually really enjoyed my interview with him. Lots of family in Dallas area but they definitely are not primary care focused at all and i feel like it's a big cards/heme onc hive. new parkland hospital is worth the visit though...

9-12
UVA+ PC fit in great here, loved the program, the PD, charlottesville is an amazing place to live. It would be a lot higher but they don't have the program my wife wants to do so it dropped pretty low. Similar to UNC and UAB in terms of personality.
Wake- liked the personality of the program but i would be sacrificing a little of the academic rep compared to some of the other training to be had.
VCU- same as wake although richmond is way cooler to live in. Some of the residents were a bit awkward/got a weird vibe at the pre interview dinner.
Pitt- didn't like living in pittsburgh (although great GIM faculty and huge GIM focus at pitt- a real powerhouse and great fellowships to be had).

look reasonable if my goal is academic GIM/primary care? I'm not quite sure how hard it is to land a job like that post residency...ideally with some flexibility in getting a job at a major academic center.

Haha dude, you are going to be fine coming from any of those places with the goals you have in mind. Duke and UNC are both excellent and could go either way.

In terms of lower on your list, I'd probably have Pitt higher but it sounds like you didn't like the city. Also, not sure what the breakdown for UTSW is nowadays but they also had a ton of ICU time when I was applying. I might move them lower if your ultimate goal is more outpatient-based stuff. There's only so much you're going to get out of bolusing your 100th patient and dropping in lines. Otherwise exposure to sicker patients can be helpful if you might consider a hospitalist IM career down the road.

 

[Broponinelevation]

Haha dude, you are going to be fine coming from any of those places with the goals you have in mind. Duke and UNC are both excellent and could go either way.

In terms of lower on your list, I'd probably have Pitt higher but it sounds like you didn't like the city. Also, not sure what the breakdown for UTSW is nowadays but they also had a ton of ICU time when I was applying. I might move them lower if your ultimate goal is more outpatient-based stuff. There's only so much you're going to get out of bolusing your 100th patient and dropping in lines. Otherwise exposure to sicker patients can be helpful if you might consider a hospitalist IM career down the road.

yeah lots of ICU time at UTSW for sure. The PD actually straight up told me during my interview with him that UTSW is not an ideal place to learn to do primary care...i appreciated his candor but he does have a point in terms of outpatient training there being less emphasized.
I wanted to like UPMC more but it was a huge program in a cold gray city... just didn't feel like i would love the living situation as much.

 

[Igor54]

Current ROL. Looking to do possibly cards or nephro down the line. Davis is #1 due to proximity to partner's work. This is also reflected in the Bay Area community programs. Also looking for diversity and working with the underserved. Looking mainly for help with #3 onwards. I think I want to stay academic at this point, but am conflicted about ranking the community programs as high as they are due to partner's work, as I want to keep my options open down the line for fellowship. Many thanks!

1) UC Davis
2) U Colorado
3) UCLA Olive View
4) UC Irvine
5) OHSU
6) Kaiser SF
7) California Pacific
8) Harbor UCLA
9) Rush
10) U Utah
11) Loyola

 

[wiloghby]

Current ROL. Looking to do possibly cards or nephro down the line. Davis is #1 due to proximity to partner's work. This is also reflected in the Bay Area community programs. Also looking for diversity and working with the underserved. Looking mainly for help with #3 onwards. I think I want to stay academic at this point, but am conflicted about ranking the community programs as high as they are due to partner's work, as I want to keep my options open down the line for fellowship. Many thanks!

1) UC Davis
2) U Colorado
3) UCLA Olive View
4) UC Irvine
5) OHSU
6) Kaiser SF
7) California Pacific
8) Harbor UCLA
9) Rush
10) U Utah
11) Loyola

I'm in a similar situation with respect to the competing demands of geography vs career goals. I hope you figure out something that works out, as I am having a really hard time putting together a rank list that meets both the needs of my career and that of my partner's.

UC Davis seems to match fine for fellowship, as long as you are fine with staying in the region. Matching outside the region is marginal, but again ... depending on your career goals, it isn't a big deal for 95% of IM residents. This might be a factor if you go into cards but almost certainly not if you do nephrology.

Ranks 2-5 are all pretty solid -- I would put OHSU above UC Irvine but it's really a matter of personal preference.

I understand your concern about putting community programs (ranks 6-7) above ranks 8-11, but if you're committed to your partner and want to avoid a long-distance relationship, this is the most harmonious solution. I don't know what your stats are or how your interviews went, but with a list like this you are generally going to get something in your top 5 anyhow, so I wouldn't worry TOO much about it.

 

[Igor54]

I'm in a similar situation with respect to the competing demands of geography vs career goals. I hope you figure out something that works out, as I am having a really hard time putting together a rank list that meets both the needs of my career and that of my partner's.

UC Davis seems to match fine for fellowship, as long as you are fine with staying in the region. Matching outside the region is marginal, but again ... depending on your career goals, it isn't a big deal for 95% of IM residents. This might be a factor if you go into cards but almost certainly not if you do nephrology.

Ranks 2-5 are all pretty solid -- I would put OHSU above UC Irvine but it's really a matter of personal preference.

I understand your concern about putting community programs (ranks 6-7) above ranks 8-11, but if you're committed to your partner and want to avoid a long-distance relationship, this is the most harmonious solution. I don't know what your stats are or how your interviews went, but with a list like this you are generally going to get something in your top 5 anyhow, so I wouldn't worry TOO much about it.

Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply. I agree, striking a balance is tough. I am always struggling with the debate of whether I should push the community programs higher vs. matching at an academic program that I feel is worth the sacrifice in location. Currently, I feel like #2 through #5 is worth a possible long distance situation until my partner could transition (it also helps that these are locations my partner is willing to consider to make the move and sacrifice in job possibilities). I wish you luck as well in determining your ROL!

 

[dsk89]

.

 

[dancer150]

Current applicant who is very confused about ranking and would love some substantial advice from anyone (including @gutonc !). I am a GI hopeful who has a collection of academic and community programs (I'm not the tier-one-program applicant!). I look mostly for good, non-malignant programs that can make a well-trained internist. Beyond that, I would hope that the program could help me work towards a good fellowship placement (either staying at the hospital, or being able to match elsewhere if necessary). My partner will be applying for residency next year, so although staying in-house can be the best chance for a competitive fellowship, it would be nice to be able to match at a closer hospital to wherever he may be.

This is just a very rough listing that I kind of threw together:

Cooper: The PD here seemed very good and I liked that they had board review every day and that all of their lectures were recorded for residents.

Temple: Has been struggling with their GI match for the last two years but definitely has pathology and a rigorous curriculum to make a trainee handle anything.

U. Conn

Pennsylvania Hospital: A "cushy" residency to many, but has always been able to match everyone where they want to be while keeping their residents very happy! I really liked the chairman and the PD, and some do research at Penn, but you can continue to work with mentors from medical school on projects if one would like. No fellowships in house.

WVU: Residents there seemed very, very happy and well taken care of. Location was a bit of a turn-off, but there's plenty of time off to enjoy other cities and Pittsburgh is close. They love to keep their residents for all fellowships.

Virginia Commonwealth:

Allegheny: Had never been to Pittsburgh before, but seemed decent enough. I got along very well with the PD who was being promoted to head of GME and with the incoming PD. The program seemed nice! I think UPMC over-shines them in the area, but they seem to be doing well enough.

Lehigh Valley: I actually enjoyed my interview here! Seemed to have everything I wanted, I just wondered how the program seems to the rest of the world since it is a community program.

Geisinger: It has grown and advanced a lot, but the new schedule does not seem to be very appealing (nor does location).

Riverside Methodist: Another very nice, community program that takes care of its residents and they all seem very happy. I just don't know much about their fellowship match at this time (they don't have GI in house).

U of A - Phoenix: They have a 4+4, pretty vigorous call when on the floors but have heard good things about their lectures.

U of A - Tucson: I think Tucson was just not the place for me.

Two interviews left that's why there are no notes written there! So their placement is arbitrary for the time being.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

 

[Redpancreas]

Current ROL. Looking to do possibly cards or nephro down the line. Davis is #1 due to proximity to partner's work. This is also reflected in the Bay Area community programs. Also looking for diversity and working with the underserved. Looking mainly for help with #3 onwards. I think I want to stay academic at this point, but am conflicted about ranking the community programs as high as they are due to partner's work, as I want to keep my options open down the line for fellowship. Many thanks!

1) UC Davis
2) U Colorado
3) UCLA Olive View
4) UC Irvine
5) OHSU
6) Kaiser SF
7) California Pacific
8) Harbor UCLA
9) Rush
10) U Utah
11) Loyola

Cards and Nephro is a huge difference. Also if Davis is #1 due to close proximity, why is Colorado #2? If Nephro, just do whatever works for the family. You won’t close doors anywhere. On the off chance you want Cards, consider OHSU, Utah, and Loyola. UCLA Harbor also has a strong rep in the LA area and matches regionally for Cards as well. At the end of the day, I’d probably do what’s best for family and where you felt the happiest as none of these places will hand Cards to you on a silver platter.

 

[Redpancreas]

Current applicant who is very confused about ranking and would love some substantial advice from anyone (including @gutonc !). I am a GI hopeful who has a collection of academic and community programs (I'm not the tier-one-program applicant!). I look mostly for good, non-malignant programs that can make a well-trained internist. Beyond that, I would hope that the program could help me work towards a good fellowship placement (either staying at the hospital, or being able to match elsewhere if necessary). My partner will be applying for residency next year, so although staying in-house can be the best chance for a competitive fellowship, it would be nice to be able to match at a closer hospital to wherever he may be.

This is just a very rough listing that I kind of threw together:

Cooper: The PD here seemed very good and I liked that they had board review every day and that all of their lectures were recorded for residents.

Temple: Has been struggling with their GI match for the last two years but definitely has pathology and a rigorous curriculum to make a trainee handle anything.

U. Conn

Pennsylvania Hospital: A "cushy" residency to many, but has always been able to match everyone where they want to be while keeping their residents very happy! I really liked the chairman and the PD, and some do research at Penn, but you can continue to work with mentors from medical school on projects if one would like. No fellowships in house.

WVU: Residents there seemed very, very happy and well taken care of. Location was a bit of a turn-off, but there's plenty of time off to enjoy other cities and Pittsburgh is close. They love to keep their residents for all fellowships.

Virginia Commonwealth:

Allegheny: Had never been to Pittsburgh before, but seemed decent enough. I got along very well with the PD who was being promoted to head of GME and with the incoming PD. The program seemed nice! I think UPMC over-shines them in the area, but they seem to be doing well enough.

Lehigh Valley: I actually enjoyed my interview here! Seemed to have everything I wanted, I just wondered how the program seems to the rest of the world since it is a community program.

Geisinger: It has grown and advanced a lot, but the new schedule does not seem to be very appealing (nor does location).

Riverside Methodist: Another very nice, community program that takes care of its residents and they all seem very happy. I just don't know much about their fellowship match at this time (they don't have GI in house).

U of A - Phoenix: They have a 4+4, pretty vigorous call when on the floors but have heard good things about their lectures.

U of A - Tucson: I think Tucson was just not the place for me.

Two interviews left that's why there are no notes written there! So their placement is arbitrary for the time being.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

Don’t base your rank list solely on Temple struggling with GI for the last few years. I think Temple is a decent program, in a rough part of Philly but maybe the pathology is better. VCU is also another solid program that I’d look at ranking higher. Nice city and respectable residency from what I’ve heard.

 

[bravestone]

Hello guys, I’d like to go to program that offers great clinical training.
I want to specialize afterwards, possibly cardio but pretty open to other fellowships at this point.

Here is top 5 on my list, and I would really appreciate any input on the list below. ( I don’t have much location preferences, trying to rank by how solid the programs are)

1. University of Connecticut
2. Stony Brook
3. Rutgers NJMS
4. NYMC
5. New York Presbyterian Queens

 

[Redpancreas]

Hello guys, I’d like to go to program that offers great clinical training.
I want to specialize afterwards, possibly cardio but pretty open to other fellowships at this point.

Here is top 5 on my list, and I would really appreciate any input on the list below. ( I don’t have much location preferences, trying to rank by how solid the programs are)

1. University of Connecticut
2. Stony Brook
3. Rutgers NJMS
4. NYMC
5. New York Presbyterian Queens

None of these stands out among the rest. Go where you feel happiest!

 

[wiloghby]

1. University of Connecticut
2. Stony Brook
3. Rutgers NJMS
4. NYMC
5. New York Presbyterian Queens

The AI on my medicine clerkship matched at Rutgers-NJMS back when I was MS3. We have stayed in touch and he says the drip system at UH along with with x+y makes for great hours (~65 hours per week as an intern on the gen med services). There have also been residents who decided in PGY3 on cards fellowship who managed to match without issue.

This program offers good regional fellowship match potential if you like the northeast and has among the nicest schedules in Internal Medicine...I applied this year and interview in January and am looking forward to it.

 

[uncsaba0519]

Struggling with ranking 3 programs. For context, I’m a USIMG and I’m 95% certain that I want to pursue a career as a hospitalist.

UMKC (Kansas City, MO)
VT-Carilion (Roanoke, VA)
New Hanover Regional (Wilmington, NC)

My question is basically would it be a mistake to choose based on where I want to practice after residency? I hope to practice in southeastern NC, so NHRMC might provide me with some connections there. UMKC is a university based program, and it’s where I’ve done almost all of my rotations. VTC feels like a compromise between the other 2, but I was very impressed on my interview with them as well.

 

[rokshana]

Struggling with ranking 3 programs. For context, I’m a USIMG and I’m 95% certain that I want to pursue a career as a hospitalist.

UMKC (Kansas City, MO)
VT-Carilion (Roanoke, VA)
New Hanover Regional (Wilmington, NC)

My question is basically would it be a mistake to choose based on where I want to practice after residency? I hope to practice in southeastern NC, so NHRMC might provide me with some connections there. UMKC is a university based program, and it’s where I’ve done almost all of my rotations. VTC feels like a compromise between the other 2, but I was very impressed on my interview with them as well.

not a mistake to train in the area you ultimately want to practice.

 

[ninjaman22]

Since it's January, I wanted to get some opinions on my rank order list. Would love to stay closer to the family who is in mid atlantic and northeast areas. Interested in doing a Cardiology fellowship. FYI, almost loved all of my interviews at the top places so don't really know how to separate them. Having a hard time between number 1 and 2.

1. Penn State - great schedule, residents are really happy, good fellowship match, low cost of living, close to family
2. VCU - great schedule, residents are really happy, good fellowship match, low cost of living, close to family
3. UC San Diego - would love to go here, but far from everyone + high cost of living
4. Rutgers NJMS
5. MUSC
6. Virginia Tech Carilion
7. Ohio State
8. East Carolina
9. Einstein-Philly
10. Drexel
11. Lehigh Valley
12. Carolinas - concerned about not having any in-house fellowships
13. Mount Sinai Beth Israel - concerned about the hospital closing in the future

 

[Qirhas526]

Looking at HemOnc or Non-interventional Cardio. Bias towards Chicago.

1.Baylor
2.Rush
3.UIC
4.Loyola
5.Iowa
6.Indiana
7.UTHouston
8.UAB
9.HenryFord
10.UF
11.Miami
12.MCW


Tier wise it seems:
UAB, Baylor
Iowa
Indiana, Rush, UF
UIC, Loyola, HenryFord, Miami
UT Houston, MCW

Edit: Made it readable

 

[Redpancreas]

Looking at HemOnc or Non-interventional Cardio. Bias towards Chicago.

1.Baylor
2.Rush
3.UIC
4.Loyola
5.Iowa
6.Indiana
7.UTHouston
8.UAB
9.HenryFord
10.UF
11.Miami
12.MCW


Tier wise it seems:
UAB, Baylor
Iowa
Indiana, Rush, UF
UIC, Loyola, HenryFord, Miami
UT Houston, MCW

Edit: Made it readable

I'm in a similar situation in terms of the Chicago-bias and we do share some interviews, but you definitely have some very competitive places I don't so I'll share my thoughts on the middle of your list. I like how you ranked Iowa above Indiana, I really think it's an underappreciated place and it's potentially going to be my #1. I would consider ranking Loyola below Iowa and Indiana TBH. As you saw on interview day, it's pretty busy and while I don't think it's malignant, I just wasn't as impressed with it as I was with Rush/UIC. Transitioning, if this were my list, UAB would be #2, but I'm sure you have good reasons for what you're doing and don't need someone to regurgitate Doximity to you. It looks good otherwise.

 

[Redpancreas]

Since it's January, I wanted to get some opinions on my rank order list. Would love to stay closer to the family who is in mid atlantic and northeast areas. Interested in doing a Cardiology fellowship. FYI, almost loved all of my interviews at the top places so don't really know how to separate them. Having a hard time between number 1 and 2.

1. Penn State - great schedule, residents are really happy, good fellowship match, low cost of living, close to family
2. VCU - great schedule, residents are really happy, good fellowship match, low cost of living, close to family
3. UC San Diego - would love to go here, but far from everyone + high cost of living
4. Rutgers NJMS
5. MUSC
6. Virginia Tech Carilion
7. Ohio State
8. East Carolina
9. Einstein-Philly
10. Drexel
11. Lehigh Valley
12. Carolinas - concerned about not having any in-house fellowships
13. Mount Sinai Beth Israel - concerned about the hospital closing in the future

Unless family is a must, I would really consider UCSD...would have killed for that interview.. and you're doing Cards. If you must stay on the east coast, I would recommend VCU over Penn State. I've heard nice things about the city of Richmond and VCU has a better reputation on Dox as you know. I also think OSU should be bumped up but it looks like you have a strong east coast bias and I have a suspicion you didn't apply broadly outside the east coast given. Surprised you didn't get anything from Maryland, JH-Bayview, RWJ, Temple, Jefferson, GWU etc. Did you not apply? I wouldn't even rank Mt. Sinai Beth Israel to be honest. Do you want to go to a program that is in midst of such a transition?

 

[ninjaman22]

Unless family is a must, I would really consider UCSD...would have killed for that interview.. and you're doing Cards. If you must stay on the east coast, I would recommend VCU over Penn State. I've heard nice things about the city of Richmond and VCU has a better reputation on Dox as you know. I also think OSU should be bumped up but it looks like you have a strong east coast bias and I have a suspicion you didn't apply broadly outside the east coast given. Surprised you didn't get anything from Maryland, JH-Bayview, RWJ, Temple, Jefferson, GWU etc. Did you not apply? I wouldn't even rank Mt. Sinai Beth Israel to be honest. Do you want to go to a program that is in midst of such a transition?

Thank you! I did apply to those programs plus many more but no love since I am a DO.

 

[Morata]

Headed for a cardiology fellowship at a good academic program.

1)Bayview/Hopkins
2)Howard University
3)University of Toledo
4)UPMC Mercy
5)East Carolina University

I would appreciate ranking 2 to 5 especially.

 

[gutonc]

Looking at HemOnc or Non-interventional Cardio. Bias towards Chicago.

1.Baylor
2.Rush
3.UIC
4.Loyola
5.Iowa
6.Indiana
7.UTHouston
8.UAB
9.HenryFord
10.UF
11.Miami
12.MCW


Tier wise it seems:
UAB, Baylor
Iowa
Indiana, Rush, UF
UIC, Loyola, HenryFord, Miami
UT Houston, MCW

Edit: Made it readable

In your initial post you stated that program strength/fellowship match were more important than location (despite the clear Chicago bias). If that is truly the case, your list should look like:
UAB
Iowa/Indy/Miami/Baylor
The Chicago programs (the order you have them in is fine)
The rest in some order. Alphabetical by PD's middle name is as good as any.

 

[tehdogmaars]

Please help me rank

1. Albert Einstein, Philly, PA
2. SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
3. University of Buffalo (SUNY)
4. Kettering Medical Center, OH
5. Presence St. Joseph, Chicago
6. Presence St. Francis, Evanston
7. SUNY (Downstate) Health Science Center at Brooklyn Program
8. Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY
9. Rosalind Franklin, McHenry, IL
10. Steward Carney, MA
11. SSM St. Mary, St. Louis
12. Montefiore - Wakefield (Bronx)
13. Mount Sinai, Queens
14. Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University

 

[dancer150]

Don’t base your rank list solely on Temple struggling with GI for the last few years. I think Temple is a decent program, in a rough part of Philly but maybe the pathology is better. VCU is also another solid program that I’d look at ranking higher. Nice city and respectable residency from what I’ve heard.

Thank you for your response! I will definitely look beyond the GI match for Temple. Those residents work really hard and learn a lot from the North Philly pathology.

Do you (or anyone else reading this) have an opinion on how to rank these academic programs for IM training as a GI hopeful? (I won't repeat my opinions, my first post with them was probably boring enough!)

U Conn
VCU
Temple
WVU
Cooper