Hi, all. Long-time lurker.
MSTP applicant going into heme-onc. I applied to a range of PSTPs as well as categorical programs that didn't have a formal PSTP. My long-term interest is academia, primarily running a basic science lab.
Programs where I have a guaranteed heme-onc spot were I to match are indicated - even though I have commitments for heme-onc spots, they are not binding on my part and I will still apply to Farber, Memorial, Hopkins, and NCI when the time comes. My main priorities are: 1) supportive IM program with quality training, 2) ability to match at Farber/Memorial/Hopkins/NCI, and 3) living in a city that is reasonable for a busy, stressed intern.
I broke it up into tiers to reflect my own current thoughts, not as a general comment on prestige or rigor.
Tier 1: absolutely set on Hopkins.
1) Hopkins - simply feels like the right place. My number 1 choice from essentially every perspective.
Tier 2: I can imagine moving these programs around quite a bit. I am especially not set on 6-9.
2) UCSF - Everyone was incredibly nice, and the clinical and basic science apparatus are obviously fantastic. SF is remarkably expensive though, and even though I appreciate the experience that comes with 3 hospitals, having to learn so many systems as an intern also intimidates me a bit. I am considering moving UCSF lower for these reasons - would this be a mistake?
3) Yale (heme-onc spot commitment): Simply loved Yale - the people, culture, program directors. I had a really good feeling during the interview process here. It's maybe smaller than some of the other places I interviewed at, but there is no shortage of fantastic science. That being said, I am wondering why so many people usually rank Yale lower than some of the other programs I have on my list.
4) Cornell (heme-onc spot commitment): Wonderful program leadership and heme-onc is excellent. I don't know if living in NYC is worth the extra difficulty and stress.
5) Duke: I didn't expect to like this place as much as I did, but the program director was phenomenal. Beautiful hospital. Considering moving this up above Cornell.
6) Columbia: Inspirational camaraderie amongst the house staff, but same as Cornell - not sure if NYC is a good idea for me.
7) Mayo (heme-onc spot commitment): I loved the culture. The PSTP leadership is wonderful, and the translational commitment is really inspiring. A few concerns about living there.
8) Michigan (heme-onc spot commitment): Amazing, amazing science and wonderful PSTP leadership - considering moving up. Simply ranked lower maybe due to location, though Ann Arbor is a nice college town.
9) Wash U (heme-onc spot commitment): Same as Michigan - just great science and committed leadership. Might move up a spot or two, but simply ranked lower due to location.
Tier 3: Set on these two programs at the end of my list.
10) My home institution - leaving name off. I love my home institution, but I just feel a deep personal need to go see someplace else and can't imagine ranking it higher.
11) U of Chicago (heme-onc spot commitment): Absolutely nothing wrong with this place. Beautiful hospital and high-quality science. Just didn't get the feeling it was for me.