It is an interesting situation at San Antonio right now, to say the least
. I will try to give those who are interested some form of answer.
I will answer Elefuntman first. Dr. Rugh is a wonderful chairman who just happens to not be an orthodontist. Take a strong look at many chairmen in the country and you will find that they really don't do much orthodontics. Even the ones that do
some orthodontics maybe do a half a day a week (10-20%). Dr. Rugh has had some historic grants in his resume. He has also been PI on several new grants and knows the inner workings of a dental school better than just about anybody in the country. The real issue of Dr. Rugh being the chairman is more of an issue of "reputation" than it is a real problem. Certainly if something is different then many folks will try and use this as a method to turn somebody against a particular program.
The current program director, Dr. Pavlin, is a quality individual that cares deeply about the residents and will do anything to help us out. He is concerned as much about how we are doing personally as how we are doing educationally. You won't get that many other places. True, he is the "acting" program director right now, but he is doing a great job and is most likely going to be the permanent director in the end (it is understandable if we are taking our time making a firm commitment considering the high turnover rate mentioned in Elefuntman's post above). While we have had a lot of turnover in this spot, Dr. Pavlin is doing an
excellent job and will do so for the foreseeable future.
As for the fellow that didn't like his questions in one of his/her interviews, I don't know what to say. If questions in your interview are the single thing which changes your mind about a program then you are certainly right in not picking that residency. When it comes to the interview you are as much picking the program as they are picking you, and it is very important that you are happy, as you will be there for 2-3 years. That may not seem like a long time but it can be if you are not really happy with your choice.
I know I didn't rank Connecticut when I interviewed specifically because of one of the interviews so I completely understand where you are coming from.
You must keep in mind, however, that some programs are looking for well rounded people who are able to adapt to new situations. It is very difficult to differentiate between the best of the best in orthodontic interviews. It is important that smurfsforsupper knows that everyone at San Antonio hopes that you matched at the place you felt most comfortable and happy. I personally hope that everybody that interviewed with us got in somewhere and that it was their top choice.
Globally, who knows why programs don't match. Maybe it is something specific. Maybe it is just poor luck. Maybe it is a conglomerate of issues. San Antonio will interview again this year and take three residents who will do a good job and everybody will be happy. I certainly think that we have a lot going for us and will stand by what we have. We have a great clinical faculty and a great set of full time faculty. The education is modern and the tuition is right (free). And did I mention that the weather is great?
I hope I addressed everything here. If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to ask or PM me.
