Ortho Residency Rank list Advice

[nibhighfootballrules]

Hi Everyone:

I am currently going over my ortho rank list and am between two programs for the top spot.

How important is breadth and complexity of operative exposure during residency? If operative autonomy is equal between the two programs but one program has in-house subspecialities such as tumor and peds and the other requires supplementation at a partner institution how detrimental is it to one’s training if they are trying to pursue those fields?

Additionally, if that same program that ships out has less complex cases in things like hand spine peds is this creating a significant deficit in resident training or can these differences be overcome with subsequent fellowship training if you decide to pursue one of those fields?

Overall, both programs are similar in all other aspects with the latter program being less of an inconvenience on personal life and also seems to have a more supportive and collegial culture. However, the latter is a newish program with less sample size for fellowship matches.

Thanks!

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[VincentAdultman]

Hi Everyone:

I am currently going over my ortho rank list and am between two programs for the top spot.

How important is breadth and complexity of operative exposure during residency? If operative autonomy is equal between the two programs but one program has in-house subspecialities such as tumor and peds and the other requires supplementation at a partner institution how detrimental is it to one’s training if they are trying to pursue those fields?

Additionally, if that same program that ships out has less complex cases in things like hand spine peds is this creating a significant deficit in resident training or can these differences be overcome with subsequent fellowship training if you decide to pursue one of those fields?

Overall, both programs are similar in all other aspects with the latter program being less of an inconvenience on personal life and also seems to have a more supportive and collegial culture. However, the latter is a newish program with less sample size for fellowship matches.

Thanks!

Over a five year surgical residency the bolded is in my opinion going to be more valuable to you. You can always do a fellowship if you feel you need more exposure to complex cases in a particular area. How new are we talking about?

 

[nibhighfootballrules]

Thanks for the reply. It only has a couple of graduating classes. Seems like the more established program has higher volume which equates to working more to cover the multiple hospitals especially later in residency. Personally, I feel like residency is the time to work more in order to gain confidence and graduate as competent as one can be. It’s tough as a medical student to fully appreciate how beneficial vs detrimental that additional grind contributes to your future abilities.

 

[VincentAdultman]

Thanks for the reply. It only has a couple of graduating classes. Seems like the more established program has higher volume which equates to working more to cover the multiple hospitals especially later in residency. Personally, I feel like residency is the time to work more in order to gain confidence and graduate as competent as one can be. It’s tough as a medical student to fully appreciate how beneficial vs detrimental that additional grind contributes to your future abilities.

Theres diminishing returns with operative volume imo...and having people you like working with and a happy life outside the hospital will make you a better resident.

 

[nibhighfootballrules]

Theres diminishing returns with operative volume imo...and having people you like working with and a happy life outside the hospital will make you a better resident.

How about operative flexibility? Being able to have more freedom choosing which subspeciality cases to scrub versus strict service based rotations all 5 years?

 

[VincentAdultman]

How about operative flexibility? Being able to have more freedom choosing which subspeciality cases to scrub versus strict service based rotations all 5 years?

I mean... I dont have an opinion except you still have to log case minimums per ACGME. You cant pick and choose too much.