Pick a Coast? UCSF vs. MGH

[Little Donny]

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Hello all,

The clock is ticking and I'm at a loss. I can't tell these programs apart anymore aside from the 3000 miles (pros: strong ICU, great leadership -- cons: tough schedules, expensive living) and am basically picking based on which city I think I'd prefer. I haven't spent much time in either place, so any thoughts would be great -- the more incoherent and/or ranting the better 😀 .

 

[N2b8]

just sent you a PM ...

 

[fuzzy_wuzzy]

i think that it just depends on where you wanta live. i like san francisco more but boston isn't too bad if you like cold winters.

 

[Razorback]

I would say, in all honesty, pick a place to live that you will enjoy outside of the hospital. You will work very hard at either place and you NEED to be able to enjoy your free time. It's how you stay sane. (I will tell you that MGH has a very nice call schedule and that you WILL have free time; like 2-3 free weekends a month). I happen to be thankful that the Fung Wah bus is 15 dollars to Manhattan...

Both UCSF and MGH will offer phenomenal training. As will MANY other places!

 

[pej933]

I'm partial to UCSF. Highly respected in the region and a graduate from their residency will usually have a job waiting upon completion of program.. This is very common, just ask their residents. If you want to practice in a very competitive city like SF, then, go to UCSF. Starting salaries are from $250 to $300K. No joke. I wouldn't pass that up.

 

[fuzzy_wuzzy]

I would say, in all honesty, pick a place to live that you will enjoy outside of the hospital. You will work very hard at either place and you NEED to be able to enjoy your free time. It's how you stay sane.

Post above makes it seem that location is a pretty important consideration. Assuming you dont have family or sig other tieing you into a location, and assuming programs are fairly equal, how much weight do you all put on location? Is location a nice perk to be decided at the very end or it is so important that you need it to stay sane?
I'm starting to think that it may be the later.

 

[Tenesma]

i hate to burst your bubble, but right now anybody graduating from any anesthesia program has a job waiting for them... and starting salary of 250K is kinda on the low-side.

if you plan on staying on the west coast go to UCSF
if you plan on staying on the east coast go to MGH
if you plan on going to the midwest go to MGH (midwesterners are scared by the liberals in san francisco).

 

[bne_12mne]

Tenesma, I sent you a PM.

BNE

i hate to burst your bubble, but right now anybody graduating from any anesthesia program has a job waiting for them... and starting salary of 250K is kinda on the low-side.

if you plan on staying on the west coast go to UCSF
if you plan on staying on the east coast go to MGH
if you plan on going to the midwest go to MGH (midwesterners are scared by the liberals in san francisco).

 

[pej933]

i hate to burst your bubble, but right now anybody graduating from any anesthesia program has a job waiting for them... and starting salary of 250K is kinda on the low-side.

if you plan on staying on the west coast go to UCSF
if you plan on staying on the east coast go to MGH
if you plan on going to the midwest go to MGH (midwesterners are scared by the liberals in san francisco).

I should have been more clear. I meant jobs within the city itself. Yes, I partial to SF, and, no, you're not bursting my bubble. Show me proof that $250-300 starting is on the low side for a new graduate.

 

[fuzzy_wuzzy]

if you plan on going to the midwest go to MGH (midwesterners are scared by the liberals in san francisco).

What there aren't any liberals in Boston? I agree w/ you though about Midwesterners not knowing what's goin on. There's nothing I hate more than talking to somebody in the heartland about the attributes of UCSF only to get a blank look back. So I'm like UCSF = "University of California San Francisco," do you know where California is?
Good thing I can think for myself and I figure since I'm gonna make the Bay Area home, UCSF is the place for me. It's unfortunate that some only think UCSF is highly respected in the region, and not in the world but screw them. There I said it.

 

[Tenesma]

there are tons of liberals in Boston---- even most physicians are bleeding heart liberals wishing they could pay more taxes. Except that San Francisco hits midwesterners a bit different then Boston. Truth be said, most midwesterners can't stand either city 🙂

if you want to stay in san fran then UCSF is for you... starting salaries in california suck azszsss. but the rest of the country you can find some sweet starting salaries

 

[fuzzy_wuzzy]

if you want to stay in san fran then UCSF is for you... starting salaries in california suck azszsss. but the rest of the country you can find some sweet starting salaries

I hate it how the most expensive state has the starting salaries that suck azz. Ohh well, at least w/ a name like UCSF i'll be able to get jobs anywhere I want to in the country. That's gonna be my line when they're beating my azz down w/ cases.

 

[Little Donny]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess my decision is complicated by the fact that I'd like to experience SF but plan to end up on the East coast eventually (family). I think the training and name of UCSF should translate well though, and I guess I could always try and slip into a fellowship slot on the East coast. At least that's my rationale for the moment, let's see if it lasts to Wednesday night 🙂 .