Program Specific Questions

[fantasty]

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Could anyone speak to U Colorado's IM program? I feel like I have repeatedly heard that you can expect to be overworked and push 80hrs weekly in addition to needing to travel to multiple hospitals. Most of the good that I have heard is reputation and their pulm/cc program. Anyone willing to offer up why it would be a better option than Minnesota/OHSU?

The only person I know that went there (UC) enjoyed it. However, I also know more people who were very happy at OHSU & Minnesota. (In fact, the OHSU folks remained strong advocates and one of my friends stayed for a chief year - I got the impression from her that it was a very supportive environment).

 

[studbud]

Thanks! I think Ill go on UC- Northshore but was looking for one more "safety" program in the tri-state area (northeast). I guess ill just pick one, unless there is one that someone knows is a little better. Thanks!

I can't speak about all the programs you listed, but I can tell you some that you may not want to consider - Flushing, Forest Hills, and NY Methodist. I think the other ones are not so bad.

 

[studbud]

anyone have thoughts on Western Michigan University IM program in Kalamazoo, MI?

I have a friend who did a rotation there and he said it is a nice program, people are friendly and facilities are nice. I don't think it sets you up much for a fellowship but if you're not looking for that then it might be okay. Location is not the greatest but if you have ties to that area then it could be a good fit.

 

[IkeBoy18]

I gather that most likely the categorical and prelim programs arent drastically different. all of the scutwork reviews are old and im really trying to decided whether or not I am going to leave NYC after an interview to go to NO just to come right back to NYC for interviews after Ochsner, and then go back home. This will obviously be expensive, so I am really hoping to get some info on this program please.

 

[LovelyBRass]

Can you elaborate on downstate? Do they generally take their residents for their fellowships? Where would you rank jacobi?

re: downstate, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...wnstate-im-too-big-to-fail-go-smaller.875058/ that isn't quite where i get my info from but basically sums up how much downstate sucks

re: jacobi, it's on the lenox/BI spectrum

 

[McSap]

Any thoughts on NYMC Westchester? I've noticed they never seem to get a mention around here when discussing NY programs despite it being a university program and fairly commutable from the city. How does it compare to say NSLIJ, Rutgers, Stonybrook etc?

 

[jdh71]

Could anyone speak to U Colorado's IM program? I feel like I have repeatedly heard that you can expect to be overworked and push 80hrs weekly in addition to needing to travel to multiple hospitals. Most of the good that I have heard is reputation and their pulm/cc program. Anyone willing to offer up why it would be a better option than Minnesota/OHSU?

Colorado has the TOP academic research pulmonary program, their critical care is fine enough but you can find better. As such, though, you get no "ins" to this top program from simply doing residency there - if this was perhaps your thought. I don't think it would be a "better" option than Minn or OHSU. Basically about the same option.

 

[jdh71]

What are people's thoughts about Case Western vs Ohio State? Including any thoughts about Cleveland vs Columbus.

I like case better than osu

 

[hurryupnwait]

Interested to hear your thoughts about how these programs compare in terms of overall reputation and research opportunities:

Baylor
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Indiana
Minnesota
Ohio State
UAB
U Chicago
UC San Diego
UPMC

Thank you!

 

[Beacopp665]

Interested to hear your thoughts about how these programs compare in terms of overall reputation and research opportunities:

Baylor
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Indiana
Minnesota
Ohio State
UAB
U Chicago
UC San Diego
UPMC

Thank you!

For medicine only or med/peds? Because those lists would be really diff. For example cincy and baylor houston would jump way up as they're considerably stronger in peds and have more research opportunities in that area, etc.

 

[hurryupnwait]

For medicine only or med/peds? Because those lists would be really diff. For example cincy and baylor houston would jump way up as they're considerably stronger in peds and have more research opportunities in that area, etc.

For IM. I kind of have an idea of where the programs stand in terms of med-peds presence and overall clinical training, but also realize that med-peds programs build on the strengths of the categorical programs.

 

[beforesunset]

.

 

[Beacopp665]

For IM. I kind of have an idea of where the programs stand in terms of med-peds presence and overall clinical training, but also realize that med-peds programs build on the strengths of the categorical programs.

This is just my opinion regarding these places and full disclosure I am just an IM applicant this year myself, but I've been to some of the places you have in that list.

Duke - sticks out as the top of this list easily

After that probably U Chicago, Pittsburgh. Baylor too , I might even throw UCSD and UAB in the same tier although just judging off of their match list (which likely reflects a ton of self selection) that their rep is little more regional.

Indiana/Minnesota next

Case/OSU - edge might go to Case unless you like Hem/Onc in that case Ohio State shoots way up they just built a beautiful new 21 floor cancer center.

Cincy is probably lowest for sure in terms of IM strength. Just my opinion and no doubt someone will tell me I'm full of it but just my thoughts from what I've heard and seen while on the trail.

 

[hurryupnwait]

This is just my opinion regarding these places and full disclosure I am just an IM applicant this year myself, but I've been to some of the places you have in that list.

Duke - sticks out as the top of this list easily

After that probably U Chicago, Pittsburgh. Baylor too , I might even throw UCSD and UAB in the same tier although just judging off of their match list (which likely reflects a ton of self selection) that their rep is little more regional.

Indiana/Minnesota next

Case/OSU - edge might go to Case unless you like Hem/Onc in that case Ohio State shoots way up they just built a beautiful new 21 floor cancer center.

Cincy is probably lowest for sure in terms of IM strength. Just my opinion and no doubt someone will tell me I'm full of it but just my thoughts from what I've heard and seen while on the trail.

Thanks! Appreciate your advice 🙂

 

[mastmastdonan]

Unless you're a rockstar with 260+ steps and a million interview offers, go ahead and accept it. Match is scary for 95% of IMG's. Prematch is a dream these days.

 

[obiwan]

Interested to hear your thoughts about how these programs compare in terms of overall reputation and research opportunities:

Baylor
Case Western
Cincinnati
Duke
Indiana
Minnesota
Ohio State
UAB
U Chicago
UC San Diego
UPMC

Thank you!

I would say that you have a nice overall mix of programs there. Don't necessarily think you're gonna hurt yourself by matching to any of these programs. Sure, if your goal is to go to Memorial Sloan Kettering for H/O for fellowship, then going to a place like Duke or UChicago might put you in a little better position than say Cincinnati but I would think about where you would like to be for 3+ years. Me personally, you couldn't pay me to do cold weather so I'd probably rank places like UCSD/Baylor above Case Western or tOSU but to each their own.

 

[RaetheChef]

The ethnic makeup of Santa Clara is 52,359 (45.0%) White, 3,154 (2.7%) African American, 43,889 (37.7%) Asian, 22,589 (19.4%) Hispanic..
The ethnic makeup of Palo Alto is 41,359 (64.2%) White, 17,461 (27.1%) .Asian., 1,197 (1.9%) .African American., 17,461 (27.1%) Asian, .Hispanics .are 3,974 persons (6.2%).
.
The most diverse regions in the country are considered to be those that have close to an even distribution of residents across the most common ethnic groups- around 25% each. The Stanford area is NOT one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country. Stanford has a hard time competing from patients in an area with a population of less than 200 000. In addition, most patients coming from elsewhere in search of "expert" medical opinions will end up at .........UCSF which is 32.6 miles away - in part because they fly into San Francisco..

That's is the problem with Stanford, and those are "facts". But you are entitled to your opinion. And I agree to disagree with you..

Your facts are pretty misguided. I doubt you are from the Bay Area because you have a very poor understanding of the region and if you are from the Bay Area, you need to start venturing out of your home a bit more. It takes an equal amount of time to travel by car from SFO to UCSF (and that's even assuming favorable traffic going into SF) compared with SFO to Stanford. You realize patients from all across the Santa Clara Valley go to Stanford right? I have no idea where you pulled 200,000 from. Santa Clara County has a population of 1.8 million. I will concede Santa Clara County has a smaller percentage of blacks but this reduced percentage is not a result of increased whites but increased percentages of Asians and Hispanics:

"The ethnic makeup of Santa Clara County was 836,616 (47.0%) White, 46,428 (2.6%) African American, 12,960 (0.7%)Native American, 570,524 (32.0%) Asian (8.6% Chinese, 7.1% Vietnamese, 6.6% Indian, 4.9% Filipino, 1.6% Korean, 1.4% Japanese, 0.3% Cambodian, 0.3% Pakistani, 0.1% Thai, 0.1% Laotian, 0.1% Burmese, 0.1% Indonesian, 0.1% Bangladeshi), 7,060 (0.4%) Pacific Islander (0.1% Samoan, 0.1% Guamanian, 0.1% Tongan, 0.1% Native Hawaiian), 220,806 (12.4%) from other races, and 87,248 (4.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 479,210 persons (26.9%): 22.5% Mexican, 0.4% Puerto Rican, 0.1% Cuban, 3.8% Other Hispanic.[28]"

If you want to place all Asians throughout the continent into one box for your checklist of racial diversity you're disingenuously underselling the diversity of the area.

 

[BrainBuff]

LMAO.......Dude, tone it down a notch and don't get personal. I don't think anyone really cares and I am not trying to convince anyone of anything. I am not even going to bother with you. You joined SDN on March 12, 2012 and your FIRST message EVER is to get into it with me about that old post? Someone needs help... and i find it amusing that Yona33 "liked" it....

Just in case it applies, to have more than one account is against TOS, btw...

 

[jdh71]

uhhhh . . .

 

[Yona33]

LMAO.......Dude, tone it down a notch and don't get personal. I don't think anyone really cares and I am not trying to convince anyone of anything. I am not even going to bother with you. You joined SDN on March 12, 2012 and your FIRST message EVER is to get into it with me about that old post? Someone needs help... and i find it amusing that Yona33 "liked" it....

Just in case it applies, to have more than one account is against TOS, btw...

Darn it. You figured me out, Sherlock. I created an account two years ago for the express purpose of waiting for you to make your post, and saw my opportunity. And I would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for you meddling kids.

 

[jdh71]

I'm not taking a side in the Stanford discussion but that was perhaps the best come back I've read in a long time.

Good show.

 

[NYDO2014]

Any thought on Miami, RWJ, Loma Linda and Chicago Northshore?

 

[gutonc]

Any thought on Miami, RWJ, Loma Linda and Chicago Northshore?

Yes...that is probably the most random list of programs I've ever seen.

Carry on.

 

[McSap]

Any thoughts on NYMC Westchester? I've noticed they never seem to get a mention around here when discussing NY programs despite it being a university program and fairly commutable from the city. How does it compare to say NSLIJ, Rutgers, Stonybrook etc?

Any input re above?

 

[Pinkleton]

Haven't seen anyone talk about the University of Cincinnati...thoughts? How does it compare to programs like Georgetown, UMass, Wake, Temple?

 

[gaomusic]

Any thought on Miami, RWJ, Loma Linda and Chicago Northshore?

I've only been to RWJ on your list. I thought the program was not bad...the PD was nice and seemed personable but serious and by-the-book. Residents seemed happy and the area is very college town-y. I don't like that you have to drive to Princeton though and the match list is average for Cards.

 

[jdh71]

Haven't seen anyone talk about the University of Cincinnati...thoughts? How does it compare to programs like Georgetown, UMass, Wake, Temple?

I'd say on par with wake, and better than the rest. One mans opinion.

 

[Pinkleton]

I'd say on par with wake, and better than the rest. One mans opinion.

Thanks for the input, but can you be a little specific please?

 

[jdh71]

Thanks for the input, but can you be a little specific please?

No.

 

[jdh71]

This isn't gorram rocket science people. It's just not. It's not chess. Hell it's not even checkers. Rank programs how you ****ing like them. Every gorram year. Same advice. Some skepticism. Same neuroticism. Same "but will it REALLY get me into cardiology,!????,,????,???" And it doesn't even matter that year after year people come back in and testify. Tell you all we were correct. **** it. I can't. I. Just. Can't.

 

[dyeguy21]

So not a please help me rank post, but a general feeling post. The last thread about this took a dark turn down a dimly lit alleyway. I realize what city this program is in, I have friends and family in the area, which is one of the reasons I'm actually considering living on a humid sun: UT Houston

It seems like they work the absolute crap out of their interns and residents. Also they seem to offer no "daily living perks" like lunches, parking, etc. In addition, they say they are well funded, but they only give a one time $150 stipend for research conferences. They state that they can't pay for alcoholic beverages at pre-interview dinner due to state funding, yet UTSW just had pitchers of Margaritas out.... (Not saying that it's an issue when it comes to ranking, just something odd I noticed). However, everyone seemed pleasant/happy and people are getting some pretty nice fellowships this year (Rheum at Wash-U, 3-4 Cards matches at Kelsey, 2 GI matches from residents I spoke with). So, for people with insider knowledge, is my general feeling on the program correct?

 

[Pinkleton]

This isn't gorram rocket science people. It's just not. It's not chess. Hell it's not even checkers. Rank programs how you ******* like them. Every gorram year. Same advice. Some skepticism. Same neuroticism. Same "but will it REALLY get me into cardiology,!????,,????,???" And it doesn't even matter that year after year people come back in and testify. Tell you all we were correct. **** it. I can't. I. Just. Can't.

Now that you've had a chance to calm down, it would be nice if you could provide an adult response. I don't think I've ever had my jimmies rustled that much.

I'm not deciding my rank list, but rather what interviews to cancel at this point because of finances. And I would rather not be a dickbag and go on excess interviews where some applicants are waiting on a spot. I'll be thankful to match allopathic MD this year.

 

[jdh71]

Now that you've had a chance to calm down, it would be nice if you could provide an adult response. I don't think I've ever had my jimmies rustled that much.

I'm not deciding my rank list, but rather what interviews to cancel at this point because of finances. And I would rather not be a dickbag and go on excess interviews where some applicants are waiting on a spot. I'll be thankful to match allopathic MD this year.

You haven't rustled my jimmies. My post wasn't directed at you or I'd gave quoted you. That post was made in the most calm fashion possible. If you thought I was overly excited you would be incorrect and maybe need to lerk moar.

Look kid. Good luck. And I mean that. But if you're trying to find an MD spot and you are not, you're not really in a position to start canceling invites to help out the homies ya know?? If you're canceling because you can't afford it fine. Wake and Cinnci are the better regarded programs. They are not going to be so fundamentally different from the rest of the programs that it's some huge big factor. Pick a city if you like. I like wake. I like Cinnci. The rest not as much. You'll get to write chest pain rule out orders at all the places.

Hope you find that MD match!

 

[jdh71]

Some days it's like an early 1990s after school special and I'm just pulling for the nerd kid to get the date with the hot cheerleader against all odds.

 

[jdh71]

So not a please help me rank post, but a general feeling post. The last thread about this took a dark turn down a dimly lit alleyway. I realize what city this program is in, I have friends and family in the area, which is one of the reasons I'm actually considering living on a humid sun: UT Houston

It seems like they work the absolute crap out of their interns and residents. Also they seem to offer no "daily living perks" like lunches, parking, etc. In addition, they say they are well funded, but they only give a one time $150 stipend for research conferences. They state that they can't pay for alcoholic beverages at pre-interview dinner due to state funding, yet UTSW just had pitchers of Margaritas out.... (Not saying that it's an issue when it comes to ranking, just something odd I noticed). However, everyone seemed pleasant/happy and people are getting some pretty nice fellowships this year (Rheum at Wash-U, 3-4 Cards matches at Kelsey, 2 GI matches from residents I spoke with). So, for people with insider knowledge, is my general feeling on the program correct?

If your gut is telling you some thing don't add then they don't. Some of that you can live with and some of it you can't. It tastes bad from where I'm sitting though. None of which is "insider information".

 

[fantasty]

This isn't gorram rocket science people. It's just not. It's not chess. Hell it's not even checkers. Rank programs how you ******* like them. Every gorram year. Same advice. Some skepticism. Same neuroticism. Same "but will it REALLY get me into cardiology,!????,,????,???" And it doesn't even matter that year after year people come back in and testify. Tell you all we were correct. **** it. I can't. I. Just. Can't.

But, I thought you liked doing this. You and gutonc were the most prolific commentators. (Although, yeah - I can see how it might get frustrating)

 

[jdh71]

But, I thought you liked doing this. You and gutonc were the most prolific commentators. (Although, yeah - I can see how it might get frustrating)

It's nuanced and you KNOW this. Lol.

 

[djack240]

St. Mary's Hospital- Waterbury, CT
University of Massachusetts

I have preliminary medicine interviews at both programs, but their websites do not have much information on the structure of the program for prelims...

 

[DilaudidOnTheRocksPlease]

Anyone interviewed at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and USC recently? Debating whether to cancel my SCVMC and keep USC. Want to go into GI fellowship. Thanks!

 

[meliora27]

Medical College of Wisconsin doesn't get much talk around here. Generally considered "mid-tier". Can anyone shed some insight who may know more about the program? In terms of other Midwest mid-tiers like rush/loyola/uic how does it stack up?

 

[nymed99999]

Can someone please comment on how RWJ, Rutgers Newark, Stonybrook, NSLIJ, and St. Lukes compare? I am having a really hard time figuring out the reputations of these places

 

[vman51]

Can someone please comment on how RWJ, Rutgers Newark, Stonybrook, NSLIJ, and St. Lukes compare? I am having a really hard time figuring out the reputations of these places

Fellow applicant, but from what I gathered, based solely on reputation:

RWJ > NS/LIJ > SLR = NJMS

 

[drivenby]

Does anyone know ANYTHING about the University of Central Florida IM program?

I'm an IMG, planning to rank 10 places so far. UCF would be my n11. I'm debating whether to go or not because i don't really know much about the program and i'm borderline bankrupt after all this traveling lol (other than it's barely 2 years old)

I think i have a solid chance in my other programs however, so i would only go if the program seems like it could be good. I am interested in doing a fellowship too.

 

[ggpia2343]

Anyone interviewed at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and USC recently? Debating whether to cancel my SCVMC and keep USC. Want to go into GI fellowship. Thanks!

I interviewed there and I have an interview coming up for USC in January.

Their fellowship placement list is surprisingly good for a community program, especially for GI (http://www.scvmc.org/professionals/residency/medicine/Documents/fellowships-obtained.pdf)

The residents were nice, the location is great, and the attendings are all very good--many of them trained at UCSF or Stanford. They are a high volume county hospital. Research opportunities with attendings there are a little limited, so some people will do research at Stanford.

I would check it out if you have time. Hope that helps.

 

[DilaudidOnTheRocksPlease]

I interviewed there and I have an interview coming up for USC in January.

Their fellowship placement list is surprisingly good for a community program, especially for GI (http://www.scvmc.org/professionals/residency/medicine/Documents/fellowships-obtained.pdf)

The residents were nice, the location is great, and the attendings are all very good--many of them trained at UCSF or Stanford. They are a high volume county hospital. Research opportunities with attendings there are a little limited, so some people will do research at Stanford.

I would check it out if you have time. Hope that helps.

Thank you! It is just inconvenient for me to make the trip to Northern Cali and I have already interviewed many university/academic programs. Appreciate your insight!

 

[gutonc]

Anyone interviewed at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and USC recently? Debating whether to cancel my SCVMC and keep USC. Want to go into GI fellowship. Thanks!

If you're just trying to decide between SCMVC and USC and are going to ditch one, keep USC. SCVMC is a very good community program but their reputation outside of West Coast is minimal.

 

[nymed99999]

Fellow applicant, but from what I gathered, based solely on reputation:

RWJ > NS/LIJ > SLR = NJMS

Thank you for the response, what about STONY any comments on that residency?

 

[235009]

Thank you for the response, what about STONY any comments on that residency?

I would put it on par with NS/LIJ

 

[JRoc_123]

So i'm trying to rank my programs as I go through them-- My top 5 are

Rush
UPMC
UH (CWRU)
tOSU
Loyola

I think that's the general order... but does anybody have any opinions on Rush's IM residency vs UPMC? Especially if I wanna do GI? As far as resident happiness and general program scholarship? I got a pretty good vibe from both places, although the residents at rush seem like they work VERY hard.

I would also appreciate input on the other 3 programs if you've got them!

 

[gutonc]

Not having Pitt at the top of that list is just insane. Especially if you want to do GI. And I don't know anything about GI in general at OSU but they're one of the top 2 or 3 places in the country for GI oncology.