You are correct that both Drexel and Baylor are on probation, so I can see how an applicant would be uneasy or have a difficult time deciding between the two. I know nothing of Baylor, but I am a Drexel resident, so can give you my perspective about our program.
While our program is still officially on probation, we are expecting (hoping) to see that change in January. We had our site visit earlier this year and have so far had very favorable comments from the RRC - but the official word will come in January. Our Chair is expecting full accredidation, but of course, there are no guarantees in this process until you get the final word.
The main reason that our program was put on probation boiled down to number of full-time faculty at Hahnemann Hospital, which was designated as our primary site until recently (it is now changed to Abington Hospital - a very good change for the program, excellent hospital). By ACGME policy, a primary site hospital must have 4 full-time faculty and we only had 3 when we were reviewed. We are a small program of 5 residents, and those residents cover two hospitals. Between the two hospitals, there are 6 faculty, so never a time that 2 residents are with one attending. Exposure to adequate variety and numbers of cases has certainly never been a problem either. Nonetheless, the 4 faculty rule was the stance of the ACGME. There were no other glaring deficiencies in the structure of the program.
I will tell you that I would put the clinical training at Drexel up against any other program in the country. As a medical student, I did 4 away rotations, including some of the best in the country, so I know what is out there. We are not a strong academic program in terms of research (although even that is changing for the better recently) but the clinical training is very strong. Since we cover both an academic and a private hospital, you get a good feel of both academic medicine and private practice, which I think is a real bonus. Brachy training is second-to-none. High peds volume. Strong SBRT. Abundant opportunity for research. I have been able to work directly under Luther Brady who is my research mentor and have had excellent research opportunities as well as dedicated research time in both the lab as well as clinical work. It's one of those things that you can either pursue or not depending on your level of interest.
Our Physics and Radbio didactics are outstanding and also a very strong aspect of the program. Our residents consistently score in the >90th percentile on the Physics boards. All residents have passed both clinical and written boards, at least for the last several years.
In summary, despite the probationary status, I would not hesitate to accept a spot at Drexel. The program was a bit turbulent when I first started a few years ago, but the dust has definitely settled and headed in the right direction. PM me if any questions.
