Program

[Quixotic]

---

Members don't see this ad.

How did those in EM select the right program for them? Were you able to get a good feel for the program during your one day interview?

Also, does anyone know anything about the programs at IUPUI, Denver or any of the Cali programs? I am really interested in these programs based on location and am wondering how competitive they are. I have done quite a bit of research while in med school, but none in EM, will that matter?

Q

 

[roja]

I think you can absolutely get a good feel. I knew within several hours of my interview of my first choice that it was my first choice.

You do need to know what you are looking for (not in the sense of #/year etc as these things are tightly controlled by RRC) but in personality, location and style.

You need to know what type of personality you are and what kind of program you would fit at.

 

[corpsmanUP]

Looking back in my retrospectoscope, I completely agree with Roja. And not just because she is redheaded (perhaps strawberry blonde 😉 ) and a woman with real ba!!s 😉

I had a very special feeling about Iowa the moment I walked into the hospital, and it continued all day and for weeks after. I found myself comparing all other programs to it. But then I got this stupid idea that I needed to rank some better known, rumored "better" programs above Iowa, so I ended up ranking it 3rd of my 15. The two places I ranked above Iowa did not offer many of the "personal fit" things that Iowa had for me and my family. And thank God, a higher power must have helped me end up at the place I had loved so much, Iowa.

And today, our first day (taking ATLS with all the surgery residents), it was rewardingly obvious that my upper levels are some of the most **** hot EM residents I have ever met. These guys all had confidence oozing out of their pores, and they made me to understand that I did in fact make the right decision to keep them so high on my list.

Go with your own gut, because it's your gut that has to live with the decision...not the gut of all the other applicants who think you were stupid to pass over program X for its reputation.

And yes, Cali programs are freaking competitive, but FP is competitive in Cali. As is Denver, and don't even mention Indiana, as it has to easily be one of the most incredible programs in the country. Just keep the cast of your net wide as I said before!!

 

[roja]

awwwwwwwww, corpsmanUP, you sweet talker. 😉

I have long believed in the gut theory. I picked my med school teh same way and couldn't have been happier eitheir.

Same is true for residency, maybe even more so. EM is still such a broad field (meaning there are still so many opportunities) that ultimately name has less meaning than say for medicine or surgery. I am sure at times it doesn't hurt but it doesnt matter if you are at a 'big name' and then you end up hating your life and are a miserable person.

So, yeah, just go with your gut. Its simple advice but probably the best out there. 😀

 

[mfleur]

Roja,

Can I ask what it was about your program that made you choose it? I am currently doing a NYC rotation to give me a chance to check out all of the programs and would love some inside info. Thanks.

awwwwwwwww, corpsmanUP, you sweet talker. 😉

I have long believed in the gut theory. I picked my med school teh same way and couldn't have been happier eitheir.

Same is true for residency, maybe even more so. EM is still such a broad field (meaning there are still so many opportunities) that ultimately name has less meaning than say for medicine or surgery. I am sure at times it doesn't hurt but it doesnt matter if you are at a 'big name' and then you end up hating your life and are a miserable person.

So, yeah, just go with your gut. Its simple advice but probably the best out there. 😀

 

[JkGrocerz]

a few things: rotate there, check out scutwork reviews, ask on SDN (as above), try to get a feel from the residents and ask specific questions from them. Pay attention to how they look: if they look very very tired and worked to death, you may want to take that into consideration. check out emramatch.org which has very complete profiles of many residencies out there. and if necessary, show up for a second look.

 

[roja]

Roja,

Can I ask what it was about your program that made you choose it? I am currently doing a NYC rotation to give me a chance to check out all of the programs and would love some inside info. Thanks.

See PM

 

[Quixotic]

Looking back in my retrospectoscope, I completely agree with Roja. And not just because she is redheaded (perhaps strawberry blonde 😉 ) and a woman with real ba!!s 😉

I had a very special feeling about Iowa the moment I walked into the hospital, and it continued all day and for weeks after. I found myself comparing all other programs to it. But then I got this stupid idea that I needed to rank some better known, rumored "better" programs above Iowa, so I ended up ranking it 3rd of my 15. The two places I ranked above Iowa did not offer many of the "personal fit" things that Iowa had for me and my family. And thank God, a higher power must have helped me end up at the place I had loved so much, Iowa.

And today, our first day (taking ATLS with all the surgery residents), it was rewardingly obvious that my upper levels are some of the most **** hot EM residents I have ever met. These guys all had confidence oozing out of their pores, and they made me to understand that I did in fact make the right decision to keep them so high on my list.

Go with your own gut, because it's your gut that has to live with the decision...not the gut of all the other applicants who think you were stupid to pass over program X for its reputation.

And yes, Cali programs are freaking competitive, but FP is competitive in Cali. As is Denver, and don't even mention Indiana, as it has to easily be one of the most incredible programs in the country. Just keep the cast of your net wide as I said before!!

Your advice makes sense. I'm not really interested in going to a program for it's prestige, because along with that often comes arrogance. I am more interested in enjoying where I am on my days off and spending time with my wife than gunning for the top.

So are the Cali, CO and IUPUI programs like step1- 240+, EM publication, awesome LOR's competitive? Or is it doable with upper 220's, non-EM publications and decent LOR's?

It seems like everyone wants to go out to Cali. Maybe it is just easier to do a residency somewhere else and then just work out there, or is that even harder to do due to lack of contacts?

Q