Hello all,
Does anyone have any thoughts/impressions about radiology programs in Texas? I would really like to stay in the state, but I don't know much about individual programs with respect to things like program strengths, admissions standards/prestige, and so on.
Thanks!
UTSW: Outside of Texas it has the reputation for being the best in the state, considered Top 25. Admissions based strongly on numbers. Largest number of residents per year. Offers 4 year and 5 year track (includes the transitional year). Lately, has a reputation for happy residents. Very busy.
Baylor Dallas: Despite 'University' in the title it is in fact an excellent 'community' program, probably the strongest community program in the nation, stronger than a lot of other academic programs. (IMO the real #1, in the state, but not as well known outside of Texas.) Selection criteria are tougher than UTSW, probably the most choosy in the state. Residents have had a reputation for being among the happiest and most photogenic anywhere. Best boards performance across the board (no pun intended) in the state among the best in the nation. Excellent MRI experience.
Baylor Houston: (Outside of Texas historically #2 reputationwise). 'Academic' program as opposed to Baylor Dallas. Has had a reputation in the past for malignancy, very busy. Residents have a rough time but are very well-trained. 'Baylor' name, gets residents great fellowships. Recently lost rotations at 900+ bed Methodist hospital. Mainstay is now Ben Taub county hospital. They are building a private 400 bed Baylor hospital. Don't know if or how this would effect training. 'Owns' Texas Childrens
UTH: a close #3. Very strong academic program. You get to rotate at MD Anderson and you get a few months at Texas Childrens.
In no particular order the rest:
UTSA - ??? But graduates are well-represented at ARA one of the premier radiology groups in Texas.
UTMB - recently has lost IR and Neuro staff (used to have very strong neuro). Not sure if they have recovered. Peds will be strong as swischuk of pediatric rads textbook fame is there.
Scott and White: Graduates I have talked to out in practice (and not just during the interviews) have been very happy with their training. (So either they are brainwashed, or they REALLY are happy with their training !
😉 ) No fellowships, so you get to learn A LOT with exposure to what would be 'fellow-level' cases (at other residencies). Its in Temple which for most ppl is a draw back. Like other less desirable rural locations its touted by recruiters 'a great place to raise a family' which is a euphemism for BOOOOOOOORING! Austin is about 1-1.5 hours away though (not boring!) and houses are dirt cheap.
This is totally my subjective opinion. Probably the thing that most would agree with, however, is that UTSW has the best rep in the state. No matter where you end up, I don't think you can't go wrong with ANY of these programs. Most residencies will have one or two areas of relative weakness, but none that I know of are weak across-the-board or in danger of being put on probation.
