rank list advice ?

Started by guttata
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guttata

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Hey,

Ok, I've broken down my rank list into tiers. However, I am having trouble ranking the program within my tiers. For example, I know my top five programs, but can't decide which should come first, second, third, etc. I need some advice from anyone.

I plan to pursue a fellowship - probably cornea (but who knows). I do not intend to become chairman, program director in the future. I plan on going into private practice.

So,
1. I have heard that application for fellowships (excluding retina and plastics) is not that competitive. Is this true? How important is name recognition for fellowships?

2. I have interviewed at some high powered programs, but am not sure if I will fit into the environment - so I think I will be ranking these programs lower. Should I?

3. How important are facilities - ie, the aesthetics, the environment (new vs old)?

4. Is there any noticeable difference between doing 120 versus 150 phacos? Or 40 blephs versus 20.

5. I may forgo more well known programs simply because of location (city). Is this stupid?

6. In the end, did you go with your gut feeling?

Thanks.
 
1. I have heard that application for fellowships (excluding retina and plastics) is not that competitive. Is this true? How important is name recognition for fellowships?

Name recognition is less important than you may think. Most fellowships are not competitive if you're not picky about where you train.

2. I have interviewed at some high powered programs, but am not sure if I will fit into the environment - so I think I will be ranking these programs lower. Should I?

If you don't think you'll fit in, then don't rank the program high.

3. How important are facilities - ie, the aesthetics, the environment (new vs old)?

This is a personal preference. For me, I like new facilities with good support staff. Faculty and patients are happier when the environment is nice.

4. Is there any noticeable difference between doing 120 versus 150 phacos? Or 40 blephs versus 20.

No.

5. I may forgo more well known programs simply because of location (city). Is this stupid?

No. I recommend going where you'll be happy. If you're unhappy in an unfavorable city for you, then you may be a miserable resident. In turn, this will be painful for you, your colleagues, and perhaps the program if your performance is poor because you're unhappy.

6. In the end, did you go with your gut feeling?

Use the force... 🙂
 
Go with the gut feeling man.... I ranked some "higher ranked" programs lower just because I liked the people/city/environment at some of the not as prestigeous programs. I felt that I would get just as good a training at most if not every place I interviewed.

The more I think about it the less I feel people should rank based on rankings in Ophthalmology Times or US News.
 
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I went with my gut and submitted but now I have second thoughts about a couple of programs. Anyone else? Please commiserate, heh.
 
you know what they say about changing answers on tests....9 out of 10 times your first answer was the right choice. stick to your guns!
 
Hey guttata--

I hear ya...i went w/the good 'ol "gut" as well...to much disagreement w/what the faculty of my school thought i should rank. And i too am feeling a bit uncertain about it...but i ultimately figured i'd just go w/what i thought and stop second guessing myself! Hope this helps some.
 
I agree. As long as the programs have a record of solid resident training you will be fine. It's far more important to be in a setting where you are happy and motivated to learn than it is to be unhappy. Remember that you were the one who interviewed and saw the programs first hand just a few weeks/months ago. No one knows better than you where you will feel most comfortable. What's the point of going to the interview if you just rank them by reputation and what your mentors say?

I can't wait for this to be finished. Just a little over a week to go!! Soon we will be celebrating...
 
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got 25 interviews, originally scheduled 17, interviewed at 13, ranked 11

Good luck everyone!
 
I did not rank one school becasue I thought it had a STRONG religious affilication (or, at least, stroner than I expected). I also did not rank U Colorado- I know a lot of people liked that program, but, personally, I did not get good vibes there. Besides, the fact that they interviewed about 100 people for 4 spots was somewhat discouraging.
 
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Yea...but two of the places i got rejected from were potentially my top two choices: ucsf and meei...others included duke, michigan, and oregon.

Though strangely, a few schools outright rejected me (i.e.--letter and all), but then offered me interviews vis a via phone call: wilmer, case western, detroit, u chicago, and a couple others i think...odd process i tell ya!
 
I think that was wise on light's part b/c it provided light with much more options in setting up and interview schedule, it's just a few bucks more, if you don't match it's much more expensive than that.
 
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