rank list factors to consider

[Crimson&Clover]

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hi everyone,

i was just curious how people are deciding on their rank list. are you guys going purely by reputation or are you concerned about other factors like location?? i'm in such a quandary because i used to be one of those people that automatically gravitated towards the big name schools, but now i think location is the most important factor for me. but then again, am i just plain stupid for ranking st. vincent's in nyc above places like wash u and cleveland clinic? arrghh, this is so hard....... 😱

 

[surgicane]

Make sure your top picks are places you'd be happy at, or come July you'll be kicking yourself in the ass for the next 5-7 years.

A gut feeling goes a long way in the rank list game.....

 

[dr.evil]

I totally agree with surgicane.

Many people gravitate towards the big names. It's in our nature to want "the best" and "the biggest" when it may not be the best for us.

Location is HUGE. If you've lived in Florida your entire life and do residency in Minnesota, it may be to much weather shock for you. You do have to live there for 5-7 years. Proximity to family is also important. I think you really have to broaden your mind when looking for residency spot. Are you just going to the big name for the name? Then it's probably not the spot for you.

#1 Be happy
#2 Be trained well
#3 Be real with yourself

 

[hemoccult]

After recently interviewing at Pitt, one of the residents mentioned that every medical school in the country has a surgery program that will train you to be a good surgeon...otherwise they wouldn't be accredited.

It seems as though the factors previously thought of as "little things" become more important factors in deciding how to formulate your rank list. Things like...can I buy a house in that area, gut feeling as mentioned by surgicane above, location and activities to do in that area, residents that you mesh with and get along with.

I too have been a seeker of big names with the feeling that I just couldn't go wrong to matriculate in a program who is consistently deemed a powerhouse. After much thought and consideration, it seems like every program (especially academically based ones) can pretty much get you to where you want to go. Sure, the road may be tougher if you want to do peds surg and are at a residency with very little exposure to that area, but if you work it right, it seems like almost anything is possible.

The true kick to the scrotum comes in the fact that no matter how you formulate your rank list, you just can't be sure of where they will rank you and ultimately will know nothing until match day...but thats all part of this fun and exciting time.

...Great Super Bowl with kudos to Tom Brady and the Pats for another great year! Too bad such a great game is overshadowed by a mere nipple.

 

[Foxxy Cleopatra]

I agree with the other guys; good advice.

The proverbial challenge... is bigger (name, that is) necessarily better? I suppose if you want to be a high-power academic surgeon, probably so, but other than that, I don't put too much stock into name alone. You can get great OR teaching/ case #/ didactics at many Joe-Schmo places.

My advice (in addition to what has already been offered) would be consider how well you feel you fit in with the residents (work ethic, personality, etc.) I like people with great senses of humor, hard workers, but I am not into being competitive, snooty, or cutthroat. You will have your bad days and it makes a world of difference if you can get along, approach, and respect the other residents, if for no other reason than to have someone to vent with or laugh about some of the quirks in the system.

Residency so far has not been a cakewalk, but I really like the other people at my program (nice, intelligent, fun people) and that has kept me from taking hostages when the going gets tough.

The other thing is think about your particular interests and compare it to the program's strengths and weaknesses. In other words, think hard before ranking a huge transplant center highly if you hate transplant, as you may be spending several months on the service.

Match Day is great. Have fun and good luck.

 

[fourthyear]

I'm with you, Foxxy.

I went with location and the feel of the residents being people I could see myself working with and fitting in with.

One year later, I'm very happy.

It's not all about work - you have a personality and a personal life too. Don't go somewhere where the residents are jerks and you'll be misserable. Don't go somewhere you dread the thought of living in that city or climate. It's 5 years of your life, and we can only work 80 hours a week now - what will you do with the rest of your week?