Rank List Help - Comparing Top Programs

[radshelp]

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Hey all,

I've been very fortunate with the application cycle, and I'd like to get input on ranking these programs: MGH, BWH, Penn, MIR, Duke, Michigan, NYU, JHU.

Things that are important to me:

1) Quality of clinical training - I'm going to guess there are no meaningful differences between these programs?
2a) Location - I'll be a single male going into residency. I'd really prefer to go somewhere with a good dating scene and lots of opportunities to meet people (e.g. easy access to concerts, museums, etc.)
2b) Cost/quality of living - I'm not sure how much weight I should give to this. After making projected budgets (including emergency fund, disability insurance, etc.), it looks like I'd have about $300-400/month left over in places like NYC and Boston compared to ~800-1000 in places like Philly, Durham, and Ann Arbor. I would also sell my car and rely on public transportation if I lived in NYC or Boston (I personally like driving and having the freedom to just get out of town on a whim if I wanted to. At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if I got used to not having a car)
3) Outcomes - I'm keeping an open mind in terms of academics vs. private practice. Are there meaningful differences between these programs? (e.g. would going to MGH over NYU provide a significant overall advantage for job placement?)

It's been hard to suss out differences on the interview trail, as I keep getting the impression that these programs are very similar and that I should go off of gut feeling and fit.

Thanks!

 

[Radology]

No. There is no meaningful difference; all of these programs are for all intents and purposes identical. You can split any hairs you want, but the same doors are open from any of these. So go with location

2a and 2b are in conflict with each other; cities like philly or St. Louis seem like nice mediums

 

[Cognovi]

Regarding 3 - The MGH program promotes early subspecialization. R4 is a full year subspecialty experience, an enfolded fellowship in which are treated as a fellow, without resident rotations or calls. Graduates have obtained subspecialty jobs based on this experience, independent of their real fellowship year. In a job landscape that is increasingly subspecialized, including in private practice, this setup gives you flexibility. If you wanted a job that combines two subspecialties, this is the way to do it. If you wanted a two-year neuroradiology experience, this setup effectively gets you more than 24 months neuroradiology training by the end of PGY-6.

 

[Cognovi]

Regarding 2 - In a big city program, you could always make more money by moonlighting to fund your dates. In a small city, nothing you do can make the dating scene any better. I'm not sure how these programs compare in moonlighting opportunities, but you can feasibly make $2-3k extra per month starting R2.

 

[Aurum]

Congrats on these interviews. I may be biased as a Philadelphian, but I think Philly strikes a great balance between cost of living, a car not being onerous, culture, and a good dating pool.