rank list help

[meep98]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys - seeking some advice on rank list, particularly trying to decide between these for ranks #1-5:

Northwestern
UChicago
WashU
MGH
BWH

I want great clinical training and to graduate feeling prepared for anything, but I also value quality of life and don't wanna be beaten to a pulp (within reason). I also want to be a part of a good culture, which I feel all of these offer. Location is not super important to me in terms of proximity to family, so I would be happy going to any of these cities. In terms of career goals, I could see myself doing fellowship (CCM), but I'm not fully decided yet.
Would love insight though from people who know more than I do! Thanks in advance

 

[cchoukal]

Questions like this are tough. It is the VERY rare person who has direct experience with more than one residency program, and the likelihood that they are lurking these boards is low. As a consequence, the answers you get here will be conflated by bias and anecdote. For example, I had an outstanding experience at UChicago, albeit nearly 20 years ago. But that's about as far as it goes. Is it "better" than Northwestern? How would I even know? So all I can tell you is that ALL of those programs are very highly-regarded, brand-name programs. Any of them would have enough gravitas to get you into the best CCM (or other) fellowships in the country, assuming you perform well as a resident and do the things necessary to be a great applicant. Furthermore, and others may disagree, but all of them have sufficient gravitas to get you a phone call returned from private groups in desirable areas.

So then how to choose? Gut, location, cost of living, "vibes," etc.... I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[agammaglobulin]

My advice would be go to the program in the city you hope to live in long term. You'll learn the market better and make connections that matter for getting a job when you're done with training.