That + everyone this year seems to be too afraid to post anything, imo this thread should just be allowed to die.
Just like everyone is scared to post their actual default pictures and names on Facebook...
😛
Any opinions on posting rank lists?
Challenge Accepted. I am only going with my first 5 because they are the ones that I have the best reasons for. They are in alphabetical order... Mainly because I am so transparent on SDN that people actually know who I am sometimes.
KUMC- Newer program and smaller ED (~30 beds all run out of one “pod”) were the two things that were negatives for me. However, they have a great group of residents, amazing US experiences, and a well established hospital with a good reputation. Their patient population is older and seem to have complicated histories. The fact that the PD and APD built this program from the ground up means that they have vested themselves into the success of their residents.
LSU Shreveport- I was really surprised by this program. The thought of them being on probation this year was a big red flag for me until I actually went to the interview. After hearing the whole story and seeing how they have been changing their program because of it, I feel like the probation may have been a blessing in disguise. There were no negatives for me really. Its a few hours from where my family lives in Texas and has a good cost of living. Pros about the program in my opinion are interesting layout of the ED (Rare concept of an inner area for staff and outer doors to the patients rooms. I’ve heard less than 5 EDs in the country have this concept.), chair is a toxicologist, and one of the docs is the county’s coroner…
UMKC- The reasons I like this program are that it has a large ED layout with 3 pods, is one of the oldest programs in the country with a good reputation, and has a new emphasis on research (they require 2 projects). The con that I have with the program is that I have heard it is so well established that it may be less progressive about changing anything. Also, they seem to be somewhat occupied with their UMKC students, and in turn they don’t try to sell their program to applicants. Still, they boast a solid program. Cool aspects of the curriculum are the large amount of ICU and critical care months they do.
UTSW- Cons are living in Dallas and having to deal with ridiculous traffic… There are also many specialists and lots of other residents running around, which will mean less procedures. They don’t get to do much more than airway during traumas when in the ED. Pros are the large amounts of research opportunities and specialists that are in the top of their field. For an older program, I feel like they are open to changing things as needed. The curriculum is very unique because they have the most ED months I have seen (27 out of 39 blocks) and have many half block rotations (like ortho, burn ICU, neuro ICU, etc).
Virginia Tech Carilion- Listening to the program director speak about the business of medicine and politics involved made me excited about this program. For such a new program, they really have a solid faculty base and a good vision for the program. This hospital system has a lot of resources, and money… They will have 9 ultrasound machines by the end of the year, and they have around 7 pods if I remember correctly. There is a cool downtown area that is super affordable to live in (one resident told me she pays $700 a month for a newly remodeled apartment). Beautiful views of mountains all around the hospital! One of the things I heard during my interview was how the PD sends the residents out into the community to see what the nursing homes and rehabs are like. This enables them to understand what resources are available to patients when they are transferred out for further care. Very interesting concept and makes their program unique.
Disclaimer: I didn't do any crazy comparison lists when I interviewed. I didn't even take notes before, during or after my interview. I made my rank list based on the vibe I got when I was around the residents and faculty. The pros and cons I have listed were things that stood out to me, but may not have swayed any of my decisions.
