Reputation v. Exposure

[ArcherM2]

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In general, does being at an academic medical center necessarily mean a better clinical education than a rotation where you will have more independence and "hands-on" experience? I guess I've always had this picture of what clinicals should be (i.e. following residents and attendings, soaking up as much as possible), but lately I'm thinking that having first hand experience and independence is more important. And I know I'm only a lowly first-year, and I know I still have time to worry about this, but I'm just generally curious what the consensus is out there.

 

[Gfunk6]

In my experience, being in a community hospital is quite good for "hands-on" clerkships like Surgery and OB/GYN. This is because you will often be first-assist on a lot of procedures that the residents and fellows would be otherwise jockeying for. However, you may not see rare and interesting diseases. Also, if you want to stay in academics or go into a competitive residency, it's good to work with the "big names."

 

[Ice-1]

Good points made. Alot is also up to your personal preferences, sort of like choosing a school. Some like being in large programs with more "prestige" whatever that is, others in smaller ones where they feel they can get more individual attention. If you can arrange to have some rotations in each kind of setting it will help you make up your mind as to what fits best for you.

 

[DaRockk]

Good points made. Alot is also up to your personal preferences, sort of like choosing a school. Some like being in large programs with more "prestige" whatever that is, others in smaller ones where they feel they can get more individual attention. If you can arrange to have some rotations in each kind of setting it will help you make up your mind as to what fits best for you.

I have to agree with that post. I've been observing some posts on this forum for a while and others as well and that pretty much is the consensus.
You actually do more hands on at those smaller places, but when it comes down to hooking up for optimal residency connections, do some rotations in those "big name" hospitals.
Arrange for rotations at both types of hospitals, but do your last one at the "big name" one...keeps your name fresh with their staff.