Reputation vs location vs feel

[Radsrunner347]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am having difficulty choosing my top program. Ultimately I would like to find a job in the Chicago area but would be willing to go to Milwaukee or Madison.
Interviews: MIR, MGH, BID, Michigan, mayo, Wisconsin, NW, medical college of Wisconsin, Indiana, university of Chicago.

Basically, I'm wondering how important reputation of your training program is versus networking and location in terms of finding a job. Step 1: 252 step 2: 265 all honors . I would appreciate any input, as I don't want to go live in a certain city for 4 years just for program reputation. Just to add, did not apply in south, west, or east coast with the exception of Boston. Thanks!

 

[shark2000]

Was discussed before multiple times for both academics and pp. Search the forum.

 

[Radsrunner347]

Sorry Shark, but I have searched the forum. Academics versus pp doesn't matter to me.
Location does, and so does program fit. The programs I listed are different- as MGH vs UTSW was discussed in terms of networking and location in previous forums. I will change the question.

If I ultimately want to practice in Illinois or Wisconsin purely based on location, would it be better to go to a bigger name like Michigan, or to University of Chicago, Wisconsin, or MCW?

These were the programs I felt most comfortable at. I don't necessarily want to pursue a major academic/research career, but I know the job market is tight right now. NW may have the best reputation in Chicago, but I didn't feel like was the best fit for me. In my opinion, MGH and MIR were more relaxed and cordial than NW. Would it be looked down upon (for fellowship/jobs) if I chose MCW or U of C to stay in the area rather than choosing MIR or Michigan?

 

[maxxor]

Go to MIR. It's the best program in the midwest. You can always do fellowship at NW.

I think of radiology as having regional rankings (like Law). You want to stay in the midwest, so the top programs in the midwest would perhaps be

MIR
Michigan
NW

Go to the best program in your region. Done.

 

[colbgw02]

If you don't feel like NW fits you, then don't go there. The differences between the programs you're considering aren't great enough to justify potentially being unhappy for 4 years.

I'm of the mind that location for post-training employment should only be the number one consideration for fellowship. Fellowships are almost always just a year, so who cares if you have to put up with a crappy situation? It's only a year, and if it helps you get a good job in your preferred area, then I think it's well worth it.

For residency, go where you feel comfortable, within limits. It's fine to stay regional, particularly when you're talking about great programs like MIR and UM because you'll still be competitive for Chicago-based fellowships from those. I think only personal circumstances (kids' schooling, wife's career) would keep me in a particular city for residency.

 

[cowme]

Personal opinion here, if you want to end up in chicago, it goes:

Strong Chicago programs > Mediocre Chicago Programs >>> Strong Regional (Midwest) programs >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the rest (yes, I'm including MGH).


It is extremely hard to break into a city like Chicago. But if you train there for residency, you have already broken in.

 

[shark2000]

Location the you want to live for the next 4-5 years or even after that is the KEY factor here. You are not going wrong with most of these programs.

I personally will go for MGH. It does not matter for the job placement at the end, but is a great opportunity. The name brand of MGH/harvard will stay with you the rest of your life. Then MIR then the rest. However, choosing NW or UC over MIR because you want to stay in Chicago is not unreasonable.

Med college of Wisconsin should be the last one in your rankings among these programs.

University of Wisconsin is an excellent and underrated program. very top notch MSK, Body and IR departments. Just second to MGH and MIR.

Bottom Line: Go for MGH. If you dislike Boston or have huge preference for a specific location, go to any of these programs that fit your location and personality.