residency curriculum

[discharged]

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I am evaluating several different EM curricula (among many other factors) before I decide on my top residency choices. In order to do so, I am just trying to gather the most information I can so I can sleep better at night when I submit my rankings. So thank you all for your help and suggestions in advance.

Any advice on choosing the best curriculum? For instance, is it beneficial to have critical care and trauma early or later in your training (some top programs expose you first year, others in the third year)? It seems to be hit or miss with Burn ICU, toxicology, and neurosurgery rotations (some programs implement it, whereas others don't), is that important?

Thanks for the help from all of our seniors during a time where a lot of us are about to make such a big decision.

 

[gro2001]

Considering all the very specific RRC requirements, the difference between program's curriculums isn't really a big enough deal to worry about. Definitely doesn't count as much as things like location, fit with the residents personality wise, vibe, and such. I would spend more time thinking about where and surrounded by what group of people you want to spend the next 3-4 years rather than about whether a program does their SICU rotation first or second year.

 

[EM2013woot]

I asked a similar question earlier in the season -- here's a link the thread, hope it's helpful:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=960765

 

[discharged]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't see that thread, and it really is just the same question. Thanks!

 

[RustedFox]

Maximum time in the ED = good curriculum.

In the real world, its "find the appropriate service for your weirdo pathology patients".

 

[Flopotomist]

I don't know about this - while maximum time in the ED is the most fun... residency is the ONLY time I will have to spend ANY time doing things like the eye clinic (albeit, in my program we only do it for a few days, but MAN did I learn a lot in those few days).

Anesthesia really helped me learn as an intern how to intubate, my 5 months in the various ICU's really taught me how to manage SICK patients. 2 weeks of labor and delivery gave me confidence in deliveries.

I concede that floor months are a waste of time though.

 

[K31]

Considering all the very specific RRC requirements, the difference between program's curriculums isn't really a big enough deal to worry about. Definitely doesn't count as much as things like location, fit with the residents personality wise, vibe, and such. I would spend more time thinking about where and surrounded by what group of people you want to spend the next 3-4 years rather than about whether a program does their SICU rotation first or second year.

As I go along in the interview process, I'm coming to this conclusion more and more. Sure, there may be a difference of a couple more ICU months at this program or a floor month or two at that program, but any reputable program is going to train you to be a good emergency physician.

As I begin to make up my rank list, the only curriculum difference that is likely to make a significant impact is 3 vs 4 years and, as none of the 4-year programs that I'm interviewing at are likely to be in my top 5 for other reasons, I'm not going to stress over this part too much.