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Residency Interview Suits and Watches
Started by RadicalRadon
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🙄 That's not the point. You said "No 26 year old deserves a 10k watch." You think it's okay to judge people who have money because...why? Because we happen to be dirt poor? Climb down off your moral high horse. Med students are so sheltered.
I'm sure you know 26yo friends who have finished college and gone onto successful careers while we wallow in debt. I don't mind if they want to spend money on a watch, house, car, WHATEVER. Good for them. Just because you (and most of us) can't have these things doesn't mean nobody else deserves them either.
There are always exceptions to the generalized comments like the one that I made, but my point still stands. There are very few, self-made wealthy individuals at 26 years of age. There are even fewer self-made, wealth medical students at 26 years of age. Most medical students and law students who are still in school are riding the coat tails of their parents, which allows them to "buy" $10,000 watches and $5,000 suits.
I have no problem with people who have earned money spending it one whatever they want to spend it on. I couldn't care less to be honest. My comment was directed at the majority of the people who are in medical school, spending large amounts of their parents money, all while strolling around like they are the "rich" ones, when in fact it's their parents that worked hard for the last 20-30 years to be able to provide for their kids.
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And so what? Their parents have a lot of money and give it to their kids. If I have a lot of money in the future, my kids will probably have nice things too. Are you going to make sure your kids live with bare minimums until they make their own money?
There's nothing wrong with it, but if I see someone with a lot of nice things that they obviously didn't work for it makes me wonder if they're a spoiled brat. They might not be, but it's a reasonable concern to have when meeting a person for the first time and realizing they have minimal/no employment history and are wearing $10,000.
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deleted103644
Yes.
I will ideally be able to pay for their education and will help with their first apartments, but beyond that they should learn to live within their means, not mine.
They'll have clothes and food, but certainly not buying any future child of mine a watch worth more than $50 while living under my roof.
I guess there's different philosophies regarding this. I don't understand why people would work extremely hard for their money and have their families not reap the benefits of their hard work.
As far as the appearance thing goes, ideally one would choose an interview ensemble that would give the impression of impeccable fit/finish but not be outwardly expensive, with the exception of a watch. Personally I think something understated would hardly be noticed. If you're not wearing something gigantic and chunky or something iced out, I doubt anyone would judge you negatively for wearing a nice watch. As I mentioned before, tho, it's better to wear something with a leather strap for an interview.
As far as the appearance thing goes, ideally one would choose an interview ensemble that would give the impression of impeccable fit/finish but not be outwardly expensive, with the exception of a watch. Personally I think something understated would hardly be noticed. If you're not wearing something gigantic and chunky or something iced out, I doubt anyone would judge you negatively for wearing a nice watch. As I mentioned before, tho, it's better to wear something with a leather strap for an interview.
I think a lot of it has to do with trying to instill within your children the importance of hard work. Working hard yourself and accumulating wealth is great, and it is great to be able to serve as perhaps a safety net or sorts for your future children; however, I think most of us can agree that we have probably grown up knowing (or in some posters' cases, being) those kids who had everything handed to them and could still not appreciate how lucky they were.
I'm not saying having rich parents and understanding the importance of hard, honest work are mutually exclusive . . . just that they certainly have the potential to be.
I think almost everyone agrees with this point. However, when you're talking about "spoiled" medical students. I think that argument falls apart. You have worked hard by virtue of the fact that you are in a good medical school. I don't think it's inappropriate for any parents to indulge their kids a bit for their hard work, particularly when they may not have the means to do so themselves for years to come. It's actually a great way to encourage children to choose something with societal benefit like medicine, as opposed to something like finance where the emphasis is on maximal profit for yourself.
I was not singling out medical students whatsoever in my post. I only included the jab about some posters to point out that this circumstance can and does permeate all areas of life.
I'm not suggesting limiting a kid's opportunities; rather, I'm advocating not spoiling a child (but I am trying to avoid strawman arguments by not suggesting that there is some sort of necessary either-or dichotomy, which there certainly is not).
I do not intend to strongly play the "poor me" card here, because I'm perfectly happy with the way things have worked for me throughout my life, but I know a handful of medical students (and again, I'm only mentioning the medical students because of your contention specifically) who have never worked a job in their life prior to hitting the wards during 3rd year. Sure, they worked hard in school to get where they are, and hopefully most of them have noble reasons for doing so as well. However, I think understanding the value of a hard -earned dollar or the ultimate utility of not getting everything you want (material or otherwise) as a child/adolescent/teenager/young adult cannot be overstated.
There's a world of difference between "indulg[ing] their kids for a bit of hard work" and spoiling them. I hope that goes without saying, but I'm saying it nonetheless. I haven't crunched all the numbers, but I did notice in medical school that the people who seemed to be most vocal about the horrible injustices of third year hierarchies/grading systems/expectations also happened to hail from the younger, more well-off demographic among my friends and acquaintances. And again, I'm sure there are quite a few exceptions in both directions there, but it is a trend I noticed in medical school. Admittedly, I did have a friend with oil tycoon parents who never worked a job in his life who was probably one of the most humble, hard-working kids in our medical school. There is clearly more to parenting than how much you spend on your kids and on what you spend it.
I just think it is doing a disservice to your child if you fail to teach them - and fairly early on - that you should expect to have to work hard not only to attain personal wealth, but to obtain respect from peers and the ability to understand how and why you've arrived at a given point in your life. I hesitate to drag anything political into this discussion, but I think it is partially why Mitt Romney has so much trouble relating to the American public when it comes to anything having to do with money or jobs.
But make no mistake about it, "spoiled" medical students do exist. Just like spoiled kids in just about every walk of life exist. Just because you've studied hard to get into medical school and become a doctor doesn't mean you've ever grown to have an appreciation for the help you had along the way. I would certainly hope you would, and I imagine the vast majority of students who were "spoiled" do grow to appreciate the values I've mentioned previously; however, to some degree many still may not get it.
I happen to think that significant previous experience in the workforce is very helpful for a medical student. The people who consistently get M3/M4 comments of "does not play well with others" are rarely those who have spent any appreciable amount of time in a job, whether it was during summers in high school, during evenings/weekends in college, or during a year or two or eight between college and medical school. There are some things that you learn best through experience. I understand that some people will disagree with this sentiment.
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I also realize this discussion is getting way off topic here, and I also hope that no one misconstrues my posting here as a condemnation of people dressing well/super well on the wards, and/or owning awesome expensive clothing/watches/shoes/etc. I love that there are other posters here who appreciate the finer things in life, and make an effort to look their best. I don't begrudge anyone their wealth, regardless of its origins. I happen to think my Bulova watch and Allen Edmond shoes and Calvin Klein suit are pretty decent, but my tastes are limited by my budget at the moment and these are about the "highest" I can afford to go.
I agree with basically everything you said. There is nothing wrong with some rewards, in moderation. It's all about dose haha. Plenty of d-bags in med school who may have barely made it due to connections/wealth/private tutoring/etc. There are also plenty of people from average background or upper class backgrounds who have parents that help them indulge a little bit. I see this as just fine. It's not like those kids who had lambos during high school... yeah, that happened...
Haha damn. For us, it was a huge deal when a kid got a brand new BMW Z3.
I think this is more a problem on your end than theirs.
I don't see how someone's possessions should affect you in the least, unless they're flaunting it (but that sort of douchebaggery is not limited to the wealthy). People need to get over their jealousy/insecurity.
If I were to splurge on a watch, it would be this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Monitor/dp/B0046BTK14/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
Quite functional 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Monitor/dp/B0046BTK14/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
Quite functional 🙂
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deleted103644
All of those functions are already in my phone...
Don't really need a watch at all, will mainly be for aesthetic purposes.
If you don't mind carrying the phone, which would by annoying (unless you have very large hands maybe?), especially if you need to use fluids on a long run (fumbling open a Gu pack or water bottle would be tough with a phone in your hand!) or sweat a lot (which, if you don't, I would argue was not a great workout). I've used the Garmin 405 cx and it's function is much better than a smart phone. The only kink is the bevel, which is better with the 410. Smart phones have their place but can't quite beat the watch! Definitely glad it's working out for you though, just want people out there and active 😉
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deleted103644
I mainly bike instead of run, so much easier to keep the phone accessible. 😛
Touché
Just bought my fiancee the 210, but seriously considered getting her the 410 at the discounted price (only 10 bucks more expensive right now than the 210). The reviews of the bezel have been poor enough, even on the 410, for me to forego that and stick with the 210.
Can't directly comment on the 410, but I love the 405 (I have it in blue, though the green looks great too!). The bevel is only a problem on occasion - most runs are fine. I can go >10 mi often with no problems. Just on hot days when I get too sweaty. There's also an option to lock the screen on the timer so you don't have to deal with it switching on you. So, if 410 is better than that it's probably quite good. There is also a good review on the 405 on amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1BC8C...=UTF8&ASIN=B0025UHKNS&nodeID=172526&store=gps
- I thought this was pretty helpful for a long term review.
I would definitely get this watch again. Totally anecdotal, but hopefully helpful 🙂 If it's only $10 more I would go for it. Get the heart rate monitor too!!
Some people like nice things. Most people probably dont want to spend $10k a year buying Vagisil like you do but you dont see them criticizing your priorities. Also, if the attendings can't tell the difference between a Zegna and a Gap suit (not sure if Gap actually makes suits) or a Fossil watch and a Rolex Daytona like you suggest, then why is it a problem to wear it? Dressing nicely makes many people more confident and happier. Why is that so much of a problem for you?
Drizzt... help! F it, I don't care about the flack I'll get from posting on the self-righteous SDN forums.
What is the difference between "automatic" and "rattrapante"? Is one more collectible than the other?
http://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/portuguese-split-second-rattrapante-chronograph-iw3712--id2041503.htm
http://www.iwc.com/en/collection/portuguese/IW3714/
What is the difference between "automatic" and "rattrapante"? Is one more collectible than the other?
http://www.chrono24.com/en/iwc/portuguese-split-second-rattrapante-chronograph-iw3712--id2041503.htm
http://www.iwc.com/en/collection/portuguese/IW3714/
Not drizzt obviously, but I believe rattrapante chronos have two separate chronographs so you can time to separate things at once. Those are beautiful pieces though, sheesh.
On a separate note, of my nicer watches I own TAG Link Automatic Caliber 6, Breitling Chrono Superocean (with a blue dive strap and the pro2 polished band), and a Gucci G Timeless. Of the 3, the Gucci gets the least wrist time but is the only one I have a leather strap for. Think it's still too much for interviews?
Viper had it right, here's a good tutorial:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_chronograph#section_1
The automatic doesn't let you measure two different events. As far as usefulness... Idk that it's much more useful. As far as collectability goes, I'm not sure there's much difference. I prefer the automatic, obviously.
Not drizzt obviously, but I believe rattrapante chronos have two separate chronographs so you can time to separate things at once. Those are beautiful pieces though, sheesh.
On a separate note, of my nicer watches I own TAG Link Automatic Caliber 6, Breitling Chrono Superocean (with a blue dive strap and the pro2 polished band), and a Gucci G Timeless. Of the 3, the Gucci gets the least wrist time but is the only one I have a leather strap for. Think it's still too much for interviews?
Honestly, i'd probably wear the breitling on the bracelet or the tag. I know I usually recommend leather straps, but that one just screams fashionista.
drizzt, do you also wear leather straps on the wards?
Thanks drizz and viper. I'm going to treat myself at some point this year after dealing with a boatload of bs on a day to day basis in consecutive years (wards, research year). No point in holding back haha.
Now that you've explained the functionality, I just noticed the extra dial at the 10 o'clock position of the rattrapante.
Now that you've explained the functionality, I just noticed the extra dial at the 10 o'clock position of the rattrapante.
Not necessarily.
Today:
You own multiple APs to go along with those other pieces of bling?
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deleted103644
Kinda want this watch for the Breaking Bad reference alone...
Kinda want this watch for the Breaking Bad reference alone...
hahaha, that's a great reason. nice id on the watch.
Yeah APs are my fav sports watches, the diver was my most recent watch purchase. I do a lot of flipping, which helps build the collection as well.
Think it's still too much for interviews?
Yes. I think anything that flashes a well-known logo like Gucci is too much for interview. I love designer goods and I don't have a problem with spending money on them but I think something like this is just too much for an interview. Of course you want to make a good first impression but I don't think you need a Gucci watch to do it.
My personal philosophy is to look good, but in a very understated way. If you are wearing a $10K watch, no one should know that but you. Because some people will judge you very harshy for wearing such things to what is essentially a JOB INTERVIEW. Don't give people a reason to negatively judge you before you even open your mouth. I personally would wear a non-flashy plainish watch to an interview.
How has this not made it up here yet: (Arrested Development) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Nl7VYFEaI
Was looking for it, but couldn't find it.
That suit/watch combo, which I'm guessing you will combine with some pretty schnazzy shirts/ties/shoes probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. I really think outdressing the faculty isn't a good way to go to an interview.
Was looking for it, but couldn't find it.
That suit/watch combo, which I'm guessing you will combine with some pretty schnazzy shirts/ties/shoes probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. I really think outdressing the faculty isn't a good way to go to an interview.
Yeah, it's a fair point. I think the idea is that you choose understated pieces that look outstanding but aren't flashy. Like all things, there is a fine line. I'm pretty sure application + interview skills will generally be the most important things for interviews. lol, maybe that's a crazy thought.
Excuse me guys, I have some videotapes to return...
My on-call watch:
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deleted103644
My on-call watch:
What is that and dare I ask how much?
Also how resistant to water/blood/urine/feces is it?
It's a breitling chrono avenger. I wear it on call because it's made of titanium and very light. It's not made anymore, Retail was 4k but new old stock ones are around 3k. I paid a bit less than that and i've had it since 2004 or so, although it's in pretty good shape still. It's water resistant to 1000m, so does pretty well with water. I don't know where you're doing residency but I haven't been within miles of feces and urine, I'm not a CNA. I'll usually take it off when I'm going to put on sterile gloves.
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deleted103644
Anything involving patient contact brings a risk of feces and urine...
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where do you buy your watches? at full retail prices?
Transitional Year -- maximize electives before radiology begins. Avoid misery.
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deleted103644
Haha, pretty sure even the most relaxed TY still requires at least some patient contact.
Full retail is for chumps. You can usually find good local AD's that'll give you 25-30% off if you have some negotiation skills. Nice used deals can also be found on the timezone forums.
This is true. However, one must not carry such a pessimistic outlook! Just do your best to minimize the pain
