Residency Programs that are in Trouble(?)

[sonofthesouth]

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Hey everybody. I am a MS-4 applying to psych residencies primarily in the south/southeast. I recently interviewed at an unnamed school where one of my interviewers told me the MUSC program's future is "uncertain" or "unstable" or "in trouble" or something to that effect (forgot exactly what he said). He said the same thing about Emory, where the PD Nemenhoff has at least temporarily stepped down during investigations into allegations that he did something bad (my vague understanding is that it involved money) involving the pharmaceutical industry. Perhaps this was a negative recruiting technique, or just helpful advice of which residencies to avoid or whatever. As it's my first time around, I'm not really familiar enough with the residency interview process to truly know...

I don't really know where to find information on the inner workings and "stability" of programs in general, so could somebody here shed some light on either of these 2 situations? Specifically, what's wrong with MUSC? And what's wrong with Emory? How much does a PD's dismissal negatively impact a program? Also, if you know about any other programs in "trouble" or even in a critical transition period, let us know... i realize this thread could quickly turn into a rumor mill, but if you know anything at all, it'd be helpful.

 

[billypilgrim37]

Perhaps this was a negative recruiting technique

Bingo.

Emory has been "in trouble" since the beginning of time. Grady is always getting ready to close at a moment's notice. The sky is falling. And Obama is a communist. It's all a load of bull****.

Emory was a good program before Nemeroff and it will still be a good program afterwards.

I know less about MUSC, but I would be shocked if the program were anything but strong.

Spreading information like this at interviews is inappropriate. Period. PERIOD. PERIOD.

If they have clear things they suggest you ask about when they interview at the program (like stability, etc), you're best to ask profs at your school whom you trust (who have their ears to the ground much better than you might think) and the program themselves.

 

[DebDynamite]

All you have to do is a google search....


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/04/h...bl&ex=1223697600&en=ce240ad3162ac5ac&ei=5087


www.naturalnews.com/News_000362_drug_researchers_financial_ties_NIH.html

www.pharmalot.com/2008/10/emory-fiddled-while-nemeroff-earned/


I think the Nemeroff issue is one worth noting, but NOT as a direct reflection of what your training at Emory would entail. It's a solid program. The conflict of interest is what's in need of discussion. I know nothing about MUSC.

If you hear from multiple people while on an interview, that another program is lame, consider that to be a reflection more of that particular program with the neysayers (sp?). It's not cool to diss other programs.

 

[masterofmonkeys]

I heard third or fourth hand that other programs have been pretty heavily affected by PD issues in recent years. Such as unexpected resignations and/or ethics trouble. Losing grants, faculty exodi (is that plural for exodus? *shrug*), etc.

I have also heard of others that were hardly affected at all.

I think it depends on how much the strength of the department is tied to the strength and connections of the PD relative to the rest of the faculty.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Also--keep in mind that Nemeroff was the chairman of the department, NOT the residency program director. The chair is more relevant when it comes to research funding, faculty hiring, etc., whereas the PD is FAR more relevant to your day to day functioning as a resident.
(And sometimes, the residency coordinator/administrative assistant is most important of all! 😉 )

 

[BobA]

MUSC is far from being "in trouble" or "unstable." Basically, several older (like in the business 30 years) folks left and younger people took over.

MUSC's massive research budget, talented faculty, and long-standing excellent reputation aren't going anywhere.

The new PD was stolen from UVA, so it's not like he's a newbie.

I recently interviewed there and was taken aback by what a wonderful program it is. The people are awesome - very smart, very friendly. The research opportunities are endless (50% of time in 3rd and 4th year can be protected for research if you want), with a great set up for mentoring. The relationship with the VA is awesome b/c the attendings at the VA are mostly MUSC graduates with some academic leaning - very into teaching residents, not just having warm bodies around.

Most impressive, the psych department has been so strong for so long there that it actually has a lot of respect within the hospital itself. That makes it a pretty attractive place to learn.

 

[whopper]

All the statements on Emory I agree. If there's a problem with the chair it will have very little if any effect on the residency program.

Kinda if the President of the US died in office. Would that affect the goings on in the NJ state government?

At U. of Cincinnati where I will be attending there was a controversy where one of its psychiatric attendings was receiving way too much money from pharm companies (over $200,000 if I remember correctly), and it did generate controversy. That program is still solid, and that occurrence had no bearing whatsoever on the fellowship I will attend-which I'm not part of now, but work with almost on a daily basis.

Also consider that one of the reasons why the Nemeroff issue caused controversy is because of the level of respect for him & Emory that still exists.

Emory is a top tier program with a lot of respect. While the Nemeroff issue is unfortunate, its still a great residency program.

 

[RookieRoo]

I looked at several SE programs and MUSC is very strong. I interviewed at UF, Emory, Sheppard Pratt, Duke, and Harvard SS. I originally went to one of those programs. I then transferred into the MUSC program partly because of how strong it is and how happy all the residents are. I never regretted it for a second. 😍

We did get a new chair and program director. The chair is a great guy and the new program director, as mentioned above, is an experienced and well liked guy from UVA. Feel free to PM me with questions.