B
b&ierstiefel
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Yeah...you're not really anonymous
Let's see your list on the 21st!-
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Let's see your list on the 21st!
Ditto...I had mine all typed out to post on this thread then flaked at the last moment...
Oh well.
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deleted113029
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I dunno. I wasn't exactly anonymous either and I posted mine early. I got my first choice and my #2 called me and told me I was ranked to match.
Paranoia is contagious, though. 😉
Are you serious?
The true answer is that nobody cares. Think about it: Why on earth would anyone EVER alter their match rankings of candidates just because they may happen on an anonymous internet forum where someone may or may not be a candidate they are considering. And even if they were, so what? Are any of you guys posting here about your hobbies that include performing unlicensed cosmetic surgery in your basement or transporting illegal drugs across the border or your insatiable bestiality habits?
I think everyone severely overestimates the level of caring about and the overall importance of this forum for anyone beyond the resident level.
Yaah, I was kidding 😀
I don't post things like that here because I don't want my ROL to be in the public domain at the moment, but it's not because I think it will hurt my chances anywhere, it's just my own paranoid brain working overtime 😛
I don't post things like that here because I don't want my ROL to be in the public domain at the moment, but it's not because I think it will hurt my chances anywhere, it's just my own paranoid brain working overtime 😛
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deleted113029
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deleted113029
Huh...i wonder what i missed on my interview day at WashU? 😕 (what was it that impressed you the most?)
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deleted113029
Here's another
1. Hopkins
2. BWH
3. UVa
4. Vandy
5. Iowa
6. Duke
7. UNC
8. WashU
9. MGH
Good luck everyone.😀
Why no love for MGH? Someone was telling me they get a bad rap for overworking their residents but that's not the case at all. Do people believe this rumor?
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deleted113029
Not true at all beacuse they told you?
No.
Well since we were kept away from the residents at MGH, it kind of threw up a red flag. (Only saw fellows no residents). Even when the residents emailed me after the fact, it gave me pause. Other wise I rather enjoyed talking with the new chair and believe that the department/residency program will change over the next few years (for the better).
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Funny I have been asked that quit a bit of recent.
I hit it off with several of the faculty and residents. I liked the PD and had a great interview with him and the head of surgical path (others I guess did not).
There are also several investigators that I would be interested in working with in the future as they have a huge immunology faculty. It seems that several of the residents that I talked with were able to be involved in research during thier training.
The rumor that gave me the most trouble was the fighting between the faculty... none of the residents would admit to any discourse between faculty expect to say " there are always cases where people do not get along". Even all liquored up they would not say any more.
What was your biggest problem with the interview at Wash U?
In the end I would be happy at any of the programs on my list!
I'm surprised about the strong preference for Brigham over MGH as well. I had a much better day at MGH-met several residents, mostly 1st years who seemed very happy. They definitely work long hours, but seemed comparable to Brigham and other similar programs. Overall, the attitudes and atmosphere at MGH were much more positive than at BWH. I also came away from BWH with a feeling that the whole place was very "formal"-whereas people at MGH seemed more laid back and upbeat. Several residents took about a half hour at the end of the day to sit down and chat with me informally-they didn't seem stressed that they were taking time out of their work, and seemed to genuinely want to talk with me. Totally agree about the v. long boston winters though.
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deleted113029
I had lunch with 2 residents and they told me the 'truth' about the program. One of them said it was a lot tougher than they thought and that they feel overworked at times, BUT not ALL the time.
true, but the starbucks at every corner helps to warm me up! yum...time to make some coffee/espresso.
I had a great day of interviews. But that was the case with all my others as well.
The main problem was residents bad mouthing other residents, even if they (objects of insults) were in the same room! Also, residents dissed other programs while not emphasizing the strengths of WashU's program (red flag for me).
When asked by the PD about other places i was interviewing at, he just paused and dejectedly said, "those are some great places and I guess it's up to you to decide where you want to go." 😕 Not really any effort to say, "here is why you should come here." When I asked about faculty turnover, he stated it was fairly common at WashU. (I know it happens everywhere, but the PD was quite cynical about it happening frequently.) Their hemepath dept is quite unstable with no current (as of 11/06) senior hemepath attending.
About the immunology dept, you're so right on. Excellent faculty and research opportunities, BUT not enough time to do meaningful research during residency. My $0.02: One dept is not enough reason to wait at least 2 years to work with them. Why not just do a postdoc or something with them after residency?
Anyway, as you can tell i was/am strongly against WashU's program. 🙂 sorry for the length. 😳
Maybe it's just me and being 6 or so years out perhaps I shouldn't comment, but I guess it wouldn't bother me that a program was 1) Not impressed that I was applying to other competitve porgrams and 2) Not willing to kiss my a$$ to get me to rank them, so what am I missing here?😕
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deleted113029
Umm...i dunno. maybe it's the 3-4 bills i spent to go to the interview. Basically he spoke as though i wasn't gonna choose the program. All other places gave their own unique sales pitch and it gave me a better idea of what they perceived to be their strengths.
It has nothing to do with kissing my ass or being impressed with other school names. because of the amt of money i spent, i expected a little more...that's all.
From the list of schools you interviewed with, that you normally list on your posts, I am sure you are a very competitive candidate. But, maybe he felt you weren't the right for their program. It's all about the mutual attraction.
Like I said before, I'm just a spectator (since 2003) so what do I know??
However, with my considering of a residency spot as a "real job" albeit a low paying one
, it just seems to me that the PD's reaction ain't all that uncommon in the "job world". At these top programs I'm assuming that there are far more applicants than spots, so I'm thinking that if I make it to the interview stage, I'm pleased as punch. Of course the vibe you get once there is simply that ol' saying that not every opportunity is the "right one" for us. Which actually brings me to a question.How much do your "feelings/vibes" affect your rank list?
Me personally? It was a pretty big deal and worthy of due consideration...gotta trust your gut instinct. In the end, it was a combination of which program will allow me the most opportunity to attain my future goals and gut instinct. Oh, and cost-of living/affodable housing for the fam.
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deleted113029
post some more ROLs. i'm bored. 🙂
I tend to wonder if it's really the program that overworks the residents, or they just attract residents who like to work hard. Our program varies - we get worked pretty hard but some residents bug out pretty early.
Equalling long hours with dedication and skillz is unfortunately a common misconception. I think a lot of the "big name" places takes great pride in their subtle or not-so-subtle requirement that Residents live in a cot under their 'scope. Still, I think a partially redeeming feature is that a lot of even senior attendings at such places are also putting in inzane hours, year after year. Several of my attendings were at work every day at 6 am.
Also, there's no denying that somebody looking down a 'scope for 80 hrs/week WILL get more routine than somebody spending 40 hrs/wk.
Also, there's no denying that somebody looking down a 'scope for 80 hrs/week WILL get more routine than somebody spending 40 hrs/wk.
That is definitely true - there are some people here who put in long hours, and still can't seem to figure some things out, and others who work a lot fewer hours who are really on top of things. I am sure there are programs out there who abuse residents, but I do think a lot of time when people talk about programs with longer work hours it isn't always the program's fault.
I agree- I think the residents who tend to work the longer hours in our program are just slower with their work and I would not say that they know more, in fact maybe less- When they are working I think they tend to waste time because they don't know what's important- And lets face it- Some people will just never get it, no matter how long they train and how hard they work-
I know that some people here were getting courted by programs but i am just wondering- is it standard for programs to send an email or an eras message saying that they ranked an applicant? so if you don't here then you aren't ranked by a program?
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No, it's not standard. I think I got follow up emails or letters from a few programs after I interviewed but rarely did they specifically say they ranked me. A couple of them told me i was ranked to match (or implied as such) but most said nothing at all. And I know some of these programs that said nothing probably ranked me.
i can't believe that not hearing anything implies not being ranked. that doesn't make sense.
some people do get courted by programs. the reason being that the have some set of qualities that a program seeks. a good example would be research-oriented folks. every major program would love to train the future editors of robbins or members of the WHO....can you balme them?
the point is that there truly are not too many of these people and so programs do whatever they can to make it clear to such folks that they want them.
either way, there are way more spots than there are "attractive applicants"...not to mention these attractive applicants are usually trying to get into the same handful of programs so unless you've got your heart set on one of these programs, you are very likely to get what you want.
this is the case in most specialites, why would it be any different in pathology? take for example IM and peds: it would be fair to say that one can pretty much be certain to match into a spot in one of these fields...getting a spot at ucsf, stanford, bwh, chop or boston children's is another story.
some people do get courted by programs. the reason being that the have some set of qualities that a program seeks. a good example would be research-oriented folks. every major program would love to train the future editors of robbins or members of the WHO....can you balme them?
the point is that there truly are not too many of these people and so programs do whatever they can to make it clear to such folks that they want them.
either way, there are way more spots than there are "attractive applicants"...not to mention these attractive applicants are usually trying to get into the same handful of programs so unless you've got your heart set on one of these programs, you are very likely to get what you want.
this is the case in most specialites, why would it be any different in pathology? take for example IM and peds: it would be fair to say that one can pretty much be certain to match into a spot in one of these fields...getting a spot at ucsf, stanford, bwh, chop or boston children's is another story.
I don't know if it's standard, but I can say that 6 out of the 9 programs I've ranked have all indicated that they'll be ranking me or at least telling me that I'm competitive for their slots...make what you will of that.
the question i wonder is does "ranking" you mean they're simply including the candidate somewhere on their list, or does it mean they're ranking you to match? have any programs been that straightforward with you (i'm asking this to any applicant)? i fail to see how doing so could be detrimental to a program, so unless i'm missing something, why shouldn't programs tell the candidates they're ranking to match that that's their position?
If they say "ranked" it means you are somewhere on their list. Could be #1, could be #50 I guess. But they only rank people they would want to come there, so it means you are competitive. I think if you are ranked to match some might say that, or say you are "highly" ranked. I had one program tell me straight out "you are ranked to match," and I think 4-5 others said I was highly ranked and "would likely match there if I wanted," or words to that effect.
As for why programs wouldn't come right out and tell people, I don't know. Maybe they are worried they will be seen as a failsafe or something and someone might rank a program they feel like is a longer shot ahead of them just because they know that failsafe is there. Other people would say that's bunk. I don't know what I think. But it probably doesn't help them much to tell people much of anything, to be honest.
They may also want to avoid any hint of impropriety since it's not really worth it.
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deleted113029
people need to put to rest this topic of YARTM, you are competitive, yada yada yada. yaah has been nice enough to respond to this topic to lessen/make light of any insecurities people might have.
in 4 weeks or so, we'll have hindsight people! then you can put meaning to what you're experiencing and what emails/calls you have or have not received. until then please just wait! it's almost as though we've regressed back to middle school/junior high when we thought another person might be interested in us: does she like me? she must like me because she wrote me a note where she dotted her i's with hearts or she licked her lips when i passed her in the hallway.
again...good luck on 3/15!
Yes, that's a key point to make. Worrying about things at this point is silly. It isn't going to change. If you want to worry, no one can stop you, but it isn't going to do any good. The thing to remember is that if they offered you an interview, they are most likely going to rank you (but not always) unless something went wrong during your interview day or something changed since you applied. I guess that depends on the program - those that only interview 30-40 people will probably rank the majority. Those that interview 100 maybe not.
I know it's a stressful time but seriously everyone, calm down and have some confidence in yourself. You've done all you can at this point.
I know it's a stressful time but seriously everyone, calm down and have some confidence in yourself. You've done all you can at this point.
One program director told me that the program usually match with#12-20 in their rank list and I was ranked to match. I ranked the program somewhere in my list. I matched with another program which sent one email to all candidates that they are going to rank us without more details. After the match by few days or so, I received a call from the program that ranked me to match saying that they had 4 spots and filled by first 4 in their list and wishing the best to me. Suppose they ranked me#5 or the last one, the same. In another program, I didnt do well in the interview and I believe they ranked me the last. This program had unfilled spot and sent letter to me and for sure to others, why I did not rank it highly in my list if so I suppose to be there.
Your destination is in the hands of candidates before you in the list supposed you are ranked after the required number in specific program.
Your destination is in the hands of candidates before you in the list supposed you are ranked after the required number in specific program.
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deleted113029
I am sorry that I asked the question. I don't think that it is silly or insecure. I have been getting letters some through eras and some via email and I was wondering if that is something that all programs do or are supposed to do or what and if the answer is yes then that would mean that i am probably not ranked by some programs. this however will not change my rank list i was just curious because the letters coming through eras- and some in a form letter format seemed standard. I thought that this forum and this thread to some degree was for questions like this so I am sorry if i wasted your time. From the looks of things you guys are all ranking ivy leagues anyway so i guess you wouldn't have questions like this. forgive a peon like me for ask me. there- that's the insecurity you were looking for.🙄
Well I guess "elitism" in rank lists is acceptable but "elitism" in mentioning the advantages of an MD/PhD isn't. Well dam!
It's ok to worry. But it's also ok for us to tell you not to worry. And by the way we are all peons so join the club. 😉
Maybe I'm so stressed out that I've just been avoiding all of this or maybe I've just got a terrible case of senioritis. I heard that rank lists need to be certified by the 21st, from this thread I guess. I don't even know when match day is. All I know is that I want my #1 choice, which I'm cautiously semi-optimistic about. #2 would be OK, #3 would also be OK... 4 through 6 I could easily live with, 7's a little dangerous. If I end up matching in 8-13, I'm totally screwed anyway and someone "up there" doesn't like me. Sometime soon I'll probably re-evaluate one last time, but if I don't have time I guess I'll just submit the list that I already have. Should I be more stressed out about it? I don't really care where I match, especially if it's not #1 or 2. I just want to get it over with and move on with my life.
There's one program in particular where I think I'd have a great social life and benefit package, but it's a little small for my taste. How high a position does that deserve? I could concievably rank it as high as #3 above really good well-rounded programs where my lifestyle wouldn't be as ideal... But if I'm happier, maybe I'll learn more.
There's one program in particular where I think I'd have a great social life and benefit package, but it's a little small for my taste. How high a position does that deserve? I could concievably rank it as high as #3 above really good well-rounded programs where my lifestyle wouldn't be as ideal... But if I'm happier, maybe I'll learn more.
Match Day is on March 15th. I think your quality of life outside of the hospital is pretty important. Personally, I chose to rank programs higher if there were things that I could do outside of work (ie snowboarding, surfing, hiking, going to swanky restaurants, etc). As much as I wanted to be at one place in particular, the program just wasn't what I needed for training-- so I don't think I would necessarily sacrifice good training opportunities for a better social life, but all things being equal, I moved up programs where I thought I could have the best of both worlds, or at least be in a city that I wanted to live in.
Well I guess "elitism" in rank lists is acceptable but "elitism" in mentioning the advantages of an MD/PhD isn't. Well dam!
Riiiiigggghhhhhtttttt....
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Not to beat a dead horse too much, but the contact is program based. I have had some that are quite until just this past week and some that keep calling and calling. (I prefer the ones that leave me alone.. there is nothing like picking up the phone expecting it to be your wife... but to find out you are talking to a PD.. esp when you answer the phone like a dumb a$$.)
As for peon comment.. look at it this way. No matter where you end up you have already proven that you are more intelligent than those doing internal medicine, family, psych, ob/gyn, etc. (I'm going to get more hate PM for that one).
I would also suggest to those of you that have not.. let your top ranked programs know that they are at the top of your list. Several people I know tend to rank people higher when they know, the cand is truely interested in thier program.
Just think in 4 weeks the match will all be behind us an we will be freaking out about our first year and how we know nothing. 🙂
Good luck to you all finalizing your rank list.
Riiiiigggghhhhhtttttt....
Exactly.
Agreed. However, I interviewed at two programs and wrote thank you letters and never heard a whisper from anyone. Now, it could have been my Jerry Garcia ties, but unlikely. Would I want to train with these type of people even if they were to rank me highly?
No way to tell, don't sweat it.
Here's a dilemma for you:
I emailed my #1 and let them know. I emailed another program I am ranking very highly and told them that I am highly interested, but after sending the email, I realized that it might have gone to an address that the PD no longer uses. I never heard anything back (nor was the email returned), so I have been debating whether or not to re-send it to what I believe is the correct address.
I'm leaning towards no, since I got the email address off the program's website, but I believe a key part of the address was missing from the email that I sent....even though I should have gotten it back otherwise
How's that for ya?
Here's a dilemma for you:
I emailed my #1 and let them know. I emailed another program I am ranking very highly and told them that I am highly interested, but after sending the email, I realized that it might have gone to an address that the PD no longer uses. I never heard anything back (nor was the email returned), so I have been debating whether or not to re-send it to what I believe is the correct address.
I'm leaning towards no, since I got the email address off the program's website, but I believe a key part of the address was missing from the email that I sent....even though I should have gotten it back otherwise
How's that for ya?
