- Joined
- Oct 3, 2003
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 0
I had an interesting scenario happen to me recently. I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on the situation.
I interviewed for a residency program (in a very competitive specialty) that I had done an away rotation at recently. In my month elective there I made friends with almost the entire department and basically LOVED every single thing about the program -- the residents, the faculty, the way in which the schedule is broken down, how well the residents are trained, etc. (the list goes on).
When I went back for my interview it was like going home. I got mad love from everyone and at that point I told myself this is really where I want to be. Interestingly, two separate interviewers, who are important people in the department and field, told me that they would love to have me there, but they emphatically added that I should rank "more prestigious" programs higher than theirs when I make my ROL. This just doesn't make sense. Obviously, to match in the field I am applying for is a feat in and of itself, but to be at a place that I can truly be happy is an invaluable intangible.
Here's my question: Does it make ANY sense to rank "top tier, more prestigious" programs higher on your rank over lesser known programs that will train you to be an awesome clinician that you know you will be happy at? Their reasoning behind telling me to rank other prestigious programs higher was that I "would be closing doors" to myself later in my career -- particularly in academics. But I say that's nonsense. What do you have to say?
Perplexed for now,
Bank
I interviewed for a residency program (in a very competitive specialty) that I had done an away rotation at recently. In my month elective there I made friends with almost the entire department and basically LOVED every single thing about the program -- the residents, the faculty, the way in which the schedule is broken down, how well the residents are trained, etc. (the list goes on).
When I went back for my interview it was like going home. I got mad love from everyone and at that point I told myself this is really where I want to be. Interestingly, two separate interviewers, who are important people in the department and field, told me that they would love to have me there, but they emphatically added that I should rank "more prestigious" programs higher than theirs when I make my ROL. This just doesn't make sense. Obviously, to match in the field I am applying for is a feat in and of itself, but to be at a place that I can truly be happy is an invaluable intangible.
Here's my question: Does it make ANY sense to rank "top tier, more prestigious" programs higher on your rank over lesser known programs that will train you to be an awesome clinician that you know you will be happy at? Their reasoning behind telling me to rank other prestigious programs higher was that I "would be closing doors" to myself later in my career -- particularly in academics. But I say that's nonsense. What do you have to say?
Perplexed for now,
Bank