Solid Mid-tier programs in Midwest and South

[docdoc2012]

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Hey Guys,
I know there are a lot of attendings and residents on this forum with a lot of valuable information and advice! Away rotation time is here and while there is a lot of discussion about programs on the east and west coasts, the midwest and south seem kind of neglected.
Are there not a lot of good mid-high tier programs in this region? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[junkemail86]

I interviewed at several Chicago programs. They are all underrated in my opinion. I have heard that UChicago has some issues though, but I didn't interview there.

UIC - I think most people consider this a top 15-20 program. Great faculty (Drs Azar x 2, Mieler, Sugar, Lim, Putterman, etc.). Great research.

Northwestern - I would consider a mid tier. Very friendly faculty. Rebuilding with Dr. Volpe as the new chair. Need to work on their surgical volume, but still a solid program.

Rush - Maybe a midtier? I loved the Rush program, but wanted a larger class (only 2 residents per year at Rush). Very cool faculty that supposedly treat residents well because you decide who you go to the OR with (and thus they have financial interest in the residents). The chair Dr. Packo is world-renowned.

Loyola - Maybe considered a third tier? Doesn't get much respect because it is not terribly 'academic'. The chair Dr. Bouchard is SUPER nice, and he's attempting to build their research. I know a few alumni that say they got excellent training. Many go onto comprehensive from here. Very good surgical volume. Maybe not the best option if you want to do competitive plastics/retina fellowships.

For non-Chicago programs, Cleveland Clinic (I'd call it a midtier) is a program that I expect to be on the rise as well. If it were in a more desirable city, would probably be a very competitive program. Lots of money, amazing facilities at Cleveland Clinic (did not see the county hospital on interview day), good research support, solid training, a couple of bigwigs (Dr. Schachat is the editor of Ophthalmology).

I've heard good things about Case Western and Mayo Clinic as well. WashU is more of a top tier, and it's amazing.

 

[speyeder]

Here are some upper-middle tier programs in the South that come to mind:

- University of Kentucky Lexington
- Vanderbilt
- University of Oklahoma
- MUSC Charleston
- University of Alabama Birmingham
- University of Tennessee Memphis

 

[GuitarHero1]

University of Wisconsin is very nice - very good surgical numbers and clinical education. Madison is awesome. Small class of 3 may not be for some, tough 1st year call schedule.

SLU is solid. Very friendly faculty and great clinical experience, but just ok surgically.

I agree that Cleveland Clinic is a very strong program, Case is very good too.

 

[fluffyspot]

Baylor and Oklahoma both have great programs. Maybe Top 20? Top 25?

 

[docdoc2012]

thanks guys!
any thoughts on these programs:
- louisville
-indiana
-OSU
- south florida

 

[taehong81]

I am current Indiana ophtho resident. Definitely think IU is a solid ophtho program here at the midwest. Our clinical training is outstanding, we work in all different hospital setting (county, VA, university, private clinics), get exposed to many different pathology. Our surgical numbers are average or above average across the board. Most people do well in their OKAPs. I feel very prepared to go into general private practice after my residency. about half the class go to fellowships. PM if you have any questions.

 

[docdoc2012]

I am current Indiana ophtho resident. Definitely think IU is a solid ophtho program here at the midwest. Our clinical training is outstanding, we work in all different hospital setting (county, VA, university, private clinics), get exposed to many different pathology. Our surgical numbers are average or above average across the board. Most people do well in their OKAPs. I feel very prepared to go into general private practice after my residency. about half the class go to fellowships. PM if you have any questions.

Thanks for the info on Indiana! its a pretty off the map program but I've heard its strong..that seems to be the case with ophtho in general..a lot of sleeper programs out there is the sense I'm getting

 

[OMD]

Here are some upper-middle tier programs in the South that come to mind:

- University of Kentucky Lexington
- Vanderbilt
- University of Oklahoma
- MUSC Charleston
- University of Alabama Birmingham
- University of Tennessee Memphis

Familiar with all of these and agree wholeheartedly. You could not go wrong with any of these.