Stanford Externships

[Cynn]

I have a choice of doing either a 4 week general anesthesia rotation at the
Palo Alto VA or a 2 week general anesthesia/2 week acute pain management at Stanford Med Center. Anyone know which would be the better experience? which would be better for LOR? for audition purposes?

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[pej933]

I have a choice of doing either a 4 week general anesthesia rotation at the
Palo Alto VA or a 2 week general anesthesia/2 week acute pain management at Stanford Med Center. Anyone know which would be the better experience? which would be better for LOR? for audition purposes?

I was there just a week ago to learn about their gas program. I met with two of their professors, one who is a pain management doc and sits on the residency selection committee. These guys were great, very nice, friendly, and helpful. I can tell you that if you work there at the main hospital in the pain clinic, you certainly can get important letters. Just not sure about the 2-weeks because it may not be enough to really impress them.

As for the VA, I wasn't there, so I can't help you. But, it certainly should be just as good, especially with a 4-week rotation.

 

[cchoukal]

Why would you go all the way there only to rotate at a VA? If you're going to palo alto, GO to palo alto. Sure they're affiliated, but it's a VA with many separate attendings and a different chair. My vote is for stanford. Meet Ron Pearl, get a letter, and meet some great residents.

 

[Skrubz]

my take on things from a previous thread on the same topic...