thoughts on WVU?

[Trisomy13]

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i know the situation with the new chairman. i don't see this being a major issue that will keep them from coming off of probation next cycle.

that aside, does anyone else who interviewed there or is a resident there have strong thoughts (pos or neg) regarding this program.


i am fleshing out the middle of my ROL and would like to place WVU in the upper-mid area, ahead of some of the big brand names such as Cornell and Yale, simply because i felt very much at home during the interview - the program, the hospital, the people - all felt like a good fit.

i was impressed with some of the big names, but they didn't have that gut feeling appeal.

the residents graduating there this year seemed to be getting good job offers and fellowships at competitive programs, so is there a valid reason for me to rank a brand name ahead of a program i like, aside for the shock value of a cornell or yale diploma (both of which i already possess 😛 )?

 

[ADT]

Got to go with your gut to a certain extent. I too am ranking some programs over "big names," simply because I didn't get the right vibe from the program, or it didn't fit for family reasons. I have been told that for fellowships, name matters to a certain degree, but what matters more is your strength/performance in residency. Ie: if you are a stud, people will help you out, and you will get a spot. Again, as I am entering the match like yourself, this is hearsay from attendings who hold some sway in anesthesia circles. Remember, you have to live wherever you go for 3-5 years, and my personal opinion is that you put personal/family happiness numero uno. I feel for you though, I keep telling myself to resist the urge for a pedigree. Methinks to rank a place based on name, is a shady business at best, it is seductive though.

 

[brisk80]

WVU. Hours and salary are outstanding compared to most programs if not the best. An extra grand for weekend day call plus incentives to perform well on in-service exams as well as the residents telling me on a bad day they are done around 4:30pm. The hospital is brand new with no expenses spared. Unfortunately, the scarlet P has definitely affected their applicant pool and most likely their eventual matches. One of my main concerns while visiting WVU was their deficiency in anesthesiologists as cited by the RRC and in November no progress had been made to correct this problem. Also, one of the attendings rubbed me off the wrong way; asked one of my friends why he was bothering to interview there and gave him the impression the program was seriously in trouble.

Summary;
Pros: Residents were happy with a great salary and if you like outdoor adventure its a perfect location

Cons: Probation... nuff said

I understand your turmoil.... where to place this program on my list can change on a daily basis from as high as 3rd to as low as 12th.

 

[Logical50]

MS3 here from WVU, who is interested in Anesthesia.

The residents here are very cool and all seem to get along well. I have had the most fun in this dept over any other at the hospital (but i am biased).
the new chair is a really nice guy and easy to get to know, from a med student's stand point. they will probably go through some faculty changes over the next few years, but for the better.
the schedule seems to be very good, and i havent heard much complaining about it either. the res tell me that it is so easy to get someone else to cover for you if you need a day off. no problems at all.

in an earlier post... well the hospital is not brand new. there is a new addition with new ORs and ICUs. very nice, but 75% of the hospital was first built in 80s. still nice though.

Morgantown has a lot of pro's and cons. it really just depends on your personality, so i would receommend spending a wknd here to get the feel. if you are married, it would be a great place. not that its bad for singles, but its OK.

basically, if you dont mind much about the Prob. and you can live in morgantown, then it is right for you. you will have a great time and the residents are very laid back. good teachers for med students too, so that just shows they are relaxed and not stressed out/overworked.

 

[Duckie24]

Just curious as to the ID of Logical50. Dan from Charleston campus here. I'm thinking of doing my anesthesiology rotation in Morgantown later this year and am glad to hear it sounds like things are looking up. Sounds like quite a few in our class are interested in anesthesia, at least three students here in Charleston are talking about it. How many more up there at the home base?