I am kinda torn about ranking these programs first or second on my list. I am interested in cards afterwards. It would be great to hear what u guys think?
Thanks!
Thanks!
U Mich vs. Wash U
- Thread starter kifo
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I think both are pretty much equal caliber. Michigan cards is stronger than WashU's probably. I think it comes down to location. Do you want a small college town feel with really cold weather, or a middle size city with better weather. Also WashU has nightfloat, Michigan doesn't. Michigan's computer system is $$$. But, I really think, for these two programs, location plays a big role--neither that pleasant.
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I don't agree with the above post re: Cards. It really depends what you're interested in...
Though Michigan's put up a huge cardiovascular center and is recruiting more new faculty (especially basic science faculty to steer translational research), Wash U's imaging is hands-down cream of the crop. Michigan, in comparison, is an infant in Cards MRI/CT. They are actually sending fellows to other places to train in imaging, so they can get the expertise their program does not provide. Wash U's cath lab is also much more productive; the volume is amongst the top in the country. I would say that Michigan's EP is a little better (especially ablations), but only because EP as an independent branch of Cards really started at Michigan. Stereotaxis and device therapy are better at Wash U. Michigan's heart failure faculty is more productive, partly because there are more of them...but Wash U's clinical experience is more diverse and collaborative (i.e. you can double in imaging and EP or CHF and EP much easier). Michigan has an open Cards ICU (i.e. multiple orders from multiple attendings; multiple housestaff to supervise), Wash U has a closed Cards ICU.
I think both programs are top notch and will provide you excellent training. I haven't even touched on the residency aspect, which is probably even more equivalent than the Cards experience. It all depends on what type of living you want: city or college campus. St. Louis is totally underrated; it's full of CHEAP fun things to do and great CHEAP restaurants. Yes, it's laden with crime in some parts, but those areas are totally avoidable. Ann Arbor is also underrated; it's safe and full of social options affiliated (or not) with the university. It is rather EXPENSIVE though.
If I had to choose between the two for residency, I'd pick Wash U, just because of the wealth of research opportunities (and grant money) the program provides and the diverse patient population that does not exist in Ann Arbor. But it's a completely personal choice; best of luck, you'll be fine with either of them 😀
Though Michigan's put up a huge cardiovascular center and is recruiting more new faculty (especially basic science faculty to steer translational research), Wash U's imaging is hands-down cream of the crop. Michigan, in comparison, is an infant in Cards MRI/CT. They are actually sending fellows to other places to train in imaging, so they can get the expertise their program does not provide. Wash U's cath lab is also much more productive; the volume is amongst the top in the country. I would say that Michigan's EP is a little better (especially ablations), but only because EP as an independent branch of Cards really started at Michigan. Stereotaxis and device therapy are better at Wash U. Michigan's heart failure faculty is more productive, partly because there are more of them...but Wash U's clinical experience is more diverse and collaborative (i.e. you can double in imaging and EP or CHF and EP much easier). Michigan has an open Cards ICU (i.e. multiple orders from multiple attendings; multiple housestaff to supervise), Wash U has a closed Cards ICU.
I think both programs are top notch and will provide you excellent training. I haven't even touched on the residency aspect, which is probably even more equivalent than the Cards experience. It all depends on what type of living you want: city or college campus. St. Louis is totally underrated; it's full of CHEAP fun things to do and great CHEAP restaurants. Yes, it's laden with crime in some parts, but those areas are totally avoidable. Ann Arbor is also underrated; it's safe and full of social options affiliated (or not) with the university. It is rather EXPENSIVE though.
If I had to choose between the two for residency, I'd pick Wash U, just because of the wealth of research opportunities (and grant money) the program provides and the diverse patient population that does not exist in Ann Arbor. But it's a completely personal choice; best of luck, you'll be fine with either of them 😀
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wash u's and michigan's fellowship match lists are comparable. people tend to stay where they are. so the real question is of location. where do you want to live for the next three, possibly six years?
i went to med school at michigan, so feel free to pm with any questions about the program or ann arbor. ann arbor is not for everyone. it's a small midwestern college town. it is very safe. people are friendly. it is more expensive than you would expect for the midwest. i miss ashley's, my favorite bar in ann arbor, and cottage inn pizza.
i went to med school at michigan, so feel free to pm with any questions about the program or ann arbor. ann arbor is not for everyone. it's a small midwestern college town. it is very safe. people are friendly. it is more expensive than you would expect for the midwest. i miss ashley's, my favorite bar in ann arbor, and cottage inn pizza.
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I don't know much about WashU progam but I thought I would shed some light on UMich. I did an away rotation there last year and it was great! The teaching at UMich was much better than my home program and the quality of the conferences were great! I'm from the midwest too, actually close to St. Louis, but I am still ranking UMich higher. Hope this helps!
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I agree with the others that it all boils down to location. If I personally had to choose between Wash U and UMich, having interviewed at both places, I would definitely rank U of M higher (this is purely based on my own opinion - I'm no expert in cards match probabilities, etc.). I didn't like STL and much prefer Ann Arbor - and both cities are going to be fairly equal in terms of cold weather. The one thing I liked better about STL was the public transportation to the airport (only ~ 15 minutes away for ~ $4.50 - nice). Both have nice hospitals, friendly and smart residents, fantastic research opportunities - I think U of M has a better computer system. U of M has football, a ton of other schools nearby (business, law, public health, etc.) and a Robert Wood Johnson program on site.
You definitely can't go wrong either way. Good luck!
You definitely can't go wrong either way. Good luck!
