UAB vs "Elite" programs

[PassinGas4lyfe]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping some of the attendings on here can give me some direction as to how I should proceed... Here goes, I'm done interviewing. I've been to MGH, Brigham, Stanford, etc. all the big name places, and while for the longest time I envisioned myself going to one of those three I first mentioned, I always come back to UAB. I loved my interview day there. I clicked with the residents, I liked the way the program is set up, I like Birmingham, I liked it all. My only qualm about ranking it first is, and I know this probably sounds stupid, but would I be an idiot to not rank MGH/Brigham/etc. above UAB for the sheer name/connections I would have and the future opportunities I would miss out on? I liked Boston and the Harvard programs, as well as some other "elite" places, but nowhere near as much as UAB. FWIW I plan on doing a fellowship (don't know what yet, obviously) and will most likely go into private practice. Thanks in advance

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[partydoc]

Go to uab brah

 

[nimbus]

Where do you want to practice?

 

[psychbender]

If you loved UAB that much, then go to UAB. A big name isn't the end-all, be-all. You have to spend four years with these people, better make sure you enjoy the location and the staff.

Also, there is a UAB CA3 on this forum that may be able to give you further insight into the program and post-residency options. I really liked the staff when I interviewed there for fellowship, and ranked them highly, despite also interviewing at bigger-name institutions.

 

[Hoya11]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping some of the attendings on here can give me some direction as to how I should proceed... Here goes, I'm done interviewing. I've been to MGH, Brigham, Stanford, etc. all the big name places, and while for the longest time I envisioned myself going to one of those three I first mentioned, I always come back to UAB. I loved my interview day there. I clicked with the residents, I liked the way the program is set up, I like Birmingham, I liked it all. My only qualm about ranking it first is, and I know this probably sounds stupid, but would I be an idiot to not rank MGH/Brigham/etc. above UAB for the sheer name/connections I would have and the future opportunities I would miss out on? I liked Boston and the Harvard programs, as well as some other "elite" places, but nowhere near as much as UAB. FWIW I plan on doing a fellowship (don't know what yet, obviously) and will most likely go into private practice. Thanks in advance

Unless you want to go into research/academics I would say that UAB vs the others is highly unlikely to be any difference in outcome in your career/life.. UAB has a good rep, MGH/Brigham may seem like a big deal now but its really not once your out in the real world.

 

[Mman]

sounds like you know what to do just what confirmation it isn't a stupid idea.

it isn't.

Go where you feel right. You gotta live/work somewhere for 3-4 years and being happy will help you push through the painful parts of residency.

 

[wickedskillz]

If you want to stay in Alabama, or know where you want to go later, UAB is probably good enough. It is still a strong name. If you plan on hopping around the country or doing academics later, then a bigger name would be more useful. PP will be more, do you have the skills to do the job (which you develop through hard work during residency, im sure UAB will get you enough cases), do you work hard, and can you show leadership.

 

[PassinGas4lyfe]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.

Where do you want to practice?

Due to family, most likely the south.

sounds like you know what to do just what confirmation it isn't a stupid idea.

it isn't.

Go where you feel right. You gotta live/work somewhere for 3-4 years and being happy will help you push through the painful parts of residency.

Yes, this is exactly it. I wasn't sure if I would be short-changing myself in the long run. Thanks, this really helps!

 

[nimbus]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.



Due to family, most likely the south.



Yes, this is exactly it. I wasn't sure if I would be short-changing myself in the long run. Thanks, this really helps!

Then go to UAB. Your connections there will be more useful than any big name.

 

[chocomorsel]

I wish I had gone to UAB. It has a strong name, and good training especially int he south. I ranked it second only because when I was matching, they didn't have an integrated program. And I didn't want to take the chance to scramble for a prelim since I only did 4 prelim interviews and wasn't a superstar candidate. I probably wouldn't have had half the problems I had, had I stayed at UTMB or gone to UAB.

 

[patriot6]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping some of the attendings on here can give me some direction as to how I should proceed... Here goes, I'm done interviewing. I've been to MGH, Brigham, Stanford, etc. all the big name places, and while for the longest time I envisioned myself going to one of those three I first mentioned, I always come back to UAB. I loved my interview day there. I clicked with the residents, I liked the way the program is set up, I like Birmingham, I liked it all. My only qualm about ranking it first is, and I know this probably sounds stupid, but would I be an idiot to not rank MGH/Brigham/etc. above UAB for the sheer name/connections I would have and the future opportunities I would miss out on? I liked Boston and the Harvard programs, as well as some other "elite" places, but nowhere near as much as UAB. FWIW I plan on doing a fellowship (don't know what yet, obviously) and will most likely go into private practice. Thanks in advance

Sounds like you know what to do; don't overthink it.

Similarly, I ranked Wake above MGH, Brigham and am very happy.

 

[PassinGas4lyfe]

Then go to UAB. Your connections there will be more useful than any big name.

I wish I had gone to UAB. It has a strong name, and good training especially int he south. I ranked it second only because when I was matching, they didn't have an integrated program. And I didn't want to take the chance to scramble for a prelim since I only did 4 prelim interviews and wasn't a superstar candidate. I probably wouldn't have had half the problems I had, had I stayed at UTMB or gone to UAB.

Thanks for the responses, I really appreciate the insight. They have confirmed what I really felt all along.

 

[urge]

My understanding is that UAB is well regarded overall and more so in the south. I have met several grads from there and they all have been top notch.

 

[Ronin2258]

My understanding is that UAB is well regarded overall and more so in the south.

Ditto. I know at least two cardiac anesthesiologists who moved there from where I originally did my surgery residency. One, who wrote a cardiac anesthesiology book, passed away while I was in anesthesiology residency. Both taught me to float swans and do central lines while I was still in surgery.

 

[Gern Blansten]

I advise many students. My opinion of UAB is extremely high. They have a great reputation for being a great program. If I were to make a list of the top 15 well rounded programs based on what is REALLY important for residency, they would be in it. I suspect they are better in many areas than many of the "name recognition" programs.
In addition, I suspect they are quite competitive in the match. They are not a very well kept secret. Good luck.
**I have absolutely no connection to UAB

 

[BLADEMDA]

UAB is a very strong Regional Program in the South. Yes, it's a good national program with a strong reputation but in the south it is a well-respected program. I would rank UAB higher than Vandy.

My Southern Program rankings:

1. Duke
2. Wake
3. UAB
4. Vanderbilt

I could see many ranking UAB just behind Duke but above Wake. It is a strong program. FWIW, I can see people wanting to avoid the Northeast. If you want to practice in the South or even anywhere in the nation one of those top 4 programs would be just fine.

 

[teacher2md]

Blade, I see that you often put Duke near the top of these lists.

In your opinion, what is it about Duke that makes it better than Wake/UAB/Vandy?

In my mind, they stood out in terms of research, but they have a lot of fellows, which could dilute some of the clinical training. What do you think?

 

[BLADEMDA]

Blade, I see that you often put Duke near the top of these lists.

In your opinion, what is it about Duke that makes it better than Wake/UAB/Vandy?

In my mind, they stood out in terms of research, but they have a lot of fellows, which could dilute some of the clinical training. What do you think?

1. National reputation- consistently considered a top ten program. This helps bolster the start of your career.

2. good breadth of cases and large volume of cases

3. Good teaching and strong faculty

4. Opportunity to match at a top 10 fellowship of your choice including MGH, Stanford, Brigham, etc

5. ICU fellowship offers TEE training built into the one year

6. Low cost of living in Durham N.C. but only 30 min away from Raleigh or 15 min from Chapel Hill

Wake and UAB are high quality programs. As I have stated if you like the atmosphere better at Wake or UAB by all means match there. I believe many programs offer Residents the opportunity to become outstanding Anesthesiologists. This means on a personal level someone may indeed be better off at UAB over MGH, Stanford or Duke.

 

[tracheatoedoc]

UAB is an elite program

 

[dhb]

they all have been top notch.

Second to none? 😛

 

[urge]

Second to none? 😛

Not sure about that.

 

[UNCmd2017]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping some of the attendings on here can give me some direction as to how I should proceed... Here goes, I'm done interviewing. I've been to MGH, Brigham, Stanford, etc. all the big name places, and while for the longest time I envisioned myself going to one of those three I first mentioned, I always come back to UAB. I loved my interview day there. I clicked with the residents, I liked the way the program is set up, I like Birmingham, I liked it all. My only qualm about ranking it first is, and I know this probably sounds stupid, but would I be an idiot to not rank MGH/Brigham/etc. above UAB for the sheer name/connections I would have and the future opportunities I would miss out on? I liked Boston and the Harvard programs, as well as some other "elite" places, but nowhere near as much as UAB. FWIW I plan on doing a fellowship (don't know what yet, obviously) and will most likely go into private practice. Thanks in advance

Did you go through with ranking UAB #1?