khooby said:
I know that Rush doesn't have much research but UIC is better. How important is research in obtaining a residency? Is that what everyone does after their first year? I would rather have more clinical experience
khooby said:
I don't know if anyone saw my last post, but I was wondering about how important research is for getting a decent residency (optho, dermo, etc). I've talked to various doctors and they say that UIC is the better option, all the students I've talked to said Rush is, so far its like a billion for rush and like two for uic. I'm leaning towards rush, but then I remember that the doctors speak so highly of uic.
DISCLAIMER: I am just over a week away from graduating from UIC, so take my words with a grain (or more) of salt.
Research is by no means "necessary" during medical school. I didn't do any but my numbers were strong enough to get into Stanford for anesthesia. But, if you're already set (or just considering) on one of high-powered specialties (derm, ophtho, ortho, ENT, rads, urology), it would behoove you to try to do some research during med school to show your dedication to the field. I personally wouldn't consider ophtho or derm "decent" - I think they're very cush specialties. I believe UIC has the most reputable ophtho department in Chicago so research with them should help for an ophtho match.
Like you mentioned, different people have different opinions on the two schools. UIC students tend to think that we get better clinical training/hands-on experience, though it obviously varies. I don't know how much time Rush students spend at County, but UIC students can spend a lot of time at the Westside VA. IMO, time spent at the VA is one of the best learning experiences on how to really get stuff done at a hospital (mainly because it's so inefficient and frustrating) in addition to procedures that you may be asked to do as an intern.
I believe Rush pampers their students more, which may be why students you've asked have preferred it over UIC. One thing you learn at UIC is how to be independent and self-motivated. Quite a few of the administrative staff in the college are unhelpful and sometimes downright belligerent. However, you're bound to be required to work with such people at some point in your life, so you might as well learn how to deal with them now. My personal opinion is that UIC breeds "tougher" students.
I don't know off-hand how Rush matched this year, but UIC did pretty well. 10 radiology, 9 ortho, 3 ophtho, 2 ENT, 2 derm, 1 uro. additionally, we have people going to MGH, Brigham & Womens, Mayo, Hopkins and Stanford nationally and Northwestern, U of C, Rush and Loyola locally.
UIC 2004 Match results
Previous UIC Match results (click on UIC Match Results in the left frame)
I would go to UIC again for the clinical training, even though I complain loudly about the administration and the ever-increasing tuition. If you're from out of state, however, it's a tougher choice because UIC is ridiculously expensive for out-of-staters.