UIC vs. William Beaumont vs. Indiana

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frobro1219

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I am currently having a pretty tough time deciding between three programs. For what it's worth, I am very interested in IR and enjoy research. My end goals (academic vs. private) are pretty up in the air. Having said that, I would like to keep my options open. Right now, it's basically a three way tie between University of Illinois Chicago, William Beaumont, and Indiana University. The problem is I really love Beaumont, it's close to family, and it seems like the practical choice. However, Indiana has the better name, probably better research, national reputation, really like the people, etc. UIC is also pretty strong in IR and getting a huge name in IR (Charles Ray) as their next chairperson. So I was wondering if anyone could comment on whether one program is clearly better than the other, or whether it's worth uprooting myself and going to either IU or UIC. I would really appreciate any comments/advice.
 
117 views and no responses? C'mon guys. Could really use your help
 
There's not much a difference in reputation among those programs outside of their respective cities/states. If you want to practice in Chicago or Indianapolis, then consider uprooting yourself and moving there. Otherwise, don't base it on reputation (unless it was MGH vs. a random state school). If you really want to do IR, maybe consider if it's a fellow or resident run service. Some huge names in IR are mainly run by fellows and residents don't get as many complex cases if any at all.
 
Residents at UIC do get a lot of opportunity in IR. They do all the biopsies and ports alone with little supervision, plus they get to first assist in the big rooms. There are only 2 fellows and 3 rooms + a neuro room they occasionally use and a separate U/S room. The IR team is amazing and will definitely look after you for fellowship placement. Plus, Dr Ray is going to be the next president of SIR. And living in Chicago is amazing. All the qualities of a large city with affordable housing, great infrastructure, and it's clean. But at the end of the day it depends on where you want to practice in the future.
 
It's a no brainier that Indiana should be #1 for you
 
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