Uncertainty re: Columbia PD?

[189213]

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As I understand it, Columbia's long-time PD suddenly left at the beginning of this academic year, and the current PD is working on an interim basis. Apparently, they're searching for a new PD, and I was wondering if anyone has heard whether they've named one. Or will they be going into the match this year without that issue settled?

Thank you to anyone who might have information about this!

 

[whiskey]

It is the latter, i.e. they are going into the match without a pre-appointed PD. They are still interviewing candidates for the position, and will have selected someone by July 1st but not February 27th (or presumably March 20th).

 

[Lauraaa]

Just one more person yet to interview, I think, but definitely won't know by rank day or match day.

 

[whiskey]

I can't imagine that Columbia isn't shuffling through terrific applicants for PD -- and won't select someone highly qualified for the position -- but does the situation deter you from ranking their program highly or number 1? Are you concerned that you might not click with the chosen individual? Just curious...

 

[whiskey]

Lauraaa, you seem to have your choice of (some of) the top programs. Nice work! I am interested to hear what you select for yourself, either now or in March...

 

[189213]

I can't imagine that Columbia isn't shuffling through terrific applicants for PD -- and won't select someone highly qualified for the position -- but does the situation deter you from ranking their program highly or number 1? Are you concerned that you might not click with the chosen individual? Just curious...

Well, when I think of the role of a PD from a prospective resident's perspective, I think things break down into two broad categories: things that affect me on a personal basis, and things that affect me and my fellow residents as a group.

On an individual level, I think that it's quite important to feel comfortable with the PD. If personal issues arise, it's vital that the PD feel like an ally. It would be terrible to be going through some tough personal times but not feel comfortable talking to one's PD about it and feeling supported. Also, the PD is in charge of my educational experience, and I need to trust them to honestly and constructively give me feedback on my performance.

On a group level, the PD is the residents' advocate within the department. He/she must be effective in lobbying the interests of the residents to the higher-ups. Also, the PD plays a key role in helping residents secure the post-residency positions they aspire to.

None of these points has to do with the PD's "qualifications" per se. I'm sure everyone Columbia is interviewing is qualified -- indeed, I haven't really met a PD I would knock for being "unqualified."

I do think that the "individual" role of a PD does have to do with how you "click" with them, at least to some degree. So, there is no way to know how things will pan out for anyone on that level vis-a-vis Columbia.

The former Columbia PD had been there for decades, however, and it seems that he was clearly someone who would've been attractive with respect to my "group" concerns. Having been in an institution that long, and having trained many faculty within the department, certainly makes a PD a valuable advocate for residents. And long experience in the job probably helps a PD with getting residents where they want to go after residency. These factors, I think, will be hard to replace.

How much should who the PD of a program is affect how someone ranks that program? I don't have the answer to that -- I'm working on it!

 

[whiskey]

i agree with you for the most part.

though, of course, i am using the term "qualified" to mean something more than mere academic accomplishments, i.e. to include those interpersonal and advocacy skills that are required to forward the group interest, as you refer to it

i guess the individual connection is the wild card here

 

[cleareyedguy]

Columbia's situation is interesting. Its program is obviously one of the strongest in the country, with lots of research and clinical expertise, as well as a long history of strong residency groups. The previous PD was there for decades, however, and the new person will not only be new but will be dealing with an administrative infrastructure that has been put into place in recent months and with a chair whose priority is research. While it will certainly remain very strong, I think it's fair to say that the future feel of the program is a bit up in the air.

 

[Lauraaa]

I can't imagine that Columbia isn't shuffling through terrific applicants for PD -- and won't select someone highly qualified for the position -- but does the situation deter you from ranking their program highly or number 1? Are you concerned that you might not click with the chosen individual? Just curious...

I think you are right, about their choices. They seemed to be pretty happy with them and feel they can't go wrong. When I was there for my interview I met an interviewee for the PD position who was being interviewed by the same person who had just interviewed me.

Personally, the situation didn't affect my feelings toward the program, but I think that most likely is b/c I realized by the end of the day that I wouldn't be ranking the program highly b/c I didn't fit in there. I realize that the training is superb there, but I didn't feel comfortable at the program during my interview day - I didn't feel like I fit well among their residents which struck me as not a good sign.

However, the change in PDs DID make me REALLY excited for Mount Sinai! Columbia's loss must be Sinai's gain. I LOVE Ron Rieder, (Columbia's former PD who now is at Sinai). What a spectacular leader and resident advocate! The residents at Sinai seemed just amazed at all the changes that he has already be able to implement, and he seems to have a lot more in store for the program. So while it didn't change Columbia at all, I am ranking Sinai in a higher position than I would have if he had not moved to their program.

 

[189213]

So while it didn't change Columbia at all, I am ranking Sinai in a higher position than I would have if he had not moved to their program.

I'm a bit confused about this, Lauraaa, because doesn't it suggest that if the PD had stayed at Columbia, you would be ranking Columbia higher because of him? And in that sense, hasn't it changed how you ranked them?

Perhaps you are suggesting that your sense of Columbia not being as good a "fit" outweighs whoever the PD is? If that's the case, then would feeling that a program is otherwise a great "fit" outweigh doubts about a PD?

Just my ruminations as I'm trying to think this all through. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!

 

[DrWuStar]

I agree with Lauraa - Dr. Reider's move wasn't necessarily such a huge loss for Columbia, but it was a huge gain for Mt. Sinai. I liked Columbia a lot, and I'm not really worried about the PD situation. Their program has been so solid for so long that I think it's unlikely that a new PD could mess it up. I believe the residents who have told me that if anything, a fresh perspective will probably be a good thing - as amazing as Dr. Reider is, he had been there for 28 years! The change will probably bring new energy and creativity.

Mt Sinai, on the other hand, was already a solid, up-and-coming NYC program, and the addition of a PD as influential as Dr. Reider will really take them to the next level. I also really liked the dynamic between Dr. Reider and the associate PD, Dr. Stewart. Seems like they both bring a lot to the table and complement each other well.

These were my 2 favorite programs. I would be thrilled to end up at either.

 

[Lauraaa]

Perhaps you are suggesting that your sense of Columbia not being as good a "fit" outweighs whoever the PD is? If that's the case, then would feeling that a program is otherwise a great "fit" outweigh doubts about a PD?

Just my ruminations as I'm trying to think this all through. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!

Yep, I'm saying that if a program is not a good fit, whoever the PD is and however wonderful he or she is won't change my ranking of them. And if I had found a program that was a outstandingly great fit, but I'd heard that the PD's work wasn't exactly ideal in the eyes of many of the residents, then it probably still wouldn't change my ranking of the program given that I feel that for me - the importance of "fit" and feeling at home outweighs that. But, like Sinai's, where I felt fairly comfortable, the addition of a great PD made me want to be there even more. But... that's just me. I think that it depends on the person and what they want out of their career - for me fit is the mandatory cake, and a great PD is like icing.

 

[manwhoisthursdy]

For the benefit of all, his name is spelled R-i-e-d-e-r, not R-e-i-d-e-r. And it's pronounced like "reader." And he's the man.