UTRGV vs UTMB

[Hopeful_MD2BE]

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First off, thank you for helping this non trad out! I know we all have our own journey to make, so it means a lot you are taking the time to help me with my own.

I'm very fortunate to have received interviews at both UTRGV & UTMB, with UTRGV turning into a pre match. Still waiting to hear from UTMB. As match day is approaching, I know I will have to rank these two schools based on my preference. What makes this decision so much more difficult is that I have my wife (who is expecting) and my children to think about. My wife has a work from home job, and has made it known she is more than happy to move if need-be.

UTRGV (Pre-matched)

• Live right near school and grew up in area (family home passed down to us, don't need to pay rent)
• Wife's family is nearby, and children go to elementary school here
• Class size is smaller (preferred)
• Like the idea of helping the very community I've grown up in
• School is not as established, with little home residency programs available

UTMB

• Couple hours away (have never visited the area)
• Class size is larger (would prefer smaller, but not a deal breaker)
• Much more established school with more connections available/home residency programs
• More research opportunities
• Would need to find new home, new school for my children

What this really comes down to is having to make a decision between practicality vs prestige. If I was single with no family to worry about, I'd choose UTMB in a heart beat. I've always been drawn to the surgical specialties, so a school that sets me up for success in matching to a competitive specialty is huge. However, it seems selfish and silly of me to uproot my family (and leave behind all that we have here) just so I could attend a more established school. What would you do? Thank you again!

 

[Med Ed]

1. What are your long-term career goals?
2. How would attending UTMB help you reach those goals?
3. What does your wife think about this choice?

 

[Hopeful_MD2BE]

1. What are your long-term career goals?
2. How would attending UTMB help you reach those goals?
3. What does your wife think about this choice?

Thank you for your help.

I intend to start school with an open mind, however, the idea of a surgical specialty (not sure which yet) has always interested me. For all I know, I may fall in love with FM, but as of now, it’s not something I envision myself doing.

A school as established as UTMB will provide me with more opportunities in matching to one of their home residency programs (and compared to UTRGV, they have many). Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but assuming I decide to apply for a competitive specialty, wouldn’t I have better luck in the schools own program? I fear if I go with UTRGV, and end up liking a competitive specialty, the odds of matching are not in my favor.

My wife has been amazing during this entire process, and has made it clear to me time & time again that she’s okay with whatever I decide.

 

[Med Ed]

Thank you for your help.

I intend to start school with an open mind, however, the idea of a surgical specialty (not sure which yet) has always interested me. For all I know, I may fall in love with FM, but as of now, it’s not something I envision myself doing.

A school as established as UTMB will provide me with more opportunities in matching to one of their home residency programs (and compared to UTRGV, they have many). Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but assuming I decide to apply for a competitive specialty, wouldn’t I have better luck in the schools own program? I fear if I go with UTRGV, and end up liking a competitive specialty, the odds of matching are not in my favor.

My wife has been amazing during this entire process, and has made it clear to me time & time again that she’s okay with whatever I decide.

Some years ago, after one of our orientation sessions, I ran into a new M1 and his wife and (very) young children. His wife had that "what has my husband gotten us into?" expression on her face. We exchanged pleasantries and I assured them the days would be long but the years would be short.

Four years later, after graduation, I ran into them again in almost the same spot. The husband had matched into quite a prestigious institution in a location known for excellent schools and a generally high quality of life. They remembered our previous conversation and agreed that indeed the years had gone by very quickly.

In other words, if you want to got to UTMB, and have the opportunity to go to UTMB, then by all means go to UTMB and get the education that will best serve your future.

 

[jvquarterback]

Go where you feel you have the best shot at doing what you want long term. It’s four years of med school plus residency. Then 20-30 practicing.

Rent your home while you’re gone. Go back home after residency and fellowship if that’s what you and your family want. It’s likely to be a harder decision than with older kids but they can adapt.

 

[deleted1141024]

Rank UTMB 1 and Rank UTRGV 2. Worst case scenario you stay back home and are still a med student and future doctor.

I know its tough to leave the valley (I have been gone for too long) but UTRGV is going through some tough times with its rotation site situation. The surgery departments at UTRGV are nowhere near as established as those of UTMB. Your wife has flexibility. Given the path that you've chosen (medicine), you may have to move more times in the future for residency and potentially fellowship.

You're still not THAT far from the valley and your other family members if you end up in Galveston.