Vanderbilt vs. UPMC vs. Mayo-AZ vs. UAB

[$dbleoh7]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I really liked all of these programs. The locations are scattered all over the U.S. as I am single and have no ties to any geographical area (also family lives all over the place). I grew up in the Midwest and I am not sure where I would like to practice after residency (possibly Colorado if that makes a difference). I would likely want to go into private practice in chronic pain(but have not ruled out critical care as I really like that as well). I know the training at all of these programs is excellent, but am having trouble differentiating why I would choose one over the other.

What is important to me when ranking:
1. A program where the residents are happy
2. A program that will put me in a good position to match into some difficult pain fellowships
3. A program where the residents don't feel overworked but also get great cases
4. A program where anesthesiology residents are treated well in the O.R. (respected by surgeons and not stepped on)
5. A city that is single friendly and has a decent amount of single residents

How would you rank them?

 

[imfrankie]

UPMC and UAB in no particular order

 

[$dbleoh7]

I really did like UAB, but is their reputation as good as the other 3? Would their connections be able to get me a competitive fellowship as well as the other programs? Also, I haven't really heard much about the reputation of Mayo-AZ... Are they viewed as top notch just like Mayo-Rochester?

 

[kazuma]

Scottsdale is a very small program, the training will be quite different compared to the mothership in Rochester. Its a pretty kush program if that's something you're looking for. They get to cherry pick cases since the majority of tooms are run by CRNAs and I've heard they get a pretty strong regional experience. Last I heard they get relieved at 2pm on non-call days but that was over a year ago so maybe that's changed.

But IMO working hard for 3 years isn't necessarily a bad thing.