Vandy v. Duke

[evenkeel]

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I keep going back and forth between these two programs. They are both very strong. Duke has the better national reputation, but how much does this really matter? I am considering a career in academics, so would this make it more relevant? Any thoughts or insight would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[El Dooderino]

duke by a country mile

 

[SexPanther]

duke by a country mile

I would disagree, but of course I'm partial. We are very strong in every area as is Duke. If you are wanting that prestigious academic career, perhaps Duke's name recognition will help you. They will also have more research opportunities, but that is changing here.

Where would you rather live? Nashville or Durham?

I don't think you can go wrong with either, but as I've said before I think Vandy is one of the top programs in the nation whether or not people want to recognize it as such. Don't sleep on us.

 

[El Dooderino]

I would disagree, but of course I'm partial. We are very strong in every area as is Duke. If you are wanting that prestigious academic career, perhaps Duke's name recognition will help you. They will also have more research opportunities, but that is changing here.

Where would you rather live? Nashville or Durham?

I don't think you can go wrong with either, but as I've said before I think Vandy is one of the top programs in the nation whether or not people want to recognize it as such. Don't sleep on us.

No offense meant, I just think duke is the place to go if he wants an academic career because of the name and research. I don't think it's a stretch to say duke is a top 5 program

 

[Arch Guillotti]

Unless you want to be a real academic hot shot I don't really think it matters. Even then, I am not sure it matters much. Nashville seems cooler than Durham too.

 

[bigdan]

If Duke v Vandy is your biggest issue with interview/ranking season, consider it a very strong success! What a great problem to have!

I loved both programs as well, interviewing in 2009. I put Duke #2 and Vandy #4. I cannot see how you would not leave either program very well trained. Everyone knows the "name thing", but since both are great, look beyond that. All the things folks tell you to think about are true, in my opinion: cost of living, proximity to friends/family, weather, out-of-hospital interests, etc.

Good luck with things.

dc

 

[evenkeel]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I am having such a hard time because they are both great programs and while each may be stronger in specific areas, they also have a lot of similarities. I could see myself being really happy at either one.

Duke is ahead for reputation, research, and call schedule (I'm a fan of the night float). And Nashville definitely wins for location, but I wouldn't be opposed to living in Durham. Both have good outdoor activities nearby, comparable weather, and neither are within driving distance of my family (but a short southwest flight away 🙂).

It's going to be a tough decision, but I'm trusting it will all work out on match day and I'll end up where I'm supposed to!

 

[Bertelman]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I am having such a hard time because they are both great programs and while each may be stronger in specific areas, they also have a lot of similarities. I could see myself being really happy at either one.

Duke is ahead for reputation, research, and call schedule (I'm a fan of the night float). And Nashville definitely wins for location, but I wouldn't be opposed to living in Durham. Both have good outdoor activities nearby, comparable weather, and neither are within driving distance of my family (but a short southwest flight away 🙂).

It's going to be a tough decision, but I'm trusting it will all work out on match day and I'll end up where I'm supposed to!

Echoing bigdan's comments, you're in a great position to have both as a potential option. Don't stress out over your decision. You would clearly be happy at both, and neither would limit your opportunities. This kind of a decision really doesn't matter as much as some people would like to believe.