Wake Forest, Duke, BIDMC

[Rheumella]

Hi all,
I am wrapping up my interview season (maybe one more to go).

I am an MD/PhD interested in doing some research during residency, but not committed to fast-tracking (I could very well change my mind over the next year). I am also not headed into a super competitive fellowship.

Of the 10 places I have visited, I really like Wake, Duke and BIDMC.

I like Wake because the residents were very happy, there is a research track (embedded during three categorical years) that is fully supported by the Chair of Medicine and there is a "Research Chief." I got that warm and fuzzy feeling when I was there. Cons: They are don't have the NIH research dollars of other higher ranked programs but that doesn't mean much because people are doing good research there.

As for Duke, I think the PD is amazing, the new Chair is amazing and very supportive of research. They stress that MD/PhDs aren't pushed to fast track, but if they decide to do so, they must get their fellowship application together during intern year. When I point blank asked three separate interns if they were happy, there was a bit of hesitation (maybe fatigue), but universally all of the JARs, SARs and Chiefs were brilliant and loving life. Cons: spotty ancillary services at the VA frustrate some residents

BIDMC was unexpectedly wonderful. The residents, all the way from the intern who was post-ICU call to the future Chiefs were loving the program. They have a great "firm" based system and the hospital is set up so that your patients are all on one floor (no running up and down stairs or to different wards). I like how it is stressed that they are training the future leaders of medicine. All residents do research, fast tracking is possible. Cons: expensive housing, very cold weather

I hope my mini-reviews help others. I was also hoping that if I am off base on any of these thoughts or if anyone has a strong opinion about any of these programs they will share.

Thanks!

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[gutonc]

Hi all,
I am wrapping up my interview season (maybe one more to go).

I am an MD/PhD interested in doing some research during residency, but not committed to fast-tracking (I could very well change my mind over the next year). I am also not headed into a super competitive fellowship.

Of the 10 places I have visited, I really like Wake, Duke and BIDMC.

Obviously Duke and BIDMC have better reputations (and more $) than Wake, but Wake is a good program and has plenty of research available for you (my current research mentor did her PhD there so I know a few of the faculty).

I will only make one comment about entering the research track. You don't really get a year to decide, you get about 4-5 months. I applied to both integrated and non-integrated research pathway programs and matched (my #1 choice) into a non-integrated program. Applications start in December of your intern year, so you need to have a couple of letters lined up by November. I got one from my July MICU rotation (yes...first month as an intern) and my August Onc rotation, as well as letters from my PD and PhD advisor. So, if you think you might want to do the research pathway, you need to be on top of it from day 1.