West coast IM programs

[med03ibd]

I've seen a few west coast IM programs mentioned here and there, but I'm wondering
if anyone can relate what the top programs are or if anyone can talk specifically about
any one of them. Mostly I'm looking at: UNM in Albuequerque, UofAZ, UofColorado in Denver,
UofNevada, UCIrvine, UCLA, UCSD, UCDavis, OHSC, Mayo and UWash. You can see
most of these are University-based. I've been told that really there's no reason to not do
a University-based program in IM, especially if you're considering competetive fellowships.
Maybe only Mayo and Stanford would be possible private programs. Any opinions on that
statement? What are the acceptance rates into fellowships of some of the community
or private institutions for IM?
Sorry for all the questions!

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[docab]

Personal opinion without specific data to back it: Unless you're coming from a truly top-recognized program with letters and phone calls from top-recognized specialists in the field of interest, I don't think there's a difference between going to a university or community program. The only exception to this is if the university program that you attend has a tendency to take fellows directly from their respective residency program, giving you an obvious edge in that one hospital.

I'm at a well-respected community program and over 50% of our residents go on to do fellowships (without problems securing a position). Many chose 1-2 universities they want to go to most for their fellowship and do electives there to gain an edge (assuming they do well) over most others. It's the same concept as doing an MSIV doing a sub-I at their top choice residency program.

I also don't agree with the statement that "there's no reason not to go to a university program." For many, there are reasons. The learning environment at a community program can be quite different from a university setting without compromising the quality of education. Lots of people prefer and learn better in a more "relaxed" setting compared to the hierarchy type environment felt at some university programs. Although the statement doesn't apply globally, I bet you'd find significantly more residents at community programs stating they know the specialists on a 1-1 basis, call them by their first names, and feel they could call them anytime (even interrupting them during an office visit) or stop them in the hallway for a quick question (even on pts they aren't consulting) compared with residents in university programs. On the flip-side, some residents thrive better in more intimidating environments because it makes them study harder. Of course, if you're interested in research then you absolutely should limit your options to university programs.

As for the programs you mentioned, I can only comment on Mayo. According to my friend who goes there, it is not a place for people considering primary care. You are essentially geared towards becoming a specialist. Because of their referral base of complicated pts whose diagnosis have stumped others, you don't see the bread and butter, and you don't learn manage care or the concept of what's the most appropriate next step in diagnosis because you order EVERY lab and radiologic test! That said, you're obviously surrounded by world-reknown physicians.

 

[dankatzzz]

Stanford is also a university based program. The previous post said it right - university based programs generally are more intense and work you harder. It is questionable weather you learn more working 85hrs/wk vs 65hrs/wk. I am also interested in the programs in California and am thinking of a fellowship in the future. There are some excellent programs that are not university based and even have fellowships. Consider California Pacific Medical Center in SF for example. They have all the fellowships you'd want. As for the ones you mentioned, my chief of medicine said UCLA, UCSF, and UCSD are superb programs and are very competitive. UCDavis is also excellent but not as competitive. He didn't regard Irvine as good as the other ones. As for Stanford, it obvisouly has a big name, but I have heard they are not the nicest towards their residents in IM. Personally, I would not limit my options to university based and at the end I am not even sure I would give it preference. At this point your personal education is more important than reputation.
Dani

 

[robbie]

internal medicine at the university of washington is pretty top notch. most residents (and a lot from the UW itself) are AOA, not all, but a lot. so if you did well in med school and/or extremely well in your internal med rotations, then i would go for it. pretty nice all around. lots of work, but, in general, great attendings.