What are my chances at residency at a decent city with multiple red flags?

[JJonak]

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[LucidSplash]

No one can give you a definitive answer about this until you define your goals better and you’d need to tell us what you consider a “decent city.” Are you open to any region in the continental US? Specialty choice is going to be important here, as some competitive specialties are out of your reach barring any exceptional personal connections.

But in general, in most specialties, programs in cities are more desirable to many applicants, not just you. There are definitely exceptions and there are great programs in smaller cities and even in non-metropolitan areas.

So with all those red flags, no matter the specialty, you should be applying broadly. You’re probably not going to match at a top tier program in any specialty. But there are less desirable programs in cities too.

Do your rotations and consider specialty options and then come back with more information to get better advice.

 

[JJonak]

No one can give you a definitive answer about this until you define your goals better and you’d need to tell us what you consider a “decent city.” Are you open to any region in the continental US? Specialty choice is going to be important here, as some competitive specialties are out of your reach barring any exceptional personal connections.

But in general, in most specialties, programs in cities are more desirable to many applicants, not just you. There are definitely exceptions and there are great programs in smaller cities and even in non-metropolitan areas.

So with all those red flags, no matter the specialty, you should be applying broadly. You’re probably not going to match at a top tier program in any specialty. But there are less desirable programs in cities too.

Do your rotations and consider specialty options and then come back with more information to get better advice.

Yeah, I totally understand. And yeah, It's a bit difficult to define my goals right now in regards to what specialty I'm choosing, since I'm barely about to begin MS3. Regardless, the ones I'm realistically considering are among the less competitive specialties (e.g. psychiatry, internal medicine, neuro, path,..).

In terms of location, I had the west coast in mind, but if that's not possible, I'd like to stay in a big city.

 

[guytakingboards]

I'm not going to completely discount the benefits of big city living, but given your current position I would advise you worry more about specialty choice and getting good training at a decent program rather than location. I read your post as "i'm bottom of my class, but I'm more worried about where I'll live in residency rather than becoming a good doctor"

If you're working 80hr/wk at an "IMG mill" hospital in Harlem known to minimally support if not abuse its trainees, is that really a win?

Training is temporary and you can move wherever you want to go afterwards.

 

[LunaOri]

It also depends on what the “red flags” are.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Some students aren't great test takers but do well with clinical work. You should look for the best training you can get rather than the location. As others pointed out, its temporary.Try to shine on rotation. Show up early, stay late, make them chase you out with a stick at the end of the day. Be interested but don't be a suck up. Punctuality and competence, along with affibility should be your goals. People can overlook some warts if they think you are a hard worker and can get along. It will, however, depend on what the warts are. Remember, it's their job to teach you. Show them you are teachable.