What do I look for in Prelim Programs?

[Loves_Chai]

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I have my first medicine prelim interview next week. From the perspective of a future physiatrist, what should I be looking for in a medicine prelim program? What are good questions to ask?What perks should I be looking for? (i.e. elective time, free PDAs)
Also does it matter if the program is a community or university-based?

Thanks.

 

[VentdependenT]

Light call. How many folks take call with you. More folks = lighter work load. Non malignancy. Kick ass location.

 

[axm397]

prelim tends to be a little more competitive because the more cush programs are popular among rads, derm, anesthesia, and pm&r. what you look for probably has to do with what you plan on doing. (will you be moving? will you be going to a challenging pm&r program? etc....)

I have interviewed at 3 programs (1 prelim, 1 trans/prelim, and 1 transitional). free pdas don't mean much if educational stipend/book allowance is low. Some programs give you lots of "educational money" which you an use for books, conferences, PDAs, etc... Many PDs at more challenging PM&R programs recommended at least 10 months of medicine. In general most programs were q3 - 4 in the units and night float / short call for general medicine. The frequency really doesn't indicate how busy (burnt out) you will be. Need to ask residents how much sleep they get on a typical call night and how good ancillary support is. (will you have to wake up in the middle of the night to do blood draws??) Also, is there a difference in the way prelims and categoricals are treated? Do they pay for step3 and licensing fees? any housing help? how about moving stipend? bonus at signing or end of year? how's the location?

Lots of things to consider. good luck!