What's with Tufts?

[Zakley]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking over my rank list as everyone is and I'm a little confused about Tufts. I had a really nice interview experience there (among other places) and though I know that the Doximetry ratings aren't really worth very much, it surprises me that Tufts is ranked at 123 (BU 64, UMASS 91). Is there some glaring reason why it's not near the other programs? Just research dollars?

Thanks in advance,

ZAKLEY

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[maxxor]

Tufts is a system in decline. They are solidly 4th place amongst the big-4 eastern MA medical centers and their referral network is rapidly shrinking. They also are in the weird position where their major affiliates don't really refer to the mothership AND have their own residency programs (Lahey Clinic and Baystate Medical Center). If Lahey or Baystate refer out, they are referring to Harvard (MGH, BWH, BIDMC), not BUMC and definitely not Tufts.

There were lots of community places that used to refer to Tufts, but BIDMC in particular has been growing their network with $$$ and buying the referrals by allowing those hospitals to join their ACO and get better insurance negotiating power. Signature Healthcare, Metrowest, and others have recently switched academic affiliation from Tufts to BIDMC, and in turn, have also redirected the referrals.

 

[Zakley]

Thank you so much for the reply. If they're not getting the referrals/volume I wonder if they will get absorbed by one of the others? I heard/read something similar about the Philly programs.

 

[maxxor]

Thank you so much for the reply. If they're not getting the referrals/volume I wonder if they will get absorbed by one of the others? I heard/read something similar about the Philly programs.

Google any combination of "tufts medical center" and merger.

They have been trying for years. Atrius, Lahey, BU...

Let's face it. Boston doesn't need 3 medical schools and MGH, BWH, BIDMC, BMC, CHB, NEBH, Tufts, and Steward health care all within the city limits. Someone has to be last, and unfortunately, it's Tufts.

It's still a damn good dental school though.