Which derm residency program has the happiest residents?

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sunshine02

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Thanks in advance!

I understand why you asked this question, but there really isn't an answer. Every program is different, and what makes one person happy may not make another. In general, here are some things that contribute to happiness:

1. Minimal scut work (for example, nurses do prior auths and most of your call backs)
2. Protected time for didactics
3. Attendings see patients too (some of you may disagree, but the dynamic between residents and attendings is different when attendings also see patients)
4. Happy attendings (some famous dermatologists have famously terrible personalities. You may want to train with the world famous Dr. X, but it turns out Dr. X may be a total jerk. Programs with happy attendings also have happy residents)
5. The culture of the department (some places do a better job of making the residency and work environment happy and pleasant--this may sound odd, but it is true)
6. A large department (in residency, people get sick, people get pregnant, people have life events--if you are in a larger program, it is easier to spread out being down a resident)

Are all "top" programs malignant? No. Are all "lower-tier" programs cushy? No.
 
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This question is also difficult to answer because you don't know who your co-residents / senior residents and /or junior residents are/will be.

That alone can make a big difference as to how happy you'll be during residency.
 
They’re all miserable - but forced to sign a blood pact to say they’re happy. If you want to find true happiness, I would suggest general surgery at a major academic center. Don’t waste your life on zits, do something meaningful. :ninja:
 
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