Who to go to for Adivce????

[maranatha]

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So this may be a somewhat lame post, but I wonder if anyone else has run into this situation or if anyone has a solution for me....

My problem is this: I am applying to my own institution's program and will most likely rank it 6, if not lower. With that said, I would be happy to go there and consider it a very good "safety" and want them to rank me as high as possible. Also, my program has been very open about how much they would like me to stay and has been actively "recruiting" me to that end, which I feel very fortunate about.

Ok...So ALL of the psychiatry attendings that I have gone to in the past for advice are at my home institution and directly involved in the match process. Specifically, my advisor during medical school is the program director. Also, one of the attendings who helped me put together a program list is the department chair....Now I'm debating whether or not to ask any of these attendings advice about my top 3 or 4 choices b/c then they would know that I'm not ranking their program that high. I don't want to shoot myself in the foot nor let them know where I'm going to rank their program.

Ok, I know in some ways this is a trivial concern, but who am I supposed to go to for specific advice on programs??? I'm feel soooo alone! LOL....😳

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I had a similar situation in that my primary advisor was dead set that I should go to a program he had once been affiliated with. I'd liked the program, and ranked it, but not first, and did go to my first choice--elsewhere. Sometimes you've got to be your own person.

Sounds like you feel you can't ask for opinions in a general manner, without revealing your preferences. You might want to try though. Obviously, they might find out post-Match that they weren't top choice, but too bad. There must be someone you know on your faculty who's open minded enough to know that they aren't the answer to everyone's needs, and who would at least give you some thoughts and impressions about other programs.

 

[i61164]

The reviews at this site might be useful for you:
http://www.scutwork.com/cgi-bin/links/page.cgi?d=1

SDN is working on something similar, but I don't know when it will be ready.

In 2 years when I am in this position, I plan to apply based on geographic preference and rank based on a scientific algorithm I call "gut feeling." I am confident it will all work for the best, if for no other reason than faith.

What makes you think that your attendings are the ones to go to for advice anyway? The progams in question may have changed dramatically since they were residents. Maybe you can get the real dirt from current residents (which is the point of the above site and the SDN residency review that is currently under construction).

 

[JMD]

What makes you think that your attendings are the ones to go to for advice anyway? The progams in question may have changed dramatically since they were residents. Maybe you can get the real dirt from current residents (which is the point of the above site and the SDN residency review that is currently under construction).

That site and SDN can be very helpful, but quite honestly they don't cover most programs and many reviews are a few years old. Chairs and program directors, which Maranatha was referring to, usually have a bit of an inside scoop on what is going on in other programs. Especially things like leadership changes, loss of faculty, etc. They can definitely supplement what you get from current residents, which is probably a little skewed anyway.

Maranatha, I spoke with both my chair and PD in a general way about programs. Didn't really tell them I was ranking my home program way down my list (although I think they could tell), nor did I give them the false impression that I was going to rank them high. Ideally, they should be able to offer you their opinion in hopes that you make an informed decision for yourself. It is tough though, especially if you're in a situation where they are recruiting you to stay there.

I vaguely remember you mentioning where you go to school in an old post... if so, your chair seems like one of the best people i have come across during the interview process and like he would be really helpful in evaluating programs 🙂 .

 

[PsychMD2100]

Sometimes honesty is the best approach. You may not have to mention specific numbers but you can mention your interest in other programs. If you're mentor/advisor is worth his/her salt, then he/she may actually call colleagues on your behalf at your top choice programs. It may require a little trust on your part, but good things can result.

Also, if you let your wishes be known that your home institution is not your top choice, then they may stop recruiting you and start helping you get to where you really want to be.

 

[Anasazi23]

I have to agree with OPD. It's time to cut the cord, so to speak, go with your instincts, and trust yourself. You need to look out for #1....which is you. If you want to rank them 6th, do it. They won't know, and won't hold it against you. The match is supposed to favor the applicant. If you formulate a rank list based on not stepping on people's toes, then you lose that advantage, and they then gain it.

Don't let that happen.

 

[littlepurplepil]

Along a similar vein, if your home program has offered to advocate for you (make calls to your top places to help your chances of matching) how do you go about initiating that? I was offered such help early in the season and am not sure how to gently remind my PD about his offer. Any advice? 😕