Chicago Programs

Northwestern consistently gives majority of its spots (like 8 of its 9 spots) to rotators.

Rush is one of the best programs in the nation. Rotating would help increase your chances with average scores, but it doesn't mean a guarrantee to get in.

Don't know much about the remaining programs. I think that UIC, Loyola, and U of Chicago are competitive like most ortho programs but nothing extremely out of the ordinary.

i'm a northwestern student and have rotated both at home and at rush. I think if you have decent numbers you should consider both of them since being a rotator almost guarantees interviews. that said consider doing them early in the summer. i was at rush in july with three other students but by september that had 13 and not enough cases to go around.

if you are looking for an alternative choice in chicago, Loyola is kind of a hidden gem around here. they dont quite have the national recognition but are known around chicago as a fantastic clinical program in orthopaedics. i know of a few people who rotated there this year and really enjoyed it but i dont have much details. also, i dont know much about U of C other than it is very research-heavy and have not heard much about UIC.

I've also heard that the Chicago schools are very skeptical of applicants who are not from Chicago, didn't go to Chicago schools, or didn't visit for a rotation. Has anyone heard otherwise? If it's true it would be a shame, considering it's a great city with decent programs.

I am a resident at UIC and I think it is a great program; let me say first that all Chicago progams are just fine; everyone is a little bit different but by no means can one person say that one program is "stronger" than the other without defining what "STRONGER" means to them; better clinician, better surgeon, better researcher, better OITE scores....do you follow my point? What you need to really understand is that residency is very dependent on YOU. How much time you put in will determine how much you get out of a residency, no matter if it is "STRONG" or not....Yes Northwestern and Rush have a more prestigious name BUT what does that mean?? does this help fellowship placement; I don't know but UIC is placing residents into awesome fellowships; so what does a bigger name give you? more research? we have some residents who publish tremendous amounts and others who hide from research...OITE scores? that depends on how much you study yourself just like USMLE;
I am biased b/c I am at UIC and I fit in great here with the attendings and residents....are there things that I would change? of course! but there is not a "perfect" program out there....everyone should be trying to improve on multiple levels. I would recommend UIC to anyone looking for a well rounded training; we operate at seven hospitals in the city with over probably 40 attendings; talk about variety and autonomy; !!!

I did not rotate at ANY chicago schools and UIC has a mixture of chicago grads and non-chicago grads; I remember Loyola had a great group of residents from Georgetown med-school (they did rotate though); so I think rotating helps but it is not necessary. We look at a combination of USMLE scores, academic record, research, PERSONALITY PERSONALITY PERSONALITY...if you are a jerk with triple AOA and 315 on USMLE no body will want to work with you; UIC has an amazing chemistry amongst our residents and we teach each other; it has really come about recently even more with the OITE this Saturday

If you want more specifics about UIC I will be happy to talk to you; it does have alot to offer and we have some exciting changes coming about; Just like anything in life you will get out of it what you put into it.....I will get off my soapbox now! Thanks.