no such thing as a top 10 program. everyone has their own 'top 10' according to what they think is important.

but yes it is considered a very strong program.

I understand that completely, however, I wanted to make sure it was still the all around strong program it has the reputation of, and “Top 10” is a lot more simplistic way of stating this, so my apologies about my incorrect use of terms. Thank you for the program assurance.
I would still like some more information about the program if possible. Strengths, weaknesses, happy residents, worth my time doing an away rotation there?
Thank you very much

From my experiences on the interview trail I know that the Iowa program is still very highly regarded in the orthopaedic community. It is and has always been extremely well-rounded and has some big name attendings. I would very much encourage you to do a rotation there if you are interested not only to try out the program, but the city as well. I rotated there and liked the program A LOT.

As far as services to rotate on you can not go wrong rotating on Trauma (Red Team). You will have the chance to work with the PD on this service as well as impress the residents on this hard-working, and extremely fun, rotation.

I would agree with the above post. I declined my interview from Iowa PURELY for location. I'm from a big city and wanted a big city life.

Iowa I think is one of the strongest program in the country (based on rotators and interviewers). They are very aggressive with recruiting... I remember getting like 5-7 emails from residents/resident significant others to hang out, get coffee, chill at their house, etc.... and it works. I think they do really well with the match despite what some people will consider less than stellar location.

Trauma rotation is always good to rotate on... because it's away short-handed and you can impress.

Univ. of Iowa has an excellent program, especially if you are into academics. It tends to get a broad spectrum of residents both male and female from all across the country. The program directory, Larry Marsh is an awesome doc (who wrote one of my LORs 13 years ago).

As for the town, it is not a metropolis, but it is a classic university town where the University of Iowa blends into the downtown and the neighborhoods. There is plenty of nightlife and college sporting events. There are not too many programs where you can finish rounds and walk out the front door of the hospital to an all day tailgater for a home game.

I spent 8 years in I.C. during school and have been back for 7 years in practice and I still love the town and the area.