If you are interested in academics, Grand Rapids is not the place for you. You would get an awesome operative experience, but there is little to no research there. From reputation, I would say Iowa is probably the best academic name. USC seems to have a pretty good rep on here as well, but all I can say about USC is that I have read positive posts on here.

Iowa is the way to go. It is an academic powerhouse. Top ten US News and world report...although we all know this is not one in the same as residency training it still tells you how great the program is.

The programs are not easily compared, because they are very different.

Grand Rapids is much more of a small community hospital kind of program.

USC has the reputation of being a trauma heavy, operative heavy, supervision frightening light kind of residency.

OHSU and Wake are moving in the academic direction. OHSU has some weaknesses and some strengths in terms of sub-specialties, but I hear it is a fairly friendly program.

Iowa is another program entirely. I may be biased, but I think it is arguably the best academic education available (although there are a few other places that certainly match its prestige.) If you want to be an academic you should definitely interview there.

However, if you want to be a private orthopaedic surgeon, and you are concerned about getting in anywhere, Iowa is probably not your best choice for an interview, because it is very competitive to get into.

ok, I have an interview offer from Harvard, Yale, Hopkins, Vandy, Mayo, Jackson Memorial, Carolinas, HJD and Columbia on the same day.


Whats should I do ? ? ?

fibulaface

cancel all above interviews, start your own ortho program, and continue to heal with the laying on of hands.

i'll let you stay in your happy place for now.

Very funny, guys.

I agree with Op1. It depends on the direction you want your career to go. Iowa is probably the best of those 4, but is in the midwest. Fantastic program, very academic. Oregon and USC are great programs in their own right. USC is very trauma heavy, you are kind of on your own. Oregon is a very young program with excellent trauma and specialty training. It is heading in an academic direction with the new chair, Dr Dirschl, who is great. Very resident friendly, q6 call, nice residents. Didnt interview at Grand rapids or Wake last year. Good luck. (I would choose OHSU out of those 4 based on everything, ie city, training, lifestyle- just my input) )