UCSD

I'm from the east coast and I really wanted to move out to california.

I put UCSD as my number 1 choice, but I didn't get it. I did get into a top program in New York though, so I'm not too disappointed.

Why did I think UCSD was one of the best place in california? First, I interviewed at almost every california program. After doing that, I realized that UCSF, UCSD, and Stanford were good choices. I thought USC, UCLA-Harbor, UCI, Loma Linda, and UCD were all mediocre programs. And the worse of those being Harbor and Loma Linda. Even though they are small programs, they just did not impress me at all.

I think that no matter what people say is the "best" program and let's face it most base it on US NEWS which is complete hogwash. The best programs are the ones that give you the best training, good exposure to general and subspecialities of Orthopaedics, and get you to the best fellowships. If you're looking to stay in Cali, your best choices are UCSF and UCSD. Also in terms of rankings, UCSD's chairman says on the website that the program is ranked in the top 10% nationally. UCSF is known to be a strong program by the medical community in general.

UCSD seemed like a tight knit family. They have 4 great hospitals which you rotate at. The best thing I liked about it is that they have 3 month rotations which really gives you time to learn something. Also it is small so everyone knows everyone. The research year blows, but everyone there said they enjoyed san diego life and did research on the side. Plus, the get top fellowships because they have good research on their CV's. They get a great clinical training with good didactic teaching so you are not learning how to operate from the R5, who learned from his senior resident when he was a junior. Not a good way to learn. Their Program Director is amazing as well.

I would rotate at UCSF and UCSD if you are interested because both seem to be very partial to rotators like every other school.

Hope that helps. IF you need info about NYC programs let me know as well.

Thanks for your reply. Are there any other rotators or current residents who wouldn't mind offering their opinion. Thanks again to all.

Helllooooo....I just matched at UCSD and I am absolutely thrilled! Yes I'm biased but it really is an awesome program, with awesome residents and faculty, in an awesome city. It is a very close knit group and I think rotating out is a really good idea if you are really interested. I'll try to write one of those reviews soon but in the mean time feel free to pm me.

Good luck!

D

d bone, report back after a couple of years in the or w/ Dr Meyer. He is a non fellowship trained generalist there who is very hard to work with (and you work with him a lot) to put it nicely.

UCSD is a solid program. Program director is probably one of the nicest to work with in the country. Most of the other faculty are good. Peds, hand, and spine seem particularly strong. Sports is in a transition period after Pedowitz left; they now do a rotation at Navy. Residents are good for the most part and seem happy. The program is quite research oriented with a research year and some prominent basic science researchers in the department. Residents seem to have a lot of autonomy in the OR for most rotations. San Diego is a fantastic city, the only problem with that is it's not as fun to be at work when you know there is nice weather waiting for you outside of the hospital.

Long time reader...1st time poster...wanted to bump this

I was hoping if any current residents/interviewees could comment on what the MCAT score is used for? Also, how much do you enjoy/get done during the research year?

I'm a senior resident at UCSD. I've read over the above and have a few comments... As for the question: I wouldn't read too much into the MCAT score issue. Like all programs, everyone is most concerned with how you will fit into our "family." Our program also prides itself in doing well on the OITE. Partly that is because one of our selection criteria is a history of doing well on standardized tests, primarily Step I. I think the MCAT is a historical data point. Trust me, however, if MCAT scores were truly important to the selection criteria I would not have matched here.
As for research year, you get out of it what you put into it. Simple as that. While some may consider it a "waste of a year" for some it is their most productive year. At the very least, it is a year to have a flexible schedule and enjoy what San Diego has to offer.
I would like to also echo the people who mentioned our program director, Sandy Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz is an asset to our program like no other. As a residency director, as the director of orthopaedic trauma, as a person and as a friend, she is unmatched anywhere in the country.
Also, I would like to respond to the comment on Dr. Meyer... Having personally worked with Dr. Meyer I can say without reservation that he has a lot to offer the residents. He expects a lot from each resident, and he will let you know when you do not meet his expectations. However, he is also an excellent surgeon. He has a lot to offer in terms of his expertise in joints and as a general orthopaedist. He has recently moved from our trauma hospital to be faculty at the VA. Every program has a particular faculty member they label as "malignant" or difficult to work with. I think Dr. Meyer has a lot to offer resident training. He is an excellent teacher and an example for how to interact with patients.
Feel free to post or PM me if you have any other questions or would like more information about UCSD.
-T

I thought I'd kickball this thread to inform you that Dr. Meyer was given the Wayne Akeson Teaching Award in 2009 for his contributions to the UCSD residency program. This award is bestowed annually by the outgoing group of chief residents on the faculty member who most exemplifies outstanding dedication to resident teaching. I wanted to throw this in there because I didn't appreciate the libelous attack on a doctor's character. Carry on.