ZachO
Global user
(5/1/00 9:01:12 pm)
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What's the inside scoop on Boston programs??
I have heard lots of different things about programs in Boston. Some say the Harvard Combined
program is clearly the best, while others(many of whom are practicing orthopaedic surgeons, albeit not
Harvard educated) state that the training sucks because fellows do all the good cases. I've heard that BU
just burys its residents with trauma, while neglecting hand and sports. I've also heard that it was a very
malignant program before Dr. Einhorn took over. I've actually only heard good things about the New
England Medical Center/Tufts program. As one always taken with the aura of Beantown(especially in
terms of its storied medical history) what's are the opinions of others out there? Any thoughts?
Bob
Local user
(5/2/00 8:25:39 am)
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Re: What's the inside scoop on Boston programs??
Be careful who you listen to. Many people will tell you that the "big name" programs suck because the
fellows do all of the cases. I chalk this up to jealousy because these people often could not get into
these programs. Often places with a lot of fellows also have such a huge caseload that the residents
don't interact with the fellows at all. I rotated at one "big name" program (not Harvard though). Prior to
my going there, all I heard was that the fellow do all the cases. This could not be further from the truth.
In my entire month there, I did not meet one fellow. In fact, the interns (yes pgy-1) were doing primary
joints as the surgeon (not first assistant)! So, don't be intimidated by places with fellows, just be careful
to find out the truth regarding resident interaction with the fellows.
I don't actually know very much regarding the Boston programs. My guess is that if you matched at
Harvard, you wouldn't be disappointed.
Regarding BU's program, again I have no first hand knowledge. However, if it is a busy level one trauma
center, I'd be careful. Often a busy trauma service tends to dominate a program to the detriment of
other services.
Finally, all I know about tufts is that New England Baptist is probably the best joint hospital in the
country.
I hope some of this was helpful to you, and good luck!
slk
Local user
(5/3/00 10:09:22 am)
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Re: What's the inside scoop on Boston programs??
Yeah I had heard that BU was incredibly malignant also.. but does that mean that now that Einhorn is
there it's a different story?
crazy joe davola
Registered User
Posts: 7
(12/18/00 4:47:58 pm)
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Harvard
I thought I'd resurrect this old post. Does anyone have some fresh perspectives on Harvard's program?
I don't run into too many people who have recent experience with their residency.
harvardcombined
Registered User
Posts: 3
(10/4/01 7:22:38 pm)
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Re: Harvard
hi there,
danger!!! this might be biased (PGY2 at harvard):
BU is a good program, einhorn turned it into a much better place than what it used to be: strong
research (he's big on tissue engineering), great trauma experience (tornetta is a great but VERY tough
guy), other areas might be somewhat weaker but einhorn is expanding the services with new staff.
tufts is an ok program, but had trouble in the past with funding. don't know enough about it to give a
recommendation either way. however, it's true that new england baptist is part of the program, but it
was bought by the beth israel hospital which is part of the harvard rotation, so that might change.
harvard is a great place and i posted something about it under a different thread, just search under my
name.
