for those recently interviewing...

There's a lot to be said about several of those programs. Probably a good place to start would be a search of previous posts. You may dig up some good information that people have already put forth.

yeah....i've read plenty, but i'd be on here all day searching. i checked up to page 25, and no "posts" re: many of these. i'm sure they are talked about "within" a post, but....i guess i'm just too damn lazy.
anyway, if anyone has little tidbits, on 1 or 2 of these programs, i'd appreciate it. plus, i was wanting input from people who just interviewed or knew someone who had.....i figure it's up-to-date info!!!! :smokin:

Ohio State - good, well-rounded program in a cool college town. Dr. Bos, the new Chair, is great and dedicated to the residents and improving the program.

U Md - didn't interview there, but not too impressed with what I heard. Dr. Pellegrini basically just ripped apart the dept. and is going to rebuild. It will probably end up being a great program, and you could get in on the ground floor.

If you're interested in Baltimore, I'd highly suggest Union Memorial. It's probably the best program in the city, with very strong Hand, Foot, Sports, excellent Joints and Spine, while going to Hopkins for Tumor and Peds and also to Shock Trauma. They just added a sixth year, but it's clinical, with 6 mos. of running the "Chief service", plus some research time and elective time. In my honest opinion, it makes the program VERY nice (i.e. TONS of operating with a great lifestyle.) :pimp:

thanks sawbonz.....i did hear union was a good place, but never heard specifics.
how are the residents/lifestyle there???

The residents are a great bunch of guys (2 a year.) With the added year, lifestyle will get better from what I can see. Call as a junior resident will be ~q5-6 and improve from there. The hospital is smaller, but the ortho dept. get its way with plenty or OR's, etc. The attendings are also great and let the residents operate a TON from the beginning. The interns were even getting in and doing some of the smaller foot cases, basis frxs, etc. Feel free to email with more questions.

another question???
i'm struggling deciding on where to do my away rotations....should i just apply to 5 or 6 places and see what happens? but then i would have to cancel some? i guess i should just flip a coin!!!

Applying for many more than you plan to do may hurt you in the long run. You don't want to burn any bridges off the bat. I would suggest applying to one (maybe two max) more than you plan on doing. The whole interview process has a haphazard feel to it, and who's to say declining an elective spot will cost you an interview. There is more behind the scenes than meets the eye. If you're a strong candidate, it may be a risk worth taking--it's up to you. I really think the key is to know each program's application requirements early and get the info in as soon as they will accept it.
I learned the hard way. A program lost my application (I'm presuming because they claimed they never received it 4wks after being sent) and by the time I found out (well before the deadline) they were filled. Frustrating enough, this was a program which did not offer me an interview, so an away rotation may have gotten my foot in the door.
Therefore, I may also suggest you send the application materials via certified mail so you know it got there (plus it may look a little more professional/interested).
The simple fact that you are currently planning these rotations puts you ahead of the game than most. Good luck.

union is great but weak academics

osu great residents, dr. bos - awesome, good training
umd rebuilding, pelligrini -love/hate, soon to be great
jhu SOLID, some dont like baltimore
upitt also solid, cool city
agh great faculty, pitt, small program 2 res/yr, call 4-5

am in much the same boat as chee - the search function on this forum in the toolbar is the way to go. don't waste your time scrolling. tons of info already posted that is relevant to your discussion. buenos suerte, amigo. :smokin:

thanks rs. that did help some. i'm still getting used to the forum.
again, good luck to the 4th years....i've talked to some of my friends and they are getting anxious. but...it'll all work out!!!!