U of Cincinnati and U of Chicago - Advice?

I interviewed at Cinci today. I was impressed with the program (much more than I expected).
Dr Stern, the chairman is very nice and supposedly as big as it gets in the hand world. He is a huge plus of the program. He listens to the residents compliants and recently got rid of Sat conferences.

They get lots of trauma. The residents feel that it is the appropriate amount. 2's get good OR time.

pretty much all specialties are represented: hand, sports, spine, joints, foot/ankle, peds (of course), trauma. onc is a little sparse as there is no tumor guy at the university, but the community tumor doc sometimes operates at the Univ hospital. for sports they cover the bengals and Univ of Cinci.

Very few fellows so the chief pretty much runs the show.

there are 4 residents per year. I met many and all were really cool and laid back.

the interview process was really laid back. even though I had 7 separate 15 minute sessions, it was mainly get to know you sessions and an opportunity for me to ask questions.

I actually was not aware of the open spot. anyone have any info?

forgot to mention above.

not much research. Dr Stern even admitted that they focus mainly on clinical training although one research project is required in the 4th (??) year.

the chiefs claim to be very confident in their techbical skills. some even go right into private practice without feeling the need to do a fellowship.

if you get an offer here and want to end up in private practice without worrying about much research, check it out. if you want a very academic program with lots of research and want to go into academics, then this probably isn't for you.

Did you rotate at UC? I haven't heard of anyone else getting such an early interview.

Also, do you have any info on the recent departure of some residents? I know people leave for all sorts of reasons, but UC has had a few and some are curious.

Thanks

The PGY2 who left the program this year completely left medicine all together. No poor reflection on the program.
Two years ago a PGY2 left for Anesthesia. From what I have heard, he wanted something with less demanding time schedule.

Overall, it seems to be a nice program. Recently got a new joints guy from U of Mich and are looking to add another spine attending. The residents are good people and seem to get along real well. As stated before, research could be better. However, if you are motivated there are plenty of attendings who get excited to work on projects with residents or med students. Dr. Stern is great. Trauma experience very good.
Also interviewed this weekend. Very relaxed for everyone. There were home students, rotators, and a few non-rotators. (401 completed apps, 65-70 interviews)
...Cincy guy applying to Ortho

I was not a Cinci rotator. As stated above, there were some other none rotators at the interview.

I'm currently on my third week at U of C. From what I've heard, the one spot that's bare (I thing a PGY 4 spot now) is due to a pregnancy, not a reflection on the program. From what I can glean so far, it's a strong program with very strong tumor training (Simon and Peabody), and pretty good at everything else. Light on the trauma is the only negative. Choice of 3-4 months of research vs. elective time. Is a high power program with big names, seems residents get great fellowships. Residents seem happy and get along well, attendings very approachable as a student. Simon/Peabody have their moments, but it's far from being a problem. SOme may look at that negatively, but I see it as tough love. For what it's worth. I'd be very happy to end up here.

HOS

Rotated at Cincinnati as a med student. Great program with good balance in training. Didactics were outstanding. Many strengths including trauma, hand, peds, sports, great chairman who is very involved in resident education (Peter Stern), no away rotations, great facilities with new very well-equipped ortho library. Joints may have been their weakness. Definitely consider this program if you interview there. Cincinnati is not an ideal city if you're not from the midwest, but the program itself is outstanding.