Well, since no one wanted to volunteer any info, I'll give you my impression after interviewing there on Saturday.
Probably one of the best residencies in the country, and with Dirshl in the helm it is already improving. I think it's rep is less than some other more prestigious programs because of a recent exodus of attendings a few years ago. These attendings left not because of any flaws with the program, but rather they got offers to move up the ladder to become chairman at other programs.
They heavily emphasize education, but have an extremely good balance of volume and research. Everyone (residents, attendings, and ancillary staff) are all really great people. Friendly, personable, and fun-loving. Superb camaraderie.
As of July, they'll have all specialties well covered except foot and ankle, but they believe they'll have that taken care of within the year. While there aren't many huge names, all of the attendings are great people that are very interested in teaching, definitely not malignant. There are 2 main groups, 4-5 who have been there for 20 something years, and then there are the 6-7 new guys who have only been on for 1-4 years
They have a unique mentoring system of rotations, which offers numerous advantages over the traditional specialty based rotations. First, and foremost, you're always one on one with the attendings. Secondly, from you're second year you're never worse than 1st assist, and because you work with the same doc, relatively quickly the doc feels confident in your skills and gives you more freedom and responsibility. As a 2 you're doing cases start to finish, with supervision. Usually the attendings supervise while in the room, but a few will leave you if you and they are comfortable with it.
Overall they work hard, but what ortho residents don't, and there are definitely worse places. It seems they get ~6 weekends days off a month. Benefits and extras are okay, but perhaps a little sub-par.
UNC is an awesome school, and Chapel Hill is even better. Excellent housing is ridiculously affordable compared to the big metro areas. The schools are incredible, some of the top in the nation. The triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) has recently been voted No. 1 place to live in the country.
Great restaurants, plenty of places to shop, tons of outdoor activities, good weather, and that famous southern hospitality.
As far as the interview is concerned it is very well organized, low key, and I'll bet they provide the best lunch of any other program.
I'd be happy to try to answer any other questions you might have, just reply.
