It's that time of year, when everybody is planning away rotations. As a recent participant in the process (now a 2nd year resident), I would encourage everybody to think very seriously about where they do their away rotations.
UTMB in Galveston, Texas is a relatively less known program with a lot to offer. I have not talked with anybody that did not enjoy their month here, and that includes when I was a MS3 and MS4 at another medical school/institution. Normally when somebody chooses to go somewhere else it is because of family issues.
The only two months your entire five year career with more than 5-6 calls a month are as an intern at the Shriners Burn hospital and neurosurgery. You will only have 37 calls a year (~q10) as a PGY2-5, all of which is home-call. Granted, juniors will spend most of their calls working all-night in the hospital.
The jail service is best part about the program, where residents select, schedule, and perform the operations with as much or little supervision as they want.
And if that was not enough, the residency coordinator has been at her job forever and can help you out with anything on campus, plus she knows more about college football than most guys. Unfortunately, she is an avid Aggie fan.
Although subpar applicant can distinguish themselves as an outstanding rotater, you do not have to do a rotation to get in, it just helps.
To be fair, foreign medical grads have very little chance of matching here. We have a great foot/ankle fellow who could not get in x2.
There is a lot to say about UTMB (i.e. 8% retirement match, free health insurance for you and family), but I just wanted to highlight a few points today. You can pm or reply to this message with additional questions.
