Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
The program has definitely had some key changes throughout the past few years, including a new Chairman and Program Director. That being said however, they were changes in the right direction and everyone you talk to will endorse this - especially the residents. The faculty definitely keep the residents as a top priority and everything they do is focused around resident education and advancing their operative skillset.
Didactics / Teaching
There are weekly didactic sessions every Thursday morning. This is protected resident time and everyone seems to respect this principle (although I had heard that while on trauma, the residents find it a bit more difficult - can not confirm this). During summers, they focus on anatomy including the use of the state anatomy lab. The residents are broken into small groups so that they can get very individualized teaching and practice - often with 2-4 people per body.
Operating Experience
If you ask the residents, this is a key area of improvement over the past few years; especially since the changing of the gaurd in the Chairman and Program Director. Currently, the residents get a fantastic operative experience that really starts during their PGY2 year (although of course like anywhere, the PGY1s have the opportunity to get into the OR quite a bit). If you ask the current Chiefs, they will tell you that their PGY2s' operative skills are years ahead of them compared to when they were a 2.
Clinic Experience
Clinic definitely makes up a big part of the experience at Maryland, but obviously varies from service to service. While at Shock, there was little to no clinic experience at all - you really just operate all day evey day. Yet on services like Sports or Spine, the week is divided rather evenly between OR and clinic. While I was in clinics, I never got the sense that the attendings used the residents to merely blast through patients or finish their notes. There were always teaching moments and the attendings were always great to include both myself and the residents in demonstrating any exam findings or manuevers.
Research Opportunities
There is extensive research opportunity at Maryland, but mostly clinical in nature. I'm sure if you were more focused on the biological or bench-type work, you could find it. However, there are TONS of projects that are always on-going and always need manpower. From residents to medical students, there were always opportunities to be published and involved.
Residents
Fantastic group of people and quite frankly my favorite part of the residency. A great mix of talented, hard working, and genuinely happy people to be around. They hang out together outside the hospital on a regular basis, from sporting events to barbecues to a night out in Baltimore. Just a really good group of people who were always approachable and willing to help.
Lifestyle
I can't comment too much on this. However, when I did see or talk to the residents about this topic, they all seemed very satisfied with their balance of work and play. It really is a happy group of people and I think that this balance plays a critical role in their enjoyable lifestyle and attitude.
Location / Housing
There is plenty of housing around the hospital. Some live within a 2 minute walk to the OR which is extremely convenient but also not in the "prettiest" of areas. Others live like a 15 minute walk to the hospital or a short drive, which will give you a much nicer area to live in as well as convenient transportation. Finally, some live outside the city in a more suburban lifestyle (kids, family, other reasons) but still the commute is manageable.
Limitations
-Hopkins for Pediatrics
-St. Joes for Joints
-Mercy for Foot/Ankle
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
In my opinion, the best of Baltimore. It's the perfect mix of Academics and Operating, Work and Play. The residents are truly happy and enjoy what they do.
