Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
All attendings I interacted with were all very nice and had a passion for teaching. A couple of the attending were rumored to be poor teachers but the residents were rarely with these attendings. Attendings also allowed residents to pick the equipment they would use for a case. Attending seemed very familiar with the different plates and equipment and offered the small tips that made the equipment easier to use.
Didactics / Teaching
They break the year up into month long blocks and cover one topic each month. One day a week an attending or guest lecture would give a talk about the topic. This was typically followed by a resident presentation on the topic. Also had anatomy lab where the interns would dissect cadavers and then present the dissections to the rest of the residents.
Operating Experience
Get early hands on operative experience. Interns were allowed to operate and would do the majority of the case from what I heard. I was never with an intern in the OR. All the chiefs were comfortable with all the operations I observed and were ready to graduate and go onto fellowship training.
Clinic Experience
Residents attend clinic with the attending they are with paired with for the rotation. I went to clinic one with attending and it was a great experience. I was allowed to see patients on my own and after I presented to the attending he took the time to talked me through why my differential was right or wrong and how to improve my skills. There is also a resident run clinic which I went to one day. It seemed to be a great experience for the residents and the 2nd years looked very comfortable with making clinical diagnoses and treatment options. All the residents I talked to also moonlighted in a clinic where they gained additional experience and money.
Research Opportunities
There are many research opportunities available to the residents but it was not emphasised strongly.
Residents
All were very helpful and willing to let med students get hands on experience. The 2nd years I worked with were very comfortable covering the ER and had more than enough opportunities for reductions, splinting, and traction pinning. Outside of the hospital the residents did whatever they could to make sure we had fun in Grand Rapids. The interns took us all out for dinner and drinks and we had a great time.
Lifestyle
They did not seem overworked but were busy when they were working. Depending on the rotation they got very close to the 80 hr limit but other rotations seemed to be lighter which made up for it.
Location / Housing
Great location. Grand Rapids has a great downtown scene with multiple breweries, great restaurants, concerts, and art shows. Also had many outdoor activities including golf, hiking, biking, and fishing. I did not get time to hike, bike or fish personally but talked to many people that did and they all said it was fantastic. Housing was cheap and most residents own their own houses.
Limitations
Not huge on research.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Great rotation and I would recommend it. Residents remember what it was like being a student and do everything they can to get us doing as much as possible.
