Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Dr. Moed is a get-what-you-see kind of guy. He tells you what he thinks, whether it's nice or not. I appreciate that, but some find it intimidating. Picking the brains of the "trauma gods" at SLUH for even 10-20 minutes is invaluable, and they all have great contributions to the program (as well as their individual little quirks).
Didactics / Teaching
You get out what you put in. They will teach you, but not hold your hand and pull you through every detail. You are expected to be prepared. Seems reasonable, actually.
Operating Experience
Gets better and better as you advance through the program, but you get to close and do some nails/fixation even as an intern. And no one does procedure-based learning like SLUH trauma ortho - traction pins, joint challenges and aspirations - even if you're not in the OR, you are all ortho.
Clinic Experience
Fine. Busy, and it's an indigenous trauma population, so it can be frustrating. But it's clinic, and the attendings usually make it as painless as possible.
Research Opportunities
1 entire year, and some residents follow up with this throughout their training.
Residents
I love 'em all. Great group, true team, and - like Moed, they are upfront. They don't sugar coat mistakes, but they also really mean it when they compliment.
Lifestyle
Trauma service can be brutal, otherwise there is a lot of home call and what seems to be time for a life.
Location / Housing
Some great places in St. Louis. It's a big city, so of course there are areas to avoid. But I haven't met any residents who've been shot walking down the street.
Limitations
Sports, although they just hired a great sports guy whose wonderful with letting residents operate and teaches very well. Tumor - they have a tumor surgeon, but his practice is somewhat small, though steady. Non-trauma spine is a little tough to come by.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
I like SLUH. It's a program that requires hard work, but if you can take it, you'll be a great surgeon when you're done.
