Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Great attendings and great program director. The attendings make sure that you learn how to operate and why to operate. The PD is very involved with resident research and teaching.
Didactics / Teaching
Conference nearly every morning. Fractures are presented - intern reads the films, juniors discuss anatomy of reduction and treatment. Lectures after fracture conference on a rotating set of topics.
Operating Experience
Best of any program! As a 2 you are usually first assist and doing most of the cases. Most attendings run 2 rooms so there is never a problem with double scrubbing. Additionally, the program strikes a great balance with surgical case load and number of fellows on a particular service.
Clinic Experience
1 day a week on most services. You get good teaching in clinic.
Research Opportunities
Research is available if you wish to pursue it. Each resident has to complete 1 manuscript. Some residents do more and the support is available.
Residents
Great group of people to hang out with at work and outside work. People usually get together for dinner/drinks once a week. Some are married and some are not
Lifestyle
Like any program it is demanding with long hours, early mornings, and late nights. But if you enjoy the work that combined with the group of people you work with make this a great place to be a resident. The weekends are set up very well - only the residents on call round. That is a big plus for any program.
Location / Housing
Hospital located on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Most residents live close by, within 10 minutes or so. Others live in some of the suburbs with a 20 minute commute. The cost of living is low in Pittsburgh compared to most other cities. We have a lot of great restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities. There are also three professional sports teams in town.
Limitations
The hospital lacks some amenities of the larger newly renovated hospitals. However, the Orthopaedics floor, call rooms, and office are fairly new and definitely nicer than most other departments.
The hospital recently remodeled 3 of 4 intensive care units and is in the process of remodeling 2 floors. More changes are on the way which will make the hospital much more up to date.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Great rotation and exactly what I was looking for as a medical student - a program with great people that gets you into the operating room early. You also have opportunities to pursue research as you please and never feel like the institution is forcing it on you. I am completely happy with my match at AGH.
