TLDR; really high on this new program (~1000 bed hospital) because of location, potential high case numbers, and the opportunity to assist in building a program. Am I crazy for wanting to rank this new program higher than the more established programs for these reasons? Am I underestimating the struggles of a new program?
Hi everyone,
I have been fortunate enough to have interview invites from a mostly community with a few academic programs this cycle. The academic programs are pretty well known in the region, but the only issue is that they happen to be in more rural areas, with one having particularly low case numbers.
A few of my community programs are arguably stronger in terms of case numbers and are in more desirable locations. However, I am questioning the fit/culture for myself as I reflect on my interviews.
I recently had an interview with a new surgery program that is a large community hospital (~1000 beds) in a desirable location. On paper it seems to have everything I’m looking for in a program. The interview was arguably one of my favorites. It seemed that the faculty all had strong educational backgrounds and were all heavily invested in building the program. I left feeling excited and even already planned a second look.
The dilemma: I feel like the safe choice would be to rank the academic/strong community programs ahead of this new program. However, location is a pretty big factor for me, so that’s why I’m hesitant about the academic places. Culture/fit is also a factor for me so that’s why I’m second guessing the stronger community programs.
My reasoning for the new program is I think it will be a very cool opportunity to be involved in the establishment of a new program (i.e setting the culture, possibly interviewing candidates, giving feedback for curriculum changes), and more importantly I believe I would also get major experience because there are no seniors to fight for case numbers.
What do you all think? Am I crazy to be thinking of ranking this new program ahead of the established ones?
Anyone in this same position (even in other specialties) before and had to make a similar decision?
Hi everyone,
I have been fortunate enough to have interview invites from a mostly community with a few academic programs this cycle. The academic programs are pretty well known in the region, but the only issue is that they happen to be in more rural areas, with one having particularly low case numbers.
A few of my community programs are arguably stronger in terms of case numbers and are in more desirable locations. However, I am questioning the fit/culture for myself as I reflect on my interviews.
I recently had an interview with a new surgery program that is a large community hospital (~1000 beds) in a desirable location. On paper it seems to have everything I’m looking for in a program. The interview was arguably one of my favorites. It seemed that the faculty all had strong educational backgrounds and were all heavily invested in building the program. I left feeling excited and even already planned a second look.
The dilemma: I feel like the safe choice would be to rank the academic/strong community programs ahead of this new program. However, location is a pretty big factor for me, so that’s why I’m hesitant about the academic places. Culture/fit is also a factor for me so that’s why I’m second guessing the stronger community programs.
My reasoning for the new program is I think it will be a very cool opportunity to be involved in the establishment of a new program (i.e setting the culture, possibly interviewing candidates, giving feedback for curriculum changes), and more importantly I believe I would also get major experience because there are no seniors to fight for case numbers.
What do you all think? Am I crazy to be thinking of ranking this new program ahead of the established ones?
Anyone in this same position (even in other specialties) before and had to make a similar decision?