ranking advice....

[Deebs]

I hate to say it, but I'd look the pros and cons of the programs themselves. I have to imagine there are many pros/cons. If he trains in Ohio or Texas, he's much more likely to escape training without a lawsuit. BUT, Children's Memorial is a phenomenal institution. I don't know anything about the Texas program, so it's hard for me to weigh in on that. I realize that it's your life too (believe me), but great training and connections can open SO many doors post-training.

[SuzySunshine]

Look at the program AND look at the mentor's - ask what their fellows are doing now? Find a mentor who will help you find the job you want post training. I'm still pissed that DH got screwed on the job hunt because his fellowship mentor was to busy changing jobs himself to help him and his residency institution was NO help. Start making those connections at the beginning of fellowship not at the end of year 3 when the job hunt heats up - go to conferences, make yourself visible, meet people of importance at places you want to be. I still believe my DH got a PP job (his only REAL, solid lead) because he wasn't willing, or maybe didn't know how, to play the academic game. And because of that I give us 3-5 years in this job instead of finding a job where we could settle down and make a foundation.

[labmouse]

deebs & suzysunshine,

DH knows that having great connections and graduating from a top-ranking fellowship program is very crucial for his career path in the future. And that is the reason we are considering chicago. Otherwise, i would not even think of relocating there if the program is just a mid-ranking one. Based on all your contributions (thanks ladies), we have decided to rank based on 1) DH specific research interest
2) probable mentor in the institution
3) prestigiousness of the program
4) cost of living
5) weather + traffic

i know that each program definitely has its pros and cons and it is impossible to pick the 'perfect' match. We shall rank our preferences based on the knowledge we have at this point and hope for the best during match in oct 3. Will update you ladies about it!

[oceanchild]

Hopefully you will get your first choice and none of this will matter! Good luck!

[labmouse]

update ladies,

match day result is out!!! Very shocking... got our 8th choice... not cincy, not dallas, not chicago or colorado.... we got iowa city!

any tips and advice about living there? we are still processing this shocking outcome. Match can be a bitch.. you will never know what turns out on your plate.

[SoonerTexan]

I think we have a member there. Sorry you won't be in the Big D

[poky]

update ladies,

match day result is out!!! Very shocking... got our 8th choice... not cincy, not dallas, not chicago or colorado.... we got iowa city!

any tips and advice about living there? we are still processing this shocking outcome. Match can be a bitch.. you will never know what turns out on your plate.

Friend of ours (classmate of DH's) is in her intern anesthesiology year there, and loves the town. If you have any questions, I can put you in touch with her.

[Bittersweet]

Congrats on matching! Sorry the result wasn't what you guys expected (those match gods are fickle), but I hope this ends up being a great fit for you both.

[SuzySunshine]

I LOVE Iowa City but I'm a small town girl! It's a GREAT college town, how long will you be there. We would have loved to have gone there after training. I have two friends that live there, one from residency and one from a former job.

[labmouse]

iowa city is not too bad. Good and quiet place for starting a family =) We are okay with the match outcome, not sad or anything, just rather shocked and all because of the 'promises' and 'rainbows and sunshine' promised by PD during the interview at some of our higher ranked programs. Teaches you not to believe what PD promises and says and only trust the match outcome. I am really glad we matched. I am sure we will be happy there. Ranked 9 programs, matched at 8th, one more spot and we will go unmatched.. whooo... scary.....

neo/perinatal fellowship is 3 years.

[oceanchild]

Congrats on getting a spot! I forgot that was today!

I've been to Iowa City once, and aside from being small for *my* tastes, it seemed plenty nice and very livable.

[HouseofWool]

Yes we do have another member there and I was there briefly as well. I really liked the city. It has a great international flavor (like Madison, WI) but is small. COL is reasonable, great food. I would move back there if the opportunity arose.

[Thirteen]

Congrats on Matching!
(You are right: *NEVER* trust what someone says or "promises" in an interview.) It's sad, but true.

[bobk]

Congratulations! In one more week, we'll know the results of ours as well. The frustrating thing is that we spent an in inordinate amount of time ranking the top three programs, but in the end there's a good chance it will be one further down the list. The match is such a crapshoot.

[Deebs]

Congratulations!! I have no info for you on the city, but am happy for you guys to have matched.