Residency in same city as med school?

I didn't know how to condense that into a topic!

Alison inspired me to start up my residency search questions...here is the first of hundreds, I'm sure!

This might be too niche-y of a question, but did anyone stay in the same city for your residency as med school? Because we've bought our place and had the kids, we really feel like we've put down roots and would like to stay here if at all possible. Between our different activities and church...I'll be okay if we need to move because it will be an adventure, but in a way, I'd be slightly devastated having to build all of that up again. But of course--this is really just ME talking. DH says that he'll rank according to what is the best place overall and that we may be surprised and decide that we like some other city even better. I guess I'm just ready for it to be over with and know where "home" is going to be since we'll almost definitely settle down wherever residency ends up.

Anyway--are there any tips or things to be aware of that might make DH more marketable to the programs here in our city if that's what he decides on? My OB told me that he should really play all of that up because she really looks for people that want to stay and build their practice in the city of their residency program...but I'm wondering what the rest of you think?

How nice would it be if we were just moving across town into a bigger place and I wouldn't have to research school districts and pediatricians and dentists...but then again, I think about how fun it would be to do something new---oh, why isn't it the third week in March already???

Impatient.

We did both. Stayed in the same city (and program) for IM and then moved for derm. Both have their advantages. I think it is good to take a hard look at all of the places he is applying and be thoughtful about the rank list -- you never know for certain where you will be. However, IMO, you should not downplay your needs and desires regarding where you live. The resident has an automatic job, co-workers, and plenty to keep busy -- you are the one who has to follow and find all that stuff. Not impossible, and sometimes gratifying to see what you really are able to do, but not necessary either.

[SueC]

We stayed in the same city all the way through. We bought a house about a half mile away from the duplex my dh rented in med school and have been here ever since (through residency, fellowship, and we're still here in dh's first attending year).
Part of me was a little sad that we didn't take the opportunity to try another geographic area during the training process, but it sure has been easier to stay put. Also, my dh figured out during the second month of intern year that he wanted to do a fellowship, so he really got to know the pulmonary dept. very well while he was a resident and was a shoe-in for a fellowship spot.
Another advantage is that since I went to college in this city, I already had friends and outside interests well established so I didn't feel quite as alone as I would have felt if we would have moved elsewhere.

[mommax3]

It will be MUCH MUCH MUCH easier for you if you guys stay put where you are. We wanted to remain in the same place for residency, knowing that we would have to move after that for four years so that DH could do his military payback. It was quite a surprise (to us, anyway) when the Air Force selected him for an active duty residency, as well.

To be competitive at programs where you are....it is the same as anything else....test scores, grades, letters of recommendation. The nice thing (if he finds a program where you are that he likes) is that he will be able to do a rotation there without leaving town, which will most likely help his chances.

Don't put your desires completely on the back burner......a compromise may be in order between you and your DH. Speak up for what you want, because you are in a partnership and you should NOT be the silent partner! Having said that, though, I wouldn't trade our time in San Antonio (residency) for anything. We loved it there, after we got acclimated, and made wonderful friends that we are still close to today. It was COMPLETELY off our radar screen, but it turned out very well. The four years of payback, however........ So, if you do end up moving, it could be really great!

Sally

We would LOVE to stay in the same city for residency, but if Dh does Emergency Medicine its highly unlikely. Of course, Madison does have a brand new med school 'campus' and over booked their acceptances, so that might change in 4 years.

[DCJenn]

We moved, because the Army told us to. We moved for fellowship and we'll move again in one year. Personally, I like moving often. We always have owned a home and the selling/renting of said home is a huge pain but I have loved the experience of living in different places. We're actually hoping for an overseas slot, but that probably won't happen this go 'round.

If you stay, great- but if you go someplace else, embrace it. It doesn't pay to be totally miserable on top of dealing with a residency. Residency sucks enough as it is.

Jenn

[Vishenka69]

We've lived in the same city since Junior High. College, med school, internship, residency and most likely fellowship has been in NYC. As it was mentioned earlier having many schools and programs to choose from has made this possible. We still haven't bought a place of our own though. For one is horribly expensive and we did have to move around the boroughs quite a lot and got lucky with student housing, subsidies and such. As much as I like traveling, I don't think I'd enjoy moving across country all that much.

Many NY'ers tend to stay here for med school and residencies, so I'm not sure if DH had to mention anything specific during his interviews.