What to look for in the perfect residency program
Having trouble narrowing down your list of residency options? Feeling lost, or not sure what exactly you are looking for? It goes without saying that your residency is one of the most important steps in your career as a doctor, and making the right choice when sorting through medical residency programs is an absolute must. Although the many choices can seem overwhelming, there are a few basic things to look for, regardless of whether you are interested in pediatric residency programs, internal medicine residencies, or anything in between!
Quality of the program
The first concern is whether or not the program is dedicated to the education and development of its residents. Different programs emphasize different things, but there are a number of hallmarks of a good residency to watch out for. A good program will put the needs of their residents first, and have a good reputation to match. You can do a little research to find out what past residents have said about the program, as well as look at things like turnover rate, to see how much people enjoyed their stay.
Geography
Perhaps one of the most essential questions for the aspiring resident is geography. Do you want to move across the country to pursue your ideal situation, or would it be better to find something a bit closer to home? While it is always good to go the extra mile to pursue your goals, but you have to think in the long-term as well. If you’re going to be spending time in this location, make sure it is a place you are excited about living in, and think about how relocating yourself might affect you down the line.
A good match?
Finally, a good residency program is one that perfectly matches your professional goals. Prestigious, well-known institutions are often a safe bet, but not if you want to spend your time serving the community in a more direct way. Do you prefer a more formal, conservative atmosphere, or are you the innovative type? In any case, the perfect residency for you is out there, it’s just a matter of finding it.
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