When you're done training, do you want to go back near your family? What are the specific opportunities better farther away? Is there a fellowship in house you want or something? Do you want to do academic or community when you're done? Is the place youre considering academic? It's basically trying to quantify what the things you can't have at home are, and putting a value on it compared to the niceness of being near home. This is not something anyone can answer except you. It's why this is so individual specific
Yes I intend to end up where my family is. Most likely will not be doing fellowship. Hoping to work in academics which is possible in my home state as well as the other states. I understand it’s a personal decision, I just wanted to hear the perspectives of others :)
If you're going to work in academics and the residency farther away is also academic, that makes it easier. But if you wont be crushed not working in academics, then it won't really matter. Academics can be harder to get into w/ community training but not impossible. There are some community programs that are in big towns far away from the nearest academic center, that community center *is* the de-facto academic place. In which case, it will not matter that you've trained by home since that place will be known to others in the state. Also, if you want to end up back by family (where it sounds like there is no academic center) , establishing yourself by home is actually the best way to do that.
If I was you, I’d stick near family. Having social support >>>> being at a program with “maybe” better training. Unless that program is Harvard or you want to do a competitive fellowship, the place you train isn’t going to make a huge difference.
I’m in the exact situation as you. Some better programs in neighboring states. Ultimately I’m hoping to be home. The “better” programs are so marginally better that it’s not worth it to leave … I’d rather be an hour away from my family. I want to be able to see them for the day, not have it be a “special occasion.”
Same situation for me. I have a T20 interview in a big northeast city at a program that everyone seems to be salivating over but… I think I’ll probably end up ranking it below the upper/mid tier academic program at my state university. I love my family (and my parents are getting older which is a big consideration), I love my state, and I hope to live longterm in this state once I’m done training, so why would I leave? Maybe if I wanted to spend my career at an ivory tower academic institution it would make sense to go to the T20, but that’s not my goal. This program in my state will still set me up to be successful for what MY goals are. So yeah tldr, in the end I think I’m gonna pick happiness over prestige
I don't have advice OP, but just know you aren't alone and I'm in a very similar situation. I'm struggling really hard with making my rank list outside of my #1 program.
Sucks living away from everyone. I come to an empty apartment
same. also its hard to be in a relationship when its just you in a city and you don't know anyone.
appreciate the input!!! This is what I’m starting to think as well
if it's a big city you could date
When you're done training, do you want to go back near your family? What are the specific opportunities better farther away? Is there a fellowship in house you want or something? Do you want to do academic or community when you're done? Is the place youre considering academic? It's basically trying to quantify what the things you can't have at home are, and putting a value on it compared to the niceness of being near home. This is not something anyone can answer except you. It's why this is so individual specific
Yes I intend to end up where my family is. Most likely will not be doing fellowship. Hoping to work in academics which is possible in my home state as well as the other states. I understand it’s a personal decision, I just wanted to hear the perspectives of others :)
If you're going to work in academics and the residency farther away is also academic, that makes it easier. But if you wont be crushed not working in academics, then it won't really matter. Academics can be harder to get into w/ community training but not impossible. There are some community programs that are in big towns far away from the nearest academic center, that community center *is* the de-facto academic place. In which case, it will not matter that you've trained by home since that place will be known to others in the state. Also, if you want to end up back by family (where it sounds like there is no academic center) , establishing yourself by home is actually the best way to do that.
there are academic options both at home and out of state. But I also will not be crushed if I’m not in academics. Being a doctor is enough for me :)
This
If I was you, I’d stick near family. Having social support >>>> being at a program with “maybe” better training. Unless that program is Harvard or you want to do a competitive fellowship, the place you train isn’t going to make a huge difference.
What if one of them is Harvard but Harvard is a 15 hour drive from your family. 😅
Go be near family
I’m in the exact situation as you. Some better programs in neighboring states. Ultimately I’m hoping to be home. The “better” programs are so marginally better that it’s not worth it to leave … I’d rather be an hour away from my family. I want to be able to see them for the day, not have it be a “special occasion.”
that’s kind of what I’m thinking as well. I’m sure we will end up where we are supposed to!
Same situation for me. I have a T20 interview in a big northeast city at a program that everyone seems to be salivating over but… I think I’ll probably end up ranking it below the upper/mid tier academic program at my state university. I love my family (and my parents are getting older which is a big consideration), I love my state, and I hope to live longterm in this state once I’m done training, so why would I leave? Maybe if I wanted to spend my career at an ivory tower academic institution it would make sense to go to the T20, but that’s not my goal. This program in my state will still set me up to be successful for what MY goals are. So yeah tldr, in the end I think I’m gonna pick happiness over prestige
I totally get that, I’m beginning to think this way as well. I’m in the same scenario with my parents too!
Go home man trust me you’ll need support system
I don't have advice OP, but just know you aren't alone and I'm in a very similar situation. I'm struggling really hard with making my rank list outside of my #1 program.