texas ortho OSRR Intern Posts: 11 (12/2/01 6:52:45 pm) Reply Penn State Anybody have any info about their program? I read some of the previous posts about the town of Hershey, but still don't know much about the program. Thanks. OrthoStud OSRR Senior Posts: 66 (12/2/01 7:41:40 pm) Reply Penn State Their Chairman (pelligrini) just recently left to become chair at maryland...don't know the reason exactly...but maybe not a good sign? anyone else? kluverbucy OSRR Newbie Posts: 5 (12/17/01 3:27:10 pm) Reply more info re PSU? anyone rotate, interview, or attend school at penn state that can help us out with general info- call schedule, any perks, strengths/weaknesses, malignanacy level? thanks. tbone OSRR Junior Posts: 41 (12/17/01 3:42:07 pm) Reply Penn State/Pellegrini Departure I don't know how much this is worth, but during the interview at Maryland, Pellegrini made it sound like he was fed up with working in a for-profit hospital. I know there were a lot of problems between Geisinger and Penn State- maybe that's why he left. I think those problems have been resolved. My 2 cents, and probably worth less than that given that I'm not directly involved with Penn State in any way . IamNikolas OSRR Fellow Posts: 100 (12/17/01 3:59:37 pm) Reply Penn State I know a little about the program. The reason Pelligrini left has little to do with the Ortho department. He apparently did not get along with the new Dean (who's a psychiatrist)...There are rumors that Pelligrini is the type of guy who wants to build programs...he did an incredible job at penn state...since he took over, Penn State's program continually improved...he brought in great faculty and the program is now very balanced in all subspecialties...their musculoskeletal research lab is now #4 in the country in NIH funding. In any case, many feel that he feels he did his job there and wants to move on to another challenge....Maryland's program is a little bit of a mess from what i hear...so he wants to build that up now. Someone told me he wants to be known as someone who "saves" programs and kind of builds them up...if you know what i mean. Penn State is a first class place. You can do a year of research if you choose...they have an outstanding research laboratory and you can do some high power basic science research. The extra research year is NOT a separate match and is not a requirement either, but voluntary. They are particularly strong in spine and trauma (blunt...no gunshots in hershey)....All other areas -- joints, peds, tumor, foot/ankle, sports -- are strong as well...very well-rounded program. OrthoResident OSRR Intern Posts: 7 (12/17/01 7:28:51 pm) Reply Re: Penn State I interviewed at both Geisinger and Penn State last year. Seemed like everyone knew how much Pelligrini was disliked by other ortho faculty and attendings in the region. I really didn't have much of an opinion of him - just business like, like most charimen. I do agree with the other posts though, the program is solid, but again if you've never been there you could not imagine a more COW TOWN than Hershey. I believe they are conducting some seasonal affective disorder/cabin-fever/mad cow disease outbreak among the ortho residents. Seriously, I personally liked Geisinger better - more of a personality to the program. The lab/research facilities are strong at Hershey, but I don't know how long it will remain that way.