Rochester vs. BU

I have interview offers from the above programs on the same date. I've heard only good things about Rochester so far. On the otherhand, people have told me that the residents at BU are overworked and stressed but that the trauma exposure is top notch. And then there is living in Rochester vs. Boston, I'd prefer Boston. Anyone have any insight into BU's program before I make my decision?

Being a student at BU I can tell you that the residents here are worked as hard as almost anyone else in the country while they're on the trauma service. The other services are easier but you still take pretty regular call (q 3-4). However, the residents spend significant time at other hospitals where there is home call and the in house call is much easier. The trauma experience is second to none here with Drs. Tornetta and Creevy-they're friggin awesome. I had a classmate already interview at Rochester and I guess the hospital is just awesome. The hospital actually makes money and the residents are given like 5000 dollars worth of books during their residency. The work load is less intense than at BU and the working conditions are probably overall better at Rochester. Boston is definitely the better city-there's always something to do here. The residents here also get very good fellowships-a chief last year is doing a hand fellowship at HSS right now-and he's not an isolated example. Rochester has some big names but BU has Einhorn and Tornetta who both have chapters in Rockwood and Greene along with a slew of other stuff. Despite the work load, the residents here are really cool and fun to hang out with-I would not describe them as an overstressed group. your decision will come down to how hard you're willing to work.

Not having ever visited BU (though I will soon), but having interviewed at Rochester, I would say that the choice probably comes down to your current place in your life. If you are settled down (married/engaged/otherwise serious and esp if you have kids) I would strongly recommend Rochester as it is probably the most family-friendly environment I can imagine. If you are still on the prowl, odds are better in Boston. If you are unconcerned either way or if your primary interest in life is ortho, I think you should flip a coin as both are strong, if different programs.

-grizzle-

Thought I'd pitch in on this topic as I am also a BU student and recently interviewed at Rochester. Let me start by saying I agree with the above posts. Both are excellent programs that produce well trained, competent docs who generally get the fellowships of their choice. To the best of my knowledge, both programs do well financially. I was very impressed with the faculty at Rochester who all seemed willing to bend over backward for the residents and their education. Rochester's program might be a little more well rounded (definately more tumor) and seems to require less time away from home. BU's program requires rotations at the Shrine in Springfield MA which might be perceived as a downside. But, I don't know that Springfield is any less exciting than Rochester. Both get plenty of trauma but there's no doubt that Dr. Tornetta is a powerhouse in the field who is absolutely devoted to his field as well as resident instruction. The same goes for Dr. Einhorn. There are plenty of rumors about how hard the residents work at BU but I agree that there are ups and downs with the brunt of the really hard work during the trauma rotation. However, this will be the case for any program that has a well respected trauma rotation. The residents at BU are awesome and definately both work hard and play hard. I agree that what it comes down to is where you are in your life. Rochester as a city is a far more affordable place to live in- especially if you have a family. Boston is clearly the better place if you're single and don't mind the added cost of living. So what BU lacks in "bonuses" like free books, it makes up for in location. Two great programs with vastly different living environments. I would say your decision boils down to which location suits your needs.

I go to school in New England and in addition to my home institution I rotated at two other regional programs. I've talked to several ex BU students who are now in programs at other places, also I know a couple students who have rotated at BU.
I'm posting because I don't think the current thread reflects the general opinion on this topic.
The BU program has a very, very bad reputation among regional students. The program is notoriously malignant. This is all second hand but I've heard that some attendings are jerks and this trickles down. and Also there are problems with the hospital that make it difficult to be a resident at BMC. Such as... there are no phlebotomists after a certain hour at which point it is the resident or medical students responsibility to draw blood. (just what you want to do at 3AM..draw blood from all your co-infected patients)
Furthermore, the patient population isn't great. Pretty hard core ghetto.
More than one rotator has told me they ranked it last and considered not ranking it at all.
I may be way off on this but I doubt since I've heard similar things from 5-6 different people.

Once again, I feel I've got to say something here. I, of course, have heard the rumors about BU but find them to be largely unfounded. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If I were to speculate as to why the program has earned this reputation, I would offer that some individuals in rotating at BU were probably surprised by the amount of work they ended up doing while on the trauma service. BU does not sugar coat anything for the med students rotating on the service. From my experience, you see a lot, do a lot, and learn a lot. All by way of saying you work hard. This approach may rub some people the wrong way and those are the people that end up ranking the program lower (or not at all). But, on the other hand, many people respect the work ethic the service demands and fosters and those are the people that end up going to the program and liking it.

In the interest of avoiding the spread of misinformation, I wanted to also say that BU DOES have 24 hr phlebotomy. This is a change that has been made recently and one the med students and interns are undoubtedly grateful for.

Lastly, it is true that Boston Med Center (BU) serves the indigent and underserved populations of the new england area. But, from my perspective this is exactly what makes the clinical education great. This may be a more "needy" population but there is nothing you will not see or do. Also, its location (which isn't THAT bad) and ability to treat patients without regard for their ability to pay is what makes it a great source for trauma.

Hope this helps.