I am a current 4th year resident at BCM. Here are some answers to some of the above questions. Keep in mind that the Texas Medical Center is always swirling with rumors. It is difficult to discern the truth, even for those of us who are deeply involved here.
Baylor-Methodist-Rice: There was never supposed to be a triumvirate. It was rumored that if Rice and Baylor came together that Methodist would want to form an official union as well. Rice-Baylor is not happening, at least for now. Baylor's financial sheet has improved considerably, and it has managed to fulfill its debt responsibilities while still maintaining an A- bond rating. As Baylor's debt was a chief contributor to the failure of the Rice-Baylor merger, it is likely that, under the right economic waves, this merger could be considered again in the future. However, not likely in the near future (as in next five years). Baylor's financial stability seems better now than a year ago, and progress is good.
Baylor-Methodist: Although not officially associated with Methodist, we rotate at least 2 days a week at methodist on the following services: Spine, Foot & Ankle, Sports, and Joints. We go there on Hand occasionally as well, and still cover call there. That being said, Methodist has previously tried and failed to get its own orthopedic residency (it was lacking trauma and peds). I have no idea if they are still trying to do this. It is likely that, if this occurred, it would lead to changes in how our programs work. This is not likely to come to fruition in the immediate future (again, next 5 years). If Methodist were to get its own residency, there are plenty of other options for our private rotations in the medical center. Case in point, UTMB has sent several residents to the TMC for the last couple of years since hurricaine Ike. The TMC absorbed these extras easily, and it has NOT affected our program. As it currently stands, we have a fairly strong relationship with Methodist, and from what I can tell, both Baylor and Methodist Orthopedics would like to keep it this way.
As for work load: The operative experience is excellent. I completed the ACGME requirements for graduation (minus the spine b/c I haven't done it yet) just a couple of months into my 4th year. I have almost 2 years of heavy operating left. While our didactics are certainly not as strong as other programs, I prefer it the way it is. I chose Baylor b/c I didn't want to spend a ton of time in the classroom: I learn by doing, and if I were to rely upon reading alone for my orthopedic education b/c I didn't get to operate as much I just wouldn't learn it as well. I read about my cases, and then I go do them, but that's how I learn best. You have to choose a program that best fits the way that you learn best, and only you know that. That being said, we have a couple hours of lecture and grand rounds every week. Every subspecialty has between 1-3 additional conferences/lectures a week. We have anatomy lab for several months every year, and we have the opportunity to participate in the anatomy training of the med students. When it comes down to it, we have didactics more days than not, and that's enough for me.
Hope that that answers a few of the questions. If you have any more, please ask away.
