Looking back... how important is location?

I'm a 3rd year medical student and am in the process of looking into where to do sub-i (audition) rotations. I wanted to ask current orthopedic residents on how much should i take into account location when deciding where to go into residency.

If I'm fortunate enough to have multiple options, is it worth sacrificing quality of training just to be closer to home?

This is a very personal question that only you can answer. You will get varying answers based upon what program the person answering is from.

That being said, I think location is less important to me than it was before residency started (it was low even then). Pick the program that will make you the best orthopaedic surgeon possible after 5 years and don't look back.

That being said, some people have different priorities and will rank programs accordingly. You just have to figure out what values are important to you.

Being close to home is a plus (at least most of the time).
It was a big thing for me and I as happy to stay close for residency.

If you have a chance to go somewhere extraordinary, but being close to family is important, you can always find time to keep in touch, whether it be on vacations, Skype, etc.

As the previous poster said, its up to you in the end. Be honest with yourself.

I know the thread is old but I just read it...

I would say don't sacrifice training for location. Location in my instance has had far more of an impact on my family than me (because I am still getting the trainingI want). So if you are single then location I don't think matters very much and you can still keep up with family and friends back home. Married, well that's a very real and honest question you guys have to sit and think about. For some it is no problem and for others it can nearly break you.

And let's be honest, no one...absolutely no one...is guaranteed an orthopedic residency spot. Just too competitive these days. Too many well qualified people.