In an ideal world (where women could be in 2 places at the same time and wouldn't need any sleep), I would like to stay in academics. Not for the research/prestige, but truly for the clinical teaching aspect of it. This is something I'm really passionate about. I keep reading discouraging things on this forum, but I see a lot of moms on clinical faculty at my school (then again, my school is far from an academic powerhouse). I would welcome any input. Thanks!

PS - this is time-sensitive as I have 12 days to make the choice between my home program (would be fine if I opted for private practice, would close many doors otherwise) and the top academic programs. I do not want to pursue fellowship, unless it's a primary care academic fellowship.

This is something I've been looking at a LOT. It seems to me it is very institutional. If a place is comfortable with, say, people moving in and out of part time and either doesn't have a tenure clock or isn't very ruthless about tenure, it seems like people can totally do it and be happy. Otherwise... it can be really rough.

I also read "Mommies on the Fast Track" recently and had some reservations about it as a book, but appreciated its discussions of this issue.

Go where you feel you will get the best training but also be the happiest. I had a similar mindset but hated the politics associated with Academic institutions. I have always planned on fellowship. It came very close between an academic institution and the community program I selected. Every day as I walk to work and walk home, I am thankful I made this choice. I've received an incredible amount of education and have a much better lifestyle than I would have had I chosen the other program.

It was VERY close for me. Though I selected this program based on economics and long-term planning, I have appreciated it more for the quality of life it has afforded.

There are a lot of community programs that have medical students and great teaching. Mine has medical students from the University on almost every rotation and so much teaching that it becomes too much at times. I think its up to the individual but its important to take into account the other aspect of your life that will be greatly affected - your family.

The U that I worked for for 25 years was not ruthless about tenure, always needed primary care docs to teach family medicine, and was fairly flexible about family stuff. Lots of female faculty who had kids.

I think you should go for academic medicine. You'd be great at it, and there are plenty of institutions that are family friendly for you to ultimately end up at. Don't shortchange yourself!

Spot on comment! It is VERY institutional! Some places will be great, others not so much. And I'd say the higher ranked the school overall, the more family unfriendly it would likely be, but this isn't a guarantee by any stretch of the imagination.

Like many thing in life related to careers, it all boils down to the personality of the person you have to answer to.

aaaaaawwwww you're the best!!! Thanks for the encouragement!

Thanks for your advice. My concern isn't so much for education (to give or to receive) during residency, but truly placing myself in a good position for an academic career later on. As far as quality of life, of course the top programs are more rigorous but they offer part-time scheduling, which my home program doesn't. Home program is also A LONG commute from my home (and we wouldn't move if we stayed). So it's a wash QOL-wise. Lots to think about...

Hm....sounds like you know what you want....

If I know what I want? Depends on the day (or the hour). I change my mind all the time. And I'm not the only one involved in the decision. Anyone else getting divorced over the match? (I'm joking, obviously)