Hey everyone I have a dilemma and need some advice. Rank lists are due in about two weeks and still can't decide what to put number one and two. I'm going into psychiatry, btw. One program is in my hometown which is a plus because I want to have a baby during residency and my parents would be there to help out. I have an old friend from highschool in the program who says she is happy there. The faculty seemed nice at my interview. The call schedule sounds okay. I hear the medicine months there are pretty crazy, but only four months out of the year are medicine. The second program is about three hours away from my hometown. The residents and faculty were also nice. It seemed like a very laid back atmosphere, which I really liked, more so than the program in my hometown. One thing that bothered me a little bit about that program is that the residents said that even as first years they have very little supervision. To me, it seems like it woud be hard to learn with such little supervision. The residents said they really liked the autonomy. But still, I liked the program when visiting. I'm having so much trouble because both programs have there plusses and minuses and I just can't decide. Any advice?

Just from reading your post, the first one sounds better.
I had twins (by surprise!) my 3rd year of psych residency, and it was invaluable to be near my family these last few years. Having little supervision during 1st year does not sound good -- that is definitely not the time for autonomy!
Send me an email if you want to talk program specifics, I'd be happy to help.

I recently graduated from a psych residency. I would look for how therapy-heavy the training is. If you are interested in it, then you have to go to a program that teaches it. If you aren't interested, you will likely be frustrated if you have to listen to a bunch of psychoanalysts wax on all day. If both the programs are pretty equal, then I would stay in my hometown.

It would take a lot to outweigh family, for me....

I would have to go with program ONE. Family and support is HUGELY important in residency no matter what you pick. If you can be near family/friends it is a major PLUS as you do not know what life will bring ie how much you will need them. Good luck.

For me, family would be huge factor. Programs can seem one way and then be another. No matter how bad a program could be I think being near family could get you through! I don't know anything about Psych residencies, though, since I'm ObGyn.

Good luck!!

Thanks guys. You've made some great points. I'm definitely leaning towards choice number one. With that said, I'm kind of nervous because even though they were very receptive to me at the interview and made some comments about how they'd like to have me they haven't sent me a follow up e-mail after a thank you note I sent the PD. It just worries me because other programs have done so. In your experience does this have any bearing on match?