University of Michigan Program

I didn't really like this program as much. I think it has more hype than substance. A few attendings were cool to talk to and interesting but many were cold and a little weird. Same could be said of the residents. I thought the chiefs were cool but some residents were awkward and uninterested. However, I have to say that they all seem to get along well. They had a few residents quit the program. Admittedly, that might not entirely have to do with the programs inner workings or nature. However, I think 4 of such incidents in so little time calls for some concern. But I think the administration is working on it. While attributing those instances to the above mentioned down-falls of the program is ridiculous if not absurd, I think it should still be addressed.

Although this is a high volume program, I was not very impressed with the surgical skill of most of the residents. Some were good but others were ok. I guess that's kinda how it is in most programs (?).

the surgical skills of residents is more of a reflection of the residents themselves rather than the program.

I'm not sure I agree with the above comment.  Its impossible to tell if surgical skills (or the lack thereof) are an indicator of the resident or the training the resident has received (or more likely a combination of the two). But if residents consistently seem to be lacking in certain surgical skills this may be an indicator they aren't receiving much exposure (i.e. assisting mainly and not doing much of the operating).  Maybe a comment on the resident level of involvement in observed cases would be helpful.  If you don't get to operate, you won't learn how to operate, regardless of a programs volume.

I disagree with the last quote about resident surgical skills.  Although I agree that individual residents will have more innate ability than others, I believe program volume has a stronger correlation with resident ability.  The more you operate, the better you will be plain and simple just like practing in any sport or preparing for a test.  Also in many programs residents will assist or observe cases which does not increase the ability of resident or foster there confidence.  It is hard to sort that out as med student applying to residency.  The same goes for resident autonomy.  The more autonomy, the better surgeon/doctor you will be.  Usually, a greater amount of autonomy is experienced at county hospitals and VA's. Irregardless,some individuals will always have natural ability/talent while others will not.

It is always a bad sign when four residents drop out in a short time.  Even if two were interns who never officially started Urology.  Dropout rates should be 5-10%.

One resident quitting can be construed as "personal reasons."

Four residents leaving points to something seriously wrong with the program. Period. I'd take this as a huge red flag. Keep in mind that for every resident willing to quit, there could be many more who are miserable but won't (they're too stubborn) or can't (ie financial reasons) quit.

Amazing program with lots of surgical variety.

I agree that some of the attendings were weird, but not malignant.

Resident surgical skills were FAR below the "mean" I've seen at other programs. In some cases the resident's skills were 2 years behind what I had seen at other programs.

I thought the program, residents and attendings were awesome. As a med student I may not be the greatest judge of surgical expertise, but I definitely did not notice anything similar to what you are referring to. 

I am curious how you can judge the surgical skills of the residents at an interview.