Sunday, January 25, 2009

Family

In the next month it is my responsibility to come up with a rank list of places that I want to go for residency. I interviewed with 10 programs. In the order that I interviewed (so as not to give anyone out there an idea of my current preference) they are:

Orlando Regional Medical Center
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Indiana University (Indianapolis)
Vanderbilt (Nashville)
Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix)
University of Arizona (Tucson)
University of New Mexico (Albuquerque)
Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte)
Denver Health
Metro Health / Cleveland Clinic

I think that I have figured out my top 3 choices but am having a very hard time ranking within them. Two of the three programs are in cities that I have family or family and friends. One of the places that really loved, however, I don't know anyone. Initially the thought of going somewhere that I don't know anyone was really scary. However, yesterday I came upon a realization. When I moved to Cleveland 8 years ago, not only did I not know anyone in the city, I didn't know a soul in the surrounding STATES. I was a complete orphan.

The reason it took me so long to realize that is because in the past 4 years I have developed not only the best group of friends I could imagine, but a group of people that I really consider family. In the past 5 days I was invited to two of my best friend's places for family dinners. Never a day goes by where I don't feel like I could just walk into one of their houses and make myself at home. I train with these people, vacation with them, and talk their ears off about life's problems. The comfort I get from my Cleveland family factors into my decision in two competing ways. On one hand, it's hard to even imagine moving to a place where I don't have "family". But on the other hand, just knowing that I moved here a complete orphan and now have such a great group of people around me gives me hope that it could happen again.

Some pics of me with the "fam" over the past few years:








Oh, man this decision is going to be SOOOO HARD!!!!

If anyone out there has great opinions on the above cities I would certainly be happy to hear them!

16 comments:

Shannon said...

Looks like a great bunch of people you've become family with. I don't have any opinions on any of the above schools, I'm just familiar with Eastern Virginia Medical School and that wasn't on the list.

Good luck making your decision.

Brian said...

For some reason I don't see you having a hard time meeting new friends in a new city. I'm sure you'll be fine where ever you go. But if you goto a fun city, maybe we'll come visit

Angela and David said...

Nashville! I am trying desperately to move back there. It's a great city with really friendly people, great places to run and ride and an amazing music scene.

triguyjt said...

in a selfish way..we'd like you to stay in cleveland..but I echo brian...you will have and easy time meeting new buddies in which ever city you go to..

I am leaning toward Tucson..with Nashville second.

B SQUARED said...

Sometimes the best choice is right where you are at. For all of it's faults, Cleveland has wonderful people. Just follow your heart. You can't go wrong whatever your decision.

ADC said...

That family sure looks like a nice bunch. I am sure you will get yourself surrounded by nice people wherever you decide to go.

Janet Edwards said...

YES, you rock and any town would be lucky to have you. Of course, Cleveland would miss ya though! We need to plan some stuff now in case you do leave us!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm from Ohio but have been in Vegas for nearly 20 years now. It has its pluses and minuses...like any community.

Vegas is great for single people, not so great for families...although we've improved quite a bit over the last several years on the cultural front.

The main perq to Vegas is that we are a half-days' drive, or an hour flight, from California beaches, wine country, Mexico, Tahoe, Grand Canyon, and some of the nation's most gorgeous national parks.

My humble two cents is to also look at your prospective communities with this question in mind: "Would I want to still live there 10 years from now?"

Peter Kroesche said...

Life is Ticking
Doctors are confirming optimum ways to peak performance.

Read the latest.
http://max4me.blogspot.com

Lora Abernathy said...

Hey, saw your blog on ST. Fellow Buckeye here. Just wanted to drop in and say hey. Good luck with your decision. I really like Charlotte.

Steve Stenzel said...

Good luck figuring it out! And great photos!!

Bob Almighty said...

I'm goign to say this Nashville is nice but people drive like maniacs so it's great for running but cycling can be a little hairy.( did the Country Music Marathon there back in 07.)

I'm looking at Arizona, sure it's the desert but it usually warm enough you can ride out doors all year.

Also any name for the new bike yet...I hope it's not Ricky bobby ;)

Unknown said...

Based only on the cities you listed, I know how I would rank them ; ) I bet that helps a ton, right?

Anonymous said...

I think academically,

University of X > Y Clinic

of course that is not the only thing that matters.

Dr. Z

khai said...

Knowing everything about medical programs, I rank the follwing cities thusly (in order of increasing shittyness):

Denver Health
Vanderbilt (Nashville)
Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte)
Metro Health / Cleveland Clinic
Indiana University (Indianapolis)
University of Arizona (Tucson)
University of New Mexico (Albuquerque)
Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Orlando Regional Medical Center

You're welcome.

Shannon The Cannon said...

I say come to Arizona, you will love it, the right weather everyday to train and have fun. Plus all the people here are wonderful. Phx,Az....

I read your blog your an inspiration! way to go.

best wishes,
Shannon