The University of Houston has started a new medical school with classes starting in 2020 (I believe).  The schools mandate says its focus is on creating primary care focused doctors.  What would this mean for those students interested in becoming specialist physicians (including neurosurgery)? 

I have noticed a number of schools in the U.S. (East Tennessee also comes to mind) that openly state that their goal is to create primary care physicians.  Is it a disadvantage to attend these type of medical schools for those intending to go into a field as specialized as neurosurgery?

Anybody have any thoughts on what’s going down in Omaha with Puccioni?

Do second looks actually improve your chances of getting into a program or are they a complete waste of time?

I noticed that Methodist Neurosurgery is one of the programs requiring that residents/fellows abstain from tobacco.  They test for nicotine as part of their pre-employment physical.  If someone tests positive for nicotine, they can lose their job.  Is this becoming a trend at neurosurgery programs?  Does anyone else know of any programs/hospitals that ban tobacco?

I've heard that a couple more programs are requiring your Step 2CK score before ranking this year. I remember hearing at least one program saying this at the interview but everything is blurring together these days. Since we need to start organizing our rank etc soon, can people list the programs requiring 2CK here if they happen to know? Would really appreciate it

I was talking to my attending mentor who mentioned I should have some baseline hand-eye coordination built from activities such as sports, instrument performance or woodcraft, but how much do these activities actually matter or are they just a talking point for interviews?

I am interested in doing cranial cases mainly and although I enjoy spine as well. However, I would be ok with doing Orthopedics even though my true passion would be intracranial neuro cases. How long would it take me to build up a decent practice of intracranial cases. Is the even possible anymore? Id rather do Ortho if not.

The website never seems to load properly. Anyone with insight? Know when we should hear about AANS abstract/oral presentation decisions?

For emails to your top programs, do you email just the PD or the PD and chair? How many programs is reasonable to ask home chairman to reach out to for you? Anyone else not have time for second looks...

Hi everyone! I'm halfway through M3 and realizing that I really want to do neurosurgery. I know most people don't stumble into neurosurgery, so I'm wondering what's the best way to proceed. 

School: top school with a weak home program
Step 1: 265
Grades: all honors so far
Research: all non-neurosurgery
2 first author papers (1 basic science)
3 first author textbook chapters
3 non-first author papers
5 poster presentations

Would appreciate any advice.