Can we get an update from residents on the best places for training and possibly reasons why?

Highly Operative Programs:

Operative & Research:

Research Heavy:




Thanks

I realize neurosurgery is a very competitive match, and the people here often don’t give much lenience on peoples chances but just thought I’d throw the question out there. Got a 234 on step 1 about 13 points Lower than my practice exam average. Anything I can do to improve my chances? Or should I start looking at other options. US MD, won’t get AOA due to step, just started M3 

Mostly looking to see if anyone knows anyone who’s matched with a similar score and has any advice.

I go to a small school with no home program. Low 250s on step. Some research, all of it basic science, none of it related to neurosurgery. I think I'll be AOA. At this point, it looks like the best thing for my application will be to get research done and pick the right aways and perform well on them. 

I imagine the best thing would be to do a research year, and I don't mind that option at all, but I'm not really sure how to go about it. I'm legitimately interested in research, but I'm more interested in having a strong application, so I'd like to find fairly close-ended, productive clinical research work where I'd have contact with surgeons. However, I'm not really sure how to find a position like that, other than cold emailing people whose projects are interesting and saying I want to do research for a year until someone bites. Is that pretty much how to do it? It doesn't look like there's any specific programs like there are in some other fields.

M4 here,

Wondering which programs have strong connections to NFL teams? I've done a good amount of trauma research and would like to further my experience with concussion research. I've heard Pitt, Vandy, UWash, UCSF have strong connections to NFL teams. Any others I should keep on my radar?

Fernandez-Miranda officially on board at Stanford (link)

looking for any PGY-4 spots. thank you

What are people's thoughts on the sub-I experience at Michigan? 

For current residents, how is life in Ann Arbor? Website makes it seem like a dream.

Looking for any PGY-3 openings. Thanks for any input.

13 out of 24 responding programs state they require Step 2CK to extend interviews? Is this for real?

Page 71 of 2018 Program Director Survey: http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2...or-WWW.pdf

drumming interest...   a colleague of mine got an email about UCLA hosting a charity west coast volleyball tournament for neurosurgery program sometime in the fall.   great idea.