08-02-2017, 12:52 AM
I also completed a subI at Sinai and confirm all of the info mentioned in the post made earlier this evening. I am not a Sinai student, nor am I am not one who typically posts on public forums, but I feel it’s necessary to negate much of the false information provided in the initial post on 5/3/17.
I will reiterate that one of the greatest positives for this program is the group of residents. They are a fun group to chill with, great to learn from and exactly the kind of people you would want to spend 7 years with. A couple of additional comments….
Of the initial comments made, I would most definitely refute “Neither the program director, nor the chair cares about the residents.” In nearly every meeting/rounds, the chairman or PD discussed ways to make work more manageable and efficient for the residents and other staff members. In fact, the PD held a separate private meeting with the residents to discuss ways to make their personal and professional lives easier. Never once did the residents indicate that they were frustrated that the PD doesn’t have time to meet.
To say that Sinai is a 3rd/4th tier program is simply false. Having spent a couple of months with surgical residents, I can say with confidence that the operative experience at Sinai is quite strong. All of the residents seem to be quite confident and competent inside/outside the OR. 1) High case volume 2) very strong operative experience all around (spine, tumor, vascular, skull base etc.) with very early involvement in the OR 3) an exceptional skull base experience with a multitude of complex cases that you will not see at many other institutions. The faculty here are not only great educators, but also genuinely invested in the future of their residents (the fellowships obtained speak for themselves). Mocco is well-aware of everything going in his department including the work-ethic and performance of residents and subIs. If he is away, it is likely for the benefit of the program, not his own reputation. He clearly spends a tremendous amount of time promoting his program and the residents.
With respect to the subI experience: Overall a great experience. If you are well-prepared and approach this subI with a good attitude, good things will come of it. If you pay attention and take advantage of opportunities, you will learn a great deal. Your efforts will be recognized and appreciated.
I will reiterate that one of the greatest positives for this program is the group of residents. They are a fun group to chill with, great to learn from and exactly the kind of people you would want to spend 7 years with. A couple of additional comments….
Of the initial comments made, I would most definitely refute “Neither the program director, nor the chair cares about the residents.” In nearly every meeting/rounds, the chairman or PD discussed ways to make work more manageable and efficient for the residents and other staff members. In fact, the PD held a separate private meeting with the residents to discuss ways to make their personal and professional lives easier. Never once did the residents indicate that they were frustrated that the PD doesn’t have time to meet.
To say that Sinai is a 3rd/4th tier program is simply false. Having spent a couple of months with surgical residents, I can say with confidence that the operative experience at Sinai is quite strong. All of the residents seem to be quite confident and competent inside/outside the OR. 1) High case volume 2) very strong operative experience all around (spine, tumor, vascular, skull base etc.) with very early involvement in the OR 3) an exceptional skull base experience with a multitude of complex cases that you will not see at many other institutions. The faculty here are not only great educators, but also genuinely invested in the future of their residents (the fellowships obtained speak for themselves). Mocco is well-aware of everything going in his department including the work-ethic and performance of residents and subIs. If he is away, it is likely for the benefit of the program, not his own reputation. He clearly spends a tremendous amount of time promoting his program and the residents.
With respect to the subI experience: Overall a great experience. If you are well-prepared and approach this subI with a good attitude, good things will come of it. If you pay attention and take advantage of opportunities, you will learn a great deal. Your efforts will be recognized and appreciated.
