Which programs are the most spine-heavy? Looking for programs that have less spine.

Hello, I was offered an away rotation for one month at both UVA and Rush. Not sure which one to go with. I know UVA is a great program, but I can't really see myself wanting to live in Virginia and therefore probably wouldn't want to match there. Only the other hand I really like Chicago but don't know much about the Rush neurosurgery program and their website does not have a ton of information regarding their program.

Anyone rotated at Rush or UVA that can share their experience/knowledge? Any insight/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

Is this a major faux pas or am I paranoid? I've applied to 2 spots for a total of 2 aways but have yet to hear back. Not sure if I should apply to others and risk eventually withdrawing or canceling on the first couple.

Thanks

Curious what everyones outlook is on the self run private practice model. Seems like everything is going towards employed. I've always wanted to run my own practice, wondering if it will still be a viable option in a few years.

MS3 here. Have the scores, research, and dead set on Neurosurgery. Looking to go to a larger research center.

From what I have gathered, the name on LOR often matters more than the exact content of the letter. For example, a mediocre letter from Lawton is more turns more heads than an excellent letter from a neurosurgeon who isn't well known.

Are there any programs that have both? Generally a well-known surgeon with lots of connections as well as a track record for strong letters?

Has anyone tried Rhoton 3D youtube video?

Do you guys like them? Any better than 2D ones?

Thanks!

Check out "Neurosurgery: What's the Data?" on the iphone app store.  It summarizes all the high quality studies in neurosurgery, stroke neurology, neuro-oncology, etc.  Free app, free trial period, then a cheap subscription fee if you decide you want to keep using it (I think it is like 3 bucks a year).  It will make you smarter, especially when you have only 15 seconds to look something up before you get pimped on it.

There is a companion app that focuses on spine, but that doesn't contain anything that the neurosurgery doesn't.  Mainly for ortho spine folks.

I'm a third year medical student planning on going to neurosurgery but currently hating general surgery rotation and will probably not honor. I loved my neurology and neurosurgery rotations earlier on in the year and have a great relationship with the NSG department. Is it okay to hate surgery but still want to do neurosurgery or should I jump ship to neurology?

I am on the fence about taking a research year, as research is a weaker point in my application. What do you all think? 

Step 1: 260s
Clinical grades: half honors, half high-pass
Research: 1 first author paper, two mid-author papers, a couple of posters

Thanks!

MS3 -> 4 from a lower tier medical school in the west.

I've applied to (maybe too many?) aways. Should I withdraw applications as soon as i have my first subI responses in order to avoid the dreaded 'turning down a subI'? I hear this is bad form which I want to avoid. 

thank you
Good luck to everyone this cycle!