Looking at the residencies that set graduates up for research-heavy academic careers, it seems the majority of residents come from top medical schools. While this doesn't bar other students from these spots, I am curious how networking can possibly improve one's chances. I feel like *all* gunners are going to try to kiss ass to whatever their top choice program is (even before subI) and it will be pretty difficult to stick out among others if your top choice is one of the top programs. 

Am I wrong about this? Can anyone provide examples of how they managed to get leverage a connection(s) for a residency position at a top/academic program?

thoughts? strengths/weaknesses of each?

What are people's thoughts about Vandy this cycle?!

I'm posting as someone from the outside looking in.  I have done a little bit of research and the demand for neurosurgical PAs appears to be high.  I see lots of postings from all across the country looking for neurosurgical PAs, and to me this is good news for someone looking to get into this field.  

Would it be possible to concentrate your work as a PA solely on the OR?  I have seen some exciting opportunities.  For instance I watched a career video, "day in the life" of a PA in a neurosurgical practice, where during the spinal case, the attending did 70% on his side, and the PA finished off the remaining 30%

Could some people who use or see PAs in their practice weigh in?  If the PA is comfortable with their skillset, and most importantly the neurosurgeon or ortho surgeon knows they are competent, home much can they do? Some of those PA jobs that I've noticed only include floor work, admissions and discharge and answering questions fielded to them by patients.  Some of these jobs include that along with OR time.  In my ideal career I would be in the OR most of the time actively assisting with cases.  I understand that on top of the OR there are clinic days, along with morning rounds, and fielding phone calls from patients.  Or would it be possible that OR work be handled by other midlevels, with PAs dedicated to neurosurgery.  

There are also some exciting PA Neurosurgical residencies.  At Duke I believe you can tailor an elective to get exposure to neurosurgery, while the one at Mayo Clinic Arizona is a full year program dedicated to Neurosurgery.   Then there is also the Texas Brain and Spine residency for PAs.  Any thoughts?

Who has left residency and later returned to neurosurgery through another program?  I know there are people out there, but if you can point to specifics would like to get in touch.  I will not give up, ever.

any news on the peds match?

Interviewed with Mayo FL yesterday. Seemed like a nice team although apparently 3 of their 7 residents left this year and no one even mentioned it and I didn't hear any applicants bring it up. Wasn't subtle they don't have a pgy3 or 4 either. Everyone there was acting all buddy-buddy and that everything was all good though. Does that seem normal?? Just me or is this an ultimate red flag?!

Innate manual dexterity is obviously an advantage in surgical specialties but how big a role does it really play? Are the differences between talented and untalented individuals apparent even after years in practice or can somebody with lacking manual dexterity eventually become a great surgeon with enough motivation?

what PGY year should you be proficient in bread and butter cases like ACDF, hemicrani, crani for simple tumor?

I am starting an MD/PhD program soon and neurosurgery is of potential interest. Career goal is physician scientist with 60%+ protected time. I am concerned that the long period away from the lab during residency will make it difficult to catch up once research years resume. Are neurosurgeons at a significant disadvantage for basic science because of this? 

In general, are neurosurgeon-PhDs not as well positioned for basic science careers compared to neurologists?