Anesthesia Elective - Queen's vs. Mac?

[doranm]

Hey,

I'm attempting to decide between doing 2 week anesthesia electives at either Mac or Queen's this fall. I can only do one due to the usual elective scheduling complications. Can anyone comment on these programs? Probably would be a bit easier to get around Kingston, since you can walk, but I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[greengrassgrows]

I can't comment on the specific programs, but Mac has more residency spots. It's also easier to apply for an elective there (Queen's is a paper application with WAY more components). So practically speaking, Mac would be the obvious choice for me

[aKGDH]

Queen's anesthesiology is a great program. The residents are all happy and the environment is very friendly. Great place to learn!!

[greengrassgrows]

Originally Posted by aKGDH

Queen's anesthesiology is a great program. The residents are all happy and the environment is very friendly. Great place to learn!!

Can you comment on Mac's program? Or have you done anesthesia electives at any other Ontario school that you can comment on?

[KennethToronto]

They are both excellent programs

[doranm]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be going to Mac since I haven't been able to get the Queen's elective to fit.

[brooksbane]

I'd go somewhere else, since Kingston and Hamilton are both crap cities.

Where you live during residency is almost as important as the program you train in. As long as you're not in a program that fails residents yearly at the Royal College exams, the major determinant for happiness is the city in which you live.

[doranm]

Pretty easy to get to TO from Hamilton without having to pay to live there.

You're right, of course, but anesthesia is not a specialty where you can have control over where you match these days.

[greengrassgrows]

Originally Posted by brooksbane

I'd go somewhere else, since Kingston and Hamilton are both crap cities.

Originally Posted by doranm

You're right, of course...

I don't think brooksbane is right at all. Kingston is lovely. Hamilton has its... charm.

[aKGDH]

Kingston is a quaint town. It's not my favourite city, but I know many students here who are very happy. It's got a very small-town feel to it. Hamilton is kinda ugly, but there are nice parts of it as well. And in terms of location, Hamilton is pretty damn good -- <1 hour to Toronto with a lot of public transit options, close to USA border etc. And oddly enough, no one likes Hamilton when they first visit, but after an unknown amount of time, you begin to fall in love.

For electives, just go where you can. You can judge the programs for yourself.