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Monday, December 7, 2009

Which Core?

I know this is our decision and that we have to choose what is best for us and our family, but I was wondering what factors your doctor (and you!) took into consideration when choosing core 1, 2, or 3. Our first choice is 1. Unfortunately that is the first choice for the majority of my husband's class. We need to be really careful about our second choice because it very possibly will come down to that. We have three kids and I'd love to have my husband around for the holidays; however, it seems like it might not be the best to leave it for the end.Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas, everybody!
faith

9 Comments:

Christy said...: Ok, forgive me for being dumb, but what are "cores"?; December 7, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Unknown said...: Christy, I was about to ask the same thing.; December 7, 2009 at 8:39 PM
faith said...: "Core" is the four month block of rotations that's done in a hospital for the primary care specialties. They're generally the most intense and demanding of third year. It's required for everyone. Core 1 is July-Oct, 2 is Nov-Feb, and 3 is Mar-June. I'm thinking now they might do it differently at different schools. Any thoughts would still be welcome!; December 7, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Stephanie said...: I think that I remember that there were pros and cons to all of them... like, you have more experience when you do them at the end and everything is on your mind and blahblahblah for away rotations on 4th year... I think I remember they all had good and bad points... isn't that how this whole doctor thing works... good parts and bad parts? just go with it... it will work out and you won't remember it once you get stressed out about the next step. do i sound jaded? :); December 7, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Hi, I'm Ginny said...: Mine did second core which actually worked out great even though it was around the holidays. He had four months of other rotations under his belt first so he wasn't just thrown into surgery day one. Yes, it was over the holidays, but it isn't like they are impossible to work with. During November he was on OB and he either got Thanksgiving day off or the day after Thanksgiving. We just adjusted to whatever they threw at us. In actuality, it isn't going to matter that much which core they do. They all have pros and cons. If they are on core or another rotation during the holidays he will still be busy. They are all pretty demanding. It is good preparation for what life is going to be like after med school.; December 8, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Mrs. Dawkter said...: My husband had Internal medicine first, and surgery second. For us (and his school) those were the most intense rotations of the whole year (those and OB-GYN). My suggestion is to try and put the harder rotations (it depends on the school) first or the rotations that your husband is interested first (they may be the same). I say this because at the beginning of the year the students are SO EXCITED to finally be working with REAL patients that they don't seem to mind the long hours. However mid-year a little of that has worn off so the long hours are a little more of a nuisance. It also helps if the easier (less time consuming) rotations are at the end of the year so that your spouse can possibly start studying for step 2). Also if they can do what they think they are interested in early that will give them a better idea if it is what they thought it would be and it will also allow them to compare it to other specialties throughout the year. Hopefully I answered your question. Good luck!; December 8, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Amy said...: We're trying to decide this now, too.

I've been told that if you do 1, you don't get as many procedures since MSIVs get priority b/c of interviews (correct me if I'm wrong). So, if you want one of those as a specialty, you may want to do it later so you get more experience. However, it isn't too bad for those who aren't considering those specialities.

Core 2 is during the holidays, but, as Ginny mentioned, you do get days off. Here it is one day for Thanksgiving and two consecutive days for Christmas.

Core 3 is simply later than the rest and some like that time to get organized for MSIV.

Hope this helps! Like I said, this is what I've heard and isn't necessary reality.; December 8, 2009 at 1:43 PM
SeekerofGrace said...: Good question, Faith! J said that only 5 had put preference down for Core 2, so that may be the way to go... J is considering surgery, so I'd rather he get it out of the way either core 1 or 2, just in case he "hates it" so that we have time to plan for MSIV rotations... I'm really ok with 1 or 2, but would prefer to avoid 3. I've heard that the attendings are more "forgiving" during core 1 because students are still "green" and aren't expected to know as much...; December 9, 2009 at 2:57 PM
faith said...: Thanks for the feedback everyone. With finals going on we haven't had a chance to sit together and go over our pros and cons, but I know it'll all work out. If there's one thing I've learned (and continue to learn every day!) is that life has a way of going on, doesn't it? :); December 9, 2009 at 8:21 PM

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Monday, December 7, 2009

Which Core?

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