Can you tell me about the sub-i experience, residency experience, and value as a graduate to the job market, as well as future of both programs?

whoa

A new county facility seems to have been a major advance to the department especially in light of some problems associated with having a county hospital.

it seemed to me that the usc residents have greater operative autonomy and OR-time.  their new LAC hospital is beautiful, and no attending in sight = residents run the show.  if you thrive in that environment, great.  if not, be wary.

UCLA surgical residencies are notorious for hand holding.  At USC they grab you by the balls and kick you in the ass.

i’ve heard that USC’s program is pretty rigorous, but i haven’t heard the handholding sentiment about UCLA neurosurgery. is it a gentleman’s program? elaborate?

I’m not sure if UCLA’s program is a “gentleman’s” program (easy life, soft hands, argyle sweaters) but the rumor is that they get little independent operative time.  I think it has something to do with their high-end patients.

USC’s program gets it’s bare-knuckle rep from the county experience.  The residents run the county and teach the juniors.  The county system is such that if you want to get anything done you have to do it yourself.  Combine that with a very busy hospital and heavy trauma experience and you’ve got a steep learning curve and rigorous program.  The Patton quote seemed fitting.

UCLA and USC are both hard working BUSY programs.  UCLA has Harbor county hospital and is q3 call as a junior, so i don’t think that qualifies as “gentleman’s program” by any means.  I think both are top tier programs, and both are well respected academically.  Whomever matches at either program should be very happy.

I do think it’s kind of bullshit that Pete Carroll called the long pass that late in a blowout, but on the other hand UCLA kind of asked for it by calling that time out. Should make for a chippy game next year. In the interest of full disclosure, I think Pete Carroll is a classless douche so I’m obviously biased. It is refreshing to see a PAC-10 champion other than USC for a change, and a 3 loss PAC-10 season couldn’t happen to a more deserving group of entitled, arrogant fans.

Yet somehow, USC was listed as “under consideration” for an At-Large BCS bid.  Bwahahahahaha, take that Boise St.

I have heard nothing but good things about USC.  Dr G is the RRC president and his commitment to his residents is demonstrated in his not allowing fellowships at USC as not to take away from the operative experience of his residents.  His faculty has many big name draws and while the work is hard, you can bet they comply with their duty hours and all the residents get along very well.

HPUH - 20 December 2009 04:45 PM

you can bet they comply with their duty hours

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

You would so lose that bet.

It’s a fantastic program, but of all the programs I’ve visited, they’re the least compliant with duty hours.  Like the rest of us, I’m sure they log within limits, but don’t kid yourself: this is a work-till-you-drop program.  Great training, though, so it’s worth it.

agree with jafg. The second years at LA county definitely go over their hours.

and btw, there is Pediatric fellowship at CHLA, which is a part of USC.