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Is this generally regarded as one of the better programs in California? they seem to have many fellowships. anyone have any experience at this place or second-hand knowledge?
thanks for the insight, i really appreciate it!The “best” in California are Stanford, UCSF and UCLA because of volume, complexity, research and a history of employing well known pathologists. These would all line you up for any kind of career. The second tier are USC, UC Davis and UCSD.
The rest in California are community programs, small isolated academic programs or county hospitals. Cedars is probably one of the better places within this group in terms of location, reputation and facilities.
I interviewed at most of these places in 2010 but ended up on the other coast for residency and fellowship. I’m sure many things have changed. There have been rumors of Cedars in the past that residents are essentially glorified medical students with little involvement in case ownership, previewing, etc and much of this goes over your head with the attendings while you are sent to gross placentas. Not sure if this is the case now. Ultimately, my impression was that you will be in the perpetual shadow of a much larger and stronger program (UCLA) literally down the street. However, if you like the program, work hard and apply yourself, you should have no issues getting a good fellowship and job.
Make sure you go to places where attendings actually teach and take time to teach you despite being busy. At a lot of these so-called “academic” places, there isn’t much teaching at the scope and are essentially private practice. Residents are essentially gross monkeys. It’s sad.thanks for the insight, i really appreciate it!