Residency Placement

[coonskee]

Hello,

I'm a rising Junior at Columbia U who is thinking about attending JUMC. Initially, the only reason I was considering this medical school was because of the family edge (my father lives in Krakow); however, since I spend each summer in Poland, I had a chance to pop by the uni and have found that I really quite like it.

I'm going to stop by the school again tomorrow to ask this question among others, but I was hoping that maybe some alumni are active on these boards or can be contacted somehow to answer the following: how successful is this school in placing students in their top-choice residencies? (obviously, it's not just up to the school to do this, but if a very low percentage of students get their top choices, then there's something to be said about that...) I have no idea where I'll want to work in the future, but I do think that a residency in the States would be beneficial for my career. If specifics help at all, I'm thinking about being a surgeon, but I'm not sure how the choice of specialty affects how likely one is to get it (I haven't quite thought so far ahead -- I just want to know that I shan't be burning any bridges by attending this school!)

Thanks much in advance,
-Ola

[Szymonsays]

Man, no one answers on these boards >.< Anyway, i'll try to help you out. Jagiellonski is a good school, i know two girls who went there. One graduated (4 year program), and the other is entering her 6th year. Based on what they've told me, most of the profs are really good but in the end it comes down to how dedicated you are to studying. The one that graduated has a residency in the States right now. Her USMLE scores were quite good, and she had excellent connections from some universities in california and the university of rochester in ny when she did her rotations over there. The one in the 6th year plans on doing her residency in europe.

But i'm babling on and on about them lol All i can tell you is that in the end, your USMLE scores, the LOR you get, and the connections you establish will determine what kind of residency you will get back home.

Personally, I'm going to Jagiellonski for the 6 year program starting next month. The culture, the prestige, and the people (i'm polish lol) are what influenced me to go. I plan on doing my residency in the states as well so i can one day practice home in Canada. Good luck on your decision man :)

[Dave_MD]

i can't give you their email addresses for obvious reasons but i can say that my parents have introduced me to 3 physicians that graduated from JUMC. Two are working in the USA and one in Canada. Both matched into their respective residencies with no problem (neuro, internal, orthopedic surgery). it comes down to reference letters and USMLE scores among other things.

i believe on the jag website there actually is a list of graduates posted and info for you to contact them. browse the school site a bit.

[coonskee]

Thanks for your answers! :) I got in touch with two grads the day after i posted the thread since I wasn't sure if anyone would reply :P Thanks! :D

[margie_abc]

Hi, I'm planning on applying to JAG (my parents call it UJ by the way...), and trying to get more info what are my chances in getting the residency in US or Canada - I'm from Canada. I already read your useful postings, but some things are still a puzzle to me. So, could you please explain, how to obtain clinical rotations in US (university mentions California hospitals - how difficult is it to get in?) Also was anybody successful in getting rotations in Canadian hospitals (sounds almost impossible to me ?)

Next part is obtaining residency in US/or Canada - what's the process? And could anybody explain what USMLE is?

Thanks a million,

Marg