UCSD

I finally returned to Seattle, only to head off to the mountains for some snowshoeing. Although the lack of good snow really meant we did some ice hiking. For details and pictures from the adventure, check out Adam's blog. We returned to Seattle Sunday afternoon, where I hopped on a plane to head down to UCSD for yet another interview. Despite a 2 1/2 hour delay getting out, it was a pleasant trip (in large part because I got upgraded to first class, so I didn't mind in the least sitting on the runway for 2 hours).

It's going to be hard to find a program that will top UCSD. The program director and the chair of the department are both from University of Washington, and are trying to emulate the UW's residency program on a smaller scale (and in a better climate!). It really is an excellent program, very similar to Washington's but a smaller more tightly knit resident class. That really appeals to me, as internship year is going to suck where ever I end up, and I think having a smaller class will make it easier to bond with your fellow residents. The program is similar to Michigan in intensity, but about half the size. They have a 3 hospital system, so you get exposure to the university/county hospital, the VA and a private hospital. They give you 5 weeks of vacation your intern year (which is unheard of!). And did I mention the weather? FABULOUS. I could actually run outside, on the beach, everyday. I love it. It's going to be a tough choice, as there are many reasons to stay in Seattle. But I really like the idea of getting away for awhile, and experiencing life somewhere else. My UW interview is in a few weeks, so we'll see how that goes, and after that I think I will be able to start making some decisions, as my last three interviews are not ones that I'm really excited about. But who knows. Maybe the EBA's chicken sandwiches will be enough to draw me back to Hanover...