I relocated to the Mile High metro back in late March from south Alabama. So, I really haven't been here long enough to establish a solid opinion about any of these programs/services/people/etc. However, since I was recently accepted to and will begin DH's 12-month program next month, I figured I should offer up my thoughts to this conversation.
I chose DH specifically because:
a) I wanted the clinical exposure in a high-volume 911 system.
b) from all that I could gather, DH seems to have a fairly solid system with decent organization and a high regional reputation.
c) DH is an
academic level I trauma center.
d) (technically encompassed by c), but worth explaining...) I wanted the opportunity to learn from both young and old physicians. I think the young ones can teach you more about textbook medicine and the older ones can teach you about how they
really do it in the ED. Now, I'm not so naive as to believe that I will be given hours upon hours of one-on-one instruction with a resident or practicing trauma surgeon. But, what I do possess is the ability to listen. Learning is very much a proactive process and it will not always be spoon-fed from a textbook or in a classroom. You must be willing to listen to those around you "on the streets" (also read "in the hallways") as well. It does not matter where you go to school, if you lack the ability to listen to those around you then you most likely will not be successful. However, with that said, I believe at an academic institution you are
more likely to come across those individuals who have a passion for teaching.
And finally,
e) I wanna go fast! ...in lots and lots of traffic
rofl
Now, honestly... I don't think you can really go wrong with any medic program based out of a level I trauma center.
I have friends in both north Mississippi and south Alabama that would give their left cargo pocket if they could come to ANY of these "big city" programs.