Duke University Hospital Program Individual Response

What is your in-state status?:

Out of state

On what date did the interview take place?:

2/1/2009

How do you rank this residency among ALL other residencies?:

10 out of 10

How do you rank this residency among other residencies to which you've applied?:

7 out of 10

What is your ranking of this program's facilities?:

6 out of 10

What is your ranking of this program's location?:

7 out of 10

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?:

10 out of 10

What was the stress level of the interview?:

1 out of 10

How do you think you did?:

8 out of 10

How did the interview impress you?:

Positively

How long was the interview?:

45 minutes

How many people interviewed you?:

3

What was the style of the interview?:

One-on-one

What impressed you positively?:

-The PD, Dr. Thrall is probably the nicest, most down-to-earth, and devoted PD there is <br> -Didactics are very well thought out, in small groups, case-based, and very engaging <br> -Excellent resident camaraderie- they meet up for dinner once a week <br> -Environment and faculty seem very supportive <br> -The program offers a lot of flexibility- if you have an idea, they will help you make it happen <br> -Research is really top-notch here, but they don't hit you over the head with it if that's not your thing <br> -You will see a good variety of patients between Duke University Hospital, the Durham VA, and the Central Regional Hospital (state hospital) <br> -Very focused on teaching psychotherapy, sometimes with formal observations where residents are evaluated, and sometimes through one-way mirrors <br> -Residents say they feel like their primary role is as a "learner," not a "worker" and are overall very enthusiastic about their experience <br> -Especially nice for people who like camping, hiking, rowing, and other outdoor activities; there are lots of trails around and the beach is nearby, too<br> Report as inappropriate

What impressed you negatively?:

-Things actually seem to get more difficult for the residents in terms of hours as they move from first year to second year; first year they work a reasonable 65 hours/week on inpatient psych and second year it sounded like 75 (?), though they don't get into trouble with the 80 hour week rule; not to say that this is necessarily bad but most would probably prefer a more work intern year relative to PGY2 year <br> -Residents also note that learning curve is very steep- "you will learn a lot but your hand isn't going to be held," faculty are available to help of course, but I came away unclear as to whether or not some of them wished they had a bit more guidance during their intern year <br> -A lot of Duke University Hospital is aesthetically nice, but the psych ward did not appear to be <br> -Durham feels more like a suburb than a city, though Raleigh is nearby <br> Report as inappropriate

How was your interview day? Please summarize.:

- 7:30 Breakfast and introduction from Dr. Thrall <br> - Observe a case-based didactic session <br> - Tour facilities and a little bit of campus <br> - Interviews either Dr. Thrall, Faculty member, or chief resident, Dr. Burgess <br> - Lunch with residents <br> - More interviews with people above <br> - Break <br> - Go over to see family therapy session behind one-way mirror <br> - Dinner, day ends about 7 pm <br> Report as inappropriate

What was your primary mode of travel?:

Airplane

What was your total time spent traveling?:

4-6 hours

What airport did you use?:

Raleigh-Durham

Where did you stay?:

Hotel

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?:

Homesteady Suites- Durham/University

How would you rate the hotel?:

7 out of 10

Would you recommend the hotel?:

Yes

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?:

$201-$300