Coming from a large out-of-state university program, I was impressed with all that Carraway had to offer, and I would definately choose Carraway again. If I had to state the best things about the program I would start with the advanced laproscopy. If you have any interest in minimally invasive surgery, take a close look at Carraway. You will graduate with the skills necessary to do anything you care to try. The chief residents routinely do laproscopic roux-en-y gastric bypasses in under 2 hours. Secondly, I think the variety here is beneficial. There is a wide breadth and depth of general surgery cases available to the residents. Most residents graduate with between 800-1000 cases, and there are no fellows competing for your cases. Lastly, the faculty is well-connected that can help when applying for fellowships. If you are qualified, they can help you get into just about any fellowship. Speaking of fellowships, most graduates elect to go straight into private practice. But, we have had people get into extremely competitive fellowships from here including minimally invasive, breast, and CT are a few that I know. The benefits here are second to none. Free meals, $1500 yearly educational allowance, free health insurance for residents, access to an on campus gym, and a higher than normal salary are a few of the more appreciated amenities. Any negatives associated with the program would start with the facilities and the need for an upgrade. Bench research is non-existent, but clinical research is highly encouraged. If you are interested in pediatric or transplant surgery, this isn’t the place for you. While there are graduates from Carraway in academics, if your hearts desire is to be a department chairman, go somewhere that will give you a more notable pedigree. If you think Carraway is a place you might enjoy, I would highly recommend spending a few weeks here during your time in medical school. I am open to any inquiries. http://www.carraway.org/p_res_surgery.htm
My Schedule
Teams are divided based on attendings. One team does vascular/general surgery team. A second team does mainly wounds and advanced laparoscopy. The third team is totally general surgery. Most mornings start around 5:30AM and end between 4-5PM. We are staying within the 80-hour work week. Call is approximately Q4-5. Interns are placed in the OR a great deal and not just relegated to floor work. Scut work is practically non-existent. Pediatric, transplant, and trauma rotations are done on other campuses.
My Learning Experience
The teaching here is excellent. As a small non-university program, our program director, Dr. Kimball Maull, is very concerned about ABSITE scores and teaching. There are weekly reading assignments and weekly quizzes on the assigned reading. Every resident prepares 2-3 30 minute presentations per year on various topics and gives them to the residents and faculty. Nothing forces you master a topic like knowing you will be lecturing your attendings and collegues. There is an ABSITE review led by a faculty member for several months leading up the test. The M&M’s are typically good learning experiences and non-malignant. There are several retired general surgeons from the community who frequent these M&Ms and presentations. Two of the three categorical interns this year scored greater than the 85th percentile on the ABSITE. I think this speaks highly of the education and training we get at Carraway.
My Life and Environment
The atmosphere here is one of collegiality and camaraderie. The unmarried residents hang out together. Although it can be demanding, the attendings and upper levels don’t use that as an excuse to be abusive and condescending. The ICU nursing staff is excellent. The floor nursing staff is a mixed bag ranging from outstanding to adequate. The big difference here is that all the nurses treat you like a doctor from your intern level forward, but as with every hospital, there are too few nurses for the amount of work needed to get done. The actual facilities would be a possible negative. While everything is clean and functional, the hospital does need a facelift and to improve the computer systems. There is one FMG that is a catagorical intern this year and one that was accepted as an intern for next year. Both completed a preliminary year here at Carraway and are very deserving of catagorical spots. Yes, I do have a life outside of work. My life outside of the hospital basically revolves around my wife, our new son, and our church. Birmingham is a great city. It has great restaurants, malls, and outdoor activities. If what you want isn't in Birmingham, Atlanta is about 2 hours away.
– Posted 05/11/05
Overall Rating4
Teaching
4
Atmosphere
5
Research
3
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As a fourth year student from a large Urban Medical School, I was very impressed with Carraways facilities, Staff and especially residents. I am going to strongly consider this program.
My Schedule
I did a 4th year rotation at Carraway and was very impressed with the Staff, Residents and Atmosphere. Hours that the residents work seem to be the norm for General Surgery, 5:30ish to 5:00pm. The interns seem to get an amazing amount of OR time and are not scutted if it can be helped. As a fourth year I was involved in patient management and allowed to do various procedures. Residents made rounds on weekends quick and painless and residents get at least one totally free weekend a month.
My Learning Experience
Excellent faculty, they seemed very interested in the residents and knew all the residents on a personal level. The attendings were very approachable and very interested in teaching. The conferences were good with a lot of real life experience advise given by some of the older very experienced attendings.
My Life and Environment
Resident camaraderie was excellent. Get group of residents that get along well and work well together. Residents are given at least one free weekend a month. Residents have great relationship with attendings as far as I can tell.
– Posted 09/10/01
Overall Rating4
Teaching
5
Atmosphere
3
Research
4
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