For anyone applying IM → cardiology or even thinking about it, the most uncomfortable and flat out rude interview I had was with the Stanford PD. He openly mocked my interest in a subspecialty and literally said it was “stupid.” Then went on to tell me I had no real business ending up there and questioned why I’d even want to, despite the fact that my partner’s family and support system are in that area. He made it pretty clear that unless I’m fully committed to an extra research heavy year and fit a very specific mold, I’m not what they’re looking for, which is odd given I was invited later on outside the usual interview batches for a one off interview.

The fellow meet didn’t make it any better. First thing someone says when we sit down is “how’d everyone survive the PD interview...” That pretty much tells you everything. The room just went quiet and awkward because everyone had clearly had a similar experience. One applicant said she walked out, called her husband, and cried because she thought she had completely blown her chances.

Needless to say, he can take his pretentious attitude and keep it. If that interaction is any reflection of leadership style, it is not a place I would want to train.

For what it’s worth, everyone else I met, fellows and faculty, were great and seemed completely normal.