what are the programs

Not really wanting to share but one is T15 but in less desirable city where I have family connections, other one is ~T60 program in more desirable city with friends

does high or low ranking in derm matter to you? QOL so much more important than ranking of derm program.... in my opinon up you have to figure that out for you

it matters but its not top of list> do you want go into academics or private practice? because if the training is the same at both prograams, prestige would only matter if you're applying to be faculty or wanting grants + 1

> OP, I'm in a similar situation! It's tough because my mentors have been pushing me to rank the T10/T15 program in a less desirable city for me (have never lived there before, only know one friend lol) higher than the T30/T40 program in a city where I have family and friends, but I think I'm leaning towards prioritizing the program where I know people and will personally be happier. Residency is tough, and I've heard it can be very isolating if you don't end up clicking with your co-residents (and derm residency classes are so small). I don't feel very strongly about pursuing a career in academics though

if you care about prestige, you are lame af. 95% of us going prviate practice regardless of whatever BS academic reason you are telling yourself now. everyone focuses on name, but you can put a dumbass at harvard derm and they'll still graduate a dumbass. the training will always be what you the individual make of it

derm resident - middle tier in a top tier location is better than top tier in a shit location. Your QoL will be better and you'll still get good training; UNLESS you want to do high-level academia. In that case, you may wanna just tough it out

tysm for your input! that makes me feel better about my decision