Why I chose Ohio

Okay, so I have been getting PM after PM from people wanting to know why I chose OCPM over the other schools. I don't mind responding to PMs but I'm saying the same thing over and over so I figured I'd post it on the forum. In all honesty, I have a million reasons why I made this decision but I'll give you the ones I think you would find relevant. First of all, maybe I'll tell you why I didn't chose some of the other programs:

CSPM: Expensive tuition + very high cost of living. I love the Bay area but overall the cost was just too high and not really a viable option for a student with a family. Their facilities were decent but definitely not as good as DMU or OCPM.

Scholl: I honestly never really intended on going here. I simply don't like Chicago. Its dirty, dangerous and expensive. Nothing against Scholl but like someone famous said (I can't remember who), "Chicago looks like God crapped on a parking lot."

Temple: This was actually my top choice initially but dropped off my list immediately after my interview and time in Philly. I think the city is great for visiting. Tons to do, lots of history, etc but like Oakland, it is just to expensive and crowded. The tuition there is also higher and I couldn't find a justification for that based on what I saw at the school. I was very underwhelmed by the facilities and the technology was archaic. The clinicals were good though. I also thought the Admissions Director gave a bad impression since he wasn't very professional.

AZPod: Okay, I'm going to give a disclaimer and let you know that I lived in this area of AZ for 9 years and don't really like it there. Its hot, bland, and the people are slightly rude. Now, as far as the school goes, they are are pretty on top of their game and have a well developed program and facilities. Despite what everyone says though, I don't like the idea of such a tiny class size (I think class comradery is important and its hard to accomplish with only 30-35 students). I'm also not as sold on the integrated classes with Osteopathic students as everyone else on SDN seems to be. I don't buy the fact that everyone feels like they are on an equal playing field. You can have your own opinion on this but I personally think its better to be in a class with those who intend to practice the same profession. Just my opinion. I DO, however, see the opposing position on this.

Now, with those out of the way, it came down to DMU and OCPM. Both areas are safe for families, cheap to live, and the schools have top-knotch facilities. Their tech seems pretty equal and I was very impressed by the faculty and students from both schools.

But here's what won me over on OCPM:

- offered me much bigger scholarship ($13,000 as opposed to $4000) plus even potential for merit based in following years with the exception that OCPM offers half-tuition to students with 4.0. (And hey, people can knock this all they want - I've seen it in other threads - but when I am only $100,000 in debt and you are paying off closer to $200,000 we'll see who's laughing)
- the area offers more for me and my family. Tons of entertainment, bigger airport (= cheaper airfare while traveling), closer to other cities I may want to go to, etc
- DMU forces you to buy their technology (tablet and PDA, I believe). I hate this idea because I can get the exact same tablet or better for half the price they are charging me. I know this for certain because I checked. You can't opt out of their technology or buy it cheaper elsewhere. It is a mandatory fee. OCPM has no laptop or PDA requirement but they'll still adjust the budget for it if you decide to buy one. That's more my style. Call it a small issue but it all adds up.
- Cleveland is an area I may actually be interested in staying, where as I would definitely be high-tailing it out of Des Moines immediately after school. For you single chaps and ladies, this may be a non-issue but us old married guys have to think about that.
- OCPM is the only school that includes a course (even though it isn't a ton of hours) on the business aspect of podiatry. Since this is where many physicians fail, I consider this a huge benefit.

So, since I can already see the arguments brewing, here are my rebuttals:

- 90% of the people on SDN have no clue what really makes a good podiatry school. It is also speculative and and based on very little actual experience. Even the pod students who occassionally post on here are all biased and offer merely a one-sided argument. I'll give some credence to the practicing pods who remark once in a blue moon on here, but even their thoughts have to be considered as not necessarily the rule. In other words, opinions on SDN had no bearing on my decision. Most of the arguments that go on here are silly at best.
- residency placement has no one simple equation for success. Going to DMU or AZPod is not going to secure you a residency. Podiatric medical school is, for the most part, self-study. Securing a a residency comes down to working hard and impressing residency directors both scholastically and clinically. I highly doubt a res. director is going to choose a socially ******ed idiot from DMU over an intelligent, hard working student from OCPM (these schools are just examples, and have nothing to do with my opinion of them).
- arguing that OCPM's class size is setting students up for failure is a moot point. Its actually ridiculous. I get the fact that there are less residency positions that entering students but placement doesn't work like x number of students from this school will get places and x number from this school, etc. For all we know, in our graduating year 100% of students from OCPM and Temple (the schools with highest # of admittances) could get places while only 50% from AZPod get placed (the school with lowest # of admittances). Besides, if there was any logic to this argument then maybe AZPod, Western and DMU should be criticized for opening schools at all when their was a shortage of residency positions. If high admittance is being criticized then so should opening new programs when the demand isn't there. But personally I don't think it matters in either case.

Anyways, there is the "short" version. Oh and FYI, there are a few things I didn't like about OCPM such as the fact that they force you to buy a "food card" from their cafeteria and include it in fees. It isn't optional. That's ******ed. Also, its F-ing cold there. That lake brings off some cold-***** air.

But those things I can live with.

Hope this helps a few of you!

just to clarify, the tablet and ipod touch (used to be PDA) are not really "mandatory." Yes, it is part of your tuition, but at 25k, it is still as cheap as it gets. Also, I don't know how other schools do it, but the online portal for DMU is amazing. They schedule your outlook calendar for you, and it is always nice to have inhouse tech support.
Anyways, good luck with school. sounds like you made the best decision for yourself, and that is what is important.

Thanks air bud! Ya, don't get me wrong, DMU definitely had a great setup overall. It was a tough decision, but like you said, we did what was best for us. In the end, either choice would have been good I'm sure.

catchburns said:

Thanks air bud! Ya, don't get me wrong, DMU definitely had a great setup overall. It was a tough decision, but like you said, we did what was best for us. In the end, either choice would have been good I'm sure.

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It sounds as though you chose the school which was the best fit for you, I'm happy for you and wish you the best of luck!

I too have a family so my decision must take them into consideration as well. I have an interview coming up for Ohio and was thinking about calling to cancel because I got in to my top choice (Scholl) but perhaps I'll at least go and check out OCPM now.

I do have to ask though, did you actually interview at Scholl? I'm just curious because it's not in Chicago. I'm actually not sure why they even call the area it's in North Chicago since it's so far away from the city. On the way from Chicago to the school you actually pass what appears to be farm land. I know you have a family too and one of the things that we liked about the area is that they have a really great school system (for our daughter) not too far from Scholl.

Anyway, it sounds as though you made the best decision for you and your family, which I think is great! And you've got me thinking of heading to OCPM just to see what they have to offer, so thank you for that!

Best of luck! 🙂

Looks like the subliminal messages I put in the banner ad are working!😉


Why I chose Ohio is also very similar...
1. lower tuition combined with half tuition scholarship opportunity (it won't lead to only half as much in student loans, but it helps)
2. lower cost of living in Cleveland area (as long as you don't live at the Regency)
3. it just fit, more laidbacked atmosphere than the other schools I checked out

See you in Ohio!

PS...if your big does not give you alot of info, PM me and I'll get you what I have.

Zaboota said:

It sounds as though you chose the school which was the best fit for you, I'm happy for you and wish you the best of luck!

I too have a family so my decision must take them into consideration as well. I have an interview coming up for Ohio and was thinking about calling to cancel because I got in to my top choice (Scholl) but perhaps I'll at least go and check out OCPM now.

I do have to ask though, did you actually interview at Scholl? I'm just curious because it's not in Chicago. I'm actually not sure why they even call the area it's in North Chicago since it's so far away from the city. On the way from Chicago to the school you actually pass what appears to be farm land. I know you have a family too and one of the things that we liked about the area is that they have a really great school system (for our daughter) not too far from Scholl.

Anyway, it sounds as though you made the best decision for you and your family, which I think is great! And you've got me thinking of heading to OCPM just to see what they have to offer, so thank you for that!

Best of luck! 🙂

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Ya, I went to the interview. The area its in is actually pretty decent... but its still part of the Chicago metro area which is where I'd go for all the entertainment and where my wife would end up having to play around. I've actually spent a fair amount of time in the area visiting a friend as well. It just didn't fit us well.

Good luck to you though too. If you choose Scholl, I'm sure it'll be good for you guys. But, like you said, I'd definitely check out OCPM if you have the opportunity.

Cheers.

TexPod1 said:

Looks like the subliminal messages I put in the banner ad are working!😉


Why I chose Ohio is also very similar...
1. lower tuition combined with half tuition scholarship opportunity (it won't lead to only half as much in student loans, but it helps)
2. lower cost of living in Cleveland area (as long as you don't live at the Regency)
3. it just fit, more laidbacked atmosphere than the other schools I checked out

See you in Ohio!

PS...if your big does not give you alot of info, PM me and I'll get you what I have.

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Thanks a ton. I'll probably try to milk some pointers from you as the time gets closer.

What is the best housing available for OCPM single students? I was looking through the list of apartments that are in the area and I kind of like The Regency and Rockside Park Towers. Has anyone checked these apartments out yet? If I def decide on OCPM I will be coming back and doing some apartment searching of my own.

If anyone has any input I would really appreciate it.

most students live at the Regency (close to school) or Cleveland Heights/Eastside (close to clinics/hospitals and nightspots)

I don't like apartments, so I checked out Craigslist. If you drive down Snow or Ridge, you can find lots of places for rent that are not advertised anywhere except for a sign in the yard.

I find many students evaluations, like this one, to be very "front heavy." It's based primarily on aesthetics, cost of living, tuition, etc. Things that to a pre-pod are very important, but mean squat in the end (aside form a full ride.) What you should be focused on, in addition to these facts, is what happens to these students. Are they passing step 1, getting decent residencies, happy with their education, etc. You will only be on campus for 2 years, you'll be rotating after that. Don't let the fact that a worker at the local CVS gave you a bad look, or the McDonalds worker spit on your burger..guess what? After 2 years you won't even see them. You can get a list of alumi from admissions. Do your homework and see how happy these people were with their education. Current students could be too stressed or biased to give you an accurate depiction of life at the school. Furthermore, forget how busy the clinic is, or how good the "facilities" are...the reality is that you're not going to learn anything clinically important until you're out in rotations. The only facility you should be concerned with is the library, as that's where you'll be spending most of your time if you do it right.

Brodiatrist said:

I find many students evaluations, like this one, to be very "front heavy." It's based primarily on aesthetics, cost of living, tuition, etc. Things that to a pre-pod are very important, but mean squat in the end (aside form a full ride.) What you should be focused on, in addition to these facts, is what happens to these students. Are they passing step 1, getting decent residencies, happy with their education, etc. You will only be on campus for 2 years, you'll be rotating after that. Don't let the fact that a worker at the local CVS gave you a bad look, or the McDonalds worker spit on your burger..guess what? After 2 years you won't even see them. You can get a list of alumi from admissions. Do your homework and see how happy these people were with their education. Current students could be too stressed or biased to give you an accurate depiction of life at the school. Furthermore, forget how busy the clinic is, or how good the "facilities" are...the reality is that you're not going to learn anything clinically important until you're out in rotations. The only facility you should be concerned with is the library, as that's where you'll be spending most of your time if you do it right.

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👍

Brodiatrist said:

I find many students evaluations, like this one, to be very "front heavy." It's based primarily on aesthetics, cost of living, tuition, etc. Things that to a pre-pod are very important, but mean squat in the end (aside form a full ride.) What you should be focused on, in addition to these facts, is what happens to these students. Are they passing step 1, getting decent residencies, happy with their education, etc. You will only be on campus for 2 years, you'll be rotating after that. Don't let the fact that a worker at the local CVS gave you a bad look, or the McDonalds worker spit on your burger..guess what? After 2 years you won't even see them. You can get a list of alumi from admissions. Do your homework and see how happy these people were with their education. Current students could be too stressed or biased to give you an accurate depiction of life at the school. Furthermore, forget how busy the clinic is, or how good the "facilities" are...the reality is that you're not going to learn anything clinically important until you're out in rotations. The only facility you should be concerned with is the library, as that's where you'll be spending most of your time if you do it right.

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I agree with some of what you're saying but need to point out that the "only 2 years" you are talking about is HALF of our schooling. Those things ARE important. Sure, not everything, but still essential. Students who are unhappy with the facilities, faculty, the city they're in, etc are not going to perform well and likely won't be placed in a decent residency if their grades suffer as a result of it. Especially for those of us with families, I can tell you that my wife's happiness is paramount to my success in school. If you're not married, you won't understand that.

So, do I think that a school's success rate doesn't matter? No, of course not. But, like I said, there isn't a drastic difference between any of these programs. Not enough at least to claim that a good student in any of these places wouldn't be successful. Most of them are structured very similarly. In fact, the faculty at most of these schools has likely taught at at least one of two of the other schools as well.

Besides, OCPM has a 100% residency placement rate for the last 11 years. Now, of course these numbers probably don't reflect reality (just like the other schools) but what I am saying is that I personally believe that my chance of success at OCPM are just as likely as if I attended DMU or any other school. The real difference to me is whether me and my family can be happy while we're there.

catchburns said:

But, like I said, there isn't a drastic difference between any of these programs. Not enough at least to claim that a good student in any of these places wouldn't be successful. Most of them are structured very similarly. In fact, the faculty at most of these schools has likely taught at at least one of two of the other schools as well.

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Think Feli...guy went to Barry who doesn't get much love on these forums and typically has lower first time pass rates, yet he got into the residency of his choice and looks to be in a great position to do big things in the profession. I'm sure he can comment more but seems to me like he's a perfect example of how a great student can succeed regardless of the school's "rep" or supposed academic prowess.

dtrack22 said:

Think Feli...guy went to Barry who doesn't get much love on these forums and typically has lower first time pass rates, yet he got into the residency of his choice and looks to be in a great position to do big things in the profession. I'm sure he can comment more but seems to me like he's a perfect example of how a great student can succeed regardless of the school's "rep" or supposed academic prowess.

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Look up Amber Shane and Chris Reeves.

Both Barry grads, both attendings at a highly respected residency program.

Shane is one of 3 doctors on the front page of the ACFAS, Reeves sits on the NPMBE test writing board, etc.

Work hard, you will do well for yourself. 👍

Look up Dr. John Steinberg

http://www.georgetownuniversityhosp...738331&UserAction=DoctorDetails&doctorid=5158

catchburns said:

Especially for those of us with families, I can tell you that my wife's happiness is paramount to my success in school. If you're not married, you won't understand that.

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Happy wife, happy life.

futureboy said:

Happy wife, happy life.

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Isn't that the truth!

Haha, I say this often myself. Sage advice 👍

futureboy said:

Happy wife, happy life.

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Very true! This was my number one when deciding which school to attend. My wife and kids love to be outside, and down here they can do it year round. Flights are also $89 to San Francisco from Ft. Lauderdale, so we can see our family for cheap. I have loved every moment and so has my wife and kids. We were sick of the snow in Utah. There are many great Podiatrists from all of the schools. Having the degree from one school does not guarantee success and motivation to do great things. That is a personal decision. It has been said many times on here and there seems to be a consensus about this.
I liked Ohio when I interviewed there. I would recommend people to go there if they think it is the best school for them. Deciding on a school to go to can be a confusing calculation like the BCS rankings. Go Mountain West Conference!

While on the subjects of families and spouses, I think it's important to point out that sometimes sacrifice is required on both sides in order to do what is best for the family in the long run. This is more true when it comes to residency. We turned down a residency spot in my home town and ended up moving further away from our family. The training I would have received in my hometown would have been sufficient but I wanted high quality, complete training including high volumes of trauma and reconstruction that you can't get at every program.

We've now been in Michigan for 2 1/2 years and we've missed our families greatly. However, now that we are getting a fair amount of job offers in our home state, we are very happy that we stuck it out. These three years away now give us the ability to go wherever we want. Had I decided differently, that may not have been the case. In one interview, I mentioned that I had thought about going to another program. The interviewer stated, "If you had gone there, you wouldn't be sitting here."

I'm glad my wife understood this concept because it is now greatly benefiting our family though it has been a long road.

Just something to think about.

jonwill said:

While on the subjects of families and spouses, I think it's important to point out that sometimes sacrifice is required on both sides in order to do what is best for the family in the long run. This is more true when it comes to residency. We turned down a residency spot in my home town and ended up moving further away from our family. The training I would have received in my hometown would have been sufficient but I wanted high quality, complete training including high volumes of trauma and reconstruction that you can't get at every program.

We've now been in Michigan for 2 1/2 years and we've missed our families greatly. However, now that we are getting a fair amount of job offers in our home state, we are very happy that we stuck it out. These three years away now give us the ability to go wherever we want. Had I decided differently, that may not have been the case. In one interview, I mentioned that I had thought about going to another program. The interviewer stated, "If you had gone there, you wouldn't be sitting here."

I'm glad my wife understood this concept because it is now greatly benefiting our family though it has been a long road.

Just something to think about.

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Great point! I feel the same way about residency training. It's only 3 years to have a better opportunity for the rest of your career.

One suggestion I will make to interviewees is to seek out older students at the school and ask them questions. Find out what clinic days are really like, are they really learning or applying their knowledge? In their rotations (if they have this 2nd or 3rd year) do they feel like they are getting the most from them? Were they prepped well enough for board exams? How helpful & knowledgeable is the administration/faculty when you are applying to clerkships/residency programs? Do the 3rd and 4th year students feel well prepared when they go out on clerkships/roatations? Are the teaching methods effective?

I write this because I know that when I was interviewing the students who gave the tours and were present to answer questions were usually first, maybe second years. There are things that I would have liked to have known, that perhaps an older student could have told me. Hopefully they will be honest with you.

Just my 2 cents......

when asked what school i came from I answered -Ohio, the most common response i got was "Im sorry about that"

The point is, it doesnt matter what school you went to, it is how you apply yourself and how well you perform once you get out into the 'world' of podiatry.

i have met students from other schools whom advertise themselves as #1, but are lacking in some areas of knowledge, but make up for it on others. Really, if you were a good hard working student--- your on a level playing field with everyone else

if anyone has qs about ocpm feel free to pm me,

im a fourth year in 2010 class