ACOM vs. UIWSOM

[mega_tron]

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I’m in the process of trying to make a tough decision very soon. I’m a TX resident and have been accepted into UIWSOM and ACOM. Both schools are pretty new (ACOM is a little more established). After school, I want to be in TX for residency. Would going to UIWSOM increase my chances of this?

Pros of ACOM: more established, got very good vibes on interview day, cheaper, opportunity to experience a new place, very nice facilities, welcoming people, established rotation sites

Cons: Mandatory attendance, far away from support system

Pros of UIWSOM: closer to home, increased chance of TX residency (?), more things to do in San Antonio, can more easily continue working on Spanish skills, P/F program, more time to prep after second year, more hospitals in San Antonio

Cons: Haven't graduated a class yet, still trying to establish (probably more growing pains)


Are there aspects I am overlooking? Can anyone offer any insight into either school that could help in making this decision?

Thank you.

 

[PNWDoctor]

For me, I think the mandatory attendance at ACOM would seal the deal. As in, knock it out of the running. It also seems like UIWSOM has more opportunities to network in the area you want to eventually live and practice, and is closer to your support system.

This is what I see from an outsider's perspective. At the end of the day, dig deep and go with your gut. Where do you think you'll thrive?

 

[It's lupus!]

I'll be a part of UIWSOM's class of 2022 so take what I say with it's obvious bias.
1- UIWSOM has mandatory attendance as well, but is not traditional lecture style
2- Most people I've talked to have suggested that Texas both residency and medical school has a preference for residence
3- rotation opportunities may be better at UIWSOM because well we're not in the boonies and able to better network
4- a potential downside is the possibility of clashing with UTHSCSA's rotation sites etc.
5- I don't remember tuition at ACOM but UIWSOM has pretty high tuition
6- I don't think ACOM has been around long enough to excuse growing pains and we'll uiwsom is definitely going to have a fair amount

That being said, make your decision between the two on a few things. First, what kind of teaching style is going to do best for you? Second, tuition cost, how big of a deal is that to you? Three, do you want to practice in Texas? Four, geographically which is going to be more enjoyable? God speed. Obviously, I'd chose uiwsom.

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[keepItReal17]

Just to clarify, ACOM has 60% mandatory attendance. ACOM is a bit more established than UIWSOM as they already have had 2 graduating classes and have worked out some of the intial kinks and are accredited. As mentioned before tuition is also cheaper. Just for reference I am also a Texas resident and was in a similar situation as you. However, knowing how cheap all medical schools are in Texas I couldn't get myself to pay that much to attend UIWSOM. I think if you focus in medical school (anywhere in the country) and do well on boards you can come back to Texas for residency. I also got great vibes from ACOM, their faculty and staff is very supportive and that played a significant factor to why I will be attending there. Best of luck! no matter what you decide, it comes down to the amount of work you are willing to put into medical school to get to where you wanna go.

 

[Moose A Moose]

ACOM is in the boonies. Networking, especially as a DO at a new school (they’re both considered just as new in any PD’s eyes), will be crucial.

 

[SergeantBuzzKill]

I’d stray away from UIWSOM because of the mandatory attendance alone. That sounds like a time sink.

 

[giguerex35]

UIW for some reason texas people stick together. If you want to stay in Texas go UIW it’ll help in th long run in my opinion.

 

[It's lupus!]

I’d stray away from UIWSOM because of the mandatory attendance alone. That sounds like a time sink.

The attendance isn't for lecture its 100% pbl and class time is only until noon.

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[spankyg]

UIW for some reason texas people stick together. If you want to stay in Texas go UIW it’ll help in th long run in my opinion.

What are you basing this on? Conjecture?

 

[giguerex35]

What are you basing this on? Conjecture?

*sigh* stated in my post it was my opinion. I’ve spent a lot of time in Texas and the south in general. Texas people are a different breed. It’s also generally a good idea that if you want to practice and stay in a certain area state that going to school there and making friends along the way can only help you. What’s it to you.

 

[It's lupus!]

What are you basing this on? Conjecture?

Texas is known for in state bias for both med school and residency. Not sure I can dig up numbers but having searched around residencies and seen individual school numbers that sentiment is fairly close to the truth.

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[spankyg]

*sigh* stated in my post it was my opinion. I’ve spent a lot of time in Texas and the south in general. Texas people are a different breed. It’s also generally a good idea that if you want to practice and stay in a certain area state that going to school there and making friends along the way can only help you. What’s it to you.

Fair enough! Just curious, is all. Sorry if my post came across as inflammatory.

Texas is known for in state bias for both med school and residency. Not sure I can dig up numbers but having searched around residencies and seen individual school numbers that sentiment is fairly close to the truth.

This makes a lot of sense. No need to dig, I appreciate your input, as I'm sure the OP does as well.

 

[mega_tron]

Thanks, everyone. This input was very helpful. I decided on UIWSOM!

 

[Moose A Moose]

*sigh* stated in my post it was my opinion. I’ve spent a lot of time in Texas and the south in general. Texas people are a different breed. It’s also generally a good idea that if you want to practice and stay in a certain area state that going to school there and making friends along the way can only help you. What’s it to you.

Yee-haw