An interesting point of view re: medical education

[chuck deli]

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I was just curious as to your opinion on the following statement:

"I believe that in the end it does not matter what medical school you attend. A school's job is to train students in the science of medicine (which the fundamentals haven't changed in decades) and provide you with exposure to a variety of different medical specialties. That's really all it is for. To become a great doctor it is more important that you choose a residency/specialty that you enjoy and feel passionate about and that it occurs in a place that allows you to experience a large spectrum of patients."

Just curious as to your opinion. It makes a lot of logical sense to me, and eases the stress of getting into my "top choice" medical school. What is so special about the way a top tier school teaches vs. a typical state school?

 

[johnhopeful]

when you are in a top-tier, you can see further

 

[thackl]

It probably depends on what you want to do. I you're intereseted in one of the most competitive fields, residencies and/or research positions, then is would be in your interest to attend a top school. If your passion is family practice a top school would be a waste. However, I've met a number of very accomplished and respected Doctors from lower schools.

I have the scores/background to get interviews at any of the top schools, but I won't be applying to even one of them since I now have a wife/2 kids. The comp. isn't worth it. What's an MD if I'm divorced and the kids hate me? 6 or 7 years ago, I may have been up to the challenge, but now the focus has changed. What is your goal? Answering that may help in deciding how much to go through chasing a seat at the "top" school. Good luck, this is a tough process.

 

[Doc Ivy]

It probably depends on what you want to do. I you're intereseted in one of the most competitive fields, residencies and/or research positions, then is would be in your interest to attend a top school.

While it may be in one's "interest" to attend a top school, it might not be one's reality to be accepted...🙄 🙂

 

[IndyZX]

well, the science of medicine changes all the time. your med school cirriculum will be somewhat different in scope or content than the one 20yrs ago.

on to the meat of your post: top ranked medical schools make it easier to get into top residencies for a variety of reasons. one of them is the fact taht if you get into a top ranked school, it can be inferred that you are a more qualified candidate than those from lower ranked schools. therefore, residency programs can dig deeper into columbia's class than a lower tier school.