AT Still (KCOM) vs. LMU-DCOM

[grannemanp]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello,
I have been accepted to ATSU and DCOM, but cannot decide where I want to go. I tried to make a pro's and con's list, but that didn't help me. Can anyone give me their pros and cons for each. Maybe I might have missed a few, and it might just help me with my decision.

 

[beckhunter116]

Hello,
I have been accepted to ATSU and DCOM, but cannot decide where I want to go. I tried to make a pro's and con's list, but that didn't help me. Can anyone give me their pros and cons for each. Maybe I might have missed a few, and it might just help me with my decision.

I think KCOM has the most established clinical years, they have sites all over and I believe they are actually quality sites (not to say the DCOM doesn't have any).

Both are pretty rural.

I'm pretty sure the cost is relatively close to each other.

DCOM is new, KCOM is the oldest DO school.

What are your concerns about either, then we can comment on them more. Good luck!

 

[grannemanp]

I'm from Missouri, so that leads me to KCOM. But I just got an amazing vibe from DCOM and I cannot shake it. I love both the schools, and before I went to interview at DCOM, I never thought I would want to go to any other school than KCOM. Now...its a coin toss away. Just thought if I could get a good list of pros and cons, that I would be able to make a better decision.

Part of me wants to stay near my family, KCOM, while the other me wants to take a chance and go to DCOM. I would rather have facts determine where I go more so than family ties.

 

[JaggerPlate]

DCOM seems to be doing the right things and making a name for themselves, but KCOM is the oldest, (in my opinion) most established DO school out there. It is hard to turn down something with a proven track record, for me personally.

 

[Styria]

KCOM's clinical rotation sites are good for all of years 3 and 4, but I don't know how they're set up, just that a second cousin did well with hers. DCOM's lottery for core sites specifies which months will be selectives, electives, and vacations for both 3 and 4, even though the assigned required rotations make up 10 months total. The clinical faculty have been working hard setting up additional core sites and visiting existing ones to work out any problems and make sure they're good quality.

DCOM has a former dean of KCOM who would tell you DCOM is better.

 

[Laryngophed]

DCOM has a former dean of KCOM who would tell you DCOM is better.

That couldn't have anything to do with the handsome (I'm assuming) salary they are paying that individual, could it?

To the OP - I don't know much about DCOM, but what I've read(heard?) is that it is an up and coming institution. I'm biased because KCOM provided me my first acceptance, but I like the proven thing.

If DCOM is as good as I've heard, it'll all come down this one question:

"Where do I(you) want to go?"

You'll get a good education either place, but where will you be happiest?

 

[rddoms]

KCOM vs. DCOM... good problem to have.

I'd say that you should go to KCOM because that was your top choice before you saw DCOM. If you care about cost, it looks like KCOM is going to be around $7,000 more per year.

You will be able to leave Missouri for your clinical years, and many of the rotation sites are at teaching hospitals that house residencies (I know nothing about DCOM's rotations).

I agree with Jaggerplate that KCOM's track record is hard to turn down. The faculty here is very helpful and they really care about us students. We get a 2 week preceptorship during the summer after 1st year, and that is a lot of fun. Plus, it reminds you why you are putting yourself through the "torture" of basic sciences.

You have a tough decision to make, but the end result will be good either way. As a current KCOM student, I'd say go to KCOM. Good Luck!

 

[JaggerPlate]

DCOM has a former dean of KCOM who would tell you DCOM is better.

If I was an ex-salesman for Chevrolet who recently moved over to the Ford dealership across town, you think I'd tell you to buy a Chevy over a Ford during a sales pitch? Even if I was a Chevy man at heart???

 

[dendrites]

which style of learning works best for you??

traditional subject specific (KCOM) or integrated systems based (DCOM)

it's always a tough choice to turn down an established school but go with your gut!

 

[Daedra22]

In your position I think that I would choose KCOM, because of how old and well-known it is. However, I've heard only good things about DCOM, and I'm a firm believer in going where you are the happiest. If you think that you will thrive personally at DCOM, then that will probably go for your professional/educational life as well. Either way, you're going to be a doctor... so congrats, and good luck with your decision. 🙂

 

[Styria]

That couldn't have anything to do with the handsome (I'm assuming) salary they are paying that individual, could it?

No, it has to do with how KCOM was run, and he doesn't regret resigning over it. DCOM came later.

I'm at DCOM, but KCOM is my family school, so both mean a lot to me. I'll review DCOM on the pros and cons thread sometime, but need to learn more first.

 

[beckhunter116]

No, it has to do with how KCOM was run, and he doesn't regret resigning over it. DCOM came later.

I'm at DCOM, but KCOM is my family school, so both mean a lot to me. I'll review DCOM on the pros and cons thread sometime, but need to learn more first.

Can you elaborate on how KCOM is/was run that would make him want to leave?

 

[JaggerPlate]

Can you elaborate on how KCOM is/was run that would make him want to leave?

It's been 'run' for 118 years and still seems to be doing 'okay.'

Styria, it's really not necessary to make attacks when comparing one school to another. State why you like DCOM, not what you dislike about KCOM or act like there is some big conspiracy at another school based on an ex-employee's account.

 

[reedman]

I was accepted to ATSU but got into a state school from the waitlist. I had already paid the deposit and found an apartment in phoenix.

My impression was surprisingly good. I liked the staff and the students. I really appreciated the focus on primary care and the use of OMT in a practical way (based on talking with students). I also interviewed at KCOM and had a less than great impression. I can't quite explain it, but I just didn't like the "vibe".

I would have been happy to go to ATSu, but my in-state school is sooooo much cheaper.

 

[beckhunter116]

It's been 'run' for 118 years and still seems to be doing 'okay.'

Styria, it's really not necessary to make attacks when comparing one school to another. State why you like DCOM, not what you dislike about KCOM or act like there is some big conspiracy at another school based on an ex-employee's account.

I agree JP...I think it is a great school, one that I would proudly attend. I was just curious if Styria had a legit story to go with what they were posting.

I mean in the end every school is going to have some squabbles..some are doable for me, some aren't. I just want to find which schools I can live with and what I can't. Overall, I know KCOM is on that list, DCOM is most likely on that list as I have only heard great things about the school, but I am still researching it.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I agree JP...I think it is a great school, one that I would proudly attend. I was just curious if Styria had a legit story to go with what they were posting.

I mean in the end every school is going to have some squabbles..some are doable for me, some aren't. I just want to find which schools I can live with and what I can't. Overall, I know KCOM is on that list, DCOM is most likely on that list as I have only heard great things about the school, but I am still researching it.

Trust me, I am in no way, shape, or form trying to dissuade anyone from attending DCOM. They are new, but I've heard good things. I am also not trying to advocate some type of attitude that KCOM > All the rest (though it may be true 🙂). I'm also not trying to explode on Styria. I'm pushing for people to stick to the facts, do their own research, and make a decision based on: quality of 3/4 year rotations, location, cost, feel (if you got that click, closeness to family, etc), etc. If the OP really researches and realizes that DCOM is the best fit, then that is fantastic! I do still think that it is difficult to turn down a school as established as KCOM, but again, just my two cents. I just don't think it is necessary to degrade another school, or perpetrate, potentially malicious, biased, and unproven rumors in these types of discussions.

 

[beckhunter116]

👍

 

[Styria]

This older post will be sufficient: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=494077

Listen, I know it's stupid to share someone else's opinion when I'm not sure I can name a reference. What constitutes slander, or simply betraying someone's confidence... if it were said in confidence? Professors don't often name names when they make a comment in lecture, but they may elsewhere. But per SDN's vaunted standards, the first thing out of anyone's mouth is to say a dean is just a disgruntled employee and then accuse ME of attacking. Most people here belittle references just as quickly as they make a show of asking for them. That's why I dropped my own info from the sidebar long ago.

KCOM is a fine school, which I already said.

 

[JaggerPlate]

This older post will be sufficient: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=494077

Listen, I know it's stupid to share someone else's opinion when I'm not sure I can name a reference. What constitutes slander, or simply betraying someone's confidence... if it were said in confidence? Professors don't often name names when they make a comment in lecture, but they may elsewhere. But per SDN's vaunted standards, the first thing out of anyone's mouth is to say a dean is just a disgruntled employee and then accuse ME of attacking. Most people here belittle references just as quickly as they make a show of asking for them. That's why I dropped my own info from the sidebar long ago.

KCOM is a fine school, which I already said.

A two year old story about someone who got a DUI and a few posts that there are some powerful people in admin? This is your defense?? I truly would not base any accusations on this small arsenal of semi-related information, especially with current KCOM students (ie rddoms) in the thread endorsing the school. Like I said earlier, my point was not to attack you ... and I do apologize if it came off that way, I really do. My point was simple ... stick to the facts. We don't know the issues behind what happened with this situation, nor do we know why the staff member at DCOM decided to part ways with KCOM. What we do know is what each school has to offer as far as price, location, experiences during pre-clinical years, rotation sites, etc. I personally think we should stick to stating the pros and cons based on these factors, and leave libelous, unsubstantiated rumors out of the picture.

 

[rddoms]

That thread was ridiculous. People get on their high horse about DUI's, but alcoholism is a disease. Just because someone is a high ranking official doesn't mean that they are immune to these illnesses. Also, Dr. McGovern did some amazing things for ATSU, but people often fail to recognize that.

About the two past students commenting on "Mean Administrators"... I don't know what to say. I have never experienced that in my 3.5 years here, and don't know of anyone else who has. The faculty here are wonderful, and really want their students to succeed.

I would be more than happy to talk with anyone who wants to decide between KCOM and another school. I don't get paid to do so, and am not an ambassador. I just appreciate how I've been treated here. KCOM is the shiz, 'nuff said.

 

[JaggerPlate]

That thread was ridiculous. People get on their high horse about DUI's, but alcoholism is a disease. Just because someone is a high ranking official doesn't mean that they are immune to these illnesses. Also, Dr. McGovern did some amazing things for ATSU, but people often fail to recognize that.

About the two past students commenting on "Mean Administrators"... I don't know what to say. I have never experienced that in my 3.5 years here, and don't know of anyone else who has. The faculty here are wonderful, and really want their students to succeed.

I would be more than happy to talk with anyone who wants to decide between KCOM and another school. I don't get paid to do so, and am not an ambassador. I just appreciate how I've been treated here. KCOM is the shiz, 'nuff said.

👍 poetry

(especially the highlighted portion )

 

[salazaar]

Well, here's my two cents. Grannemanp, I think you should go with your gut on this one. You are making a win/win decision and have very little to lose by attending either institution. I chose KCOM over CCOM despite my early inclination toward CCOM. For me, that "amazing vibe" made all the difference. If you have a good gut reaction to a solid institution like DCOM I say go for it.

Choosing which medical school to attend is like choosing which girl to marry after only one date. If you don't have a good gut reaction, it doesn't bode well for the rest of your relationship. There are certainly other factors, but given multiple acceptances, I would not want to proceed with a school that didn't give me an "amazing vibe."

 

[JaggerPlate]

Well, here's my two cents. Grannemanp, I think you should go with your gut on this one. You are making a win/win decision and have very little to lose by attending either institution. I chose KCOM over CCOM despite my early inclination toward CCOM. For me, that "amazing vibe" made all the difference. If you have a good gut reaction to a solid institution like DCOM I say go for it.

Choosing which medical school to attend is like choosing which girl to marry after only one date. If you don’t have a good gut reaction, it doesn’t bode well for the rest of your relationship. There are certainly other factors, but given multiple acceptances, I would not want to proceed with a school that didn’t give me an “amazing vibe.”

This is why I hate my arranged marriage 🙁

 

[lokiperson]

Well, here's my two cents. Grannemanp, I think you should go with your gut on this one. You are making a win/win decision and have very little to lose by attending either institution. I chose KCOM over CCOM despite my early inclination toward CCOM. For me, that "amazing vibe" made all the difference. If you have a good gut reaction to a solid institution like DCOM I say go for it.

Choosing which medical school to attend is like choosing which girl to marry after only one date. If you don’t have a good gut reaction, it doesn’t bode well for the rest of your relationship. There are certainly other factors, but given multiple acceptances, I would not want to proceed with a school that didn’t give me an “amazing vibe.”

+1. I was in the same situation. I knew when I was applying that I wanted to go to either DMU or KCOM. I was leaning more towards DMU for a lot of reasons before I interviewed at both. I got accepted to both and ended up choosing KCOM because of the feeling I got there. DMU is a great school and in my opinion had a couple more pros than KCOM, but I just didn't get the same feeling there that I had at KCOM.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

I might be viewed as a little biased because I am 100% set on DCOM for the fall...😀

However, the reason I am so set on DCOM and would suggest that you also attend there is because I too had that very same "ohmygoodness" feeling when I was there. I'm not going to lie- I have to tell myself fairly regularly that I will survive in such a rural area- but I am comforted by the fact that I am so completely excited about the particular program. Now as for you, KCOM is super rural too so that can't exactly be a factor for your decision huh? 🙂

So the top 10 reasons I am stoked about DCOM (in no particular order):
1. Integrated systems teaching is meant for me
2. The students, faculty, and support staff are so completely welcoming and friendly
3. An addition that needs to be separate from #2: Bob the tour guide!!
4. I want to be a part of a newer program- things are still flexible and student ideas and feedback seem to be received fairly well
5. The community is very receptive to the students, with lots of involvement and service occurring already
6. I really think that in the next few years it will have one of the best reputations in the DO world- extremely good things are being said about students on rotations
7. There is such a family like atmosphere there; students help each other instead of try to prevent others from succeeding
8. The area is absolutely gorgeous with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities
9. It's far away from distraction but not so completely far from civilization that you can't get somewhere reasonably quickly for a day out
10. Technologically speaking, this school is top notch; everything from the recorded lectures, OPP lab, the laptop they give you, the study rooms, the lecture halls...it's all awesome.

Now I offer this bit of advice: every school will have most of these things to some degree or another (technology, location benefits, good faculty, etc), so none of these are intended to imply KCOM doesn't match up at all, which brings me back to my original point: GO WITH YOUR GUT 🙂 Good luck deciding!

 

[matrica]

I might be viewed as a little biased because I am 100% set on DCOM for the fall...😀

However, the reason I am so set on DCOM and would suggest that you also attend there is because I too had that very same "ohmygoodness" feeling when I was there. I'm not going to lie- I have to tell myself fairly regularly that I will survive in such a rural area- but I am comforted by the fact that I am so completely excited about the particular program. Now as for you, KCOM is super rural too so that can't exactly be a factor for your decision huh? 🙂

So the top 10 reasons I am stoked about DCOM (in no particular order):
1. Integrated systems teaching is meant for me
2. The students, faculty, and support staff are so completely welcoming and friendly
3. An addition that needs to be separate from #2: Bob the tour guide!!
4. I want to be a part of a newer program- things are still flexible and student ideas and feedback seem to be received fairly well
5. The community is very receptive to the students, with lots of involvement and service occurring already
6. I really think that in the next few years it will have one of the best reputations in the DO world- extremely good things are being said about students on rotations
7. There is such a family like atmosphere there; students help each other instead of try to prevent others from succeeding
8. The area is absolutely gorgeous with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities
9. It's far away from distraction but not so completely far from civilization that you can't get somewhere reasonably quickly for a day out
10. Technologically speaking, this school is top notch; everything from the recorded lectures, OPP lab, the laptop they give you, the study rooms, the lecture halls...it's all awesome.

Now I offer this bit of advice: every school will have most of these things to some degree or another (technology, location benefits, good faculty, etc), so none of these are intended to imply KCOM doesn't match up at all, which brings me back to my original point: GO WITH YOUR GUT 🙂 Good luck deciding!

To the OP, go with r feeling! I agree with that. In a lot of threads I read go to the more established one, I choose LMU over a more established one, I choose the best fit for me!!!

I don't think you have to write r pros and cons, rather rate what are the most important factors (establishment, tuition, location, rotations, etc...) for you and then compare the schools.

Or, just imagine you paid the deposit to one of the schools, would u regret it?

Hope it helps, but at the end it is r call!!!!

Anyway, Congratulations on r Acceptances!!!!!