I agree with tucker. I would come here again if given the choice between the multiple other osteopathic medical schools I was given acceptance (MSUCOM, COMP, Touro, UHS). There are many decisions that go into what school fits your own individualized needs; clinical education, didactic education, board pass rate/scores, where the students match (probably the most important), location and atmosphere of the city, atmosphere of the students.
And of all of those things...when it comes down to it, one of the most important factors would probably come down to the match. It's just about what residencies the students get into, but also where (university academic center, university affiliated-private hospital, community hospital, large city, small city).
Also, my 3rd year rotation schedule was fantastic. And I couldn't be happier with the way my 4th year audition rotations schedule has worked out; all confirmed rotations:
1) Good Samaritan in Phoenix (Nephrology)
2) Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix (Neurology)
3) St. Josephs in Phoenix (Subinternship in IM, was also accepted for Neuro but months available didn't work out. I was particularly pumped about this one as the Barrows Neurological Institute is considered one of the best in the WORLD)
4) Legacy Emanual in Portland, OR (Subinternship in IM)
5) Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA (Family Medicine)
6) Providence St. Vincents in Portland, OR (ICU)
I am a entering fourth year with alot of experience in dealing with the administration.
#1. We were allowed 4 out of state rotations as compared to the class below me, which is now allowed 3. You can petition for more if needed.
#2. There are so many partial truths in some of these post that they cannot all be corrected.
Many of the faculty members that are leaving are retiring, It happens that this also occurs when 3-4 have left to start programs at other schools. Yes AZCOM has it's problems, and believe me I have dealt with my share, But with all of those problems I'd come here again in a heart beat.
I think the OP's concern about rotations is valid, but is not based on experiences. We can have as good of a clerkship as we want. we may have to put in more work, but it is usually worth it, and is not usually that much extra anyway.
I was well prepared for both the COMLEX, and USMLE. I think that alot of the underclassmen feel that they should be able to take the boards immediately after classes second year with no additional study. I worked my butt off and scored well into the 90th %ile on both exams.
Also, financially if you have questions about MWU's finances and how they use our money ask the CFO, they are very open. The information I have is that each program must stand alone and pay for itself. The new buildings are built with bond money not tuition dollars.
Now for some of the bad,
Post-rotation exams are a joke, we should take the shelf. Some of the classes in the first years are redundant and unnecessary, but for the most part are not bad.
You do have to do a good portion of the leg work in your clinical years, but IMO this allows you to tailor your education somewhat.
Be wary what you read on these forums, everyone has their opinion, but as always it is just an opinion. Many more people are glad they came here despite the somewhat minor shortcomings, but there are those that are not happy with their choice.
Good Luck to all in your rotations and clinical years. Things are much more fun when you are seeing patients.
Just my .02