Ben Gurion versus Sackler?

[littlecorn]

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Can anyone comment on the differences between these schools other than BG's affiliation with Columbia and emphasis on International medicine. ARe they comparable in quality of education and reputation? Does one of these schools have an advantage over the others in terms of competing for residencies?
Thanks!

 

[beyond all hope]

I graduated from Sackler but I interviewed and was accepted at both programs.

Both are excellent programs to learn academic and clinical medicine. I don't know that much about BGU but I would say they're about the same as far as training. Both programs get good residencies in the United States, but neither of them is as good as a US school as far as residency placement.

BGU offers a richer cultural experience, because you're out in the boonies and not in downtown Tel Aviv. However, being in Tel Aviv is pretty nice because TA is an incredible city, whereas BGU is in the middle of the desert.

Reputation: Sackler has been around 28 years, BGU 5. People just know Sackler better, so that leads to a stronger reputation. Also more alumni out there to help you. However, BGU's affiliation with Columbia helps a lot.

Tuition: BGU unfortunately costs more because they only offer private loans (unless they've gotten that figured out). Government loans are way better than privates.

I chose Sackler because it's in the city, because it has a stronger reputation and they offer government loans, but I could have easily gone to BGU and probably have been happy.

 

[rapshi]

From what I've heard, (brother-in-law at BGU) The boys in the Negev are happier then those up in TA. Also a head Doc from Sharei Tzedek Jerusalem told me he felt the program at BGU trains students second to none.
All this is heresay, I would choose based on location. although everything said above says it all.

 

[Dr.Wolkower]

you need to have some culture and the beach or you will get psychotic-if you have a choice between sackler and ben-gurion its a no-brainer go to tel-avivi university and enjoy the culture of tel aviv

alan

class of 1985

 

[j802002]

BGU Medical School for International Health (Pro's over Sackler)
A much more unique program with a diverse student body
Most of Sackler is Jewish, think of A E pi, and that is 3/4 of Sackler
Amazing clinical/elective experiences
Only school of its kind in the world (International Medicine)

SACKLER School of Medicine (Pro's over BGU)
Location - Tel Aviv is much nicer than Beer Sheva and has a beach
Academics - Been around longer so have a better curriculum for 1st and 2nd year

I'd split on residencies. Sackler has the advantage of being around for longer, but BGU's Columbia connection scores its grads amazing residencies.

If you like International Health --> BGU
If you absolutely must live in a cosmopolitan city --> Sackler
If you like diversity and are not of a Jewish background --> BGU

 

[beyond all hope]

Agreed that BGU has a more diverse student body, but it is not a problem not being Jewish at Sackler. I was one of the non-Jews and there was never any issue with that. It's just like being in certain parts of Long Island - everyone is Jewish but they don't care if you're not.

Sometimes I feel like I missed out on a sense of community that some of the more religious Jews had, but I was always welcome (several times...I even had a bunch of guys on the street ask me to join a prayer circle in the middle of the night).