C’mon guys, I need your help! TUCOM-NV or WesternU?

[Dr.Vitaminka]

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Both schools have their pros and cons and the truth is, I would be probably just as happy at either one and am lucky enough to have the luxury to choose, but I have to make a choice and this is where your opinions and suggestions come in.

So far, this is what I've come up with:

WesternU - COMP
Pros:
Good Affiliations, Close to Home, California which is essentially where I’d like to practice, Organized Curriculum, residents have secured great residencies, “Campusie” feel
Cons:
Huge Class, Bad Area

TUCOM-NV
Pros:
Excellent Faculty - the most caring I've ever seen, Small Class Size, Good Area, New School - Room for flexibility and input, Henderson is a great, blooming area with a lot of need and potential, the school is near Vegas
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

If you guys have any input that would sway my decision one way or the other, that would be very helpful.

I really have no clue as to what would be a better option for me.

😕

 

[kaikai128]

Both schools have their pros and cons and the truth is, I would be probably just as happy at either one and am lucky enough to have the luxury to choose, but I have to make a choice and this is where your opinions and suggestions come in.

So far, this is what I've come up with:

WesternU - COMP
Pros:
Good Affiliations, Close to Home, California which is essentially where I’d like to practice, Organized Curriculum, residents have secured great residencies, “Campusie” feel
Cons:
Huge Class, Bad Area

TUCOM-NV
Pros:
Excellent Faculty - the most caring I've ever seen, Small Class Size, Good Area, New School - Room for flexibility and input, Henderson is a great, blooming area with a lot of need and potential, the school is near Vegas
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

If you guys have any input that would sway my decision one way or the other, that would be very helpful.

I really have no clue as to what would be a better option for me.

😕

Julst looking at the difference in the "cons" that you have pointed out--I would say that Western looks like the school that has the fewer or less significant cons. You listed 6 cons for TU-NV and only 2 for Western.

I would say based upon this, go with Western--which would also be my inclination (just because new schools without true accreditation scare me). However, you are the only one who went thru the interviews and have seen the campuses, etc.

 

[Jinyaoysiu]

People that have been following COMP threads probably already know my point of view about COMP, so I'll just respond to this one specific point:

Cons:
Bad Area

The neighborhoods next to Pomona are actually quite nice(claremont, chino hills...ect) and there's no reason why Pomona can't improve itself, especially with the number of universities here(western, poly, la verne). The city has recognized that fact and things are happening as we speak.

Downtown Pomona's face lift: http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories/0,1413,203%7E21481%7E2783236,00.html

Western U students see plenty of evidence with new investments in the area. The Mission Promenade which houses the Starbucks is actually a luxury loft apartment located right next to campus. There are also upscale loft apartments on 2nd st(antique row) which is literally on-campus, being constructed from former commercial/warehouse spaces right now. However, these loft apartments are probably too upscale and expensive for Western U students, unless your budget premits it, but it's drawing a more affluent and hip crowd to the neighborhood.

In addition to housing developments, nicer restaurants are also moving in. 2nd St Bistro is a new french/italian restaurant right next to campus. http://www.ulv.edu/campustimes/102204/bistro.htm
Joey's BBQ is also a nice place to eat, also on 2nd street.
http://joeysbbq.com/
Boveldt Cafe specializes in South African coffee next to campus
http://u.dailybulletin.com/Stories/0,1413,212%7E23480%7E2525866,00.html

Also, there aren't that many universities that are next to a public transit station except maybe schools in Boston/NYC. Western U is right next to Downtown Pomona Metrolink station, which is 3 stations from LA union stations and people could actually live in Walnut(one station west) or Ontario(one station east) and commute to school as a environmentally responsible citizen. You could get discount monthly passes through Western.


Good luck in your decision.

 

[chan]

Both schools have their pros and cons and the truth is, I would be probably just as happy at either one and am lucky enough to have the luxury to choose, but I have to make a choice and this is where your opinions and suggestions come in.

So far, this is what I've come up with:

WesternU - COMP
Pros:
Good Affiliations, Close to Home, California which is essentially where I’d like to practice, Organized Curriculum, residents have secured great residencies, “Campusie” feel
Cons:
Huge Class, Bad Area

TUCOM-NV
Pros:
Excellent Faculty - the most caring I've ever seen, Small Class Size, Good Area, New School - Room for flexibility and input, Henderson is a great, blooming area with a lot of need and potential, the school is near Vegas
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

If you guys have any input that would sway my decision one way or the other, that would be very helpful.

I really have no clue as to what would be a better option for me.

😕

GO with the one that is close to home. A strong family support will be helpful while in medical school.

 

[mx_599]

Both schools have their pros and cons and the truth is, I would be probably just as happy at either one and am lucky enough to have the luxury to choose, but I have to make a choice and this is where your opinions and suggestions come in.

So far, this is what I've come up with:

WesternU - COMP
Pros:
Good Affiliations, Close to Home, California which is essentially where I’d like to practice, Organized Curriculum, residents have secured great residencies, “Campusie” feel
Cons:
Huge Class, Bad Area

TUCOM-NV
Pros:
Excellent Faculty - the most caring I've ever seen, Small Class Size, Good Area, New School - Room for flexibility and input, Henderson is a great, blooming area with a lot of need and potential, the school is near Vegas
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

If you guys have any input that would sway my decision one way or the other, that would be very helpful.

I really have no clue as to what would be a better option for me.

😕

i work with a very successful interventional cardiologist who went to western u./comp. he seems to be happy that he chose them. 🙂

 

[box29]

TUCOM-NV
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

😕

1. You won't be the only one in a sports bra and shorts during OMM. It's really not as bad as it sounds. Everyone is always irked when they heat that but once yougo through it, it is no big deal. There is a reason why they have that dress code in OMM. Who among the new students will be able to feel any somatic dysfunction or Tissue texture changes over layers of clothes? I don't think they are experienced enough.

2. Board scores are a measure of the student. You can have the best student in a school not pass the boards if he/she did not prepare for them. In terms of boards, it is all about the student and how much or little he/she put into the amount of preparation, not the school. Sure it helps if your school test only to the boards, but who is to say. I actually believe the responsibility lies with the student. After all it is the student taking the boards, not the school administration. All that matters is that the student do the best he/she can to get that great score.

3. Nothing is perfect. I'd bet you go to COMP and still think that some things are disorganized.

4. I don't think you asked anyone on the administration about affiliations. We do have affiliations with University Medical Center and will be rotating there, as well as Valley, St. Rose Dominican, and i think Sunrise. UMC was at the top of my list and the key, in my opinion. Additionally, you can set up your own rotations for your electives.

5. Guidance from whom? ALL the faculty and staff are there for us and are more than willing to bend over backwards. You would be able to talk with whomever you feel comfortable so I don't understand where you are coming from when you said this.

6. Is it important for you to have multiple buildings? I thought it would be easier since everything is under one roof. Perhaps the campus atmosphere of your undergraduate years is something that is familiar and comfortable. Help me understand why you think it is important to have multiple buildings and that campus atmosphere. I guess it is just a personal thing.


I really don't think the cons of TUN-COM are that bad or as numerous. THere are pros and cons for every school but I thought I had to chime in. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Bigtime]

Go with WCOMP, then a spot can open up for me at Touro nevada... 🙂

no, I'm kidding.... I think that being close to home is a big deal for real.

anyway, good luck with your choice..

ps. for real though, choose WCoMP, 🙂

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I feel TUCOM-NV will become the leader in osteopathic medical schools in the near future. I have been there on numerous occasions and everything they are doing is going towards big success. All the pros you've mentioned at TUN are significant enough to consider moving, but being near your friends and family is also important. Believe it or not, I'm stuck in the same situation as yourself and very grateful to be in this position, but it's driving me crazy. Ultimately, I don't know if I can give up the good things at TUN in exchange for proximity (Vegas isn't that far anyway) and established relationships (which TUN is forging at full force with big names) though (Everything you mentioned + Class of 2008 support + great classmates for '09 + a great dean, admin, faculty, etc.). It'll be a tough one - good luck!

 

[medicine1]

Both schools have their pros and cons and the truth is, I would be probably just as happy at either one and am lucky enough to have the luxury to choose, but I have to make a choice and this is where your opinions and suggestions come in.

So far, this is what I've come up with:

WesternU - COMP
Pros:
Good Affiliations, Close to Home, California which is essentially where I'd like to practice, Organized Curriculum, residents have secured great residencies, "Campusie" feel
Cons:
Huge Class, Bad Area

TUCOM-NV
Pros:
Excellent Faculty - the most caring I've ever seen, Small Class Size, Good Area, New School - Room for flexibility and input, Henderson is a great, blooming area with a lot of need and potential, the school is near Vegas
Cons: You have to be a sports bra and shorts during OMM, don't know what to expect in terms of board scores, might be disorganized because it's new, no established affiliations, not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009, lacks true campus – just one builiding

If you guys have any input that would sway my decision one way or the other, that would be very helpful.

I really have no clue as to what would be a better option for me.

😕

I have to disagree with the statement,"no established affiliations."
Actually TU-Nevada has made a lot of local affiliations, and all of our core clerkships will be done in Southern Nevada.
http://www.tucom.edu/TUMECvhmc.htm
Touro Unviersity College of Osteopathic Medicine

http://www.tucom.edu/admissions.htm
(look under hospital affiliations)

Read Dr. Forman's Message
http://www.tucom.edu/nv/tunv.html
(Click on Dean's Message)

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I have to disagree with the statement,"no established affiliations."
Actually TU-Nevada has made a lot of local affiliations, and all of our core clerkships will be done in Southern Nevada.
http://www.tucom.edu/TUMECvhmc.htm
Touro Unviersity College of Osteopathic Medicine

http://www.tucom.edu/admissions.htm
(look under hospital affiliations)

Read Dr. Forman's Message
www.tumi.edu/copDeanMessage.htm

I agree that the "no established affiliations" is not true and should not be a concern. They are making relationships and making them fast. So don't use that when making a decision. Anyway, the above link to Dr. Forman's (the dean) message is incorrect and it's not possible to directly link it so here it is:


Congratulations! You are one of a select group of students who will soon start a journey that will last a lifetime. You are all different and unique but share a common bond of intellectual excellence, motivation to a career in healthcare, high moral and ethical standards and a basic understanding of Osteopathic principles. You are also part of the 2nd medical school and the only Osteopathic medical school in Nevada. As the 21st Osteopathic medical school in the United States we are positioned to make a positive difference in the healthcare of Nevada and the country by providing the educational resources and environment for each of you to grow academically, professionally and personally. You will also influence how our school and program grows and develops because your personal and professional experiences after you graduate will reflect on the institution that helped train you. We will seek your insight into how we can do things better.

"Opportunity, Challenge and Partnerships" are key words in understanding how Touro University - Nevada continues to develop and grow. The inaugural class of D.O. students has successfully completed their first semester and is in the midst of their second semester of the first year. A Masters Level Physician Assistant Study Program began in October and we are preparing to initiate Occupational Therapy and Nursing programs in the near future. The health care environment at Touro University - Nevada mirrors the health care system in our communities, i.e., partnerships and collaborative efforts in patient care. As the only medical school in Southern Nevada we are positioned to have a significant impact on the future healthcare of our community. The process to ensure that we are successful involves some very important partnerships that include the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV). Currently, we utilize some of UNLV faculty to assist in teaching several basic science courses; have research partnerships with UNLV and innovative projects (early decision plan and will soon have a 7-year combined undergraduate-medical degree program; there are plans for DO/PhD program, MS in Biomedical Science and other doctorate programs). We have an important partnership with the Southern Nevada Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to provide community service and education opportunities for our students. The Clark County Medical Society has identified more than 100 community based physicians who will provide a "shadow experience" preceptorship for our students that will begin during the second semester of the first year. Other partnerships are with the University Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy and UNLV's School of Dentistry.

While the major focus of the first 6 months of our existence has been in the success of the basic science curriculum and integration of clinical medicine into the basic sciences, we have been developing the framework for the 3rd & 4th year clinical rotations. The greater Las Vegas community is unique in having an impressive infrastructure that will support the medical education of our students. The partnerships with local hospitals, medical facilities, and community physicians, both Osteopathic and Allopathic, will allow our students to experience all of the core clinical rotations and elective rotations locally. Unless they wanted to, our students will not have to leave this area for any of their medical training. Our first local graduate medical education (GME) program with Valley Hospital Medical Center is scheduled to begin in 2006. This program will support more than 70 internship and residency slots.

We are in the process of making selections for the book list, after which it will be made available to each of you. TU - NV has developed a number of mechanisms for you to obtain your books (e.g., on line with a discount; directly from the publishers with a discount; and locally from bookstores, frequently discounted). A decision has been made to make lap top computers or notebooks compulsory for all first year students. We will notify you of the requirements and assist you in purchasing equipment, if necessary, for the best possible price. The lecture halls are hard wired and the remainder of the facility is wireless. The Virtual Library has extensive electronic resources and an attentive professional library staff to assist you. There are additional computers, printers and copiers for student use.

I would like to take a moment to brag about our (actually your) facility. The OMM lab is large and will be able to accommodate your entire class. It has exciting state of the art AV features such as a moveable camera and wall screens for demonstration purposes. The Interdisciplinary Lab (IDL - microbiology, histology, neuroscience, biochemistry, and physiology labs) will have enough microscopes so that students will not have to purchase their own. The IDL has the necessary AV equipment to support the educational needs of our students. The Anatomy lab is a state of the art facility with space to spare. The OSCE lab (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) consists of 11 monitored exam rooms and a control area where students performing clinical examinations can be observed and recorded and provided with a DVD copy for their educational use. This is important because of recently approved requirements that before a student graduates from any medical school they must show proficiency in performing a history and physical examination. To facilitate the success of our students in this national examination, we have built the OSCE Lab and plan to utilize it as early as the first year of medical school. We have built additional student study rooms and areas for student comfort and use.

Orientation for the class of 2009 will begin on Monday, August 8th at 8 A.M. and end on Wednesday, August 10th. It is a requirement that all students attend this orientation. Formal classes begin on Thursday, August 11th. I am planning to have a "White Coat Ceremony" on either Sunday, October 9th or 16th. You will be notified in the near future of the final date. This ceremony traditionally serves as a right of passage from neophyte to clinician. Some schools celebrate this event at the completion of the 2nd year of medical school but I favor doing it earlier. It is a wonderful experience to share with your family.

Please enjoy the remainder of the time before you begin classes in August. The future official method of communication between faculty, students and administration will be e-mail. I plan to provide the student handbook, catalogue and other similar documents on-line in the near future. We are in the process of updating our web site, making it interactive and hope to have it up and running in the near future. Don't hesitate to call the campus or e-mail me if you have any specific questions regarding the start of classes.

Sincerely,
Mitchell D. Forman, D.O., FACR, FACOI
Professor & Dean

 

[medicine1]

Thank you OnMyWayThere! I fixed my mistake, thanks a million! 🙂

 

[tkim]

I agree that the "no established affiliations" is not true and should not be a concern. They are making relationships and making them fast. So don't use that when making a decision. Anyway, the above link to Dr. Forman's (the dean) message is incorrect and it's not possible to directly link it so here it is:

Use this:

http://www.tucom.edu/nv/tunvDean.html

 

[medicine1]

Touro University-Nevada essentially has a campus carved inside one huge building, with more space than you could ever tolerate. TU-Nevada is expanding inside, and has room for PT,OT, Speech Pathology, PA, DO, and Nursing Students.

From http://www.aacom.org/colleges/tucom.asp:
Nevada Campus

Founding date: 2004

Total Enrollment/Incoming Class Size: 75/75

Facilities:

🙂 70,000 square foot, newly remodeled facility with the ability to expand into an additional 130,000 square feet. 🙂
3,600 square foot OMM skills lab with 38 tables.
Dedicated rooms to teach student-patient interactions with closed circuit TV capability for faculty monitoring and recording.
Leading edge lecture halls with full intra/internet access at all seats (Each room accommodates 170 students)
3,250 square foot Gross Anatomy Lab with space for 34 cadavers and state-of-the-art facility in full OSHA compliance.
Library with electronic access to most medical databases, electronic journals, and educational sources.
Adequate, affordable student housing close by. Excellent ammenities close by, including shopping and restaurants.
Free parking at the College.
Significant service area population growth.
Physician practice opportunities available for primary care specialties to include Geriatric and Women's Health Initiative programs.
Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

702-777-8687

Address Correspondence to:

Roger Corbman, MPA
Director of Admissions
TUCOM-Nevada
874 American Pacific Dr.
Henderson, NV 89014


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Nevada Campus and California Campus

Supplemental Requirements:

Supplemental Application (available on-line at http://www.tumi.edu, click on Admissions.)
Letter of recommendation from a premedical advisory committee, or letter of recommendation from two science professors.
M.D. or D.O. (preferred) physician letter of recommendation.
Signed Technical Standards Certification form.
E-mailed requests for status checks are preferred, at [email protected] (California) or [email protected] (Nevada).
Visit our Web Site:

http://www.tucom.edu

More Photos

 

[medicine1]

I disagree with the statement, "not a lot of guidance since only one class before class of 2009."
Actually we have guidance from highly trained and knowledgable doctors, who have been through the ropes themselves. Most of the faculty have years of clinical and academic experience behind them.

The Charter class is great, and they love to learn, lead, and teach.

 

[Jinyaoysiu]

Just want to add this to my previous reply to the OP.

http://www.westernu.edu/news/landscape.xml

 

[monelkub]

Making a decision between two schools can be nerve wracking but when it comes down to it go to the place you are most comfortable with and will enjoy. I have been very happy with my decision to attend Touro Nevada (TUNCOM, not TUCOM-NV) and have not looked back. Our rotations are indeed being setup and relationships being solidified with multiple hospitals. All of us are very excited about having the chance to work at UMC and many others. The list will continue to grow and our University will have spots for all of us. The Las Vegas area is our backyard and we will definitely stake claim for TUNCOM medical students to have many options available.

Our University is in the process of finishing the Dr. Crovetti project. We will soon have running a state of the art orthopedic research institute in our school where we will have chances of being part of. If you have any intentions of going ortho this is the place to be. Physicians from all over the world will be coming here to learn and we will be a part of it. Here's a quick article on it:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-16-Mon-2004/news/24529568.html

http://www.nbj.com/pdf/nbj2005hendsup.pdf (check out page 11 and 12)

Our University is adding programs and construction will continue. We have tons of space to grow. A Vivarium is in the works to be constructed where state of the art research sponsored by the NIH will be performed. Our OMM department is top notch and is if not the best, it is one of the best programs in the country. We have top notch OMM faculty and are learning more OMM than any osteopathic school.

Good luck with you decision, make sure it is you who makes the final decision that you know will be the best for you in all aspects of your life.

Nik Kubista