California Northstate (MD) vs ICOM (DO)

[deleted946657]

Hi everyone,
I know that general wisdom is MD>DO in the majority of cases, but I feel like my situation is unique and would like advice.

I gained acceptance to a few medical schools this year, mostly DO schools but also one MD acceptance at California Northstate. Of the DO schools I was accepted to, my top choice is ICOM. So it is really between these two schools for me.

ICOM pros
- my husband and I both applied to med school and ICOM was the only school we were both accepted at
- I am from Idaho so the school is near my entire family as well as my husband's kids
- this was my (by far) favorite school of all the ones I attended in terms of gut feeling on interview day
- cost of living and attendance is better
- I would have to do private loans at first but then the school will be approved for federal loans

ICOM cons
- new school
- DO school

California Northstate pros
- MD school
- would get to train in NorCal

California Northstate cons
- private loans all four years
- would be separated from my spouse during school
- higher cost of attendance and cost of living

I'm sure it is obvious based on my list that I'm leaning towards ICOM. I work as a scribe right now and most of the doctors I work with have told me I should choose ICOM, but one or two have been more hesitant about me choosing a DO school over an MD school. I'm not sure what specialty I want to do but am interested in OB/gyn or EM at the moment.

What's the word, SDN?

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[libertyyne]

Did your husband interview at northstate?

 

[Rachapkis]

I would attend DO because you like the fit better, you can live with your husband, and it's cheaper. Some specialties may be harder for you to get into, but your degree will allow you to practice medicine (and that is the main thing). Good luck!

 

[mc29012]

I've seen you all over the ICOM thread! You know deep down that that is where you want to go. ICOM was by far my hardest acceptance to turn down and the only reason I did it is because of the no guarantee of federal loans for a few years, I could not imagine having all four years of private loans that may not be eligible for forgiveness down the road.... The transparency and openness of everyone in the administration that was on display at interview day is the number one thing that will help that school succeed IMO, from talking to them and students, they seem to want to be very collaborative with each other to help the school grow. I was super impressed with their operation overall. The location is awesome, people were awesome, and the students were happy. I don't know how Northstate will match, but I really think that ICOM will do well down the road being the only school in Idaho/boise which is growing faster than any metropolitan in the US. MD vs. DO is overblown on SDN/reddit, There are DO's in some of the most prestigious positions in the united states, it is what you make of it. Needless to say, you know where my vote stands! Good luck!

 

[puahate]

Northstate

 

[sixersfan]

Northstate

explain

 

[Hirro]

ICOM.

Doesn't sound like you want competitive specialties and, honestly, the financial situation at Northstate is not great. Be willing to accept that, should you desire a competitive specialty, you'll have to work much more than an MD student for it. I think the main mantra of MD > DO found here is for those who don't know what their priorities in life are. If you're willing to choose family > specialty interest/highly desired residency, go ICOM.