CCOM versus KCUMB

[gadawg]

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Hi,
I'm currently torn between two schools: CCOM and KCUMB. Both schools have a great reputation and have good residency placements. I had a great experience interviewing at boths schools. Ofcourse Chicago has a lot more opportunities as it is in Chicagoland. The systems based curriculum at KCUMB is very appealing but then CCOM has clinical correlations, a little pbl and required clinical hours. I just wanted to get some opinions of how other people would compare these two institutions. Please let me know what you guys think about CCOM versus KCUMB!

 

[SigPi]

Hi,
I'm currently torn between two schools: CCOM and KCUMB. Both schools have a great reputation and have good residency placements. I had a great experience interviewing at boths schools. Ofcourse Chicago has a lot more opportunities as it is in Chicagoland. The systems based curriculum at KCUMB is very appealing but then CCOM has clinical correlations, a little pbl and required clinical hours. I just wanted to get some opinions of how other people would compare these two institutions. Please let me know what you guys think about CCOM versus KCUMB!

I was in the exact same position before I got into my #1 choice, SIU. If it came down to it, I would have picked CCOM. I was comforted by the fact that all clerkships are in the chicago area and there was no moving required (only a select few get to stay in KC for 3rd and 4th years --mostly DO/MBA students and just a few others). CCOM also has their own well established residency and fellowship programs, even one in neurosurgery! I thought CCOM's campus was nicer (and def. in a better neighborhood than KCUMB). KCUMB's class size was 250 and while CCOM's is slightly lower ~150, i think. The curriculum seemed more interesting at KCUMB, however, we all have to learn the same material regardless...and since i have been taking separate class my entire life i figured CCOM would be that big of a deal. Chicago just seemed like it had a lot more to offer --for medical school and for life outside school-- than KC. However, these are just my opinions. Congrats on your acceptances and good luck with your choice!

 

[NonTradMed]

I also interviewed at both places and choose CCOM over KCUMB because of the location and the great clinical rotations. KCUMB is a good school but I couldn't get over the fact that it may require me to move after the second year. I wanted to stay in once place for the duration of my medical school education and the possibility of moving was a big strike against KCUMB for me.

Of course, the students I met at KCUMB looked forward to moving elsewhere because of family etc and that's why they picked the school in the first place. But for me, Chicago was my great love and I wanted nothing more than to live there for as long as I can. I lived in KC for a couple of years, and I don't think it offers nearly the same opportunities in terms of jobs that chicago has, and since I had hopes of staying in one place, Kansas City was not where I wanted to stay.

One more thing I liked about CCOM was the former lectures they offered during third year. I wanted some structure in 3rd year other than what the hospitals may offer and CCOM does provide mandatory lectures every week so I liked that the school was providing me with didactics and not just taking my money. I'm not sure how KCUMB sets up their 3rd year because I didnt' know to ask for that when I was interviewing there, so they may have similar setup too....

I think both campuses are pretty and both will provide good clinicals. Both show similar match lists I believe, but I was very happy with picking CCOM over KCUMB. Of course, it's kind of a moot point for me now. My instate school accepted me and I couldn't say no to the instate tuition, but had they not taken me in, I would have gone to CCOM in a heart beat----oh yeah, I still plan on trying for Chicago when I graduate! 😉

 

[Raven Feather]

Hi! I actually ended up not sending in my secondary to CCOM--I live a little over an hour away in Indiana. I've never been too fond of Chicago. Too much traffic, just a big pain in my arse. However, CCOM is in Downer's Grove, which is not far from the city of Chicago. So although I did not interview there, I can only give you info concerning my experience living not far from the area.

CCOM is a bit more expensive than KCUMB about 2-3k, which, I guess, isn't that big a difference but when you are taking out private loans for living expenses x 4 yrs it may be. Which brings another point, the Chicagoland area is more expensive to live compared to the very low cost in the Kansas City area. KC actually reminded me of Chicago a bit, but with a more "neighborly" small town atmosphere. I personally liked that.

I think a good point of CCOM is that you really don't have to move for rotations, but again, traffic is a big pain if you have to go into the city, especially if it is rush hour. It is true that you "may" have to move if you attend KCUMB--but most people who want to stay there, get to. It so happens that usually about half want to do rotations somewhere else. I have talked to med students about this and I was told about half get to stay in KC.

Chicago gets very cold in the winter! It is not called the windy city for nothing, very cold subzero winds in the winter (although warm wind in the summer). We also get A LOT of lake effect snow. Not that KC doesn't get cold and snow, but not like Chicago. It is beautiful and warm in the summer. Lake Michigan is beautiful!! I guess the weather is not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things though.

I don't think CCOM can beat KCUMB's curriculum. Sure everyone has to learn the same material but at what ease? KCUMB's curriculum, I believe, allows for a med student not only to absorb info better, but retain it. With the wealth of info we all have to learn, curriculums were imp to me in making my choice--KCUMB's seamless systems based curriculum, I believe, will make learning things a lot smoother. Med school is going to be hard!

I heard from other interviewees that the atmosphere at CCOM was more of a competitve one. But take it for what it is worth because that is just hear say and I'm sure you had your own impression at your interview. I didn't not get the competitve feeling among classmates at KCUMB.

I don't know what CCOM's pass rate on boards are (but I bet they are comparable to KCUMB's). In 2004, KCUMB's first time pass was 98%. I'm not sure what it was for this past year.

Good luck in making your decision! I think you will get a good education at either of the reputable schools and the potential for good residency placement due to their long standing histories.