CCOM vs LECOM-B

[Dancing_Queen]

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Hello,

I'm attracted to each program for different reasons. There was a similar thread on this but it was from 10 years ago so things might have changed. I'm not sure what specialty I'm interested in yet but wouldn't like to be hindered by my school selection. Based on what I've read, CCOM is a great, well established school while LECOM-B is more mid-tiered. Any opinions on this? Please take into account tuition, residency matches, academic curriculum, and anything else you think of. Thanks.

Other things to note.. I'm a FL resident with family here.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hello,

I have been accepted to both programs and I'm not sure which one I should choose. I'm attracted to each program for different reasons. There was a similar thread on this but it was from 10 years ago so things might have changed. I'm not sure what specialty I'm interested in yet but wouldn't like to be hindered by my school selection. Based on what I've read, CCOM is a great, well established school while LECOM-B is more mid-tiered. Any opinions on this? Please take into account tuition, residency matches, learning curriculum, and anything else you think of. Thanks.

Other things to note.. I'm a FL resident with family here.

Tuition: LECOM-B (IS tuition)
Residency Matches: CCOM
Learning Curriculum: (???)

If you want to do residency in Chicago then go to CCOM.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

LECOM's tuition is about 1/2 that of CCOM.

I personally don't like LECOM-B but I don't think CCOM will provide 2x the education that LECOM-B can.

 

[birdboybird]

LECOM B told me they had the highest board scores.. Sorry ccom

 

[Buckeye1992]

Lecom B and UNT are usually 1-2 for average board scores every year.

 

[Bea5T]

Lecom for the tuition...CCOM for everything else

Also, It seems like 5 different schools are number 1 in board scores. Either way, average COMLEX scores aren't exactly an accurate gauge of how solid the pre-clinical years are, especially since Lecom is entirely PBL.

 

[Buckeye1992]

I know Bradenton had two people score over 800 on the complex last year. As well as a decent number score over 250 on the USMLE. It's a good place for pre clinical. Clinical on the other hand not so much. It is what you make of it though as you can make your own rotations..

 

[AlteredScale]

I know Bradenton had two people score over 800 on the complex last year. As well as a decent number score over 250 on the USMLE. It's a good place for pre clinical. Clinical on the other hand not so much. It is what you make of it though as you can make your own rotations..

It's not good. My best friend did this route and he's not happy with it at all. He hasn't stepped foot into a hospital for his entire third year.

Best suggestion I have is that if you go to LECOM-B then stay there. Which I'll assume OP will since his family is there. He should get a good clinical education.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

LECOM B told me they had the highest board scores.. Sorry ccom

So is it TCOM, RVU, or LECOM-B that has had the highest board scores?

 

[TopTomato]

It's not good. My best friend did this route and he's not happy with it at all. He hasn't stepped foot into a hospital for his entire third year.

Best suggestion I have is that if you go to LECOM-B then stay there. Which I'll assume OP will since his family is there. He should get a good clinical education.

How is that even possible?

 

[AlteredScale]

How is that even possible?

He's tried to rotate ambulatory but communication with admin was poor and so may of his original rotations were dropped and he needed to scramble to find others and was left with outpatient preceptors.

There's a lot of competition to rotate here in San Diego at community hospitals. I guess theres a good amount of Western and AZCOM students coming around here.

 

[TopTomato]

He's tried to rotate ambulatory but communication with admin was poor and so may of his original rotations were dropped and he needed to scramble to find others and was left with outpatient preceptors.

There's a lot of competition to rotate here in San Diego at community hospitals. I guess theres a good amount of Western and AZCOM students coming around here.

That reason alone would make me choose CCOM over LECOM-B.

 

[referee3]

Lecom for the tuition.

Also, It seems like 5 different schools are number 1 in board scores. Either way, average COMLEX scores aren't exactly an accurate gauge of how solid the pre-clinical years are, especially since Lecom is entirely PBL.

Agree. I've heard from multiple different adcoms from different schools they they all had the top board scores. I'm not sure how they can get away with this.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

From what I hear

Agree. I've heard from multiple different adcoms from different schools they they all had the top board scores. I'm not sure how they can get away with this.

That is a bit odd. I've heard that LECOM-B makes their students take mock exams until they pass. That's why they have a high passing rate. Any truth to this?

Also, alteredscale, is your friend's experience with rotations an outlier? How often does that occur? Has anyone else heard similar stories?

 

[Buckeye1992]

That doesn't happen. You take a chance by making your own rotations and not using the ones Lecom has contracts with. The administration has made changes this year to keep things like that from happening. I have heard people getting dripped from maybe one rotation but haven't heard of anyone getting a whole year messed up. Sounds like either a outlier or a just a exaggerated story.

 

[Buckeye1992]

PBL helps for after medical school when you are on your own because you are used to reading up on things and teaching yourself instead of being spoon fed. It's a hard adjustment for sure but when you get it down its great

 

[PlaqueBuster]

My impression of LECOM-B:
1. Dress code until 5 pm
2. No water bottle in building
3. Zero research opportunities
4. Lack of good clinical rotations
5. rotation sites chosen based on class GPA
6. cirriculum is test based
7. PBL cirriculum which is self directed and motivated (if you cannot do this this school is bad choice)
8. surrounding area is wonderful with lots of cheap housing, shopping malls, beaches
9. no campus- just 1 building on the highway
10. Cheap tuition but is it worth the lack of good clinical rotation
11. Great board scores and pass rate

Ultimately, if you plan to stay in florida, then LECOM-B will be good enough to educate you into a competent physician and find residency matches. However, ccom may be better for finding better match opportunities and building connections.

 

[AlteredScale]

That doesn't happen. You take a chance by making your own rotations and not using the ones Lecom has contracts with. The administration has made changes this year to keep things like that from happening. I have heard people getting dripped from maybe one rotation but haven't heard of anyone getting a whole year messed up. Sounds like either a outlier or a just a exaggerated story.

he had two rotations dropped. The rest of his preceptorships were mediocre at best minus surgery. But even then, he was rotating with a hospital affiliated private practice. He has had no ward experience yet.

I'm definitely not exaggerating either haha. I study with this guy three times a week.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Money.. Follow the money. The difference in price is literally the cost of a house when all is said and done. I dislike LECOM with everything in me (read up on the Ferretti's). But I know I would take LECOM over CCOM any day. Have you actually started to pay back loans from undergrad? Its very real money taken out of your paycheck, and it hurts.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

Money.. Follow the money. The difference in price is literally the cost of a house when all is said and done. I dislike LECOM with everything in me (read up on the Ferretti's). But I know I would take LECOM over CCOM any day. Have you actually started to pay back loans from undergrad? Its very real money taken out of your paycheck, and it hurts.

Luckily, I don't have any debt from undergrad. Looking at the big numbers do scare me though which is my biggest con about CCOM.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Luckily, I don't have any debt from undergrad. Looking at the big numbers do scare me though which is my biggest con about CCOM.

Well then hear me out completely here...

I went through UG with a "put it on my tab" type of opinion. I felt like graduation was a million miles away and I had all of these promises of good paying jobs out at the other end. Now that I have been out and working for a couple years, I can tell you that my loans (roughly 50K) cause significant financial strain on my wife and I and I have been on income based repayments. Just this week I found out that one of my loans is going up from $45/month payments to $377/month payments, I physically have no idea how we are going to make it work. And that is on just ONE of my loans that constitutes just about half of my debt, so I still have to pay the other $500 on the other ones, regardless.

It is very real money that you will have to pay back. If you ask any doctor (so not stupid pre-meds on here which are all on the hype of which place they think is the prettiest or more prestigious or whatever) they will tell you to go to the cheapest school that you can. Time and time again they will plead with you to do this. That is because, like me, they are on the other side of it and are having to pay back their debts. The difference is seriously like what 150K after interest? Thats INSANE. That is 5 years of work for me now if I was able to devote all of my paycheck to it, probably 25 years realistically because I have other bills that take precedence- rent, insurance, cell phone, food, gas, medical bills, new tires for the car, etc. 50K is causing considerable strain, I cannot even imagine what a 150K difference looks like, even with an obviously higher paying job.

I hate the idea of LECOM, but I would take it and run with it if given the chance. CCOM is a great school but it 100%, undeniably, is not worth double the price. They are both US medical schools, they will both give you the tools to get exactly where you need to be.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

Well then hear me out completely here...

It is very real money that you will have to pay back. If you ask any doctor (so not stupid pre-meds on here which are all on the hype of which place they think is the prettiest or more prestigious or whatever) they will tell you to go to the cheapest school that you can. Time and time again they will plead with you to do this. That is because, like me, they are on the other side of it and are having to pay back their debts. The difference is seriously like what 150K after interest? Thats INSANE. That is 5 years of work for me now if I was able to devote all of my paycheck to it, probably 25 years realistically because I have other bills that take precedence- rent, insurance, cell phone, food, gas, medical bills, new tires for the car, etc. 50K is causing considerable strain, I cannot even imagine what a 150K difference looks like, even with an obviously higher paying job.

I hate the idea of LECOM, but I would take it and run with it if given the chance. CCOM is a great school but it 100%, undeniably, is not worth double the price. They are both US medical schools, they will both give you the tools to get exactly where you need to be.

Thank you so much for your insight! I've heard the whole "Go to the cheapest school" sentiment from a couple other doctors on these boards as well. Perhaps I should listen! It's just people say "you're going to make a lot of money. don't worry about the money." That doesn't seem to be the case though.

I believe I'm leaning towards LECOM-B then.

Would love to get advice from anyone else who has an opinion!

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

I always would say money and I think the first two years at LECOM are great. I went to LECOM myself (interviewed) and based off that I would say ccom. The people that whine about the dress code are babbies but I believe CCOM is just better and worth the money. They skimp in certain areas to get the tuition low.

BTW if you're a Florida resident hope you applied to NSU they give a 5k discount for residents.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thank you so much for your insight! I've heard the whole "Go to the cheapest school" sentiment from a couple other doctors on these boards as well. Perhaps I should listen! It's just people say "you're going to make a lot of money. don't worry about the money." That doesn't seem to be the case though.

I believe I'm leaning towards LECOM-B then.

Would love to get advice from anyone else who has an opinion!

Those people have only been students and have no legitimate concept of what actual money looks like or have never worked a real job in their life. You will work for every single dollar that you owe until the debt is paid.

Can we pull some @cabinbuilder in here? Maybe she can offer some insight.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

So is it TCOM, RVU, or LECOM-B that has had the highest board scores?

The numbers they gave me didn't seem to indicate LECOM was the highest but they seemed to do well on boards though. I would say the board score hype is meaningless though!

 

[ananasmed]

I'd say LECOM-B since your family and support system being nearby can make a huge difference in your medical school experience, from what I've heard from current medical students.

More importantly... based on your post in the CCOM thread, it seems that you haven't actually interviewed at LECOM-B yet, unless I'm misinterpreting something you've written. So perhaps, the real message is to wait and see what you think when you get there. Gut feeling can tell you a lot. And of course, don't count your chickens before they hatch! Best of luck with your interview.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

I'd say LECOM-B since your family and support system being nearby can make a huge difference in your medical school experience, from what I've heard from current medical students.

More importantly... based on your post in the CCOM thread, it seems that you haven't actually interviewed at LECOM-B yet, unless I'm misinterpreting something you've written. So perhaps, the real message is to wait and see what you think when you get there. Gut feeling can tell you a lot. And of course, don't count your chickens before they hatch! Best of luck with your interview.

Yes. It is true I have yet to interview at LECOM-B. My interview is tomorrow! Everyone has told me they get back to you within a week though... and after that I only have less than a week before my deposit is due at CCOM should I choose to go there. I was just trying to stay ahead of the game so I'm not pulling my hair out later. Wishful thinking on my part that I'll get a chance to decide. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[ananasmed]

Yes. It is true I have yet to interview at LECOM-B. My interview is tomorrow! Everyone has told me they get back to you within a week though... and after that I only have less than a week before my deposit is due at CCOM should I choose to go there. I was just trying to stay ahead of the game so I'm not pulling my hair out later. Wishful thinking on my part that I'll get a chance to decide. Sorry for the confusion.

I understand the time crunch. Really, best of luck with your interview. Hopefully you find that after your visit, the decision will become easier.

 

[PlaqueBuster]

ummmmm....this changes everything. Wait to post something like this until you get an acceptance because you will not have this debate if you get rejected from LECOM and you will not need this topic if you hate LECOM from the interview day.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

ummmmm....this changes everything. Wait to post something like this until you get an acceptance because you will not have this debate if you get rejected from LECOM and you will not need this topic if you hate LECOM from the interview day.

I've been to LECOM, spoken to faculty and students.. so I know I don't hate it. & yes, I could very well be rejected but like I said, I was trying to get as much feedback as possible just in case I was accepted and had to make this important decision in less than a week. I didn't realize I couldn't do this. Will bump when/if I get accepted.

Thanks to everyone for their previous feedback! 🙂

 

[cabinbuilder]

Those people have only been students and have no legitimate concept of what actual money looks like or have never worked a real job in their life. You will work for every single dollar that you owe until the debt is paid.

Can we pull some @cabinbuilder in here? Maybe she can offer some insight.

Hmm, what insight are you looking for? I went to LECOM, I have never had any help with my student debt, no discounts, no incentive, no scholarship, no NOTHING. I work my butt off every week to bring in cash to pay my debt. I have 350K to go.

 

[67552931811]

Hmm, what insight are you looking for? I went to LECOM, I have never had any help with my student debt, no discounts, no incentive, no scholarship, no NOTHING. I work my butt off every week to bring in cash to pay my debt. I have 350K to go.

If you don't mind me asking, what was your total debt when you began paying everything back? I remember it was rather high (I can't find the exact post where you reveal how much debt you had). However, I do recall your ambitious 3 years and done plan. That's something I hope to employ come time for my debt payback as well.

 

[cabinbuilder]

If you don't mind me asking, what was your total debt when you began paying everything back? I remember it was rather high (I can't find the exact post where you reveal how much debt you had). However, I do recall your ambitious 3 years and done plan. That's something I hope to employ come time for my debt payback as well.

Heck who knows really?
This past year I paid 270K in bills/debt, I have 350K to go and I should be able to get that all paid in the next 2 years.

Yes, "Debt free in 3". One year down, 2 to go.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

From an attendings standpoint - someone "making the big bucks" - would you say there is a difference between owing 150k and 300k for your quality of life and paying bills?

That's what we are getting at here: the choice between CCOM and LECOM.

 

[cabinbuilder]

From an attendings standpoint - someone "making the big bucks" - would you say there is a difference between owing 150k and 300k for your quality of life and paying bills? Not really

That's what we are getting at here: the choice between CCOM and LECOM.

I guess it comes down to what is important to you? Would you rather have more debt on the front end (school) and live in a small appt or house, have an older car and live frugally? Or would you rather have more debt on the back end (new car, new house, vacations, etc) and have a lower student loan? My point is that 95% of us will have debt it's just a matter of how it's distributed. Had I graduated residency at 30 then I would have worked harder to pay the school portion down and not accrue other luxuries because I would have time for that. Now I graduated at 40 and basically decided that now I had money I wanted to do things with my kids, bought a house, a vacation timeshare, and 2 new cars because I was sick to death of living poor and doing nothing. Because of that I accrued (by choice) debt on the back end on top of my 220K student loans. My undergrad loans, my first car, and my divorce bill I paid off while in residency.

I have figured out in my job lifestyle that I can make as little or as much money as I want - BUT I have to put in the hours to do that. However, I have never found a perm job I could stand or one that gave me a money incentive to stay. Now that I have played for 5 years it's time to get serious and not accrue anymore. With that mind set I will easily pay off my 500K that I accrued +plus pay my son's college + plus still travel on short trips (I have time share almost anywhere so I have housing) + a cushion every month for savings and taxes.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

I guess it comes down to what is important to you? Would you rather have more debt on the front end (school) and live in a small appt or house, have an older car and live frugally? Or would you rather have more debt on the back end (new car, new house, vacations, etc) and have a lower student loan? My point is that 95% of us will have debt it's just a matter of how it's distributed. Had I graduated residency at 30 then I would have worked harder to pay the school portion down and not accrue other luxuries because I would have time for that. Now I graduated at 40 and basically decided that now I had money I wanted to do things with my kids, bought a house, a vacation timeshare, and 2 new cars because I was sick to death of living poor and doing nothing. Because of that I accrued (by choice) debt on the back end on top of my 220K student loans. My undergrad loans, my first car, and my divorce bill I paid off while in residency.

I have figured out in my job lifestyle that I can make as little or as much money as I want - BUT I have to put in the hours to do that. However, I have never found a perm job I could stand or one that gave me a money incentive to stay. Now that I have played for 5 years it's time to get serious and not accrue anymore. With that mind set I will easily pay off my 500K that I accrued +plus pay my son's college + plus still travel on short trips (I have time share almost anywhere so I have housing) + a cushion every month for savings and taxes.

Officially accepted to LECOM and CCOM and I have 4 days to decide.....

Thanks for your response. You have given me another perspective. I suppose you're right. It's not a matter of how much debt you'll be in, it's a matter of how the debt will be distributed.

My next question for you and anyone else is do you think going to a "better, reputable school" will open more doors, give me a better starting salary, or help me get into more competitive specialties?

I've read debates that getting into a specialty is all about how you do on boards but some say it's all about who you know etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any difficulties coming from a less reputable school?

4 days and counting. I'd appreciate any response as soon as possible.

 

[doapplicant2015]

Officially accepted to LECOM and CCOM and I have 4 days to decide.....

Thanks for your response. You have given me another perspective. I suppose you're right. It's not a matter of how much debt you'll be in, it's a matter of how the debt will be distributed.

My next question for you and anyone else is do you think going to a "better, reputable school" will open more doors, give me a better starting salary, or help me get into more competitive specialties?

I've read debates that getting into a specialty is all about how you do on boards but some say it's all about who you know etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any difficulties coming from a less reputable school?

4 days and counting. I'd appreciate any response as soon as possible.

My 2 cents...Commit to LECOM-B and do not look back. CCOM is my state school and is the only reason I would consider attending if given the choice. With friends/family in-state and not having to spend your limited free time (and money) flying back and forth would be enough to seal the deal for me. Add in half the amount of loan debt and I would sprint to LECOM as fast as I could no questions asked.

 

[scpod]

I graduated from a very early class at Lecom-B. A lot of things may have changed, but I got my first choice residency and now I am the Medical Director for the Hospitalist program I went to work for- again my first choice position out of residency. I am also a Medical Director for one of the local hospices in town, I see some select patients a few days a monthon an outpatient basis, run a testosterone clinic and assist with a weight-loss clinic in my spare time. I am in the 39% federal tax bracket because I make a lot of money these days. The state of Florida has no state income tax, so I stay here and I'm very happy about that. If I lived in California they would be taking about $5000 a month in state income taxes too. SO, don't forget that little jewel for when you get ready to practice. I have a substantial student loan debt, but I lessened that by teaching anatomy and physiology at a local nursing school during my first two years of med school, but I still pay abou $1700 a month in student loans. I know some folks paying over $3000 a month. Despite my income, I am more than happy that I picked a place with very low tution. Every dollar counts when you have a family. I worked hard and got what I wanted. You can do that no matter where you go. The hardest (and most efficient) working students will always do well. Go where its cheap.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Officially accepted to LECOM and CCOM and I have 4 days to decide.....

Thanks for your response. You have given me another perspective. I suppose you're right. It's not a matter of how much debt you'll be in, it's a matter of how the debt will be distributed.

My next question for you and anyone else is do you think going to a "better, reputable school" will open more doors, give me a better starting salary, or help me get into more competitive specialties?

I've read debates that getting into a specialty is all about how you do on boards but some say it's all about who you know etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any difficulties coming from a less reputable school?

4 days and counting. I'd appreciate any response as soon as possible.

In my opinion go to CCOM. From the lecom doctor I talked to they don't really help you much with rotations and don't pay hospitals 3rd year.I think the education is better at ccom. Also if you goto lecom and find PBL isn't for you you're done. In my opinion PBL is imperfect and I would prefer to stick with the more proven traditional methods. Yes money is important but it isn't everything. If you go to lecom be willing to work hard for good rotations and you better be sold on PBL.

 

[Dancing_Queen]

I graduated from a very early class at Lecom-B. A lot of things may have changed, but I got my first choice residency and now I am the Medical Director for the Hospitalist program I went to work for- again my first choice position out of residency. I am also a Medical Director for one of the local hospices in town, I see some select patients a few days a monthon an outpatient basis, run a testosterone clinic and assist with a weight-loss clinic in my spare time. I am in the 39% federal tax bracket because I make a lot of money these days. The state of Florida has no state income tax, so I stay here and I'm very happy about that. If I lived in California they would be taking about $5000 a month in state income taxes too. SO, don't forget that little jewel for when you get ready to practice. I have a substantial student loan debt, but I lessened that by teaching anatomy and physiology at a local nursing school during my first two years of med school, but I still pay abou $1700 a month in student loans. I know some folks paying over $3000 a month. Despite my income, I am more than happy that I picked a place with very low tution. Every dollar counts when you have a family. I worked hard and got what I wanted. You can do that no matter where you go. The hardest (and most efficient) working students will always do well. Go where its cheap.

Thank you so much for you input! Appreciate it.
I think I'm leaning towards LECOM-B..

 

[MedSchoolHopeful14]

Thank you so much for you input! Appreciate it.
I think I'm leaning towards LECOM-B..

I agree with most everything that has already been said. Ultimately, it will come down to you and where you feel the happiest/most comfortable. I was fortunate enough to have been accepted to CCOM last month and I sent that deposit in faster than you can say the word "accepted" BUT that's because I'm in-state, want to practice in Chicago, CCOM was my dream school, and I fell in love with the campus. Yes, the price is ridiculously high, but for me and my future career goals, it is worth it. So, ask yourself which place made you feel most at home and what school better fits your future goals. If you're indifferent to location and really loved both equally, then go to LECOM-B and save yourself the extra 150k-200k you would be paying at CCOM. As another user said, a lot of us pick CCOM because it has an amazing reputation in he surrounding area and we want to practice here in the future, but if that's not something you want or are particularly set on, then save that money and don't look back. I wish you all the best, and congrats on both acceptances! 🙂

 

[cabinbuilder]

Officially accepted to LECOM and CCOM and I have 4 days to decide.....

Thanks for your response. You have given me another perspective. I suppose you're right. It's not a matter of how much debt you'll be in, it's a matter of how the debt will be distributed.

My next question for you and anyone else is do you think going to a "better, reputable school" will open more doors, give me a better starting salary, or help me get into more competitive specialties?

I've read debates that getting into a specialty is all about how you do on boards but some say it's all about who you know etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any difficulties coming from a less reputable school?

4 days and counting. I'd appreciate any response as soon as possible.

My next question for you and anyone else is do you think going to a "better, reputable school" will open more doors, give me a better starting salary, or help me get into more competitive specialties? So (IMO), in the DO world, the school does not get you into specialties, your rotations, personality, and board scores do. LECOM has students who have gone into ALL specialites including ROADS and neurosurgery, etc. Where you go to school DOES NOT dictate your starting salary, your personal shrewdness and how good your contract lawyer does.

I've read debates that getting into a specialty is all about how you do on boards but some say it's all about who you know etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any difficulties coming from a less reputable school? Again, specialties generally come down to board scores and how well you do on audition rotations. Knowing someone at the residency can help but that a far reach. I think generally most schools will do right by you. You will get a good education at just about any US medical school. Reputation is all in the eye of the beholder and one person's high rep school may not be the same for the next student. Go to the school where you will be the happiest, have the least amount of personal stress, and gives you the debt load that is acceptable to you.

 

[cabinbuilder]

In my opinion go to CCOM. From the lecom doctor I talked to they don't really help you much with rotations and don't pay hospitals 3rd year.I think the education is better at ccom. Also if you goto lecom and find PBL isn't for you you're done. In my opinion PBL is imperfect and I would prefer to stick with the more proven traditional methods. Yes money is important but it isn't everything. If you go to lecom be willing to work hard for good rotations and you better be sold on PBL.

Just to clarify - LECOM-B and Seton Hill are PBL. LECOM-Erie has 3 pathways: LDP (lecture), PBL, and ISP (Independent study)

 

[j4pac]

Once you get to residency, your medical school for the most part doesn't matter. LECOM-B always have top board scores and therefore has great match lists. I don't care what you tell me...cost of tuition and match list are the two most important factors in deciding where to go (unless you have children and therefore location becomes important).

 

[scpod]

The only thing more I can add is to repeat one thoimng the cabinbuilder said. Go where you are likely to be the happiest. If you are not happy, you will not do well in school. The idea of sitting all day in class would have made me miserable. PBL was great for me beciase 4 days a week I was only in schol for two hours. The rest of the day was spent sitting by my pool with my laptop and textbooks studying away until time to go teach class in the evening. I couldn't have done it any other way. But, I am self-motivated. When it came to rotations I was also very pro-active. I didn't wait for the school to give me my assignments; I chose what I wanted in advance (using the schedule for my group that I was required to follow), got approvals from the attendings myself , and then asked the school to put me in those spots if necessary. For my required Emergency Medicine rotation in forth year I found one of our spots that was willing to let me do 16 shifts in 18 days and had the rest of the month off for vacation. You get out of it what you put into it.

 

[user3]

If it weren't for all of its rules, LECOM-B would probably be one of the hardest DO schools to get into.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

This thread is making me reconsider LECOM-B. I had ranked it below CUSOM, but now it is looking like a more viable option.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

I graduated from a very early class at Lecom-B. A lot of things may have changed, but I got my first choice residency and now I am the Medical Director for the Hospitalist program I went to work for- again my first choice position out of residency. I am also a Medical Director for one of the local hospices in town, I see some select patients a few days a monthon an outpatient basis, run a testosterone clinic and assist with a weight-loss clinic in my spare time. I am in the 39% federal tax bracket because I make a lot of money these days. The state of Florida has no state income tax, so I stay here and I'm very happy about that. If I lived in California they would be taking about $5000 a month in state income taxes too. SO, don't forget that little jewel for when you get ready to practice. I have a substantial student loan debt, but I lessened that by teaching anatomy and physiology at a local nursing school during my first two years of med school, but I still pay abou $1700 a month in student loans. I know some folks paying over $3000 a month. Despite my income, I am more than happy that I picked a place with very low tution. Every dollar counts when you have a family. I worked hard and got what I wanted. You can do that no matter where you go. The hardest (and most efficient) working students will always do well. Go where its cheap.

What is your specialty?

 

[dorothyntoto]

I don't go to either school...
So LECOM-B has pretty high board scores and pass rates... I have heard not so awesome things about CCOM... Like that they don't give a crap if you're sick, have a death in your family/friends, etc... I am not sure about LECOM's policies on that, but maybe check the student handbook... The other thing is that CCOM's curriculum is all your classes at one time, which from what I've heard is usually more stress and less success. This info is all anecdotal from people who go to CCOM... Either way, the tuition is way less at LECOM, but you have to set up your rotations yourself...

 

[Dancing_Queen]

This thread is making me reconsider LECOM-B. I had ranked it below CUSOM, but now it is looking like a more viable option.

CUSOM is a very new school, with no great rep in an aspect.. from what I've heard anyway. There's no way I would rank LECOM-B under them. LECOM-B is consistently first/second in board scores. Lots for you to reconsider indeed. Perhaps I'll see you in class. 🙂