Choosing between PCOM and GCSOM..

[Curiousfuturedoc]

hi, I am not sure if this is the best place to post this question considering it is comparing an MD and a DO school.

I am very conflicted right now as I have received acceptances from both PCOM and GCSOM. After interviewing at both, it was very clear to me just based on my feeling that I loved PCOM a lot more the GCSOM- from location, feeling from the people, and opportunities they discussed. However, I also know that choosing DO comes with some extra challenges as far as residency, and I don't want to mess up my future career options by thinking with my heart when choosing a medical school right now. What other things should I be considering when choosing between these two schools? I love OMM and was really excited to be able to use it in my future, but I also know that MDs can take electives where they learn some OMT...
My future goals (as of now) are leaning towards psychiatry or anesthesiology (i know opposite ends of the spectrum lol), but 1000% sure I want to end up in a large city such as NYC or Philly.

I have got some advice that some of the things to look for when choosing a school is if they are pass/fail, how your class ranking shows up on a deans letter, and match rates. Does anyone have advice to offer on these two schools?

Thank you and I apologize if this was overly wordy.

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[AnatomyGrey12]

Always take the MD. For a reference point, I am a DO student. I'm happy with where I am and am confident I can get to where I want to go, but there is absolutely no doubt that having the MD degree simply makes life a lot easier.

 

[workaholic181]

Go to Geisinger. I got into PCOM too and completely feel you on the positive vibe and how impressive everything is there, but having an MD will open doors for you.

Overlook the location. You're gonna be so busy you wouldn't have much time to go out in Philly. I get it Scranton isn't everyones dream location but the MD trumps that x10.

Plus, if you really want to do residency and work in a big east coast city, that MD will mean a lot. Philly is "DO friendly" but take time to check out how many of their recent match lists include residencies in Philadelphia or NYC. It's not a lot, and there's not a lot of people who match into academic ACGME residencies in big cities from PCOM. Are there exceptions? Sure. But compare that to Geisinger where those kinds of matches are the norm and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Plus smaller class size at geisinger, makes it a no brainer.

 

[MKO]

Geisinger all the way

 

[puahate]

I understand how PCOM environment is probably more exciting but MD >>>> DO