clinical rotations

[melast]

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Hey guys,
So I've applied to MD and DO programs. Up until recently I was much more excited about DO programs because of the holistic focus, the seemingly nicer folks I'd be going to school with, etc.. but... the more I hear about people having to move, repeatedly, and oftentimes far away (different city, even different state) during 3rd and 4th year to do all their rotations the more skeptical I am about those programs. Part of the issue is that my boyfriend of 3+ years would be willing to take the bar in another state to stick with me in med school, I don't think I could ask him to take it in 2 or 3 more states just to follow me around. Mostly though, I'm questioning how the pros and cons of both types of programs actually add up for me.. Any thoughts? How are you planning on dealing with this?

 

[Taus]

Only SOME schools require you to move around....MANY do not

 

[melast]

It seems like its a possibility that you can't count on NOT happening at a LOT of schools. Or maybe just the schools I ended up applying to. So far I have interviews at AZCOM, KCUMB, and TUCOM-MI all of which have fair likelihood of sending you elsewhere - or am I wrong? I would be excited to be wrong about that

 

[Taus]

I don't know much about those schools...sorry...and YES...I know the CAPITALIZED LETTERS are ANNOYING......

 

[Yes_I_DO]

It seems like its a possibility that you can't count on NOT happening at a LOT of schools. Or maybe just the schools I ended up applying to. So far I have interviews at AZCOM, KCUMB, and TUCOM-MI all of which have fair likelihood of sending you elsewhere - or am I wrong? I would be excited to be wrong about that

Dont know about TUCOM, it's highly likely that you will have to move for KCUMB but AZCOM has done a lot of work on their rotations. They now almost require that you stay in state/in the area for them (you can get special permission to do away rotations, but they prefer you to use their sites).

 

[NjD00]

Like someone mentioned, you don't necessarily HAVE to move. Stick with the schools in bigger cities, or in areas where there is not a lot of competition from other medical schools.

I would suggest maybe lookin at:
TUCOM-NV
CCOM
PCOM
NYCOM
UMDNJ

and others, but these I would look at

 

[melast]

thanks guys! its good to hear the azcom tries to keep you around. i also applied to pcom and nycom, but havent heard from them yet. this has been very reassuring! Horay for sdn making me feel better instead of more stressed out 😀

 

[mletter]

If the new ATSU-Mesa branch ever opens they will be moving their students all over the country after only 2 semesters. 😱

 

[lysosome]

I don't understand why DO schools move students around. I thought they would want more of us practicing in the area?

 

[Lindy791]

from what i understand it is because more DO schools do not have afiliated hospitals like MD schools do (for example, DMU does not have DMU hospital to send its students on rotation where as PennState has the PennState Medical Center, etc.etc...)...don't quote me on it, but thats the info i got when i asked at a DO interview because i had the same question...

 

[RisingSun]

from what i understand it is because more DO schools do not have afiliated hospitals like MD schools do (for example, DMU does not have DMU hospital to send its students on rotation where as PennState has the PennState Medical Center, etc.etc...)...don't quote me on it, but thats the info i got when i asked at a DO interview because i had the same question...

I'm not sure on this either, but aren't MD programs required to have affiliated hospitals in order to be accrediated? Thus there is a huge barrier to entry regarding establishing an MD school - you have to build a hospital first, or have one become affiliated with the med school.

That is one of the many reasons why DO schools can open up so easily - little money to pony upfront, and students can be shipped all over the place for rotations (ie, there is no need for a home(s) hospital).

Correct me if I am wrong.👍

 

[DoctorMom78]

The two schools I have interviewed at (DCOM and PCSOM) both have rotations in the area so you don't have to move. By in the area, I mean within a 60 mile radius. I don't know about NYCOM, but I will after my interview on Thursday. I have the same issue you do but for a different reason. I am married with children and really can't keep moving my family around. There are definitely plenty of schools that give you the option to stay in one place if needed.

 

[Sarikate]

I'm in the same boat, melast - my fiance will be in grad school so I don't want to ship myself all over the country. I will be attending AZCOM; they have drastically changed their rotation system after a mandate by the state to allow AZCOM students to be on equivalent footing with U of A students for rotations. Plus...it's just awesome there. Good luck on your decision!