Cornell vs Duke

[OccamsSpork]

Well it's looks like I am fortunate enough to have to make the hardest decision I've faced yet: choosing between Duke and Cornell. I'm intending to do bench research during medical school, which both universities offer in abundance. Cost of Living will be slightly cheaper at Duke obviously, but either way is fine by me. To make things relatively simpler, let's just assume that financial aid awards are the same between the two. I loved both interview days and both campuses, although coming from South Florida Duke would be a much gentler transition (I've never lived in the city, yet alone a city like NYC. I'm neither for nor against it, I just don't know what it's like). I'm strongly considering pursuing a dual-degree program, although it's not a deal breaker for me. I intend to go into a surgical residency, although looking at match lists from both schools tells me its about the same.

I'd love to know which you would pick and why. Thanks!

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[CAVESMAN]

DUKE!

 

[Willy38]

CORNELL!

 

[Nymphicus]

Do you want to do a full year of research? Would you prefer NYC or RD?

 

[JPA178]

Duke has higher research activity and more than double the NIH funds of Cornell (293 mil vs. 117 mil) and at Duke you get a full year of research. Plus living in NYC is a huge adjustment. I think Duke is probably your best bet. Congratulations on 2 great acceptances.

 

[OccamsSpork]

Thank you all for the replies!
Honestly, I know Durham would be a much easier transition coming from a suburb, but I don't have any reservations about NYC either. It's different, and while it would be a bigger adjustment I think I could make it. In regards to research, I'm interested in pursuing an MD/PhD, although these acceptances are for MD (meaning I would have to matriculate into it). Barring that, then it doesnt matter if I do a full year of research or do it intermittently throughout my career. Is it safe to assume that I would really get much more research opportuities at Duke, given that Cornell's research is split between Rockefeller, Sloan Kettering, among others? Also, regarding my intention to pursue a competitive surgery residency (either Neuro or Ortho), which school would be of greater help?

Thanks Again!!!

 

[WedgeDawg]

Thank you all for the replies!
Honestly, I know Durham would be a much easier transition coming from a suburb, but I don't have any reservations about NYC either. It's different, and while it would be a bigger adjustment I think I could make it. In regards to research, I'm interested in pursuing an MD/PhD, although these acceptances are for MD (meaning I would have to matriculate into it). Barring that, then it doesnt matter if I do a full year of research or do it intermittently throughout my career. Is it safe to assume that I would really get much more research opportuities at Duke, given that Cornell's research is split between Rockefeller, Sloan Kettering, among others? Also, regarding my intention to pursue a competitive surgery residency (either Neuro or Ortho), which school would be of greater help?

Thanks Again!!!

Either will get you to a competitive residency in those specialties (though it should be noted that HSS, the best Ortho hospital, is affiliated with NYP/Cornell). You will have ample opportunities to do anything at both. I think you should base this decision on cost (including cost of living), whether you want to take a whole year to do research (or a dual degree), whether you like PBL/TBL, and whether you like red or blue better (kidding).

 

[qwe9rty]

Duke would be cheaper, better reputation, and easier adjustment for you. I'd say Duke.

 

[OccamsSpork]

Thanks guys! Really helps with my decision. I'm fortunate to know that I won't necessarily be going wrong either way, but knowing just how much both schools have to offer is making my head spin. Doing the dual-degree is defintely easier at Duke, but outside of MD/PhD I don't intend to pursue any other dual-degree programs (MD/MS is tempting and only possible at Duke though). My question is would attending Cornell significantly boost my chances at doing a reesidency at either HSS or NYP for Ortho or Neurosurg, respectively? And is this boost enough to offset the advantages that Duke has to offer for these surgery residencies as well?
(For the record, I would prefer orange lettering, so I'm SOL at both schools).

 

[Señor Científico]

Thanks guys! Really helps with my decision. I'm fortunate to know that I won't necessarily be going wrong either way, but knowing just how much both schools have to offer is making my head spin. Doing the dual-degree is defintely easier at Duke, but outside of MD/PhD I don't intend to pursue any other dual-degree programs (MD/MS is tempting and only possible at Duke though). My question is would attending Cornell significantly boost my chances at doing a reesidency at either HSS or NYP for Ortho or Neurosurg, respectively? And is this boost enough to offset the advantages that Duke has to offer for these surgery residencies as well?
(For the record, I would prefer orange lettering, so I'm SOL at both schools).

Disclaimer: I'm matriculating at Cornell.

You can see Cornell's match list on the match list thread, I think they only sent 1 to HSS this past year but only 3 matched ortho. It might just be a small sample pool. Having HSS across the street from your dorm would definitely be advantageous for networking/experience. If I remember correctly they do a great job at keeping people in NYC and in particular NYP.

That being said gettin to do a full year Of research in whatever field you want via Duke will probably help overcome any disadvantage living in RD would present. At Cornell you'll get the AOC which is smaller but still pretty good, go with where you feel the fit. Then again, there's no city like NYC.

Typing from my phon!

 

[Nymphicus]

Cornell would give you an advantage if you are dead set on residency at either HSS or NYP for Ortho or Neurosurg.

 

[OccamsSpork]

Thanks everyone!
Well it looks like I'm still stuck, but this extra info will really come in handy. So grateful to have the fortune of having to make this tough decision.

 

[TrustMeImADr]

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[jqpub]

If you are going to do an MD-PhD, there is another consideration. If you are going to choose a disease-related subject for your PhD, you will have had a solid year of disease context in the clinic at Duke prior to the onset of your research. This can be valuable at understanding the clinical underpinnings of your research, and can add substantial depth to your project. If you are doing a very basic science-oriented project, the clinical context won't be as important.

 

[OccamsSpork]

Thanks @jqpub !
I couldn't agree more, the main point of pursuing an MD-PhD as opposed to a pure PhD is exactly as you suggest, by using clinical experience to direct the applications of research towards medicine. You're right, as doing MD-PhD at Duke would provide me with a full year of clinical experience with which to apply towards my research during the subsequent PhD years, although Cornell isn't far behind in this manner as the second year consists of approx. 6 months of clinical rotations. Granted, this is not as applicable for basic sciences, and if I were to matriculate into MD-PhD I would most likely choose Biochemistry from my background in undergrad, I still intend to apply any clinical experience I have at the bench! As an attending physician, do you think attending any given medical school would boost my chances for a residency at hospitals affiliated with said schools, or do residencies try to remain as unbiased and objective as possible?
Thanks for the input everyone!