Creighton vs. Iowa

[Scarlett27]

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What do you guys think? I need your opinions...

 

[drmota]

scarlett, are you gdbaby in disguise?
-mota

 

[Scarlett27]

Hey Mota,

No, I am not an undercover gdbaby. Although, it is kind of strange how our application progress seems parallel. I mean, she gets accepted to Iowa, I get accepted. She interviews at Creighton, I just received a Creighton interview. I think she's become my mentor.

 

[snobored18]

Ok I'm partial so I shouldn't be answering this...but being from the midwest and having seen both these schools before (I declined a creighton interview but I've been through their medical center and boys town) I can still give you a comment. Creighton isn't in the same league and you probably know that...while i think rankings are ******ed and shouldn't be ones basis for a decision if you look at extramural funding and the quality of the affiliated medical center Iowa is far superior. I don't want to put Creighton down but being a private school in a city with a public medical school (and once again a lot of people in Omaha will say that UNMC has fast become the better of the two Omaha schools) it just doesn't have the resources that Iowa being the only allopathic school in the state recieves from both private and public sources. I think you should definitely still interview at Creighton and check it out as a point of comparison for yourself (and also go look at UNMC while you are there because seriously the Creighton students will admit they use their library most of the time). If you get a full ride scholarship I would say go with Creighton...if you are paying sticker don't even think twice and go to Iowa.

 

[Scarlett27]

Ok I'm partial so I shouldn't be answering this...but being from the midwest and having seen both these schools before (I declined a creighton interview but I've been through their medical center and boys town) I can still give you a comment. Creighton isn't in the same league and you probably know that...while i think rankings are ******ed and shouldn't be ones basis for a decision if you look at extramural funding and the quality of the affiliated medical center Iowa is far superior. I don't want to put Creighton down but being a private school in a city with a public medical school (and once again a lot of people in Omaha will say that UNMC has fast become the better of the two Omaha schools) it just doesn't have the resources that Iowa being the only allopathic school in the state recieves from both private and public sources. I think you should definitely still interview at Creighton and check it out as a point of comparison for yourself (and also go look at UNMC while you are there because seriously the Creighton students will admit they use their library most of the time). If you get a full ride scholarship I would say go with Creighton...if you are paying sticker don't even think twice and go to Iowa.

Thanks snowbored, you always have great comments.

 

[laboholic]

If you an Iowa resident then you should go to creighton. If you are an out of stater, then go to iowa.

need to keep my iowa in-state competition down 😀

 

[snobored18]

No prob...when is your Creighton interview??? if you have time go check out the Old Market district of Omaha (literally a few blocks downtown from the Creighton campus)...that, the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Qwest center are Omaha's only redeeming qualities (hint hint I'm not a fan of Omaha...its kind of a dump...but Warren Buffet and Strategic Air Command are both located there).

 

[jrae]

As I dislike the state of Nebraska, I would go to Iowa 😀 . Besides a nice zoo, what else have they got??

 

[gdbaby]

Scarlett hope you don't mind me responding here vs. the PM.

IMO, when I compare the two this is how I break it down:

1. Education Philosophy: equal
I was so impressed with both school's committment to the success of their students and the amount of student input involves in administrative decision-making. The day i interviewed at Creighton was the Friday before their final anatomy lab practical of the semester. That afternoon, the M2's spent 4 hours in the lab preparing cadavers for a mock exam that the M1's would be taking that evening. I stayed to see the mock exam and it was incredible. Everything was just like how their final would be but it was harder and longer (that sounds obscene). The M2's stay through the whole thing and then stay afterward to answer questions. Amazing. I won't elaborate on Iowa since you know the scoop, but their CELLS program looks amazing and that each community has its own academic advisor is pretty wow to me.

2. Access to diverse populations: Creighton
Yeah, it's Omaha but the city is still big enough to see a wide variety of different people in the clerkships. I also think this diversity contributes positively to the cultural life of the city as well. Don't get me wrong tho'--IC,IA is da bomb.

3. Facilities: Iowa, hands down
New MERF, awesome hospitals, everything at your fingertips.

4. Rep: Iowa, hands down
I think Creighton is making big strides but Iowa has a great rep, rankings or no rankings.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I may be fortunate enough to have three schools to choose from (Creighton, Iowa, Colorado). I think the only way I would go to Creighton now is if their scholarship was bigger than the one I got from Iowa. Iowa's even makes it cheaper for me to go there than my state school (Colorado) so I will have a really tough, albeit incredibly thankful, decision to make if it comes down to that.

Scarlett, if you are feeling luke warm about Iowa, go to Creighton and check it out. They do offer a bunch of scholarship money, so if that is a deciding factor for you then really do check it out. However, if iowa gives you the warm fuzzies and being at school with me makes you giddy with anticipation--save the $$.

 

[Scarlett27]

Thanks so much gdbaby. I loved Iowa. I really liked the whole CELLS program and the facilities were incredible. The only aspect of Iowa that seems to be weighing on my mind is the actual experience I will gain during clinicals. I don't plan on working in a rural area after I graduate, so I'm a bit worried that I won't get the variety of exposure as I would in a larger city. I know that Iowa's reputation is much better than Creighton's, but I think I'm just trying to keep my options open. Although, I do believe that Iowa is where I'll find myself come August.

 

[Scarlett27]

No prob...when is your Creighton interview??? if you have time go check out the Old Market district of Omaha (literally a few blocks downtown from the Creighton campus)...that, the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Qwest center are Omaha's only redeeming qualities (hint hint I'm not a fan of Omaha...its kind of a dump...but Warren Buffet and Strategic Air Command are both located there).

I have yet to schedule my interview, but I have a few dates at the end of Feb and the beginning of March to choose from.

 

[91Bravo]

Thanks so much gdbaby. I loved Iowa. I really liked the whole CELLS program and the facilities were incredible. The only aspect of Iowa that seems to be weighing on my mind is the actual experience I will gain during clinicals. I don't plan on working in a rural area after I graduate, so I'm a bit worried that I won't get the variety of exposure as I would in a larger city. I know that Iowa's reputation is much better than Creighton's, but I think I'm just trying to keep my options open. Although, I do believe that Iowa is where I'll find myself come August.

The clinical rotations at the University of Iowa are great. As a tertiary care center I am confident you'll see quite a bit more at Iowa than you might at Creighton. Creighton's hospital isn't anywhere near as high-speed as UIHC. Research opportunities are plentiful and the clinical rotations are top-notch. Don't rely on assumptions. Take some time online to research Creighton University Meidcal Center and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

 

[baseball37]

Thanks so much gdbaby. I loved Iowa. I really liked the whole CELLS program and the facilities were incredible. The only aspect of Iowa that seems to be weighing on my mind is the actual experience I will gain during clinicals. I don't plan on working in a rural area after I graduate, so I'm a bit worried that I won't get the variety of exposure as I would in a larger city. I know that Iowa's reputation is much better than Creighton's, but I think I'm just trying to keep my options open. Although, I do believe that Iowa is where I'll find myself come August.

Scarlet,
Although Iowa has great opportunities to do some clinicals in rural areas if you like, many of your clinicals will be at UIHC, which sees some of the most specialized cases of medical treatment in the country. While it is true that Omaha is much larger then Iowa City, this does not mean that you will have a greater variety of exposure at Creighton as a medical student. People travel across states to receive their specialized treatment at the UIHC. Although I am somewhat biased as a pre-M1 at Iowa, I think it is a fair to say you will receive a just as great or or even greater variety of exposure at Iowa then Creighton or any medical school in a large city.

 

[snobored18]

The clinical rotations at the University of Iowa are great. As a tertiary care center I am confident you'll see quite a bit more at Iowa than you might at Creighton. Creighton's hospital isn't anywhere near as high-speed as UIHC. Research opportunities are plentiful and the clinical rotations are top-notch. Don't rely on assumptions. Take some time online to research Creighton University Meidcal Center and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Bravo has it right...University Hospitals isn't a rural care center...everything you would see going on at a big city hospital you will see at UH...the only difference is the patients come in from a larger geographical area...seriously if you need a complex or pioneering procedure done and you are from Des Moines you go to either University Hospitals or the Mayo Clinic to have it done. UH is a LARGE hospital and it is highly regarded...I completely agree you will see way more at Iowa than Creighton...honestly UNMC is the place in Omaha were the really complex stuff is going on (they have the larger medical center as well) not Creighton...I say visit Creighton first...then there will be no need for this discussion board...on a side note did you tour guide have enough time to at least walk you through some of the lobbies and the pavillons at UH...if you go back for the April admitted student day just walk from the AA elevators to the MM elevators in family medicine...you will get a glimpse of just how large a hospital and how much stuff is going on and that i think will put your concerns to rest...

 

[MahlerROCKS]

What do you guys think? I need your opinions...

Omaha is ****ing depressing; granted Iowa City is smaller, but the university gives the city a vibrancy that makes it much more hospitable

 

[Messerschmitts]

Iowa's even makes it cheaper for me to go there than my state school (Colorado) so I will have a really tough, albeit incredibly thankful, decision to make if it comes down to that.

How is that possible, gdbaby? When I intervied at Iowa, they told me we OOSers have to pay 4 years of atrocious OOS tuition! You got Iowa ties for residency purposes, or do you just rock so much that they showered you with scholarships? 😛

 

[gdbaby]

How is that possible, gdbaby? When I intervied at Iowa, they told me we OOSers have to pay 4 years of atrocious OOS tuition! You got Iowa ties for residency purposes, or do you just rock so much that they showered you with scholarships? 😛

They showered me with scholarships. Over 1/2 off OOS tuition. Don't know about the rocking part as you can see from my profile, but ability to perform sexual favors is highly regarded.

 

[jimmy812]

Hi, just thought I'd bump this thread as I'm currently trying to decide between Creighton and Iowa.

I'm IS and a current student at Iowa, so it would be a lot cheaper and I have plenty of friends here. On the other hand, I'm really dissatisfied with my master's degree program at Iowa (namely a lack of advising, mediocre classes, and feeling like I'm just a number at this school). I know the carver college of medicine will be an entirely different learning environment, but I'm getting tired of this place and not sure if I want to stick around for another four years. I really enjoyed my visit to Creighton and I was impressed with the laid back and welcoming attitude of both the students and faculty...however, the price is fairly steep.

So, I'm just wondering if anyone has any more up to date arguments in favor of either school? Thanks!

 

[bashir]

I'm not going to comment on Creighton vs. Iowa, but I do feel the need to defend my hometown of Omaha, given the bum rap it's received in this thread. Omaha is not the most exciting place in the world, but it's a great place to live and consistently ranks high on lists of best cities in which to raise a family. PM me if you have questions about Omaha.

 

[qmcat]

Hi, just thought I'd bump this thread as I'm currently trying to decide between Creighton and Iowa.

I'm IS and a current student at Iowa, so it would be a lot cheaper and I have plenty of friends here. On the other hand, I'm really dissatisfied with my master's degree program at Iowa (namely a lack of advising, mediocre classes, and feeling like I'm just a number at this school). I know the carver college of medicine will be an entirely different learning environment, but I'm getting tired of this place and not sure if I want to stick around for another four years. I really enjoyed my visit to Creighton and I was impressed with the laid back and welcoming attitude of both the students and faculty...however, the price is fairly steep.

So, I'm just wondering if anyone has any more up to date arguments in favor of either school? Thanks!

I have pretty much the same impressions. Also, I think Iowa grading is 5-scale, while Creighton is H/P/F. So you may also want to consider that.

The price is very high, but I guess that's what you pay to be in that environment for 4 years.

 

[DoctorDeMan]

Regarding clinical rotations, UIHC has a much better hospital than Creighton. You'll see a lot more.

http://www.usnews.com/listings/hospitals/6620765

#2 in ENT, #6 in optho #12 in ortho

 

[DoctorDeMan]

Hi, just thought I'd bump this thread as I'm currently trying to decide between Creighton and Iowa.

I'm IS and a current student at Iowa, so it would be a lot cheaper and I have plenty of friends here. On the other hand, I'm really dissatisfied with my master's degree program at Iowa (namely a lack of advising, mediocre classes, and feeling like I'm just a number at this school). I know the carver college of medicine will be an entirely different learning environment, but I'm getting tired of this place and not sure if I want to stick around for another four years. I really enjoyed my visit to Creighton and I was impressed with the laid back and welcoming attitude of both the students and faculty...however, the price is fairly steep.

So, I'm just wondering if anyone has any more up to date arguments in favor of either school? Thanks!

What masters program are you doing?

 

[rockydoc]

maybe i am being naive, but I feel that choosing a program based on how complicated of cases are sent to their hospitals or how well ranked their departments are isnt the best approach. My reasoning is that in medical school you are still largely concerned with the "basics" of each rotation. Residency seems to be the spot where you want to worry more about exposure to the high-profile type cases to get some real experience. But in medical school, you arent gonna be involved in the slightest with those cases anyway, so what's the big deal?? Again, I may be off, but that's just something to think about.

Personally, Creighton is an awesome school, has an amazing atmosphere, and a pretty good rep. (you arent gonna have any trouble getting the residency you want going to Creighton over Iowa). However, Creighton is wicked pricy, so if you are instate at Iowa, go there.

 

[DoctorDeMan]

maybe i am being naive, but I feel that choosing a program based on how complicated of cases are sent to their hospitals or how well ranked their departments are isnt the best approach. My reasoning is that in medical school you are still largely concerned with the "basics" of each rotation. Residency seems to be the spot where you want to worry more about exposure to the high-profile type cases to get some real experience. But in medical school, you arent gonna be involved in the slightest with those cases anyway, so what's the big deal?? Again, I may be off, but that's just something to think about.

Personally, Creighton is an awesome school, has an amazing atmosphere, and a pretty good rep. (you arent gonna have any trouble getting the residency you want going to Creighton over Iowa). However, Creighton is wicked pricy, so if you are instate at Iowa, go there.

This is debatable, and varies between schools. I recall someone saying the cases at Iowa would be less complicated, etc. than at Creighton because Iowa City is smaller than Omaha and this simply is not true. That's why I brought up reputation of Iowa's hospital.

Creighton is a fine school, but I firmly think Iowa is better due to reputation, facilities, cost (if in-state), research opportunities, size + reputation of hospital, etc.

Still, go to the Creighton interview. You've got nothing to loose and may end up being "wowed" by the school.

 

[qmcat]

This is debatable, and varies between schools. I recall someone saying the cases at Iowa would be less complicated, etc. than at Creighton because Iowa City is smaller than Omaha and this simply is not true. That's why I brought up reputation of Iowa's hospital.

Creighton is a fine school, but I firmly think Iowa is better due to reputation, facilities, cost (if in-state), research opportunities, size + reputation of hospital, etc.

Still, go to the Creighton interview. You've got nothing to loose and may end up being "wowed" by the school.

I think jimmy812 went to the Creighton interview already and liked it. From my perspective, the quality of teaching and the environment are more important than reputation/facilities/cases. I'd rather go somewhere where I feel like I'm learning and happy versus wandering around a reputable hospital not knowing what's going on and being scolded by residents/attendings for not knowing anything.

I think the two most important things to consider are cost and learning environment. Of course, Iowa would have the lower cost since you're in-state... and if you feel that Iowa has a better learning environment then of course go there.

 

[JulyMorning]

If either college is an in-state school for you, go there. Otherwise, both schools are great (although I'm leaning toward Carver 😀).

 

[DoctorDeMan]

I think jimmy812 went to the Creighton interview already and liked it. From my perspective, the quality of teaching and the environment are more important than reputation/facilities/cases. I'd rather go somewhere where I feel like I'm learning and happy versus wandering around a reputable hospital not knowing what's going on and being scolded by residents/attendings for not knowing anything.

I think the two most important things to consider are cost and learning environment. Of course, Iowa would have the lower cost since you're in-state... and if you feel that Iowa has a better learning environment then of course go there.

Agreed, and I'd like to hope the "better" schools (research/reputation/etc) have a "better" learning environment, which may not always be the case.

I was referring to the OP with my "go to the interview" comment... did not look at the 2006 original post date. Oops...

 

[jimmy812]

Thank you all for your input! I suppose I'll wait for the financial aid offers before I sit down and make a decision...

 

[BigRedBeta]

Thank you all for your input! I suppose I'll wait for the financial aid offers before I sit down and make a decision...

That's by far the smartest decision at this point. Really, I think decisions like this should always come down to how you feel about a place and the cost (and if you're willing to pay a significant amount of money for a place with a better feel) Rankings are generally not useful - they simply represent what's important to the person making the ranking system.

 

[golfintherain]

sorry I just saw this and I wrote a reply for another post to give you a more inside view from creighton... and about creighton and thought I would post it here too for you...

hey i just was surfing around and saw your post and it caught my eye... I dont know to much about the others but I do have a good inside view of Creighton. Being from Cali myself I guess I have somewhat of a angle that can help you. I went to Santa Clara for a couple years and then transfered to Creighton to finish undergrad and then just finished a masters here too. And I too am figuring out my med school destination.
So with that I will tell you a little more about Creighton from a lot of factors I know. First the good... what you experienced on interview is pretty close to the atmosphere. People here are a lot nicer and helpful than most of what I experienced and lived with in Cali. They will help you out and its got a more family atmosphere. 🙂 With that said it is definitly much more rural here than anything you have experienced in So cal. So if thats ok then thats a good thing to consider. Its definetly the slower pace of life... infact I have physicians that I know that come out here from cali that feel restless because they dont get why things seem not to be moving along. Just a different feeling and life style. 😳 And the people and the school are great people and nice... thats the best thing about the school I think.... Now the honest negative stuff... (and with my cali personality I will be straight and honest ) The school is fine but is being dragged down by the hospital. I know on your interview you went through the hospital and not sure if you noticed but its pretty outdated with stuff... thats because the hospital has been struggling and loosing a ton of money. Its literally acting like a drain for the whole Creighton Campus. Some of it is because of the economy of course but the honest truth is the way the hospital is run is horrible. They have to many employees and the physicians are not rewarded for there work. Physicians are actually fleeing the CUMC because they cant make any money. Any work they do have the money goes to creighton so the physicans are seeing nothing so clearly with no reward means the physicians dont care about keeping work there...
So what effect does that have... basically the school is struggling ... not really because of the school itself but the effects are definilty being seen in the school because of it. So while I like to talk up the actual school and area ... I wont lie to you and say that the school is in great shape... I mean lets be honest the school will recover eventually... however will it be in the next 4 years ? probably not... and so may hamper some of what your looking for.
Also I have gathered that grants and scholarships are hard to come by right now at the school. Dont know what factor that plays for you or if you have already gotten it... but if your waiting on it... it may disappoint you is what I have gathered. With the economy the endowment fund has been hit hard ... plus I dont think Creighton is big for med scholarships... and finally last negative... tuition is pretty high for creighton already and they just increased it another 3000 for this last years class and potentially maybe to 4 or 5 next year...
So I just thought I would let you know all the facts that I know of from being here so long and being involved in the school for some years. If you liked the people and experience atmosphere ... thats awesome and fly on in to the cornhusker nation of the world. But if those other potential negatives bother you... may be better to look at the others too... hope this helps... may be more then you wanted to know... but what can I say im bored waiting for next year ha ha later😎

 

[majahops]

We're not talking about a real comparison here, we're talking about schools in two entirely different tiers. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED Creighton... but unless it's ACROSS THE STREET from your house, how are you going to reasonably choose it over Iowa?