JA14R said:
After analyzing the two schools, I am still torn on which one to go to. MSUCOM seems to have a very structured program, including set rotations. If I go to MSUCOM I know that I will be doing a rotation in one of their affiliated hospitals, which are listed on the website. The first two years at AZCOM are set, but it is not as clear as to where I would be doing the rotations, Preceptor vs Hospital, in Arizona or another state? AZCOM seems to give more variability and flexibility with the rotations. But is a more structured rotation system more effective?
I am also from California, so AZCOM is a lot closer to home. Going to school in AZ might somehow benefit me in finding a residency and/or job in California. Right?
I liked both schools
the reason why I am torn between them. The two univ are so different in size, location, state vs. private.....
Being a large univ, MSUCOM has many opportunities: intramural sports and such...
Do any students or alums have any thoughts on my dilemma?
Let me first say that I know nothing of MSUCOM, other than that is a fine school.
As far as AZCOM goes, I'll address some of your questions:
1. The first two years at AZCOM are outstanding. Our board scores prove that. Of course, rotations are definately much more important to your overall education, so it's a wise move on your part to consider the 3rd and 4th year education...
2. AZCOM's clinical years are, if nothing else, flexible. You'll definately have the opportunity to do either preceptor or hospital based rotations (even in CA if you wish). The big knock on AZCOM has been the relative difficulty in ward based (i.e. residency based) rotations here in Phoenix. In the past it was very difficult and frustrating. However the situation seems to be improving (to the point that I'm a bit jealous of the class under mine
). So far as I know, the current programs have some sort of an agreement with AZCOM for 3rd year students:
IM:
Maricopa County
VA
U of A (Tucson)
Surgery:
Maricopa
Good Sam
U of A (Tucson)
Peds:
Phoenix Children's (this is new I think, not available for my class)
Psych:
Maricopa
Family:
Phoenix Baptist (not sure on this one)
John C Lincoln
St. Joe's (not sure about this one yet)
OB/GYN:
None that I know of.
Keep in mind that this is off the top of my head where I've had friends rotate, I do not claim to have any definative info. Also keep in mind that you can pretty much go wherever you want in 4th year.
So is AZCOM the place to go if you absolutely had to have all ward based rotations in Phoenix. Probabaly not. But the situation seems to be improving somewhat. However, the flexibility of the program has worked out well for me, although I admit it can seem a little unsettling at times. In any case, you'll likely get a good education, and you'll have as good a chance as any DO students in the country to match where you want.
3. As far as intramurals goes, AZCOM does have a very active program, with activities year round.
4. Downsides to AZCOM? Cost and the rumored increase in class size (supposedly to 250?).
In the end, AZCOM was the best choice for my family (wife, 2 kids), and it's been a good school with some minor kinks academically. The good news is that the new DO school in Mesa is also adding some pressur eto make things better. Good luck deciding, you have a great problem deciding between two good schools. If it were me, cost would be a major factor in my decision.
