Decision 2014: UTMB vs UTH

[Dredgx]

Note: I've been through all of the threads on this topic multiple times.

Facing the dilemma of ranking UTMB vs UTH and holding an acceptance to UTMB, I would like to get peoples thoughts on recent statistics, living conditions and curriculum.

I currently live 5 mins from the TMC and honestly, living in Galveston does not excite me. I'm sure I'm not the only one that is interested in this topic. So let this post serve as a platform for intelligent and as objective as possible debate for one or the other.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[NickNaylor]

Note: I've been through all of the threads on this topic multiple times.

Facing the dilemma of ranking UTMB vs UTH and holding an acceptance to UTMB, I would like to get peoples thoughts on recent statistics, living conditions and curriculum.

I currently live 5 mins from the TMC and honestly, living in Galveston does not excite me. I'm sure I'm not the only one that is interested in this topic. So let this post serve as a platform for intelligent and as objective as possible debate for one or the other.

1) Much better living environment IMO, as you mention; Galveston just doesn't compare to Houston
2) TMC is going to crush any clinical facilities that might be available in Galveston

I think in most respects UTH is a "better" school, but it depends on what you want to do. I'd definitely say that UTH has a more academic vibe (read: helpful if you're interested in academics, research, and/or competitive specialties), but I'll admit that I'm not all that familiar with UTMB.

 

[The Buff OP]

UTH! Saaan!​

As Nick explained, UTH is a better school to go to. If you like taking care of prisoners go to UTMB.

 

[bunionberry]

Don't know much about UTH but I know several people who have gone through UTMB. All of them were very happy there and greatly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. When I interviewed there it was great and everyone was super friendly. It's where I'll likely be going this Fall. But like what has been said, I think if you're into academics and research, you might enjoy UTH more. Also consider Houston vs. Galveston living. They're definitely not the same. I would imagine living in Galveston is a lot cheaper and more convenient though (in terms of transportation to/from the school).

 

[bunionberry]

UTH! Saaan!​

As Nick explained, UTH is a better school to go to. If you like taking care of prisoners go to UTMB.

I don't think you can flat out say that UTH is a better school. It just depends on what you want out of your four years.

 

[The Buff OP]

I don't think you can flat out say that UTH is a better school. It just depends on what you want out of your four years.

Brah c'mon UTH is where is at. TMC you can't beat that.

 

[lovemango]

UTH! Saaan!​

As Nick explained, UTH is a better school to go to. If you like taking care of prisoners go to UTMB.

Really? That's such an unnecessary comment. At UTMB, you can actually choose to do your 3rd/4th year rotations in three different places: Galveston, Houston, or Austin. And if you do decide to stay in Galveston, it's not like you spend the majority of your time at the TDCJ; most rotations will be through John Sealy hospital, the upcoming Jennie Sealy hospital, and the specialty care clinics.

I really liked both UTH and UTMB and I struggled with the same decision last year. Ultimately, I got off the waitlist at both schools and chose UTMB cause of the relaxed student body and the awesome curriculum set-up (half days, class is not mandatory). Sure, Galveston is not the greatest place to live, but it's definitely cheaper than living in Houston. And if you're really bored or craving good food, Houston and the surrounding cities are only an hour's drive away. I loved UTH (and definitely the TMC), but I wasn't the biggest fan of their curriculum or the testing week. Both schools are great, and it basically comes down to what you feel is a better fit for you.

 

[dcamkl1]

If you're interested in oncology, go with UT-Houston. MD Anderson is an amazing facility for cancer research and treatment. I'm sure there will be so many opportunities available to you in that arena.

 

[BlueLabel]

Both schools are great. I have several friends who are MS1s at UTMB and they all love it. It's definitely a tough call.

 

[Dredgx]

I'm sure I would love UTMB, I just think I will dislike Galveston. I suppose at the end of the day I can put up with 2 years and hope that I have the opportunity to spend years 3 and 4 in Houston or Austin.

For now, I will keep 1) UTH 2) UTMB.

 

[The Buff OP]

At UTMB, you can actually choose to do your 3rd/4th year rotations in three different places: Galveston, Houston, or Austin.

Oh, that's cool. But is this true I heard UTH has higher Step 1 scores and they prepare their students better?

 

[lovemango]

Oh, that's cool. But is this true I heard UTH has higher Step 1 scores and they prepare their students better?

"UTMB ranks first in graduating under-represented minority students and, for the past four years, its students have posted the highest first-time pass rate of any public medical school in Texas on Step 1 of the national medical licensure examination." - http://www.utsystem.edu/sites/utsfiles/news/ImpactSheetHouston0611.pdf (posted in 2011)

Last published USMLE Step 1 avg I can find for UTMB was 230, in 2011-2012. The numbers are a few years old, but UTMB students usually do very well on Step 1.

 

[vagabondrunning]

UTMB is a really difficult ultramarathon, too. 🙂

 

[Lucca]

My senior friend was faced with this same decision. She ended up choosing UTH just because of TMC. It's beautiful and there's a little bit of everything in Houston: MD Anderson, Ben Taub, Texas Children's, Memorial Hermann, Methodist system. +Houston> Galveston. That's just my opinion though.

 

[fanondelaterre]

I am sure UTH is a fine medical school. I went to UTMB and graduated a few years ago. I absolutely loved UTMB. The way they set up the classes there provided for plenty of free time to study (half day classes) and digest the material, work (I did work-study in the library), relax, enjoy the beach, or go out. Plus, the other medical students were also laid back and liked to work together to help each other rather than compete. I would stress this point.

The faculty was wonderful and caring. The patients provided a good range of pathology. I don't know if things have changed but TDCJ was not a large part although you could request do rotations there if you wanted additional exposure. Most patients were seen at Sealy. Having said that, the patients at TDCJ were wonderful to us and it is a good experience to have. Plus the pathology seen there often is advanced and different. I honestly felt that UTMB cared about the community and the public. There were plenty of volunteer opportunities and study abroad was also encouraged.

I really liked Galveston a lot as a town. Traffic is not an issue and it has its nice unique culture. Plus, if Houston is that important to you, it is only a 30 minute drive away.

My final point is Step 1 scores. Again, I don't know if things have changed but I recall that during the four years I was there the Step 1 scores at UTMB were the highest or second highest in all of Texas. An average Step 1 score of 230 will get you an interview in almost any field as long as you have the other factors that that specialty cares for.

I have gone on to do residency and fellowships in what are traditionally considered top programs in the nation (Harvard for example) and maybe it is just nostalgia talking now but I wouldn't go to any of those medical school programs over UTMB if I had to do it again. I am perfectly content with my education there.

Best of luck with your choice and also the next few years studying. Make sure to remember to keep living too.

 

[QuantumJ]

I personally ranked UTMB above UTH. Cheaper living. Less traffic. Half day schedules. No hell week of tests. Want to do research or rotations in Houston? No problem you can still do that from UTMB.