Des Moines vs RFU

[2992tide2992]

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hi, I was recently accepted off of RFU's waitlist and need to decide by the end of the day which school to go to, RFU vs DMU.
RFU:

• obviously the MD school
• Chicago access for rotations during third and fourth years
• patient population may be more diverse
• stronger match list
• Worried about living in the suburbs for two years
• No affiliated hospitals

DMU:

• I already have housing and roommates
• Friendlier community
• Living in the city of Des Moines
• DO school, but seems like it has a good reputation
• negative stigma around DO

Any input or advice is appreciated, just looking for options! Thanks

 

[lumya]

DMU is arguably one of the best DO schools but there are some specialties that are less accessible for DO students compared to MD ones.

I've visited the area near RFU (I was on the waitlist) and I actually really liked it. It was very suburban and quiet (if you live south of the school) and Chicago is very accessible via car or public transit. There are also living communities comprised of only students. From talking with students, it seems most were happy with the rotations they were assigned (i.e. some who wanted to be suburban vs. moving closer to downtown for urban opportunities). Their match list is also really stellar.

It seems like you're pretty well set to start at DMU, so you just have to figure out if the cost of breaking your lease/moving is worth it for you. Personally, I would choose the MD school because I'm not sure about specialty and I don't want to be arbitrarily locked out. This is not to say that going to DMU will eliminate options for you.

 

[Schwifty]

US MD over DO every time. Do yourself a favor and go to RFU, it will make your life a lot easier