Drexel vs Geisinger (really torn please help!!!)

[palmtree137]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all. Having a lot of trouble picking between these two schools for the May 2nd CYMS deadline. Unless I get off the WL for my top choice, I will be matriculating at one of them. Don’t get me wrong...I really like both. Visited both campuses in person. Done a cost benefit analysis, and I think finances won't be that different at either one. COA will be about the same. Cost of living a little higher in Philly, but not so much so that I would choose based on that. Seems like both match relatively well, so no significant difference there either. Here's an abbreviated pros cons list I have:

Drexel:
Pros:
-older/more established name (networking and broader affiliations)
-great location (nearby Philly but not downtown; safe area)
-new building opening in Center City next year
-got along really well with people on visit and interview day
-variety of rotation options (short and long term, widespread)

Cons:
-slightly more expensive cost of living
-traveling in metro area for certain things (free school shuttle, but may still be annoying)
-loss of Hahnemann...no directly affiliated clinical sites
-two different buildings in two years
-some bad opinions I've seen on SDN?


Geisinger:
Pros:
-brand new building, great facilities, Scranton kind of centered around the school
-affiliated with huge health system
-slightly more bang for your buck in cost of living
-also got along well with people here
-lots of faculty came from well-reputed programs

Cons:
-Scranton seems a bit isolated; not much to do for break from school; downtown a little bare
-relatively new (seems to match well enough but still newer program)
-3rd year rotation sites all in that region; must be a Geisinger hospital for MS3; lots match in their system (restrictive?)
-clinical sites almost all outside of Scranton...a lot of driving
-focus on family med? What they are known for. People match in all specialities, but seems oriented that way and a push to practice in NE PA



I also have other more personal factors. I'm from Pittsburgh area so they are basically equidistant from home. And this is an abbreviated list lol, I promise I'm putting more thought into it than just these things. Really just wanted to get a sense from people familiar with the two and hear some opinions on both...good and bad. Also really curious about reputation of the two. Things can change, but thinking internal med right now (eventually specialize). Not sure if the perception of one is significantly better than the other in that regard. Open to all input and feedback. Thanks everyone!!

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

I think geisinger. Not having a home hospital is a big deal imo

 

[TuckGamePerfect]

In the same exact situation as you and I went with Drexel; I withdrew from Geisinger yesterday. The deciding factor for me was that a lot of the residency matching at Geisinger for specialized fields seemed to only stay within the Geisinger health system. But hey, let’s hope we both get off the Pitt waitlist and then don’t have to worry about it 😉

 

[palmtree137]

I think geisinger. Not having a home hospital is a big deal imo

I can definitely see this and agree to some extent. Geisinger definitely has a huge home hospital advantage with that system. I will also say that Drexel has a lot of sites and pretty widespread as far as systems so might help with networking stuff. Like I said, really struggling bc there are so many pros and cons to both lol. Really appreciate the feedback!

 

[palmtree137]

In the same exact situation as you and I went with Drexel; I withdrew from Geisinger yesterday. The deciding factor for me was that a lot of the residency matching at Geisinger for specialized fields seemed to only stay within the Geisinger health system. But hey, let’s hope we both get off the Pitt waitlist and then don’t have to worry about it 😉

Was gonna message you after I saw you in Geisinger thread hahaha. Couldn't agree more!!

 

[Shunsui]

Lots of home matches, especially in competitive specialties, is a huge pro in my opinion. Shows you the strength of having a home-field advantage compared to the lack of home programs at Drexel, which gets a lot of CA students.

With Geisinger, you could be a big fish in a small pond but the major drawbacks I've found are the location, extensive PBL/CBL/TBL learning and weekly quizzes, the potential to get unlucky with clerkship placement and ending up at Guthrie or small community hospital, and the housing situation with needing a shortened lease second year.

I don't see how paying >60k for tuition at Drexel is justified with those clerkship locations and no competitive home programs. The only major draws are location, more established, and huge alumni base

 

[palmtree137]

Lots of home matches, especially in competitive specialties, is a huge pro in my opinion. Shows you the strength of having a home-field advantage compared to the lack of home programs at Drexel, which gets a lot of CA students.

With Geisinger, you could be a big fish in a small pond but the major drawbacks I've found are the location, extensive PBL/CBL/TBL learning and weekly quizzes, the potential to get unlucky with clerkship placement and ending up at Guthrie or small community hospital, and the housing situation with needing a shortened lease second year.

I don't see how paying >60k for tuition at Drexel is justified with those clerkship locations and no competitive home programs. The only major draws are location, more established, and huge alumni base

Can definitely resonate with all of the above. Honestly the geographic aspect of things is my only issue with Geisinger. Visited Scranton and it was ok but might struggle with how bare things are there. And the other clinical sites are even more isolated.

On the other hand, geographic stuff is pretty much the main pro with Drexel. Several cons like you listed. If Geisinger was in Philly, it would be a much easier choice!

Definitely pros and cons to both. Will probably take this choice down to the wire, as I'm really still on the fence. Appreciate the insight!

 

[amm16]

Having visited Drexel (not going there), I really did not like the current campus and also was concerned when students noted that their main research opportunities came through emailing docs at Jefferson/Penn/Temple. The students also generally seemed unhappy and noted that they lived in a food desert/near a not great area at the QL campus. Also--they noted there's a potential for class of 2026 to move every year (you're not guaranteed the same 3rd/4th year site and the campus switch). Never visited Geisinger, but a doctor I worked with enjoyed his time in the system for what it's worth.

 

[palmtree137]

Having visited Drexel (not going there), I really did not like the current campus and also was concerned when students noted that their main research opportunities came through emailing docs at Jefferson/Penn/Temple. The students also generally seemed unhappy and noted that they lived in a food desert/near a not great area at the QL campus. Also--they noted there's a potential for class of 2026 to move every year (you're not guaranteed the same 3rd/4th year site and the campus switch). Never visited Geisinger, but a doctor I worked with enjoyed his time in the system for what it's worth.

Can see all of these points. I had no issues with QL area, but the external research stuff does concern me a little. I think moving around is likely for both schools since both use mostly regional rotation sites outside of the area of the school itself. Appreciate the insight!

 

[Dr.StevieBrule]

I was deciding between Geisinger, Drexel and another school, and went with Geisinger. Yeah, location sucks but its med school. Happy to hunker down and study. Heard students complain about support at Drexel, and I felt like I got zero attention from them even after getting accepted, so that helped me go with Geisinger. With a class of 300 students, that makes sense.

I also spoke with a few students at Geisinger, and there are plenty of research opportunities and physicians from all specialties are very receptive to mentoring/helping you. If you want to match in a competitive specialty, the impetus is on you. Its absolutely possible. The match list looked great to me, I'll link it here: Geisinger 2022 match list. Plenty of people matching in non primary care and outside of Geisinger system.

I'm also excited to either pay cheap rent for a decent place, or moderate rent for a nicer place. My only concern, which I'm sure is the same for many, is how young the program is. But again, the match list is good. And I think for new schools, there is more of a reason for them to support their students, since they need to build their reputation through getting great results. Plus, new school = new facilities.