Duke vs. UMiami

[themetalhawk]

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I just graduated from the University of Florida and was planning on going to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for medical school next year. I recently was offered a seat off of the waitlist for the Duke University School of Medicine. 3 months ago, I would have been ecstatic, but now I'm just confused and unsure if I really want this. I would appreciate any help or feedback.

First, some information about me:
• UF graduate
• I've lived in Florida all of my life. I think I would be able to handle the NC climate fine for 4 years, though.
• One of my long term goals in life has been to get out of Florida. I want to move away, and this seems like my first window of opportunity.
• I grew up in a small coastal, suburban beach town in South Florida. Gainesville is a rural-esque college town. I was looking forward to moving to a big city and trying out city life (Miami). I also feel like Miami med students seem to have a better balance in their life (and appear happier) than DukeMed students, but I suppose I could be wrong. I do like outdoorsy things though, and Durham is beautiful and outdoors, although supposedly really boring. Though, that might not matter if I'm so busy in med school.
• My [current] career goals are to work as an academic oncologist at a teaching hospital (which would require an internal medicine residency followed by an oncology fellowship). I really want to teach others and see patients; I'm really not sure how much of a focus I want on research. I also would like to eventually settle down in Southern California (SD), but my impression has been it's nearly impossible to land a California residency unless you have close family there or are from there, right?
• I am in the very, very, very fortunate position of not having to worry about medical school debt issues.
• Health and wellness is also very important to me—I think it's important to regularly workout and stay in shape, and I'm afraid I would have less of an opportunity to do that in Durham.

UM
Big city/more to do
Multicultural atmosphere with opportunities to improve my Spanish
The beach
Challenge myself more by living here, and this is an opportune time to do it
More economical
Great research opportunities—I love immunology, and there's a great program here in which I can do immunology research, seminars, and a journal club
Students seem very happy, like the strike a good balance between work & play
International service trips
Tons of service opportunities & health care clinic volunteer opportunities
Can work with underserved populations at Jackson Memorial (they take patients w/o health insurance)
Great cancer center (the Sylvester Cancer Center)
Good residency placements
Solid school (ranked 53)


Duke
Tiny rural town without much to it
Rural atmosphere
Mountains, outdoorsy things, getting away from Florida
Beautiful campus
Incredibly more expensive than Miami, mostly because I have a nice scholarship from Miami
World class research opportunities
Unique curriculum—2 preclinical classroom years condensed into one, plus an opportunity to do bench research for an entire year
Great prestige (ranked 9)—can perhaps take me far in residency match (which could be substantially helpful if I choose to do something other than internal medicine)
Will soon open up a new Learning Center—a state-of-the-art medical school building
Also is opening a unique cancer treatment center for patients soon
Students seem content, but constantly working and busy—less balance to life than Miami students. Perhaps I'd be less happy with my life in med school here.


I guess what it comes down to in my mind is whether Duke is really worth the name, the prestige, for all the extra money spent and stress that I would have there?

Any input or thoughts, especially from students with experiences at these schools, would be appreciated.

 

[FearlessHyena]

You would be a fool not to attend duke. I was accepted at Miller as well and was set on going until I heard of the financial problems. I talked to a current student, it will affect one's education regardless of what the administration says. Many professors were lured from other schools only to be disappointed with insufficient resources like lab space, funds, etc. Duke has one year of research which will enable you to be competitive. I will be attending UVA. Go to Duke and don't look back.

 

[Sephiroth]

If you don't have to worry about med school debt as you say (parents paying for it?), that's more of a reason to go to Duke, especially if you want to go to Cali, as coming from a top 10 school could greatly increase ur odds of getting into a residency there - even in IM, the most desirable residency spots are still competitive.

 

[themetalhawk]

If you don't have to worry about med school debt as you say (parents paying for it?), that's more of a reason to go to Duke, especially if you want to go to Cali, as coming from a top 10 school could greatly increase ur odds of getting into a residency there - even in IM, the most desirable residency spots are still competitive.

Yes, my parents are paying. I feel guilty though about them paying so much more money though for what is essentially the same degree. Sure, I can get into California sooner that way, but that doesn't mean I couldn't get there anyways as an employed physician eventually...

 

[JackShephard MD]

Yes, my parents are paying. I feel guilty though about them paying so much more money though for what is essentially the same degree. Sure, I can get into California sooner that way, but that doesn't mean I couldn't get there anyways as an employed physician eventually...

Oh, the guilt will pass. Lol.

Go to Duke.

 

[mybubbles627]

How much of a price difference is it?

 

[theWUbear]

If you want to get out of Florida

wait for it...


....


get out of Florida!
Going to a top tier name brand school will put you in whatever region you feel like going to when you're residency

 

[TheMightySmiter]

If you are set on a Cali residency, you'd be crazy to choose Miami over Duke. Love Miami, but it will be far easier to get a residency in Cali if you go to Duke.

 

[semicharmed]

Congrats on your decision. I was really impressed by Duke, and as someone with a lot of experience in that area, I can tell you that the Triangle is a wonderful place to live. It definitely is small-town feely, so a lot different than Miami. But Chapel Hill is right next-store with a long street of great bars and restaurants and Durham has its cool spots too. Raleigh is only about 30 minutes away and it has a nice night-life.

Duke can be pretty intense...about 8-10 people each year have to retake their first year because of the consolidated science (I know from a 3 yr student who is there now). You have to like research too, because the third year is all devoted to pursuing an independent project. But they don't lie in their interviews-residency directors think very highly of them and a lot of doors open with that degree. Not saying that miami won't allow you to pursue your dream specialty-it's a great school too.

I'd pick Duke if money isn't an issue (I think you said your parents would foot the bill), but I think this is one school where you really need to consider the curriculum carefully and think about if it's a good fit for your interest, because you will either love it or hate it. Good luck

 

[ayelet]

A few comments: If you're interested in oncology, Duke has one of the best cancer centers in the country.

Also, I think it's exaggerating to call Durham "tiny and rural". Duke is very close to downtown Durham which has a ton of great restaurants and bars. Sure it's not Miami, but there's a good amount of stuff to do.

My advice would be to take the Duke acceptance and run with it. Duke is an incredible school, and has a great national reputation. Also, the increased tuition may be offset by how inexpensive it is to live in Durham. I have a friend who rents out a two bedroom house close to campus for $600/month. If you're really worried about your parents paying more, why not just ask them to pay what they would have for you to go to Miami and take out loans for your remaining expenses?

 

[greg1184]

All that matters is what place you like better. Do you like the environment of Jackson? Or would you rather live in NC? You will get a fantastic education at either.

I have zero regrets attending Miami. The clinical experience is fantastic.

 

[GetThePointe77]

Just my two cents: Miami is not just having financial problems they are having BIG issues with their hospitals. Instead of signing their normal contract extension with Jackson this year they signed a one-year deal. Also a group that ranks hospitals (which ranked the majority of local hospitals in the area as A hospitals) just gave both Jackson and UMiami's hospitals F's. There will be huge overhauls to the system, and I'm pretty sure this year several Deans/people in charge have left/been fired/asked to leave. (I dont pretend to be an expert as I do not go to UM but one of my best friends does and has been freaking out about the situation...also I am a local).

 

[semicharmed]

Just my two cents: Miami is not just having financial problems they are having BIG issues with their hospitals. Instead of signing their normal contract extension with Jackson this year they signed a one-year deal. Also a group that ranks hospitals (which ranked the majority of local hospitals in the area as A hospitals) just gave both Jackson and UMiami's hospitals F's. There will be huge overhauls to the system, and I'm pretty sure this year several Deans/people in charge have left/been fired/asked to leave. (I dont pretend to be an expert as I do not go to UM but one of my best friends does and has been freaking out about the situation...also I am a local).

I'm an NC lover, so I'm a little biased, but just to follow up on this Duke is in the middle of an enormous building project that will make their hospital one of the largest and most modern in the country, so if that would make a difference, maybe blue devils are calling?!

See what your class is like, too.The most important thing in my opinion is the people! Maybe there's a fb group or something and you can judge whether you'll be in a supportive environment.

 

[themetalhawk]

Thanks to everyone's responses and input. So yes, although my parents are covering me for medical school, I still keep in mind what they are paying. The difference in the total cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, etc.) between Duke (~$75,000/yr) and Miami ($50,000/yr) is actually about $50,000/yr because Miami has upped my scholarship amount to $25,000/yr.

I'm not so sure if these financial troubles would really seriously impact UMiami's medical school education--they do have to train all of these students somehow. And there seems to be a more clinical focus at Miami than Duke, which has such a strong emphasis on research. But then again, if I am really serious about academia or even want a shot, Duke is the stronger choice on every level. Plus they just opened a new cancer center and are about to open a new medical school building.

I am going to meditate on it a little longer. I appreciate the support.

 

[mybubbles627]

Thanks to everyone's responses and input. So yes, although my parents are covering me for medical school, I still keep in mind what they are paying. The difference in the total cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, etc.) between Duke (~$75,000/yr) and Miami ($50,000/yr) is actually about $50,000/yr because Miami has upped my scholarship amount to $25,000/yr.

I'm not so sure if these financial troubles would really seriously impact UMiami's medical school education--they do have to train all of these students somehow. And there seems to be a more clinical focus at Miami than Duke, which has such a strong emphasis on research. But then again, if I am really serious about academia or even want a shot, Duke is the stronger choice on every level. Plus they just opened a new cancer center and are about to open a new medical school building.

I am going to meditate on it a little longer. I appreciate the support.

That's a HUGE price difference. I can't imagine any school costing an extra 200,000 dollars to be worth it. Duke is an amazing school, but that just seems way too much of a diffeerence even if your parents pay. Good luck with your decision. I don't think you could really go wrong either way.

 

[semicharmed]

That's a HUGE price difference. I can't imagine any school costing an extra 200,000 dollars to be worth it. Duke is an amazing school, but that just seems way too much of a diffeerence even if your parents pay. Good luck with your decision. I don't think you could really go wrong either way.

Yeah to be honest, I agree. It's a very large price difference and I think you'll be successful wherever you want. Try to message some of the students-I really enjoyed my interview there and was pleasantly surprised by how well-adjusted the ones we've met were, but I have heard that some of them can be unhappy.

Both schools are great and will have people who love it and people who maybe just want to get through. I'll repeat what I said, though-with Duke, it's so different the way they organize it that you should make sure you really like it before you commit. If you're on the fence-with the money and the radical curriculum, I'd stick with Umiami.

Good luck! Don't worry about it-either way you'll be great.

 

[NatrixCaelicola]

If your parents are footing the bill because they can, don't be too proud to not accept it. Go where you want and don't think about the money.

 

[FearlessHyena]

Thanks to everyone's responses and input. So yes, although my parents are covering me for medical school, I still keep in mind what they are paying. The difference in the total cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, etc.) between Duke (~$75,000/yr) and Miami ($50,000/yr) is actually about $50,000/yr because Miami has upped my scholarship amount to $25,000/yr.

I'm not so sure if these financial troubles would really seriously impact UMiami's medical school education--they do have to train all of these students somehow. And there seems to be a more clinical focus at Miami than Duke, which has such a strong emphasis on research. But then again, if I am really serious about academia or even want a shot, Duke is the stronger choice on every level. Plus they just opened a new cancer center and are about to open a new medical school building.

I am going to meditate on it a little longer. I appreciate the support.

Miami upped your scholly because people are bailing out in droves. Your education will suffer. This can't be argued. Go to duke.

 

[theWUbear]

Miami upped your scholly because people are bailing out in droves. Your education will suffer. This can't be argued. Go to duke.

Scholly was probably upped out of a reserve fund for recruitment of students accepted at other places. That's common practice. Your comment seems a bit hyperbolic.

I was strongly pro-duke before the money figure changed. If it were me in this situation (and I don't know your relationship with your parents, etc. so this may or may not apply to you) I would consider the financial state of my parents before taking the 200k extra. But as long as it wouldn't hurt them I would go to the place best for me to achieve my goals. This would be Duke, unless you are very familiar with the U and would have a much better shot at being top of your class there.

 

[gridguy]

Thanks to everyone's responses and input. So yes, although my parents are covering me for medical school, I still keep in mind what they are paying. The difference in the total cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, etc.) between Duke (~$75,000/yr) and Miami ($50,000/yr) is actually about $50,000/yr because Miami has upped my scholarship amount to $25,000/yr.

I'm not so sure if these financial troubles would really seriously impact UMiami's medical school education--they do have to train all of these students somehow. And there seems to be a more clinical focus at Miami than Duke, which has such a strong emphasis on research. But then again, if I am really serious about academia or even want a shot, Duke is the stronger choice on every level. Plus they just opened a new cancer center and are about to open a new medical school building.

I am going to meditate on it a little longer. I appreciate the support.

Have you contacted Duke about this? While they are unlikely to match such a generous scholarship, they may throw some money your way. Otherwise, I agree... given the finances, this is not an easy decision to make.

 

[ZooeyGlass]

I just graduated from the University of Florida and was planning on going to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for medical school next year. I recently was offered a seat off of the waitlist for the Duke University School of Medicine. 3 months ago, I would have been ecstatic, but now I’m just confused and unsure if I really want this. I would appreciate any help or feedback.

First, some information about me:
• UF graduate
• I’ve lived in Florida all of my life. I think I would be able to handle the NC climate fine for 4 years, though.
• One of my long term goals in life has been to get out of Florida. I want to move away, and this seems like my first window of opportunity.
• I grew up in a small coastal, suburban beach town in South Florida. Gainesville is a rural-esque college town. I was looking forward to moving to a big city and trying out city life (Miami). I also feel like Miami med students seem to have a better balance in their life (and appear happier) than DukeMed students, but I suppose I could be wrong. I do like outdoorsy things though, and Durham is beautiful and outdoors, although supposedly really boring. Though, that might not matter if I’m so busy in med school.
• My [current] career goals are to work as an academic oncologist at a teaching hospital (which would require an internal medicine residency followed by an oncology fellowship). I really want to teach others and see patients; I’m really not sure how much of a focus I want on research. I also would like to eventually settle down in Southern California (SD), but my impression has been it’s nearly impossible to land a California residency unless you have close family there or are from there, right?
• I am in the very, very, very fortunate position of not having to worry about medical school debt issues.
• Health and wellness is also very important to me—I think it’s important to regularly workout and stay in shape, and I’m afraid I would have less of an opportunity to do that in Durham.

UM
Big city/more to do
Multicultural atmosphere with opportunities to improve my Spanish
The beach
Challenge myself more by living here, and this is an opportune time to do it
More economical
Great research opportunities—I love immunology, and there’s a great program here in which I can do immunology research, seminars, and a journal club
Students seem very happy, like the strike a good balance between work & play
International service trips
Tons of service opportunities & health care clinic volunteer opportunities
Can work with underserved populations at Jackson Memorial (they take patients w/o health insurance)
Great cancer center (the Sylvester Cancer Center)
Good residency placements
Solid school (ranked 53)


Duke
Tiny rural town without much to it
Rural atmosphere
Mountains, outdoorsy things, getting away from Florida
Beautiful campus
Incredibly more expensive than Miami, mostly because I have a nice scholarship from Miami
World class research opportunities
Unique curriculum—2 preclinical classroom years condensed into one, plus an opportunity to do bench research for an entire year
Great prestige (ranked 9)—can perhaps take me far in residency match (which could be substantially helpful if I choose to do something other than internal medicine)
Will soon open up a new Learning Center—a state-of-the-art medical school building
Also is opening a unique cancer treatment center for patients soon
Students seem content, but constantly working and busy—less balance to life than Miami students. Perhaps I’d be less happy with my life in med school here.


I guess what it comes down to in my mind is whether Duke is really worth the name, the prestige, for all the extra money spent and stress that I would have there?

Any input or thoughts, especially from students with experiences at these schools, would be appreciated.

Disclaimer: I'm on the Duke WL

You seem to really stress the importance of life/school balance, student happiness, and have even indicated that research (ie. Duke third year) is not really that important to you, all of which leads me to believe you may be better off - happier, more productive, less stressed - at Miami. There is a lot to be said about being a big fish in a small pond. An incredibly cheap pond would be even better.

My impression from interview day (talks from the Dean, interactions with students, my student host, etc.) is that research is a major part of the DukeMed experience. First year is difficult and stressful and consuming because it buys you that third year. Many of the M1's I spoke with were already planning to apply for various research grants and were incredibly passionate about their research projects. This is a big deal to me and is why I am remaining on the Duke WL.

 

[themetalhawk]

Scholly was probably upped out of a reserve fund for recruitment of students accepted at other places. That's common practice. Your comment seems a bit hyperbolic.

I was strongly pro-duke before the money figure changed. If it were me in this situation (and I don't know your relationship with your parents, etc. so this may or may not apply to you) I would consider the financial state of my parents before taking the 200k extra. But as long as it wouldn't hurt them I would go to the place best for me to achieve my goals. This would be Duke, unless you are very familiar with the U and would have a much better shot at being top of your class there.

Yes, I agree with what you're saying about the scholarship. I think the idea that FearlessHyena proposed sounds a little ridiculous--they clearly have a reserve fund, students aren't running away from UMMSM. And although there have been many budget cuts, they have affected mostly HR and other admin--not the MDs & PhDs. I'm not saying it couldn't happen in the future, but I don't see it right now.

I feel like I could achieve my goals at either medical school. It's just the path taken would be different. Sometimes and in some ways, the path at UM would be more of a struggle. But in some ways, Duke may be more difficult (i.e., the first year). I think part of my problem is wanting to know more about the future than I actually can predict. I have the hedge my bets and choose one.

To further complicate matters, many Duke students are complaining bitterly about a program called Team-Based Learning (TBL) at Duke. It seems like a poorly conceived and highly flawed project that wastes student time. Students are expected to watch 5-6 hours of the previous year's lectures each day after class (which, even on doublespeed, is a lot) in preparation for the next day, which requires 7-8 hours of mandatory class time, some of that TBL. Why should so much more money be spent on an education that does this to oneself? The comments at the end of this article (http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/team-based-learning-enhances-medical-training) reflect how every Duke Med student I've talked to feels about it. Yet, I know I could/would get through it and move on with my life.

At the same time, I'm interested in oncology and that Duke cancer center looks amazing...

 

[themetalhawk]

Disclaimer: I'm on the Duke WL

You seem to really stress the importance of life/school balance, student happiness, and have even indicated that research (ie. Duke third year) is not really that important to you, all of which leads me to believe you may be better off - happier, more productive, less stressed - at Miami. There is a lot to be said about being a big fish in a small pond. An incredibly cheap pond would be even better.

My impression from interview day (talks from the Dean, interactions with students, my student host, etc.) is that research is a major part of the DukeMed experience. First year is difficult and stressful and consuming because it buys you that third year. Many of the M1's I spoke with were already planning to apply for various research grants and were incredibly passionate about their research projects. This is a big deal to me and is why I am remaining on the Duke WL.

Thank you for putting your disclaimer in there. But yes, as your bolded parts indicate, there is an obvious reason this remains quite a struggle for me to decide on, among other factors. I feel like because I have such strong interests in immunology and oncology, I'd find a research project without too much difficulty after schmoozing with researchers for some time.

 

[semicharmed]

Yes, I agree with what you're saying about the scholarship. I think the idea that FearlessHyena proposed sounds a little ridiculous--they clearly have a reserve fund, students aren't running away from UMMSM. And although there have been many budget cuts, they have affected mostly HR and other admin--not the MDs & PhDs. I'm not saying it couldn't happen in the future, but I don't see it right now.

I feel like I could achieve my goals at either medical school. It's just the path taken would be different. Sometimes and in some ways, the path at UM would be more of a struggle. But in some ways, Duke may be more difficult (i.e., the first year). I think part of my problem is wanting to know more about the future than I actually can predict. I have the hedge my bets and choose one.

To further complicate matters, many Duke students are complaining bitterly about a program called Team-Based Learning (TBL) at Duke. It seems like a poorly conceived and highly flawed project that wastes student time. Students are expected to watch 5-6 hours of the previous year's lectures each day after class (which, even on doublespeed, is a lot) in preparation for the next day, which requires 7-8 hours of mandatory class time, some of that TBL. Why should so much more money be spent on an education that does this to oneself? The comments at the end of this article (http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/team-based-learning-enhances-medical-training) reflect how every Duke Med student I've talked to feels about it. Yet, I know I could/would get through it and move on with my life.

At the same time, I'm interested in oncology and that Duke cancer center looks amazing...

I think you've got a lot of good reasons down. I'd be careful picking a school because of an interest at this point, because it is likely to change once you have more experience in med school.

 

[themetalhawk]

I think you've got a lot of good reasons down. I'd be careful picking a school because of an interest at this point, because it is likely to change once you have more experience in med school.

Haha, thanks. True. Duke would give me more leverage if I do change to a more competitive specialty, for sure.

 

[ZooeyGlass]

Haha, thanks. True. Duke would give me more leverage if I do change to a more competitive specialty, for sure.

I thought the gist was don't pick a school because they have a great cancer center and you happen to be interested in oncology pre-M1...

Unless I misinterpreted what semicharmed was getting at.

 

[kpcrew]

Money is important but if your parents are paying, definitely go to Duke. The pros outweigh the cons and it will probably be beneficial for the future.

 

[drizzt3117]

I would go to duke regardless of the price difference. I wouldn't attend Miami unless you're a fluent Spanish speaker and can handle yourself in the ghetto.

 

[NatrixCaelicola]

Yes, I agree with what you're saying about the scholarship. I think the idea that FearlessHyena proposed sounds a little ridiculous--they clearly have a reserve fund, students aren't running away from UMMSM. And although there have been many budget cuts, they have affected mostly HR and other admin--not the MDs & PhDs. I'm not saying it couldn't happen in the future, but I don't see it right now.

I feel like I could achieve my goals at either medical school. It's just the path taken would be different. Sometimes and in some ways, the path at UM would be more of a struggle. But in some ways, Duke may be more difficult (i.e., the first year). I think part of my problem is wanting to know more about the future than I actually can predict. I have the hedge my bets and choose one.

To further complicate matters, many Duke students are complaining bitterly about a program called Team-Based Learning (TBL) at Duke. It seems like a poorly conceived and highly flawed project that wastes student time. Students are expected to watch 5-6 hours of the previous year's lectures each day after class (which, even on doublespeed, is a lot) in preparation for the next day, which requires 7-8 hours of mandatory class time, some of that TBL. Why should so much more money be spent on an education that does this to oneself? The comments at the end of this article (http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/team-based-learning-enhances-medical-training) reflect how every Duke Med student I've talked to feels about it. Yet, I know I could/would get through it and move on with my life.

At the same time, I'm interested in oncology and that Duke cancer center looks amazing...

Was is less stressful to you, a single hard year or a more difficult overall path?...

Also, at second look, they told us try are doing a major overhaul of the tTBL system since last year was their first year.

 

[FearlessHyena]

I would go to duke regardless of the price difference. I wouldn't attend Miami unless you're a fluent Spanish speaker and can handle yourself in the ghetto.

This is what I was trying to get at. Thanks Drizz.

 

[semicharmed]

I thought the gist was don't pick a school because they have a great cancer center and you happen to be interested in oncology pre-M1...

Unless I misinterpreted what semicharmed was getting at.

Yeah, actually this is what I meant. You have no idea how your interests will evolve after getting into the nitty-gritty of each specialty.

It is nice to go to a place where every option is a legitimate possibility. Duke is known for having a lot of amazing surgeons come out of there. In terms of onc, I don't know if your medical education is going to be significantly different at either place, although you might have more luck at Duke because of the 3rd year research (and therefore take advantage of the amazing facilities).

Onc is more of a fellowship/post-residency thing, so it will be a long road before you get hands-on training in that-you don't have rotations in "oncology" in med school (unless the school has special advanced clerkships in onc which I don't think many places do, maybe rad onc?) so my point is your exposure to that field will be limited no matter where you go.

 

[themetalhawk]

Yeah, actually this is what I meant. You have no idea how your interests will evolve after getting into the nitty-gritty of each specialty.

It is nice to go to a place where every option is a legitimate possibility. Duke is known for having a lot of amazing surgeons come out of there. In terms of onc, I don't know if your medical education is going to be significantly different at either place, although you might have more luck at Duke because of the 3rd year research (and therefore take advantage of the amazing facilities).

Onc is more of a fellowship/post-residency thing, so it will be a long road before you get hands-on training in that-you don't have rotations in "oncology" in med school (unless the school has special advanced clerkships in onc which I don't think many places do, maybe rad onc?) so my point is your exposure to that field will be limited no matter where you go.

True, & that is what I was trying to say/am seriously thinking. I know I could shadow oncologists at Duke; one med student told me she did just that. & the fact that I could potentially do that at that cancer center is tempting. But I also *completely* understand that onc is post-residency.

 

[greg1184]

I would go to duke regardless of the price difference. I wouldn't attend Miami unless you're a fluent Spanish speaker and can handle yourself in the ghetto.

Interesting stuff. I am far from fluent in spanish and I handled my education in Miami perfectly well. I have many colleagues that speak less spanish than I do and were perfectly fine. Worst case scenario you could potentially rotate in the VA where 99% of the patients speak english.

 

[themetalhawk]

Interesting stuff. I am far from fluent in spanish and I handled my education in Miami perfectly well. I have many colleagues that speak less spanish than I do and were perfectly fine. Worst case scenario you could potentially rotate in the VA where 99% of the patients speak english.

I agree with you on this completely greg. I think many people (myself included) have very negative perceptions about Miami. And I'm even from So FL. But when I went to second look and really took a good look at how things are there, it's clear that those perceptions are overwhelmingly exaggerated or false.

 

[drizzt3117]

I agree with you on this completely greg. I think many people (myself included) have very negative perceptions about Miami. And I'm even from So FL. But when I went to second look and really took a good look at how things are there, it's clear that those perceptions are overwhelmingly exaggerated or false.

Uh ok, enjoy jackson.

 

[Sephiroth]

Yeah, OP if you have any inkling of going into a competitive specialty or going to a highly sought after area (e.g. Cali), you should really go to Duke, especially given your financial stability. If you are feeling guilty about having your parents pay more, then take out some loans to make up for it (or here's a thought: pay them back when you can, but without the crap that comes with formal loan agreements). But your guilt is misplaced here. And I've had friends go to Duke (not for med school though) and have heard no complaints about Durham. I have no personal interest either way, but I think for your own long-term best interest that is really the best decision by far.

 

[killinsound]

Go to Duke. This shouldn't even be a question.