Hi all! I'm very lucky to be making the choice between these schools, but because the curricula seem quite similar (one-year pass/fail preclinical, dedicated time for research) and there isn't a major cost difference for me, I'm having trouble picking between them. I'm interested in academic medicine but don't have a particular specialty in mind, although I lean towards internal medicine and away from surgical specialties. I have a bunch of experience with basic science research and plan to continue to pursue that in med school. I'm from PA and went to school in New England, and would likely want to come back to the northeast for residency.
Duke
Pros
Cons
Vanderbilt
Pros
Cons
University of Michigan
Pros
Cons
Summary: I'm thinking probably not Michigan based on weather and class size, but it's tough to give up their really welcoming/friendly vibe and their recruitment program has been amazing. Vanderbilt has more pros and more cons than Duke - love the whole institutional investment in student wellness and their student-run clinic, not sure about living in Nashville (cost, distance, culture shock factor) and I'd ideally like more time for research. Duke matches my interest in research and Durham seems like a good match location-wise, but I don't necessarily have a strong gut feeling about whether I'd fit in. Tough this year to figure it out with virtual interviews and second looks - thanks for your help!!
Duke
Pros
- Prestige (#3 research rank), although not that meaningful a difference
- Full year for research, with long-established curriculum
- P/F clerkships
- Warm weather
- Durham seems nice - manageable size, cool restaurant scene, access to parks/hiking trails nearby, ocean is a drivable distance
- Some family in the area
- My parents are alums and LOVE Duke - I know it's silly, but this is absolutely their #1 choice for me and it'd be tough to turn down
Cons
- Student-run free clinic and other community engagement opportunities don't seem as robust
- Didn't get quite as warm a vibe from the student body - not totally sure about fit, but everything is virtual so who knows??
Vanderbilt
Pros
- Student wellness a huge priority, people seem really happy
- Promises in-person classes for preclinical year (vs Zoom school)
- Structured longitudinal research curriculum - help finding mentors, planning your project, etc
- Shade Tree student-run clinic seems awesome
- P/F clerkships
- Again, nice weather
- Nashville seems like a lot of fun, but also potentially busy/overwhelming?
Cons
- Less total time for research - max of 6 months
- Farthest from home
- Highest cost of living
- TN is redder/more conservative than NC
University of Michigan
Pros
- Great sense of school spirit and super welcoming students
- Neat mentorship structure through M-Home system
- Student-run free clinic (bigger than Duke's, smaller than Vandy's), plus Wolverine Street Medicine
- Ann Arbor very walkable, cute downtown, seems like it has a good relationship with the university
Cons
- "Up to 20 months" for research project, but there doesn't seem to be dedicated research block - instead, weave it in around electives
- Long and cold winters
- Biggest class size (~170)
- Ann Arbor not as diverse as Durham or Nashville, also has lots of undergrads
- H/HP/P/F grading on clerkships
Summary: I'm thinking probably not Michigan based on weather and class size, but it's tough to give up their really welcoming/friendly vibe and their recruitment program has been amazing. Vanderbilt has more pros and more cons than Duke - love the whole institutional investment in student wellness and their student-run clinic, not sure about living in Nashville (cost, distance, culture shock factor) and I'd ideally like more time for research. Duke matches my interest in research and Durham seems like a good match location-wise, but I don't necessarily have a strong gut feeling about whether I'd fit in. Tough this year to figure it out with virtual interviews and second looks - thanks for your help!!
