Emory vs BU vs Case vs Rochester

[jdspring]

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Hey guys, I'm really fortunate to have been accepted to the great programs listed above. However, with choices comes indecision, and I'm looking for some help narrowing down the seats I'm currently holding. I want to be fair to everyone waiting. Maybe if I can continue holding two of the four as I wait to hear from others? I had a great time visiting each of the four schools listed, and as a fairly adaptable person believe that I'd be happy at any of them. However, I'd love to hear other opinions.

A little about me: Non-traditional (4 years out) doing psychiatry research in Boston, and want to continue research in school/am interested in academic medicine. I'd like access to diverse, underserved patient populations, for instance the homeless. Open-minded re: specialty, but leaning towards primary care or brain (i.e., psych, neuro, neuro-onc). From the northeast, and family and friends are concentrated in MA. I'm very sociable and like small groups and the idea of PBL.

Briefly about the 4 schools. Emory: love the research, like the curriculum, like Atlanta and Grady, like the vibe; distance from home a drawback. BU: good research, stay in Boston, really interesting hospitals and patients; don't love the more traditional curriculum. Case: Love the curriculum, research, small groups, Cleveland is actually nice but far from home. Rochester: Same as Case, plus better PBL, plus biopsychosocial approach, worst location.

Thanks!

 

[histidine]

Cleveland and Rochester are pretty similar cities. Rochester is also an easy 6 hr drive to Boston, while Cleveland is 10 hrs. I was also accepted to Case and Rochester, and dropped Case. Both great schools, but I think Rochester has the edge. I turned down BUs interview offer because of cost, and the fact that I think Rochester has an edge on BU. Location-wise, Boston wins hands down. Depends on your preferences. I voted for Emory and Rochester.

 

[GoPelicans]

BU overall sounds like it fits best with what you want. I don't really know how much curriculum makes or breaks medical school experience, but pretty much everybody says it's all the same **** anyway. Rochester doesn't record lectures, which I think is really lame. Is financial aid a big concern for you? Good luck, this is a nice dilemma to have.

 

[Bulbasaur]

Personally, I wouldn't do Case (b/c of location) unless you really like the school or Rochester (b/c of location and mandatory lectures). Rochester is also deemed the "liberal arts school" of medical schools. Some people may like that but I came from a research heavy national university so I don't see myself fit with Rochester.

Depending on your preference for Northern or Southern style of living, I would go with either BU or Emory, respectively.

 

[Selladore235]

Rochester's lectures are not mandatory.

 

[Bulbasaur]

Rochester's lectures are not mandatory.

Lectures are not recorded so they are basically mandatory. Also, class/PBL/etc runs from 9-5 almost everyday.

 

[jdspring]

Oh yea, re: financial aid. That's definitely part of my indecision. None have offered merit-based aid, and I'm not sure how much need-based is likely to vary between these four. Ideally, I'd like to see the package from each, but I don't it's right to hold that many spots.

Are any of these schools known to be particularly generous with aid?

 

[GoPelicans]

I don't it's right to hold that many spots.

Dropping any schools until you get your financial aid package is just dumb, hold onto all acceptances as long as you need to make the best decision for you.

 

[SN12357]

Oh yea, re: financial aid. That's definitely part of my indecision. None have offered merit-based aid, and I'm not sure how much need-based is likely to vary between these four. Ideally, I'd like to see the package from each, but I don't it's right to hold that many spots.

Are any of these schools known to be particularly generous with aid?

Your desire to be kind to fellow applicants is laudable, but you earned these acceptances and have every right to keep them all until the financial packages are available. There is nothing wrong with doing that and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to do otherwise if you're willing to attend all four schools.

I didn't interview at Emory and Case and so can't comment on them, but assuming no financial aid I'd pick Rochester over BU. Cheaper and a better curriculum. The students seemed extremely happy and friendly when I was there. Rochester also has strong research, particularly in neuro; I don't think that that would be a really deciding factor between the two. I also wouldn't rate Rochester worse than Cleveland as a city although it's obviously not Boston.

 

[ace12345]

Yeah this is a good one. I would probably go with Rochester or Emory as well

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

If you don't pick Emory, then there's a higher chance for me. Soooo, don't pick Emory...😛

 

[Wonderpig]

Personally, I wouldn't do Case (b/c of location) unless you really like the school or Rochester (b/c of location and mandatory lectures). Rochester is also deemed the "liberal arts school" of medical schools. Some people may like that but I came from a research heavy national university so I don't see myself fit with Rochester.

Depending on your preference for Northern or Southern style of living, I would go with either BU or Emory, respectively.

Yea, if you're looking to do a lot of research, Rochester isn't the ideal place. When I interviewed with the Dean, he even said this himself. Rochester prides itself very heavily on the biopsychosocial model and the double helix curriculum--a lot of patient care and relationships with patient centered stuff.

 

[ace12345]

Yea, if you're looking to do a lot of research, Rochester isn't the ideal place. When I interviewed with the Dean, he even said this himself. Rochester prides itself very heavily on the biopsychosocial model and the double helix curriculum--a lot of patient care and relationships with patient centered stuff.

I posted a very similar thread recently, and I'm not sure this is entirely true. Yes they definitely press the patient relationship, but they also have some tremendous research opportunities/funding. Again, this is only what I have seen and heard from those more knowledgable than I.

 

[Wonderpig]

I posted a very similar thread recently, and I'm not sure this is entirely true. Yes they definitely press the patient relationship, but they also have some tremendous research opportunities/funding. Again, this is only what I have seen and heard from those more knowledgable than I.

Yea, it's not to say that Rochester doesn't have research opportunities/funding--from my interview day there, I think Rochester has a lot of opportunities.. I was only adding what I was told by Dean Hansen in my interview. He told me that if I wanted to do focus on research that I should seek another school. I thought that was interesting. Of course, this is only my experience--so obvs should be taken with a grain of salt 🙂.

 

[mcloaf]

Lectures are not recorded so they are basically mandatory. Also, class/PBL/etc runs from 9-5 almost everyday.

This sounds horrible.

 

[histidine]

Yea, it's not to say that Rochester doesn't have research opportunities/funding--from my interview day there, I think Rochester has a lot of opportunities.. I was only adding what I was told by Dean Hansen in my interview. He told me that if I wanted to do focus on research that I should seek another school. I thought that was interesting. Of course, this is only my experience--so obvs should be taken with a grain of salt.

That's interesting, and strange that he would say that. My interviewer told me I should attend Rochester and consider the MD/PHD program there. Rochester has an academic research track and a 1 yr pathology research fellowship. In Rfenzo's thread, it was pointed out that Rochester's orthopedic department is the highest NIH funded ortho research department in the US. Though the emphasis on research might not be as heavy as, say, Wash U, the opportunity and funding is there.

 

[Wonderpig]

That's interesting, and strange that he would say that. My interviewer told me I should attend Rochester and consider the MD/PHD program there. Rochester has an academic research track and a 1 yr pathology research fellowship. In Rfenzo's thread, it was pointed out that Rochester's orthopedic department is the highest NIH funded ortho research department in the US. Though the emphasis on research might not be as heavy as, say, Wash U, the opportunity and funding is there.

I know, right? I thought that was interesting, too. Anyway, didn't mean to disgruntle anyone here. 🙂

Edit: Regardless, I thought Rochester was a fantastic school. 😀

 

[Bulbasaur]

That's interesting, and strange that he would say that. My interviewer told me I should attend Rochester and consider the MD/PHD program there. Rochester has an academic research track and a 1 yr pathology research fellowship. In Rfenzo's thread, it was pointed out that Rochester's orthopedic department is the highest NIH funded ortho research department in the US. Though the emphasis on research might not be as heavy as, say, Wash U, the opportunity and funding is there.

I agree that Rochester has a lot of research opportunities and they have their niche. However, in the OP's case , the other 3 schools all have more/better research opportunities. My assessment of the schools:

Case: big on research; ranked 25; surgical programs at Cleveland clinic have been consistently ranked really high; however, Cleveland as a city sucks bc it doesn't exist on the map anymore after lebron left

BU: not as big on research but you can easily find research opportunities at Harvard labs since Boston is full of opportunities; BMC is a safety net hospital so you get to see diverse cases; ranked 30; however, BU cost the most out of all 4 schools and Boston is an expensive city.

Emory: Grady is a great hospital; school is ranked 23; you get to see a diverse patient population; however, I would have reservations about the part of Atlanta you are living in (or Atlanta in General as it has been up there with Chicago as the most crime ridden cities)

Rochester: curriculum structured for a more liberal arts feel (they are the only school I know that offers medical humanities seminars). Ranked 31 (lowest amongst the 4) but cost may be the cheapest option among the 4 since Rochester is not an expensive city. However, as I have said before, lectures are not recorded so attendance is basically mandatory and classes/pbl/etc run from 9-5 almost everyday.

As I said before, I would go with either BU or Emory, depending on whether you wanna live in the north or south

 

[histidine]

I agree that Rochester has a lot of research opportunities and they have their niche. However, in the OP's case , the other 3 schools all have more/better research opportunities. My assessment of the schools:

Case: big on research; ranked 25; surgical programs at Cleveland clinic have been consistently ranked really high; however, Cleveland as a city sucks bc it doesn't exist on the map anymore after lebron left

BU: not as big on research but you can easily find research opportunities at Harvard labs since Boston is full of opportunities; BMC is a safety net hospital so you get to see diverse cases; ranked 30; however, BU cost the most out of all 4 schools and Boston is an expensive city.

Emory: Grady is a great hospital; school is ranked 23; you get to see a diverse patient population; however, I would have reservations about the part of Atlanta you are living in (or Atlanta in General as it has been up there with Chicago as the most crime ridden cities)

Rochester: curriculum structured for a more liberal arts feel (they are the only school I know that offers medical humanities seminars). Ranked 31 (lowest amongst the 4) but cost may be the cheapest option among the 4 since Rochester is not an expensive city. However, as I have said before, lectures are not recorded so attendance is basically mandatory and classes/pbl/etc run from 9-5 almost everyday.

As I said before, I would go with either BU or Emory, depending on whether you wanna live in the north or south

Depends on what type of research OP is interested in. To be honest, all 4 schools have a wide range of research departments, tons of funding, and top notch PhDs and physician scientists. To say that one school has "more/better" research is somewhat false. All 4 schools offer a diverse patient population. And all 4 schools are USNews ranked more or less the same. 31 is no different than 23. All 4 schools will have about the same "prestige" factor when you apply for residency.

 

[Selladore235]

A couple of friends of mine specifically applied to Rochester's MD/PhD program because of its strong neuro work--one is a current student and the other attends WashU (he was rejected after his interview). So maybe the OP would find its research opportunities relevant to his/her interests and career goals. Moreover, Rochester has an academic research track, as noted, a medical education pathway, and numerous community outreach programs such as its Street Medicine program, which honestly you could start at any school without much difficulty.

 

[alpinism]

I'd rule out Rochester based on the location and non-recorded lectures alone. Plus, if you want to work with underserved populations you won't get as much exposure as the other 3 schools.

If you're willing to move down south and are interested in both academics and underserved medicine, Emory would likely offer the best opportunities.

 

[seeinghowitgoes]

Assuming finances aren't a problem (all of those schools seem go be on the expensive end or I would just say go with the cheapest option), I would personally go with Emory or BU (for the combined research and access to underserved patient populations) or Case (as it has those things and has relatively little class time and flexibility, which would make doing research, etc, seemingly easier).

The one thing I think is so funny is people saying Cleveland as a city sucks. People are so ready to judge a city they've most likely never lived in because it doesn't have the brand-name. To be fair, Cleveland will not be Boston or Atlanta (honestly, I'd go with Emory for coolest city, though I know you said it's farther from home), but between the downtown, Ohio City, coventry, little italy, etc, not to mention the relatively low cost of living, the sentiment that it won't keep you entertained (at an affordable price) or won't expose you to the types of diverse patient populations you desire to see is probably not nearly the norm so many seem to want to pretend it is. I say this not to imply that you should go to Case because of the city, just that you shouldn't let other people scare you away for that reason specifically.

Good luck with the decision - you probably can't go wrong anyway, especially considering BU, Emory, and Case, so I'm guessing it'll end up being great regardless.

 

[jdspring]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies, everybody.

I got to spend almost four days in Cleveland (had spaced out interviews at Case and CCLCM), and I actually really liked the area around Case.

 

[Selladore235]

OP, are you leaning toward any one or two program(s)? I have to agree with others that waiting for financial info would be prudent.

 

[jdspring]

I'd say at the moment I'm the most excited about Emory, but that was also the most recent acceptance, so that could have something to do with it. BU is probably number 2, mostly based on its hospitals and location. I really like the philosophies and curricula at Rochester and Case, but location matters... I've just yet to figure out how much.

Agreed that it would be prudent to wait for financial info. I was just hoping to honor the unwritten "traffic laws" of the admissions process.

 

[QofQuimica]

I'd say at the moment I'm the most excited about Emory, but that was also the most recent acceptance, so that could have something to do with it. BU is probably number 2, mostly based on its hospitals and location. I really like the philosophies and curricula at Rochester and Case, but location matters... I've just yet to figure out how much.

Agreed that it would be prudent to wait for financial info. I was just hoping to honor the unwritten "traffic laws" of the admissions process.

You will honor them next month when financial aid packages come out. In the meantime, if you think you might attend any of those four schools assuming the price were right, then hold on to all four of them. If there are one or two that you know you wouldn't attend regardless of financial incentives, then that is when you need to go ahead and withdraw.

As others have already said, you earned the right to have choices. You will not be depriving anyone else of a seat in medical school by waiting an extra month to get all of the information you need so that you can make the best decision for yourself. And speaking as someone who is a few months out from finishing training, I recommend that you go with the cheapest option. Don't forget to include living expenses in your calculations (that is, full COA, not just tuition). It will be a lot cheaper to live in Atlanta, Rochester or Cleveland than it will be to live in Boston. That's a major consideration when you're not going to have any income for the next four years and then a relatively low income for the subsequent 3-7 years, because that interest just keeps on accruing throughout your training.

 

[penguinism]

You will honor them next month when financial aid packages come out. In the meantime, if you think you might attend any of those four schools assuming the price were right, then hold on to all four of them. If there are one or two that you know you wouldn't attend regardless of financial incentives, then that is when you need to go ahead and withdraw.

As others have already said, you earned the right to have choices. You will not be depriving anyone else of a seat in medical school by waiting an extra month to get all of the information you need so that you can make the best decision for yourself. And speaking as someone who is a few months out from finishing training, I recommend that you go with the cheapest option. Don't forget to include living expenses in your calculations (that is, full COA, not just tuition). It will be a lot cheaper to live in Atlanta, Rochester or Cleveland than it will be to live in Boston. That's a major consideration when you're not going to have any income for the next four years and then a relatively low income for the subsequent 3-7 years, because that interest just keeps on accruing throughout your training.

I agree. I personally really liked BU, but I couldn't fathom paying the outrageous cost of attendance plus the cost of living in Boston. If you're lucky to get one of their merit scholarships or good financial aid, then it would be a different story. You earned your acceptances, and you have the right to hold on to as many as you'd like before you get all of the financial aid information. I would go with the cheapest place that you will be happy. Going to second looks can also help with a decision.

 

[nets445]

All 4 are great research medical schools. If it were me, I would go to BU because of location, more opportunities, and better clinical training, IMO.

 

[Syndicate]

I would go with BU if I were you. Being able to do research and rotations at some Harvard hospitals are too hard to give up

 

[hopefulMD12]

I would go with BU if I were you. Being able to do research and rotations at some Harvard hospitals are too hard to give up

I could be wrong, but I don't get this. Being close in proximity to ANOTHER medical school is now considered a good reason to choose a school? I've looked at residency director score rankings and Emory does measurably better than the other three. Not sure where the notion that all have very similar reputations came from. Personally, I'd choose Emory.

 

[trino]

Chiming in my opinion from interviewing at Emory and Case. Emory seems to have a slight advantage in reputation (maybe this is because I'm from the South). I believe Case has a slight advantage in free time (provided you enjoy unstructured time).

As for BU, a quick glance at their match list leads me to believe that they don't place any more students in Harvard hospitals than anyone else. I think the match list of those 3 are comparable. And there have been plenty of M3+'s arguing on this forum that match lists don't matter. I don't believe you get better training at BU. Emory has Grady which is an underserved behemoth, and Case has probably the best mix of training I've seen while interviewing including CCF (probably see more unique cases here), UH (and Rainbow Babies) and Metro (a smaller Grady)

My pros for Emory and Case.

Emory: Atlanta is cool, South, weather (is great except 2 months in summer), clinical training, reputation (especially in south), its not in a bad part of Atlanta

Case: free time, Cleveland Clinic (for big time research, don't know how rotations are), really good school if you want research in biotech, Cleveland is a nice small city and seems to have plenty to keep you occupied, a very nice mix of hospitals to train at, clinical immersion weeks after every block (I thought these were really cool)

Cons

Emory: seems like a structured curriculum, Atlanta traffic sucks

Case: not your thing if you like learning off powerpoint slides and watching lectures at home, weather

 

[GoPelicans]

I could be wrong, but I don't get this. Being close in proximity to ANOTHER medical school is now considered a good reason to choose a school? I've looked at residency director score rankings and Emory does measurably better than the other three. Not sure where the notion that all have very similar reputations came from. Personally, I'd choose Emory.

BU is a literal 5 minute drive from HMS... doing research there for a summer would be as easy as sending an email and driving down the street for a BU (or Tufts) student. So yes, strength of location is absolutely something to be considered for of all the Boston medical schools.

As for residency director scores, aren't those just an average for residency directors from across the entire country? It makes sense that Emory is higher since it has been a perennial top 25 for a long time, but specific to the northeast/MA (where OP wants to practice) BU is probably more reputable.

 

[metview]

Emory is easily the best school in terms of reputation. You also mentioned you like working with the underserved; Grady Memorial Hospital largely serves this group, and it was stressed enormously on interview day. If I were you, I would hold onto Emory and BU (only because it seems like you would be happier closer to home).

I don't know much about Rochester. I got accepted to Case but didn't like it all. The campus is pretty bad and so are the facilities, but it does have PBL, something you said you would like.

 

[Syndicate]

I could be wrong, but I don't get this. Being close in proximity to ANOTHER medical school is now considered a good reason to choose a school? I've looked at residency director score rankings and Emory does measurably better than the other three. Not sure where the notion that all have very similar reputations came from. Personally, I'd choose Emory.

Doing research in a Harvard lab = making connections.

Doing elective rotations at MGH, BWH, BID, children's = making connections.

Those connections could be real beneficial if you are seeking a Harvard residency or other NE residency.

I would agree that nationwide, Emory would have a better reputation but in the NE, it's definitely BU>Emory in my opinion, especially when they are only 7 ranks apart

 

[metview]

Temple, Drexel, and Jefferson must better than Emory because they are a 5-10 min drive from Penn Med, and those med students can get mad hookupz and get into a residency at Penn.

 

[Syndicate]

Temple, Drexel, and Jefferson must better than Emory because they are a 5-10 min drive from Penn Med, and those med students can get mad hookupz and get into a residency at Penn.

What are you trying to say?

If they go seek out the opportunities available at Penn, then they will most likely have an advantage over an Emory student for a residency spot at penn or nearby hospitals.

Emory is obviously the more reputable school nationwide, but if you are talking about a BU student who's done research/rotations at Harvard vs. an Emory student who's done research/rotations not at Harvard and both are going for a MGH spot, the spot would go to BU, IMO.

 

[mrusiku]

Keep in mind OP that people on SDN give biased advice. People will naturally hype up whatever schools they got accepted to. But the consensus seems to be that two schools in particular separate themselves from the pack. I am also a MA resident and I am thrilled with my BU acceptance... would love to have you as a classmate next year!

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

Keep in mind OP that people on SDN give biased advice. People will naturally hype up whatever schools they got accepted to. But the consensus seems to be that two schools in particular separate themselves from the pack. I am also a MA resident and I am thrilled with my BU acceptance... would love to have you as a classmate next year!

I would also love for the OP to be your classmate next year.

 

[alpinism]

While you can certainly find research projects at neighboring medical schools, its much easier to get them in house. Plus, schools will always offer their own students first dibs on the best projects and any funding available.

 

[DermViser]

Hey guys, I'm really fortunate to have been accepted to the great programs listed above. However, with choices comes indecision, and I'm looking for some help narrowing down the seats I'm currently holding. I want to be fair to everyone waiting. Maybe if I can continue holding two of the four as I wait to hear from others? I had a great time visiting each of the four schools listed, and as a fairly adaptable person believe that I'd be happy at any of them. However, I'd love to hear other opinions.

A little about me: Non-traditional (4 years out) doing psychiatry research in Boston, and want to continue research in school/am interested in academic medicine. I'd like access to diverse, underserved patient populations, for instance the homeless. Open-minded re: specialty, but leaning towards primary care or brain (i.e., psych, neuro, neuro-onc). From the northeast, and family and friends are concentrated in MA. I'm very sociable and like small groups and the idea of PBL.

Briefly about the 4 schools. Emory: love the research, like the curriculum, like Atlanta and Grady, like the vibe; distance from home a drawback. BU: good research, stay in Boston, really interesting hospitals and patients; don't love the more traditional curriculum. Case: Love the curriculum, research, small groups, Cleveland is actually nice but far from home. Rochester: Same as Case, plus better PBL, plus biopsychosocial approach, worst location.

Thanks!

Things I would prioritize in no specific order:
*Cost
*Close to family (you'll need them more than you can every imagine)
*Recorded videotaped lectures during MS-1/MS-2, with no mandatory attendance
*Length of time after classes are over to study for Step 1 (the longer the better)
*Pass/Fail grading during the first 2 years

With that in mind, it looks like, based on what you've posted so far that BU would be the best place for you since being close to family is imp0rtant to you.

 

[ace12345]

Things I would prioritize in no specific order:
*Cost
*Close to family (you'll need them more than you can every imagine)
*Recorded videotaped lectures during MS-1/MS-2, with no mandatory attendance
*Length of time after classes are over to study for Step 1 (the longer the better)
*Pass/Fail grading during the first 2 years

With that in mind, it looks like, based on what you've posted so far that BU would be the best place for you.

Wouldn't BU be the most expensive though, and probably by a margin? Also, how important would you say mandatory lectures/recordings are in school decisions (I ask on this thread because I've seen some of your posts and really respect your opinion on these things).

Back to the general discussion. Making similar decisions myself right now, it seems like waiting for the release of financial aid might be a good decision at this point. A 10-20K swing toward any of these schools would, it appears, close the conversation.

 

[DermViser]

Wouldn't BU be the most expensive though, and probably by a margin? Also, how important would you say mandatory lectures/recordings are in school decisions (I ask on this thread because I've seen some of your posts and really respect your opinion on these things).

Back to the general discussion. Making similar decisions myself right now, it seems like waiting for the release of financial aid might be a good decision at this point. A 10-20K swing toward any of these schools would, it appears, close the conversation.

While cost is important, I was looking at the other things that the OP said that he wanted: continuing research in school, academic medicine (which Boston is the mecca in) and his interest in Neuroscience/Neuroanatomy, and family close by (which he'll definitely need when you have chores that need to be done and you're in the study zone, i.e. home made food, laundry, etc.)

As far at his interest in PBL, PBL only works when it's done well, and at most places it's not done well. Too many variables in play based on how it works. Not to mention in real life you have to take board exams on your own, not as a group:



I would say that you want a school where lecture attendance is not mandatory and lectures are recorded/videotaped and podcasted. You'll see soon enough that going to lecture gets tiring and mentally wears you down bc you meet every day for hours on end, and that recorded lectures allow you to optimize your time in the way you see fit to get the grade you want.

 

[jdspring]

As far at his interest in PBL, PBL only works when it's done well, and at most places it's not done well.

Agreed. Which are the schools that do it well? From what I've heard, Rochester is one of them.

 

[Bulbasaur]

Basically any school that has incorporated PBL for a while by now.

 

[rocco92]

I voted Emory and Case. I am accepted there too and am currently deciding between Keck and Emory, but I'll try to be as objective as possible in my reasoning. So, if in your position, I would be split between Emory and Case. BU is a great school, but with the options you have listed, I think Emory and Case are better. I actually don't like the idea of being near Harvard and its domination of the Boston area while not being a Harvard student.

Upstate NY just doesn't seem appealing to me, nor does Rochester seem to be as good of a school as Emory or Case, so I wouldn't consider Rochester.

It seems you are interested in both academic medicine and community work. Emory has an advantage because you could pretty much do both coming out of Emory, and Grady is one of the top hospitals for working with underserved communities. Plus, Atlanta is a great city and very affordable. Their 1.5 year preclinical curriculum is a big plus, less preclinical BS, and you can get into your electives earlier. They also have a pretty sweet 5 month research block that can particularly help for doing research in a specific specialty.

I would say Case is slightly better for academic medicine than Emory because of their stronger emphasis on research, but thats not to say you couldn't go into academics coming out of both. However, Emory has an advantage over Case based on working with underserved communities, I think Grady has a greater reputation in that regard than University Hospitals or Cleveland Clinic.

Also, PBL is a bit risky, I'm not sold on it, but it does seem very appealing and cool. However, Case kids do great on their boards and matching, so I wouldn't doubt the quality of education there.

So if you are really deadset about going into academics and like PBL, perhaps go to Case. Otherwise, in terms of location and opportunities for research and working with indigent populations, I would say Emory.

 

[rocco92]

What are you trying to say?

If they go seek out the opportunities available at Penn, then they will most likely have an advantage over an Emory student for a residency spot at penn or nearby hospitals.

Emory is obviously the more reputable school nationwide, but if you are talking about a BU student who's done research/rotations at Harvard vs. an Emory student who's done research/rotations not at Harvard and both are going for a MGH spot, the spot would go to BU, IMO.

He already has connections to Boston though, so he wouldn't be considered a typical Emory student. If he gets great board scores and rotation reviews, he would have no problem being competitive for a residency at Harvard coming out of Case, Emory, or Rochester.

 

[JJMrK]

IMO: hold all of them until you see the financial aid packages. If you have to pick two now, location aside, I'd choose Case and Emory.

 

[MindBodyMD]

I would stay away from BU Psychiatry. Did an elective in consults with Dr. Berenbaum, that program is falling apart. The number of consults they have is insane, the residents and fellow are extremely overworked and burned out due to the difficult patient popullation, lack of supporting staff and poor supervision. Heard complaints from the residents about several supervisors having clear signs of dementia! I thought it was cool to watch Dr. Berenbaum do psychotherapy with hospitalized inpatients, but after a few, I realized it felt extremely intrusive to have a medically sick patient to talk about deep feelings, fear of death and cancer, in front of a group of 6+ med students/residents/fellow. Probably a great program once upon a time, but it has not kept up with times (and neither have their attendings).