Geisinger Commonwealth vs Western Michigan

[cantankerouspig]

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I am very unsure of my preference for these schools, I like both of them a lot.

Geisinger: this school seems like a great fit for me but the interview was disorganized, although my interviewer loved my career goal and was excited about someone interested in rural healthcare in the specialty I want to go into
Pros:
-slightly higher ranked and not as new
-more access to rural opportunities, and I want to practice in rural areas
-I like some aspects of having longitudinal rotations and regional campuses, but this isn’t a huge pro and if my career goals change it’s a non factor
Cons:
-much farther from my family, who is on the west coast
-campus isn’t bad, but wasnt too impressive compared to western michigan
-slightly more expensive, but this is marginal

Western Michigan: absolutely loved the school itself at interview day but it isn’t as aligned with my career goals, and my interviewer even called into question the necessity for rural physicians in the specialty I am interested in (it might be more accurate to say he thought FM was the only specialty legitimately needed in rural areas)
Pros:
-Amazing campus
-seem to have a responsive administration
-statistically seems to be very good for a new school, can definitely see them moving up in rankings quickly
-decent proximity to very close relatives, slightly closer to my family
Cons:
-currently very new and lower ranked
-curriculum looked to still be in experimental stages, changing somewhat often
-summer break after 1st year being replaced by random weeks off sounds like it would be harder to find decent time to start research


Overall, I would like to know more about the research opportunities at both schools. As of now I think I would be happy at either of them but I want to make as informed a decision as possible. And in terms of my specialty of interest/career goal, I realize it shouldnt be a determining factor as it may change, but it is a realistic goal I have had for a long time rooted in my experiences, and its not a high paying or competitive field. I’m truly stuck between my options so I would appreciate any thoughts or advice.

 

[WIMNFamilyMed]

It sounds like the first school might prepare you a bit better for your goals. I’d be surprised to see you go from this rural focus to something else, but it does happen with some student who begin rural-minded. But you also may not do as well at G if you’re not happy to be so far from home.
I’d be curious to hear what this specific specialty is 🙂 I agree with you about research not fitting great into wmed’s Schedule. Have you contacted the school to ask more about research? Maybe try the Facebook group with a few current students?

 

[ciestar]

Idk about WMed, but your clerkships for 3rd year at Geisinger can literally send you to desolate nowhere Sayre. If you really want to do rural medicine, Geisinger should be your pick.

 

[trickydick]

Idk about WMed, but your clerkships for 3rd year at Geisinger can literally send you to desolate nowhere Sayre. If you really want to do rural medicine, Geisinger should be your pick.

Ouch

 

[ciestar]

Ouch

It is a nice area, just as rural as it gets! Lol