Hello, another DCOM student here. I think other students and previous reviews have done a pretty good job at describing that atmosphere here, but I wanted to just answer a few things:
I really like the systems based curriculum at KCUMB and feel like they stress clinical skills from day one....
Our curriculum is here essentially systems based as well. They've recently mixed it up just slightly so that the systems match with the other classes we are taking (IE histology of the heart happens at the same time as pharmacology of the heart which happens at the same time as physiology of the heart). We do pathology of the systems in 2nd year. I think the system makes sense.
I'm not sure what KCUMB does as far as "stressing clinical skills" early on, but DCOM is pretty strong in that department as well. We start our doctoring (clinical skills) class in 1st semester, and are doing OSCE examinations within a month or two. We are using the simulation labs right now in 2nd semester. I think "early clinical skills" is a bit of an overrated concept, but that said DCOM does a very good job with getting students thinking clinically right off the bat.
I think the biggest selling point for me was their clinical rotation system which will hopefully allow most of us to do 3rd and 4th year at hospitals close to home or near where we hope to do our residency.
DCOM has a similar system. There are "core" rotations that must be done within the region, but that only includes 6 months of 3rd year and 4 or 5 months (can't remember which exactly) of 4th year. The rest of the time, you can do elective and selective rotations all over the country. One of the reasons I came to DCOM is because I will have the option to do some of my rotations close to home.
I also really liked Kansas City, it has great food, fun night life, etc.
Can't argue with you there. Harrogate is pretty small. Knoxville isn't too far away though, and to be honest I'm not finding tons of time for night life anyways.
Do you want to do rotations in the South or be able to go anywhere in the US?
Answered above. DCOM students go all over the country for their rotations.
Do you want to go to a school with rural medicine focus? Are you interested in doing research?
I'm interested in (and will practice in) an urban setting. I think there is something I can learn from this environment, but I in no way feel pigeonholed into practicing in a rural area. In fact, this is something I actually discussed in the interview! I understand DCOM has a stated "rural focus," but I would caution applications in mixing up a schools so-called mission and what options are actually available to it's students. I am also lined up for two research projects this summer, so there are plenty of opportunities in that arena as well.
I know it's really difficult to choose a school. Applicants seem to get such a narrow view of what a school is really like from statistics and the interview day, and it is easy to confuse what is real and what isn't. I thought DCOM did an especially good job of the interview day with the pizza night, presentations, and student tours, but even still there is sometimes confusion afterwards. Hopefully this helps to clear up some confusion and makes things a little bit easier for a few folks.
