Help me please: CCOM or DMU

[esth0001]

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I recently got accepted to Des Moines University and Midwestern University (CCOM). I was really impressed by Des Moines University. However, I think Midwestern University has a stronger residency placement. Also, I believe CCOM has a better clinical affiliations since it is in Chicago. So, even though I really liked Des Moines University, Do you think I should go to CCOM? I really appreciate any thoughts.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

That's a tough one. I interviewed at DMU yesterday and thought it was really neat. However, I just got a CCOM acceptance, and CCOM was initially my number 1 choice because of their great match list and rotations in Chicago. The downsides of CCOM to me (could very well be upsides to you) are lack of emphasis on OMM, lots of traditional as opposed to non-traditional students and I don't want to live in Downers Grove or in any other hell suburban area with nothing in walking distance. Upsides are that Chicago itself seems fabulous, and yeah, rotations and match list are very solid.

The big downsides for DMU are, well, Des Moines possibly (haven't visited, so I'll see). But, supposedly the school is really in town, and you can actually walk to places from the school. Also, I'm still not sure about clinical rotations there. The big upsides are the emphasis on OMM, pretty good match list and maybe a more non-traditional student body.

 

[misparas]

The big downsides for DMU are, well, Des Moines possibly (haven't visited, so I'll see).

Des Moines is no downside! I was very impressed with the city. It's not too crowded, but still has a big city side to it. There are plenty of things going on, and the cost of living is still low. Of course it's not as big as Chicago. You should go check out the DMU campus and the city. I think you'll be sold!

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Des Moines is no downside! I was very impressed with the city. It's not too crowded, but still has a big city side to it. There are plenty of things going on, and the cost of living is still low. Of course it's not as big as Chicago. You should go check out the DMU campus and the city. I think you'll be sold!

I've heard that. If I get in, I'm definitely visiting. In fact, I'll probably visit Chicago and Des Moines again on the same trip -- maybe fly into Chicago and drive to Des Moines. I've got my weird subjective things that I like in town, so I need to see if it fits.

 

[medic111]

Wow esth I was just about to start a thread on this when I saw yours! I'm just as lost and confused about which school to pick. I'll list my personal advantages and disadvantages below for each school:

CCOM
advantages
-about a 20-30 minute commute from HOME (this means no rent and mom cooks for me 😀 )
-great chicago rotations and residencies
-diverse student population-didn't get to talk to them much though, seemed friendly I guess
-that's all I see as far as advantages go...I didn't have a great tour during interview day
disadvantages
-not much emphasis on OMM (I love OMM)
-primarily a commuter campus...didn't feel like a nice homey campus (I currently attend U of I, so I like a little bit of a campus feel)
-limited technology, everything seems to be on paper, notes and all...not a good school if you like to use technology

DMU
advantages
-great facilities (half of it brand new)
-technology is amazing (Harvey, laptops/pdas given to students, notepool, mp3 of lectures etc. etc.)
-nice sized city with everything closeby
-students seem to get good residencies around the US (primarily in DO heavy states like OH, MI, etc.)
-super friendly faculty and students who are all so excited to be there
-great OMM training
disadvantages
-6 hrs. away from home in chicago (would be nice to have family nearby)
-clinical rotations are more spread out-this could be a good thing though I don't know
-not as research oriented as CCOM, I think doing some research is important if you would like to consider really competitive specialties.

**So that's what I'm looking at so far, don't know what other factors to really consider. I am leaning towards DMU, but CCOM is still in my mind due to the whole closeness of home thing...that is a big deal to me. Oh well, I still have till mid-December to decide. Guess I'll sleep on it now.

 

[MikeyLu2010]

if you can stand the windchill...go to ccom...seroiusly...i think its the obvious choice

 

[misparas]

if you can stand the windchill...go to ccom...seroiusly...i think its the obvious choice

Have you been to both schools? I can only give my opinion on DMU. I haven't been to CCOM. Why is it the "obvious choice" for you?

 

[Redneck]

Throw one at your dart board. Black is CCOM and Red is DMU. If you miss leave medicine altogether. If you hit the bullseye go buy a lottery ticket. Problem solved.

 

[jbone]

If I were you I would check it out for yourself. DMU was a fantastic school and gave me that WOW experience. Midwestern was great too, so I'm in the same boat. I was accepted today by Midwestern and now I have to narrow it down to WHAT FITS MY SITUATION, not everybody else’s situation. Everyone will have a favorite; just choose the one that excites you. Good luck, and maybe I'll see you at DMU? maybe??? 😕

 

[DrHate]

Are you planning on working while in medical school at all?

I don't know about CCOM but Des Moines doesn't have a lot of job oppotunity at all.

I love Des Moines actually - nice town, nice people. The school is in a nice neighborhood you have access to Iowa Methodist, Blank, Lutheran, Broadlawns, VA, Mercy Hospitals and numerous sites for practice ...

Tuition is a bit cheaper than CCOM ...

 

[djnels01]

Are you planning on working while in medical school at all?

I don't know about CCOM but Des Moines doesn't have a lot of job oppotunity at all.

I love Des Moines actually - nice town, nice people. The school is in a nice neighborhood you have access to Iowa Methodist, Blank, Lutheran, Broadlawns, VA, Mercy Hospitals and numerous sites for practice ...

Tuition is a bit cheaper than CCOM ...

Everyone that I've talked to at the various schools that I've applied to thus far has strongly DISCOURAGED working at all while going to med-school...

I figure I'll be doing enough "work" while I'm there anyway, I'd rather do well and live up "school-life" for as long as possible. You'll have the rest of your life to work, and the amount of money you make working part time while attending can't really compare to what you'll make as a physician anyway. I'd just rely on scholarships or loans and focus on studies. That's just me though...