Help PCOM or LECOM-$$$ is due

[dreamer12]

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So I have been going back and forth with which school to go to for awhile now. I know there are pros and cons to each school and I wanted to get current students opinion.

For PCOM
I am from Philadelphia so for me PCOM is home. PCOM has been my dream school since I was young and where I had always seen myself going. However, before I put my money I have some questions.

How often do the MS1 and MS2 students get to use the simulated patients?

I know there are clinical rotations in Pittsburgh, but how easy would it be for me to get to go there as much as possible?


For LECOM:

Do you have standarized patients and do the mock exams in "doctors office" that they do at PCOM and do you get taped while doing it?

How often would you get to use the simulated patient in LDP?

Is LDP integrated curriculum when you get into the systems?

How easy is it for you to stay in pittsburgh for clincal rotations?

I really want to be in the Pittsburgh area for rotations for personal reasons.

Finally, do you think the different in cost between PCOM and LECOM should be enough for a deciding factor? I have my deposit for both schools ready and the way it is looking now I am going to be putting down the money for both schools. Anything that could help me decide would be great (and I really don't want this to turn into bashing against the schools)

 

[BCLumas]

I am not in either school, so I cannot answer your questions. What did it for me between NSUCOM and LECOM-B was if I liked PBL or not. I love PBL. Love it to death. I chose LECOM-B.

Hope that helps a little bit.

 

[superfan56]

i honestly don't know how this is even a choice. PCOM for sure. EVERYDAY, EVERYTIME. There really isn't a reason to consider LECOM

 

[TexasTriathlete]

PCOM is so well-established, and the opportunities that Philly offers are hard to beat. I'd need a really good reason not to pick them.

 

[SmallTownEMT]

You said that PCOM has been your dream school since you were young. That pretty much says it right there.

 

[BCLumas]

Oh.. well if PCOM is your dream school, then I do not understand this thread. I personally didn't like PCOM when I visited a few years ago, but as they said, the opportunities they offer are outstanding. But if it is your dream, then just do it.

 

[medschool08]

I was in an exact same situation a few weeks ago( between PCOM and LECOM). I liked PCOM, but I just never really like Philly and I just didn't feel too safe over there.

I chose LECOM because I was really impressed with the school's integrity, curriculum and the overall atmosphere. yes, the campus is a little dull, but on the more positive side, you can choose to do your rotations in Pittsburgh as do a lot of students. LPD pathway is a traditional lecture based style, but you can also choose PBL if that is what you would prefer. They also have standardized patients on which you can practice physical exams and I do believe they have human simulator.

But, in the end, it is up to you!! If you do want to stay in Pittsburgh, then I would think you would have a bigger chance of that if you go with LECOM. My guess is that most PCOm students choose rotations in Philly or somewhere close to there.

Good luck!!

 

[JaggerPlate]

Pcom.

 

[Boner]

PCOM, hands down

 

[Lokhtar]

You need a good reason not to choose PCOM.

 

[BCLumas]

T_T No LECOM love?

 

[medschool08]

I really like LECOM !! My own physician is from LECOM and so far he is the best doc I had and he really knows his stuff. I also shadowed a doc from LECOM and she was really great! It seemed that her patients really trusted her and that she knew most of them by their first names and really cared for them. So, for me, LECOM was a better personal choice than PCOM.

My biggest concern at PCOM was the fact that I heard that recently they had some problems on the campus with the crime!! Other than that, it was OK. Students were friendly, but werent's too honest and upfront about some of the negative sides to PCOM.

 

[Dr JPH]

My biggest concern at PCOM was the fact that I heard that recently they had some problems on the campus with the crime!! Other than that, it was OK.

Yes. Give up a chance to attend arguably the top ranked and most prestigious osteopathic school because your anatomy book will get stolen if you leave your bag unattended.

You have a greater chance of dying of boredom or cold in Erie than you do of getting murdered in Philadelphia.

JMHO

 

[PlasticMan]

Is this a serious question? PCOM without a second thought.

 

[medschool08]

sorry but I guess I just don't like the city!!!

Anyways, I know a lot of people who prefer to go to LECOM for PERSONAL reasons and they do just fine!! So, PCOM is more prestigious because it is older school, but that doesn't mean that students at LECOM are not as well educated. It is just a matter of personal choice and personal reasons!!!

 

[Dr JPH]

sorry but I guess I just don't like the city!!!

Anyways, I know a lot of people who prefer to go to LECOM for PERSONAL reasons and they do just fine!! So, PCOM is more prestigious because it is older school, but that doesn't mean that students at LECOM are not as well educated. It is just a matter of personal choice and personal reasons!!!

Then why come to a public website to make a personal decision?

The OP wanted public opinion or he/she would not have entertained their thoughts here. So we are giving public opinion...probably biased with our own personal opinion.

Do LECOMers get a good education? Im sure they do. I KNOW they do...I work with LECOM people all day (students, interns, residents, attendings).

But for ME PCOM was the obvious choice hands down. Back in the day I graciously declined to even interview at LECOM...in fact, Im not sure why I even applied in the first place.

Being well educated isnt the issue here. Opportunity, however, IS the issue.

You can get your DO degree at a myriad of medical schools in this country, get into residency and become a great doctor. We all know that...it should go without saying (yet someone always likes to bring up stories of Pikeville grads becoming Neurosurgeons from MD residencies).

But you want to be somewhere where OPPORTUNITY presents itself.

Medical school is difficult enough. You will have plenty of time to work your ass off and get good grades. Now, why on earth would you couple that with trying to make connections on top of that? In Philly, its all here. Close to 100 hospitals, 5 medical schools, a dozen Level 1 Trauma centers, hundreds upon hundreds of residency spots.

The choice, in my mind, is clear.

If you have a personal reason for choosing LECOM then thats fine.

But in my opinion it doesnt make much sense professionally.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

If you don't like Philly, then don't go to PCOM. I have no doubt that LECOM does a great job. But the opportunities in Philly are endless.

 

[digitlnoize]

Which LECOM is it? Erie?

 

[AnnieDO]

I agree with you medschool 08. I decided to go to LECOM over PCOM as well. I think it's a personal decision. I'm sorry but I don't feel like paying $1000 a month for an efficiency in Philly when I can pay $600 for a two bedroom apartment with a two car garage. So what if it's cold and snowy, that's why they make coats! While PCOMers are enjoying the beautiful view of dingy, dirty skyscrapers, LECOMers can enjoy wonderful Lake Erie 😀. It just depends on where you feel most comfortable. No matter what at the end of the day we're all going to be doctors. Med school is what you make of it and you need to choose a place that will allow you to perform at your best. See you in class medschool 08.

 

[sexyman]

JP- welcome back!

 

[Dr JPH]

I agree with you medschool 08. I decided to go to LECOM over PCOM as well. I think it's a personal decision. I'm sorry but I don't feel like paying $1000 a month for an efficiency in Philly when I can pay $600 for a two bedroom apartment with a two car garage. So what if it's cold and snowy, that's why they make coats! While PCOMers are enjoying the beautiful view of dingy, dirty skyscrapers, LECOMers can enjoy wonderful Lake Erie 😀. It just depends on where you feel most comfortable. No matter what at the end of the day we're all going to be doctors. Med school is what you make of it and you need to choose a place that will allow you to perform at your best. See you in class medschool 08.

I hope you feel the same way about your decision in MS3 and MS4. Medical school is more than just being happy. Exposure + reputation = residency. Happiness doesnt factor into how youre ranked in the Match. Good luck.

JP- welcome back!

Thanks

 

[superfan56]

I hope you feel the same way about your decision in MS3 and MS4. Medical school is more than just being happy. Exposure + reputation = residency. Happiness doesnt factor into how youre ranked in the Match. Good luck.

kind of tough to argue here. it's the truth.

 

[LauraDO]

Now here is an interesting question, what if the decision was between PCOM-GA and LECOM-B (as I someday might) , would opinions stay the same? or is much of the PCOM advantage disappear when you go to the sister campus?

 

[superfan56]

Now here is an interesting question, what if the decision was between PCOM-GA and LECOM-B (as I someday might) , would opinions stay the same? or is much of the PCOM advantage disappear when you go to the sister campus?

Still PCOM-GA. You're clinical rotations in Atlanta will probably be worth it alone. Dr. E, the first fellow in OMM teaches OMM down there as well, everything I've heard is that PCOM-GA is a no-brainer amazing school. More technologically advanced than their northern brother school as well.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

As much as I love PBL, I think that if I had been outright accepted to LECOM-B outright instead of getting the waitlist, I still think I would have made the same decision.

Small class size + Atlanta > PBL

But that's just for me. It doesn't necessarily mean that its a better school. It just has a little more of what I'm looking for. I'd be perfectly happy at LECOM-B, and I think it would have been a tough decision. I just think that the total package is a little better for me at GA-PCOM

 

[JaggerPlate]

JP- welcome back!

I'll second that one.

 

[MaximusD]

IMHO, JP is right. In fact, I'd take any city-based medical school over a rural one just bc rural medicine isn't competititve and you can always go to rural medicine but you can't necessarily easily get connections and face time from smaller more rural programs. PCOM gives you a great opportunity of having core rotations and strong hospitals and also gives you a ton of elective freedom. The choice for me was clear when comparing WVSOM to CCOM (the choice I made Dec '06) while the choice between CCOM and PCOM was one of location preference. In my book, keeping as many opportunities open as possible early in your career is definitely the smartest decision. When I compared LECOM to PCOM, it was my educated assumption that PCOM, having a much older and established reputation in the medical capital of America (5 medical schools!), would give me more face time at strong programs. Guess we'll find out in a few years...

Just my first-year idiotic opinion tho. 😉

Then why come to a public website to make a personal decision?

The OP wanted public opinion or he/she would not have entertained their thoughts here. So we are giving public opinion...probably biased with our own personal opinion.

Do LECOMers get a good education? Im sure they do. I KNOW they do...I work with LECOM people all day (students, interns, residents, attendings).

But for ME PCOM was the obvious choice hands down. Back in the day I graciously declined to even interview at LECOM...in fact, Im not sure why I even applied in the first place.

Being well educated isnt the issue here. Opportunity, however, IS the issue.

You can get your DO degree at a myriad of medical schools in this country, get into residency and become a great doctor. We all know that...it should go without saying (yet someone always likes to bring up stories of Pikeville grads becoming Neurosurgeons from MD residencies).

But you want to be somewhere where OPPORTUNITY presents itself.

Medical school is difficult enough. You will have plenty of time to work your ass off and get good grades. Now, why on earth would you couple that with trying to make connections on top of that? In Philly, its all here. Close to 100 hospitals, 5 medical schools, a dozen Level 1 Trauma centers, hundreds upon hundreds of residency spots.

The choice, in my mind, is clear.

If you have a personal reason for choosing LECOM then thats fine.

But in my opinion it doesnt make much sense professionally.

 

[MaximusD]

Still PCOM-GA. You're clinical rotations in Atlanta will probably be worth it alone. Dr. E, the first fellow in OMM teaches OMM down there as well, everything I've heard is that PCOM-GA is a no-brainer amazing school. More technologically advanced than their northern brother school as well.

LOL that's not saying much. We have a lot of good technology, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't say that our first-and-second year stuff is the shiniest. It's more than adequate, but let's face it... you don't come to PCOM because of the "stuff", you come here because they offer an unbeatable medical education with a solid reputation.

Oh and as for the stuff, we have a lap simulator 😱, "smart" classrooms (all the AV stuff is integrated), several computer labs, a simman (although i havent used it yet...), fully recorded SP sessions, and wireless internet everywhere. So we don't suck, but we didn't just build a brand-new school and start from scratch... make sure you keep that in perspective. Oh and we get PCS and OMM procedures on a DVD/online in digital video as an added tool to our books, etc 😀

 

[digitlnoize]

Don't many LECOM and PCOM students rotate at the same places...that's what I've read on here at least (from people who say their attendings say LECOM students tend to be better than PCOM students...)

I know LECOM-ers rotate with Temple and Drexel students, right? And no one's complaining about the quality of their rotations.

If I wind up at LECOM-B (which I am planning on, at this point...I really like it) I plan on setting up good away rotations, so I won't be stuck in BFE...but that's just me.

 

[AnnieDO]

"I hope you feel the same way about your decision in MS3 and MS4. Medical school is more than just being happy. Exposure + reputation = residency. Happiness doesnt factor into how youre ranked in the Match. Good luck." -DR JPH

I know that med school is more than being happy. You said you work with LECOM students, interns and attendings all day, so obviously they didn't have a problem getting to the same place that you're at with your PCOM education. And also, why are you on this forum if you're not a pre-med student anymore? Don't you have better things to do like work on patients?

 

[Lokhtar]

And also, why are you on this forum if you're not a pre-med student anymore? Don't you have better things to do like work on patients?

No need to be nasty. It is nice to have medical students on here to answer questions that we might have.

 

[DO Sigma Nu guy]

And also, why are you on this forum if you're not a pre-med student anymore? Don't you have better things to do like work on patients?

If there were only pre-med students on this forum, how would you get answers to all the questions?

Trust me, if I were you, I would trust the medical school students/attendings/interns more than I would trust a neurotic applicant.

 

[BCLumas]

Now I am not saying that JPH should not be here because, as it was already said, we need he and other medical students to answer our questions, but I am sort of agreeing with AnnieDO. I feel that there is an... arrogance about JPH, espeically in his bias towards PCOM. That is perfectly fine. I just don't want AnnieDO to get all of the slack for being "nasty" when there is obviously some pompousness coming from JPH.

As for the choice between LECOM-B and GA-PCOM, I think that many would still rather go with GA-PCOM. Since there are opportunities upon opportunities when you have the PCOM name behind you, I think many people would find a good niche at that school. I think that LECOM people are those that have that special.. quirk that cannot be satisfied elsewhere. I interviewed at LDP schools and it just was not for me. I went to LECOM-B and.. wow. What did I say that day? Oh yea. I told the admissions director as I was walking out that if he were to offer me an acceptance letter right there I would have pulled out $1500 from my Visa and handed it to him on the spot. It works for me, as it does for others. So I am sure there are limitless opportunities for PCOMers, but I am sure I will see them in my rotations and residencies. After all, we are all going to be doctors.

 

[eichetotheizzo]

So I have been going back and forth with which school to go to for awhile now.

Just go to the most affordable school. They both give you the minimum necessities to succeed.

 

[EEL08]

Just go to the most affordable school. They both give you the minimum necessities to succeed.

I disagree. There are a lot more factors to take into consideration than the cost. Why go to a school you think you would be miserable at just because it's cheaper?

 

[BCLumas]

I disagree. There are a lot more factors to take into consideration than the cost. Why go to a school you think you would be miserable at just because it's cheaper?

/agree

 

[sexyman]

Now I am not saying that JPH should not be here because, as it was already said, we need he and other medical students to answer our questions, but I am sort of agreeing with LauraDO. I feel that there is an... arrogance about JPH, espeically in his bias towards PCOM. That is perfectly fine. I just don't want LauraDO to get all of the slack for being "nasty" when there is obviously some pompousness coming from JPH.

She is being nasty.

and i didn't see anything wrong with what JP said at all. i dont see it as a bias anyways. It is pretty obvious that PCOM is one of the best DO schools and Erie is not.

If people cannot handle other peoples opinions without getting their panties in a bunch they shouldn't come on sites like this to begin with.

 

[EEL08]

You guys are talking about AnnieDO not LauraDO. I just don't want her getting pulled into something she wasn't a part of to begin with.

 

[LauraDO]

You guys are talking about AnnieDO not LauraDO. I just don't want her getting pulled into something she wasn't a part of to begin with.

Thank you EE, not me I'm not involved in this at all, LauraDO=nice, AnnieDO=nasty

 

[BCLumas]

She is being nasty.

and i didn't see anything wrong with what JP said at all. i dont see it as a bias anyways. It is pretty obvious that PCOM is one of the best DO schools and Erie is not.

If people cannot handle other peoples opinions without getting their panties in a bunch they shouldn't come on sites like this to begin with.

First, thank you EEL for that catch. It is AnnieDO we are talking about, so I am sorry to LauraDO for the MT.

On topic, there is an extreme bias in JPH's comments, which is absolutely fine. It is probably obvious that my personal bias is towards LECOM because I feel that LECOM offers the best education for me; yes, even better than PCOM. I also think that both AnnieDO and JPH have an attitude about their statement, with JPH's being slightly more subtle. Is it wrong? Absolutely not. It is there, however. I was thinking to myself "Man! That was a pretty cocky comment." long before I read Annie's statement. When I saw her comment and the reaction towards it, I decided to jump in. That is all.

To the OP: obviously everyone here agrees that PCOM offers a multitude of opportunities, many of which LECOM does not offer. I am sure that they have overlapping rotation sites and such, but the sheer number of chances for you to match in to the best possible residency is more evident at PCOM. Does that mean that you cannot do the same at LECOM? Absolutely not. A friend of a friend of mine is doing an Anesthesiology residency at Hopkins right now. It comes down to what you make of it. If you work hard and do your best, then you can do anything at any school.

Hope that helps.

 

[BCLumas]

Btw.. fixed the topic from Laura to Annie. Sorry about that! ^.^

 

[Lokhtar]

Everyone has anecdotal evidence about how their rural school put out the most influential physician since Galen. But you have to realize that averages count. It matters what the overall opportunities are from a certain school. No school in the US will preclude you from matching into whatever specialty you desire, but its about having the deck stacked against you. Philadelphia is downright orgasmic when it comes to medicine and opportunities in the medical field.

On top of it, PCOM is an integral part of that community, and many here match straight into prestigious allopathic residencies at Penn, Jeff, Temple, Drexel etc. Can you do the same from LECOM? Sure. But as a PCOM student, you'll simply have more chances to show them what you can do by rotating there, networking with professors who've worked at those places, etc. PCOM has one of the highest rates of students going into specialties of all the osteopathic schools - and its not a coincidence. PCOM students aren't necessarily smarter than LECOM students, or any other osteopathic schools, but their location and environment gives them more opportunities to match into the fields they want.

Medical School is not like your undergrad - most people there are already in the top 2% of performers. And to stick out amongst them is a hard thing. It's good to have confidence in yourself and believe you can do it - but everyone else believes it too, and you do have to be realistic. It is possible to work as hard as possible and still not be the first in your class. You have to look for any opening and run hard at it.

If you're lucky enough to be offered an advantage that someone else doesn't have (such as the opportunities at PCOM) - thank the Gods and snatch it up.

 

[Ron Mexico]

Its pretty stupid to say you don't want to go to PCOM cause you don't like Philadelphia. A city as big as Philadelphia has different areas and sections that are probably larger than most other cities and are completely different from each other.

PCOMs location is very different than being at Temple or in University City. Go there and check it out if you have doubts about the city.

 

[MaximusD]

Its pretty stupid to say you don't want to go to PCOM cause you don't like Philadelphia. A city as big as Philadelphia has different areas and sections that are probably larger than most other cities and are completely different from each other.

PCOMs location is very different than being at Temple or in University City. Go there and check it out if you have doubts about the city.

Yeah PCOM is right on the outskirts of town (literally, you cross the road and you're in Bala Cynwyd, a "suburb"). Life here is vastly different than in Centre/Old City. It's much more suburban and sprawled-out, and the neighborhood, while not disneyland, is fairly safe. Drive a mile or two down Lancaster Ave and the situation changes But all-in-all, I came from a small town in south-central PA (There is a corn field in my backyard..) and then went to rural State College for four years. I live right down the street from PCOM and the transition has not been dramatic by any stretch.

 

[MaximusD]

I hope you feel the same way about your decision in MS3 and MS4. Medical school is more than just being happy. Exposure + reputation = residency. Happiness doesnt factor into how youre ranked in the Match. Good luck.






Thanks

Nice OMM/surg lecture about a month ago. I'm not in the surg club bc I actually want to practice real medicine but I went just for the exposure. PS don't hate I'm jk about the surg thing.

 

[Ilovethemcat]

As a possible future student of Erie I want to clarify this misconception in which people keep calling Erie a "rural" area. Just because a place doesnt have 1 million + people doesnt mean its rural. Places like Philly and New York are gigantic cities. Erie is a small city with 100,000+ people. This is hardly rural. I do not doubt there are much more opportunities to be had in Philly but people are making Erie out to be a place in the middle of nowhere.

 

[PatriotsForever]

So what if it's cold and snowy

It's not this in Philly?!? You'll also pay about 10 grand less a year at LECOM and much less in the way of living expenses. Plus the environment it much more friendly in Erie. So while I concede that PCOM does have the better clinical rotations, the overall package at PCOM certainly is not worth $10,000/ year more in tuition and the aggravation of living in Philly.

 

[Ron Mexico]

So what if it's cold and snowy

It's not this in Philly?!? You'll also pay about 10 grand less a year at LECOM and much less in the way of living expenses. Plus the environment it much more friendly in Erie. So while I concede that PCOM does have the better clinical rotations, the overall package at PCOM certainly is not worth $10,000/ year more in tuition and the aggravation of living in Philly.

lolwut?

do you know where PCOM is?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

This is ridiculous. Yes, PCOM has some advantages. They've been doing things the right way for a long time, and being in arguably the Mecca of medicine is a potential advantage. But if this guy likes LECOM better, he should just go there. I'm sure the education will be fine.

 

[BCLumas]

Agreed with TT. As a student you should go where it is best for you. For someone to sit here and tell me that me choosing PCOM over LECOM would not only be a bad idea, but would aslo be detrimental to my overall education is a crock. Why would I go to a school where I do not feel I would learn the best simply because of opportunities? If I feel that a paticular school will be more beneficial to me learning medicine, who are you to say that me choosing that school over PCOM is bad? I agree that PCOM is good for some, but to say that one is stupid for NOT choosing it is outright dumb.

There is no reason to continue this argument. I am sure we are all in agreement that LECOM is different than PCOM and that PCOM offers a multitude of opportunities that many schools do not offer. Let the OP and others make their decision based upon what THEY feel is important in a medical school and not what YOU feel is important for him to think is worthy or not.

/rant