I'm torn...and have to make a decision

[doc1228]

I need to make a decision soon. KCOM, Touro-Harlem
KCOM
Pros:
- Excelent board scores
- Great match list
- Extremely cheap living
- Clinical classes start your first year
cons:
-older facilities

Touro-Harlem
NY:
-High clinical exposure
-Affiliation with Columbia U
-emphasized a tough curriculum
-experience NYC's healthcare-shortage hospitals
-exposure to a greater demographic
cons:
-cost of living
please any input would be appreciated. I have done some searching on SDN but just wanted to make a specific thread to see if I could get some more answers.

 

[amathew]

honestly, you've got the pros/cons down...ultimately, this is a decision only you can make. Our input shows our preference, what school we think would be better, but it doesn't mean whats best for me would be best for you. Consider your residence, location, money, the kind of environment that is most suitable for you and where you can get work done, the demographic of not just where the school is located, but also that of your peers. touro-ny would be a much more diverse group than kcom. these are things only you can decide. Good luck with your decision. Either way, you'll end up where you belong. Be satisfied in knowing that

 

[Kuba]

I need to make a decision soon. KCOM, Touro-Harlem
KCOM
Pros:
- Excelent board scores
- Great match list
- Extremely cheap living
- Clinical classes start your first year
cons:
-older facilities

Touro-Harlem
NY:
-High clinical exposure
-Affiliation with Columbia U
-emphasized a tough curriculum
-experience NYC's healthcare-shortage hospitals
-exposure to a greater demographic
cons:
-cost of living
please any input would be appreciated. I have done some searching on SDN but just wanted to make a specific thread to see if I could get some more answers.

KCOM

Pro: started by the man himself. lol

 

[Orthodoc40]

I need to make a decision soon. KCOM, Touro-Harlem
KCOM
Pros:
- Excelent board scores
- Great match list
- Extremely cheap living
- Clinical classes start your first year
cons:
-older facilities

Touro-Harlem
NY:
-High clinical exposure
-Affiliation with Columbia U
-emphasized a tough curriculum
-experience NYC's healthcare-shortage hospitals
-exposure to a greater demographic
cons:
-cost of living
please any input would be appreciated. I have done some searching on SDN but just wanted to make a specific thread to see if I could get some more answers.

Affliation w/Columbia U?? What kind of affiliation? (Just curious, is all...)

Where's the poll?! We like polls....

 

[msl2007]

I say go KCOM, just for lower cost of living.
It is nice to buy food and clothes and go out once in a while...
Half of what I spend now is not tuition..I cna't imagine how in debt I would be if I lived in/near NYC.

 

[clement]

hey doc,
wow, you're talking about two VERY different settings with these schools and historical reputations (oldest vs. newest!)
I myself put down two deposits (one for Touro-Mare Island and the other for NY). I'm like 95% NY because I think the risk of it being a *newer* school does not outweigh the potentially incredible clinical experience which we will have before us. Cost of living is also an issue for me, and obviously I don't know your individual $ situation, but when all is said and done, I don't think the debt difference in terms of pay-back will be gigantic (but then again, I do plan on seeing a financial aid financial planner at some point in time!).

Ok, I don't have FABULOUS insight to add, but I will say I've read a fair number of posts on this topic of old vs. new, and most people will tell you go with the old and established (at least in the osteopathic forum). I personally might agree with that if you are aiming for a highly competitive residency and think connections could help you out (though even then that's not reason alone)....My personal policy has been to value what someone who actually KNOWS something about your new school/applied to it has to say...Just food for thought.

I would start by making a list of JUST what it is you are AFRAID of with the new school and what you think the WORST that could happen to you is? My biggest fear is making the decision for the wrong reasons and that's why I think having a solid list of *worst case scenarios* is a great idea.

A fair number of people I've talked to (this is just me keep in mind) who applied to Touro-NY were first-time applicants, and also people who hadn't necessarily put down deposits elsewhere. I too wonder how people who actually have to choose are deciding and wouldn't mind hearing from that crowd.

As for the poster who asked about the columbia affiliation, I heard something about possible rotations at columbia presbyterian hospital and columbia u's library usage, but I will let someone else confirm what they've heard...At my interview there was talk of involving dr. mehmet oz (oprah show) who I know is affiliated w/columbia as well.

 

[MJB]

I'm trying to think if there could be two more opposite choices.

Wow.

 

[doc1228]

Kuba definitely like your pro. lol

 

[doc1228]

Yeah they are opposites. I am looking at going in to Peds. I am from Chicago but went to school in Iowa so I am used to both types of settings. Family is close to both locations. I have searched the pros and cons threads as well as the new vs. established threads just was looking for further information. Plus these two are the complete opposites. Anway thanks for the replies.

 

[clement]

Yeah they are opposites. I am looking at going in to Peds. I am from Chicago but went to school in Iowa so I am used to both types of settings. Family is close to both locations. I have searched the pros and cons threads as well as the new vs. established threads just was looking for further information. Plus these two are the complete opposites. Anway thanks for the replies.

FYI there was a poster from chicago who got into mare island and was inquiring about doing rotations there...i think someone mentioned there is a touro affiliation set up there...then again, with kcom you're already in the midwest!

 

[DrBowtie]

Where do you want to eventually live? Most people match at their home school or regionally so keep that in mind.

My personal opinion would be KCOM. (Note: Haven't visited either, just looked online at things).

 

[doc1228]

sorry forgot the poll...i'm a newbie

 

[Packamylase]

KCOM >>>>>>>>>>> Touro-Harlem in many aspects, IMHO.

 

[MaximusD]

Agreed. No comparison. You're going to be on your rotations 3rd and 4th year in NYC and the other students are going to ask what Touro-Harlem is...

KCOM, on the other hand, has been around for over a century.

No decision IMHO.

 

[doc1228]

hey doc,
wow, you're talking about two VERY different settings with these schools and historical reputations (oldest vs. newest!)
I myself put down two deposits (one for Touro-Mare Island and the other for NY). I'm like 95% NY because I think the risk of it being a *newer* school does not outweigh the potentially incredible clinical experience which we will have before us. Cost of living is also an issue for me, and obviously I don't know your individual $ situation, but when all is said and done, I don't think the debt difference in terms of pay-back will be gigantic (but then again, I do plan on seeing a financial aid financial planner at some point in time!).

Ok, I don't have FABULOUS insight to add, but I will say I've read a fair number of posts on this topic of old vs. new, and most people will tell you go with the old and established (at least in the osteopathic forum). I personally might agree with that if you are aiming for a highly competitive residency and think connections could help you out (though even then that's not reason alone)....My personal policy has been to value what someone who actually KNOWS something about your new school/applied to it has to say...Just food for thought.

I would start by making a list of JUST what it is you are AFRAID of with the new school and what you think the WORST that could happen to you is? My biggest fear is making the decision for the wrong reasons and that's why I think having a solid list of *worst case scenarios* is a great idea.

A fair number of people I've talked to (this is just me keep in mind) who applied to Touro-NY were first-time applicants, and also people who hadn't necessarily put down deposits elsewhere. I too wonder how people who actually have to choose are deciding and wouldn't mind hearing from that crowd.

Thanks for the post. Good idea about the list. I agree with the potentially incredible clinical experience ahead if I where in New York. I am seeing a financial planner soon and already am trying to figure budgets for each school. Need to do more research on housing in New York. Any areas recommended??

 

[MJB]

Agreed. No comparison. You're going to be on your rotations 3rd and 4th year in NYC and the other students are going to ask what Touro-Harlem is...

KCOM, on the other hand, has been around for over a century.

No decision IMHO.

I've honestly wondered if many people know many of the names of the DO schools at all.

There are TONS of people around here that have no idea what KCOM is, or what KCUMB is, etc...

All you hear about in a 2.5 hour radius of KC is "KU Med" it seems like.

 

[clement]

Agreed. No comparison. You're going to be on your rotations 3rd and 4th year in NYC and the other students are going to ask what Touro-Harlem is...

KCOM, on the other hand, has been around for over a century.

No decision IMHO.

I have to disagree with you on that one... the school is getting a lot of publicity for being the " urban medical school in nyc with a focus on underserved communities."

http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=112522

Secondly, the dean (who used to be an associate dean at nycom and set up the rotations for nycom (300 students) and has headed ny state's medical society (first DO to do so I believe) and ny state osteopathic society is a big shot and connection factor in nyc hospitals.

lastly, the name won't be so unfamiliar (at least to eastcoast people) because the word *touro* is known to people based on the institution's other colleges (law school, business school, etc in new york). also, next year they are opening up an MD school in New Jersey.

 

[doc1228]

KCOM is not discussed very often on SDN. Atleast it seems that way. Hope this thread gets KCOMer attention

 

[Kuba]

i read the primenewswire every day.. lol. I think Touro-NY will probably be a good school, but why take the gamble? If it were my decision I would pick KCOM over McMedschool easily even though I like the city better than the countryside. But to each their own.

 

[clement]

i read the primenewswire every day.. lol. I think Touro-NY will probably be a good school, but why take the gamble? If it were my decision I would pick KCOM over McMedschool easily even though I like the city better than the countryside. But to each their own.

ok, that's what i don't understand...when people use words like "gamble" when discussing new schools...so what are the life-staking risks involved, if I may ask? Can someone tell me what's the WORST that could come out of a school's newness? Especially if, as Kuba affectionatly refers to it, *McTouro* has already established two other schools? Seriously, didn't every fully-accredited DO school start off somewhere? Did any of them turn out to be catastrophic disasters? I guess that's subjective right?...

 

[grinchick5]

KCOM is not discussed very often on SDN. Atleast it seems that way. Hope this thread gets KCOMer attention

Do they even have internet out there in the middle of nowhere??
j/k

 

[SunshineNYC]

You should go where you feel most comfortable and can see yourself living for four years. I am a native NYer and living here can be pretty stressful sometimes, and personally I wouldn't want to live here during medical school (so many distractions and expenses). However, if you feel comfortable with this area and seeing a more diverse patient population is really important to you, then go with Touro-NY.

You will do best where you are the happiest, so think of it that way. Good luck.

 

[doc1228]

Do they even have internet out there in the middle of nowhere??
j/k

haha my phone didnt work...

 

[Kuba]

ok, that's what i don't understand...when people use words like "gamble" when discussing new schools...so what are the life-staking risks involved, if I may ask? Can someone tell me what's the WORST that could come out of a school's newness? Especially if, as Kuba affectionatly refers to it, *McTouro* has already established two other schools? Seriously, didn't every fully-accredited DO school start off somewhere? Did any of them turn out to be catastrophic disasters? I guess that's subjective right?...

Like I said, I am sure it will be a good school. However, the other Touro's don't have outstanding reputations yet and they are already opening up a third.... It is a gamble imo. In the end the OP will be a fine doc most likely and will look back at this and laugh, but I would go to the 100 year old school just to be safe.

 

[doc1228]

i prefer a fine *McDoc* ....wait too close to grey's anatomy crap

haha
thanks for the input all!!!!

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Who would want to spend time in Harlem? KCOM would be a good choice, even if it is most likely to attempt to indoctrinate you heart and soul into the People's Temple of AT Still.

 

[clement]

Like I said, I am sure it will be a good school. However, the other Touro's don't have outstanding reputations yet and they are already opening up a third.... It is a gamble imo. In the end the OP will be a fine doc most likely and will look back at this and laugh, but I would go to the 100 year old school just to be safe.

Not to beat the dog to death, but out of genuine curiosity, what are you basing your assessment of the other two on? I'd like to know for my own good. Thx

 

[clement]

Who would want to spend time in Harlem? KCOM would be a good choice, even if it is most likely to attempt to indoctrinate you heart and soul into the People's Temple of AT Still.

I guess I could put it more nicely, but your answer is, most likely anyone who's not a fan of living in
the capital of nowhere...

what it boils down to is, are you a big-city person or not? If you're from Chicago and love it there (allbeit I know Chicago has a lot of suburbs), I'm guessing you'd like NYC...Benefits vs. drawbacks, reputation & older facilites or state-of-the-art & the *newness* factor...

 

[Dr.Inviz]

I guess I could put it more nicely, but your answer is, most likely anyone who's not a fan of living in
the capital of nowhere...

what it boils down to is, are you a big-city person or not? If you're from Chicago and love it there (allbeit I know Chicago has a lot of suburbs), I'm guessing you'd like NYC...Benefits vs. drawbacks, reputation & older facilites or state-of-the-art & the *newness* factor...

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

 

[clement]

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

Wow...That was pretty rude and blatantly inflammatory of you.
Secondly, you didn't read post number 6 in this thread (Mare Island has a 4% acceptance rate FYI). I'm also waitlisted elsewhere....But even if Touro-NY was the only school that would take me, I'd still be happy AND defending it

 

[Repertoire]

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

woah there... relax a little.

 

[IgE]

Go KCOM. Of course I am biased. Old facilities? Just because something has fresh paint doesn't mean it's better.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

Bored again Inviz?

 

[clement]

Bored again Inviz?

clearly (of course I'm taking the bait, but whatever)

 

[EastWestN2grt]

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

Words from someone who hasn't even been accepted to med school.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Words from someone who hasn't even been accepted to med school.

Actually I believe he has been.......

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Actually I believe he has been.......

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Granted....it's an OSTEOPATHIC school, but still....it's a med school.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Granted....it's an OSTEOPATHIC school, but still....it's a med school.

Yea, still waiting on that Allopathic school. If it doesn't work out, I'll go Osteo.

 

[DNA Helicase]

I used to work at Columbia University Medical Center. It's expensive, and I saw men and women using the street as a bathroom facility on many occasions. It's kind of a weird feeling to see this happen, knowing that you're paying so much to live there. You might want to spend a few weeks in Washington Heights / Harlem before you really know what you're getting yourself into. I believe this is why they are actively recruiting people who are already from the area. They know what to expect.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Get on AIM Inviz.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Get on AIM Inviz.

I can't .. I'm on campus. However, I should be on in a few hours.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I can't .. I'm on campus. However, I should be on in a few hours.

Good to know......we'll talk later. The article needs your input.

 

[Krisss17]

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

AND, you wonder why you are still on probationary status??????

 

[Dr.Inviz]

AND, you wonder why you are still on probationary status??????

It was a legit post. Most people end up defending a particular school no matter what simply because the school gave them the chance to get into medical school ...

 

[clement]

It was a legit post. Most people end up defending a particular school no matter what simply because the school gave them the chance to get into medical school ...

 

[DropkickMurphy]

It was a legit post. Most people end up defending a particular school no matter what simply because the school gave them the chance to get into medical school ...

You speak the truth, but you are just brutally honest in how you do it.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Need to do more research on housing in New York. Any areas recommended??

Yes, NOT in New York!

also, next year they are opening up an MD school in New Jersey.

Oh NO! More medical students in NJ??!! I'm going to Iowa....(forget UMDNJ!)

Quit trying to defend the school because it was the ONLY school that would take you ...

Guess what? A person doesn't have to get accepted to 14 medical schools to be a legitimate medical student! 1 counts the same as 14. Especially since no one can attend 14 anyway. Nothing wrong w/defending the one you're going to.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

AND, you wonder why you are still on probationary status??????

i was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[doc1228]

ah the legendary DKM and sdn's Dr. Probation causing trouble in my thread...sweet...


just kidding DKM and Inviz.

Thanks for the posts all.

Orthodoc def head to Iowa (fields of opportunity)