is there any med school you wouldn't go to, even if it was your only acceptance?

[Omppu27]

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Would not ever go to the medical school of where i did my undergrad. I've lived in this city for all my life (since i was 1...) and need to get out. I feel like Bill Murry from Groundhog Day in this place. Also, my UG has a pretty good undergrad, but like others have mentioned, it's a 4 year commitment and I couldn't imagine being here that much longer...

 

[Omppu27]

If I actually do follow through with this journey, I wouldn't mind going to any accredited US medical school, MD or DO, as long as there was nothing severely wrong with the school (like it being on probation).

If I had to choose at this point, my only criteria I would probably shoot for a true P/F school, or if not that, a H/P/F school. I think I'm a motivated individual, but if I get into med school, I'm going to put in as much work as I can whilst attempting to stay sane and not worry about shooting for god level residencies or ROAD specialties.

As for any other details like a system-based curriculum vs whatever else, I'd have to do more research into what would be most conducive to learning the slew of basic science material. I'm still pretty early in pre-med existence.

This is how i feel for the most part with the exception of my UG's med school. However, I would prefer a curriculum that isn't loaded with PBL and MD over DO. P/F alllll the way IMO.

 

[yehhhboiii]

This is just about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. A black school is waaaay more diverse than any other medical school or just the reverse of other medical schools in that instead of being 90% white, it's 90% black. And there are black people coming from all different walks of life rich, poor, southern, west coast, African, Caribbean, European etc. Maybe you need to pick up a book on something other than science.

you are aware that white people fit into every single category you named

 

[ChemEngMD]

you are aware that white people fit into every single category you named

I think that's the point...white people are often seen as "diverse" because other white people will recognize the differences between white people of different backgrounds. Whereas black people are often considered a monolith and painted with a broad brush when they have just as much, if not more, cultural diversity among them.

 

[mdocfuture]

I was referring to this post. And yes, my exact point is that in many cases a hbcu will be much more diverse or at least as diverse as any other medical school.

Not really.

Historically black medical schools dont have as much diversity in the classroom, both cultural and societal. Not to mention that they are consistently on the lower end of the academic status (GPA/MCAT of accepted applicants).

Lots of people dont apply to the historically black schools. If I am not mistaken, you are one of them.

 

[touchpause13]

i think that's the point...white people are often seen as "diverse" because other white people will recognize the differences between white people of different backgrounds. Whereas black people are often considered a monolith and painted with a broad brush when they have just as much, if not more, cultural diversity among them.

+1

 

[Status Sciaticus]

This is just about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. A black school is waaaay more diverse than any other medical school or just the reverse of other medical schools in that instead of being 90% white, it's 90% black. And there are black people coming from all different walks of life rich, poor, southern, west coast, African, Caribbean, European etc. Maybe you need to pick up a book on something other than science.

Where are you getting the "90% white" people in medical school statistic?

Lets take a quick look shall we?
Most medical schools have about 45-50% of white students, 25% asians, and the remainder is african american and hispanic.

Lets now look at HB medical schools...

Meharry -- 80% black

Howard -- 70% black

Im sure you can do the math from here.

 

[yehhhboiii]

Where are you getting the "90% white" people in medical school statistic?

Lets take a quick look shall we?
Most medical schools have about 45-50% of white students, 25% asians, and the remainder is african american and hispanic.

Lets now look at HB medical schools...

Meharry -- 80% black

Howard -- 70% black

Im sure you can do the math from here.

it's closer to 60% white

 

[sazerac]

If I actually do follow through with this journey, I wouldn't mind going to any accredited US medical school, MD or DO, as long as there was nothing severely wrong with the school (like it being on probation).

So if Rosalind Franklin / Chicago Medical School was your only medical school acceptance, you would turn them down and be a re-applicant next year?

 

[NontradCA]

Where are you getting the "90% white" people in medical school statistic?

Lets take a quick look shall we?
Most medical schools have about 45-50% of white students, 25% asians, and the remainder is african american and hispanic.

Lets now look at HB medical schools...

Meharry -- 80% black

Howard -- 70% black

Im sure you can do the math from here.

BS semantics kid. By definition those schools are diverse because they are very much different than all other med schools.

 

[SunsFun]

I would be interested to see how the average parental incomes of students in "black schools" compare to the rest.

 

[NontradCA]

I would be interested to see how the average parental incomes of students in "black schools" compare to the rest.

Irrelevant.

 

[Reckoner]

Whereas black people are often considered a monolith and painted with a broad brush when they have just as much, if not more, cultural diversity among them.

Very true, and totally unfair. The same can be said for any minority group, really.

BS semantics kid. By definition those schools are diverse because they are very much different than all other med schools.

No, by definition they are very different. By this logic, Loma Linda is also incredibly diverse. If you look at all US medical students as one group, then yes, these schools add diversity to that group. But Gandalf is arguing about diversity within the population at each particular school.

 

[SunsFun]

Irrelevant.

I am not picking sides here or trying to make a point. Just curious to look at the actual numbers.

 

[NontradCA]

Very true, and totally unfair. The same can be said for any minority group, really.



No, by definition they are very different. By this logic, Loma Linda is also incredibly diverse. If you look at all US medical students as one group, then yes, these schools add diversity to that group. But Gandalf is arguing about diversity within the population at each particular school.

That is fallacy considering were talking about race. And did he really? Because he certainly didn't say that. In any right the school is diverse in regard to the institution of medicine and society.

 

[NontradCA]

I am not picking sides here or trying to make a point. Just curious to look at the actual numbers.

Perhaps you should research then.

 

[Sardinia]

You guys are aware that Howard University isn't using the diversity argument to justify their racial admit policy.

 

[Reckoner]

That is fallacy considering were talking about race. And did he really? Because he certainly didn't say that. In any right the school is diverse in regard to the institution of medicine and society.

Because racial diversity is the only type of diversity? You argued that certain schools are diverse because their student bodies are very different from most other medical schools, and I countered with an example of another school whose student body also meets your criterion for diversity (being very different from the national norm), and yet isn't generally considered diverse. Not a fallacy, just a counterpoint.

And yeah, he used the racial demographics of two schools to argue that those two schools are less diverse than the average medical school. It seems pretty obvious to me that he's talking about diversity in the context of each individual school.

FWIW there is no MD or DO school in the country that I would turn down if it was my only option, and I have nothing against HB med schools, I just think this is an interesting argument.

 

[NontradCA]

Because racial diversity is the only type of diversity? You argued that certain schools are diverse because their student bodies are very different from most other medical schools, and I countered with an example of another school whose student body also meets your criterion for diversity (being very different from the national norm), and yet isn't generally considered diverse. Not a fallacy, just a counterpoint.

And yeah, he used the racial demographics of two schools to argue that those two schools are less diverse than the average medical school. It seems pretty obvious to me that he's talking about diversity in the context of each individual school.

FWIW there is no MD or DO school in the country that I would turn down if it was my only option, and I have nothing against HB med schools, I just think this is an interesting argument.

It's easy to make a point when you put words in others mouths. Goodnight strawman.

 

[Sardinia]

That is fallacy considering were talking about race.

I wasn't aware there was a logical fallacy that was race conscious.

 

[NontradCA]

I wasn't aware there was a logical fallacy centered around race.

🙄

Waste of my time honestly. I'll leave you folks to it.

 

[Sardinia]

🙄 Waste if my time honestly. I'll leave you folks to it.

I am genuinely curious. Which logical fallacy are you referring to. Apparently not a formal one.

 

[Reckoner]

It's easy to make a point when you put words in others mouths. Goodnight strawman.

It's easier when the other guy doesn't seem to have one 😀
I was actually asking you a question, but nevermind.

 

[thegypsyqueen]

That's not the point. the point is, you better be ready to go to every school you've applied to, if accepted.

Been to several interviews, got one acceptance so far. Regardless, am not picky and for me med school is a means.

There's no way you can tell how "happy you'll be for those four years" from an interview.

That is not OPs question though. I agree that you should only apply to schools you would go to. There are many schools I would not apply to because I would not go to them even if that was my only option. There is a difference.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

it's closer to 60% white

I just went off the MSAR numbers for the texas schools. 😕

Very true, and totally unfair. The same can be said for any minority group, really.



No, by definition they are very different. By this logic, Loma Linda is also incredibly diverse. If you look at all US medical students as one group, then yes, these schools add diversity to that group. But Gandalf is arguing about diversity within the population at each particular school.

👍

I didnt feel the need to spell it out since it was obvious by the percentages I quoted that I was talking about diversity within each school.

That is fallacy considering were talking about race. And did he really? Because he certainly didn't say that. In any right the school is diverse in regard to the institution of medicine and society.

Yes I did.

Because racial diversity is the only type of diversity? You argued that certain schools are diverse because their student bodies are very different from most other medical schools, and I countered with an example of another school whose student body also meets your criterion for diversity (being very different from the national norm), and yet isn't generally considered diverse. Not a fallacy, just a counterpoint.

And yeah, he used the racial demographics of two schools to argue that those two schools are less diverse than the average medical school. It seems pretty obvious to me that he's talking about diversity in the context of each individual school.

FWIW there is no MD or DO school in the country that I would turn down if it was my only option, and I have nothing against HB med schools, I just think this is an interesting argument.

👍

 

[mdocfuture]

Its funny that people got fixated on the 90%...but missed my whole point. 90% wasn't meant to be a calculated number but simply shedding light on the fact that there are schools that are predominately white just like there are HBCUs that are predominately black, so to say that non-HBCUs are more diverse is flat out DUMB!

 

[mdocfuture]

And furthermore, aside from HBCUs, tell me what medical school in the US has a majority of ANY race other than white?

 

[Mavs88]

For me the only ones I wouldn't go to would be private religious types like Linda Loma, "historically black" colleges, or those on probation...but I'd never apply to them in the first place.

Besides that, I'd go to the tip of Alaska if it meant going to medical school 😀

 

[osprey099]

In the beginning of the app season, the only schools I would've stayed away from were the historically black schools; I have nothing against them, it's just that I'm not black so I don't see how I can fit in.

However, I didn't know I would be having the success I'm having this far so now I'm just trying to get into a USNWR research ranked school. So basically I'll be happy with any school ranked 1-85

 

[sazerac]

I asked this once before, but it got lost in a racial storm:

Let's say you only got one acceptance, to Rosalind Franklin. They weren't on probation when you applied, but *boom* today they are on probation by the LCME.

Do you seriously withdraw your only acceptance and apply elsewhere next year? Historically, schools go on probation for the most trivial matters.

 

[CarlosDanger]

If they're my only acceptance, then I'll go. If I have another MD acceptance, I'll withdraw. I mean come on, 2 probations in 10 years? Enough is enough.

 

[Lollygag]

if they're my only acceptance, then i'll go. If i have another md acceptance, i'll withdraw.

+1

 

[mdocfuture]

So since I AM BLACK, should I only apply to black schools because I won't "FIT IN" anywhere else?

In the beginning of the app season, the only schools I would've stayed away from were the historically black schools; I have nothing against them, it's just that I'm not black so I don't see how I can fit in.

However, I didn't know I would be having the success I'm having this far so now I'm just trying to get into a USNWR research ranked school. So basically I'll be happy with any school ranked 1-85

 

[osprey099]

So since I AM BLACK, should I only apply to black schools because I won't "FIT IN" anywhere else?

If you're offended, that's certainly wasn't my intention and I'm sorry. If you are black, you'll fit in anywhere cause there's black medical school students at all places. However, since I'm not black, I can't fit into a place like Howard because there's no students of my race there.

 

[touchpause13]

If you're offended, that's certainly wasn't my intention and I'm sorry. If you are black, you'll fit in anywhere cause there's black medical school students at all places. However, since I'm not black, I can't fit into a place like Howard because there's no students of my race there.

If you can only fit in with people of your own race I feel sorry for you

 

[sazerac]

If they're my only acceptance, then I'll go. If I have another MD acceptance, I'll withdraw. I mean come on, 2 probations in 10 years? Enough is enough.

That's what I thought... "I would NEVER go to a school that's on probation (unless it is was my only acceptance)".

I think the original post asks an important question that really determines where your loyalties are... if for some reason your only acceptance was at (insert personally uncomfortable school), would you still go? I think the answer in the end is yes, as it should be. Because we all want to be doctors.

The original post would probably make an interesting interview question.

 

[osprey099]

If you can only fit in with people of your own race I feel sorry for you

I fit in with a diverse population. If I go to a medical school or environment where my race makes me stand out, yea I feel uncomfortable..

 

[dreamschool18]

If you can only fit in with people of your own race I feel sorry for you

Who are you to judge? If someone feels that they can thrive in a certain environment and not in others, then it's their own prerogative.

 

[Mr Interesting]

I fit in with a diverse population. If I go to a medical school or environment where my race makes me stand out, yea I feel uncomfortable..

There are 11 white students at Howard. Just so you know that's about the average or little higher than the average of black students at most medical schools...

 

[Sardinia]

That's what I thought... "I would NEVER go to a school that's on probation (unless it is was my only acceptance)". I think the original post asks an important question that really determines where your loyalties are... if for some reason your only acceptance was at (insert personally uncomfortable school), would you still go? I think the answer in the end is yes, as it should be. Because we all want to be doctors. The original post would probably make an interesting interview question.

It really doesn't. The reason why you wouldn't go to a probation school is because you're drawing a conclusion that attending the school may hinder your ability to be a doctor. There are no loyalties between you and a school, aside from the student (you) putting in several hundreds of thousands of dollars of high interest and federal assured loans to medical schools (them) for taking a four year curriculum engineered by them to give you a chance of becoming a doctor. Both parties are working together in order to make a mutual investment, if either party was aware that they would lose money then they would back out and look for alternative offers.

 

[mdocfuture]

1st of all there are white students at black medical schools, in fact, in many cases there are more white students then there are black students at other schools.

Furthermore, do you need to be around other people of your own race in order to "fit in"? Surely you have more in common with your friends then all having the same color of skin? And there are many (if not all, outside of HBCUs) medical schools with very low percentages of black students... so at these schools should I only be friends with the 5 or 10 black students at my class? Yes, there are plenty of reasons why being around people who look like you means having certain things in common and understandings. And I get this and for me its important to be around other Blacks and Latinos, but its not an end all be all (AND I'm a minority in this country, not the majority... there's white people everywhere). And I also know that there is a HUGE chance that I will be at a school where there may hardly be anyone who looks like me and that's fine. I'm not 5 where I have to worry about being pushed in the mud because it "matches" my skin (true story). Nor am I 16 and not going to get a date because there isn't a white boy that will be OK with taking a Black girl to the prom. I'm grown, and all medical students are adults as well, and while racism still exists... there are dynamic, respectable people of all races everywhere. And as HUMAN BEINGS we can relate to each other in many many more ways that have NOTHING to do with our race. I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and not limit yourself to only fitting in with people who look like you. I guarantee you that you'll find someone of a different race that will have more in common with you then someone of your own race. And please for the love of god, do this before you become a damn doctor!! You need to be able to relate, "fit in", however you want to phrase it, with all of your patients. We have more in common then you think. Surely, at 5, you heard "we are more alike then we are different" "we are all the same when we turn out the lights (not sure if I buy this one, but hopefully you get the idea!)"????

If you're offended, that's certainly wasn't my intention and I'm sorry. If you are black, you'll fit in anywhere cause there's black medical school students at all places. However, since I'm not black, I can't fit into a place like Howard because there's no students of my race there.

 

[Doudline]

i wouldnt go to hopkins, because my cousin is a nurse there and she says the people are rude.

 

[osprey099]

1st of all there are white students at black medical schools, in fact, in many cases there are more white students then there are black students at other schools.

Furthermore, do you need to be around other people of your own race in order to "fit in"? Surely you have more in common with your friends then all having the same color of skin? And there are many (if not all, outside of HBCUs) medical schools with very low percentages of black students... so at these schools should I only be friends with the 5 or 10 black students at my class? Yes, there are plenty of reasons why being around people who look like you means having certain things in common and understandings. And I get this and for me its important to be around other Blacks and Latinos, but its not an end all be all (AND I'm a minority in this country, not the majority... there's white people everywhere). And I also know that there is a HUGE chance that I will be at a school where there may hardly be anyone who looks like me and that's fine. I'm not 5 where I have to worry about being pushed in the mud because it "matches" my skin (true story). Nor am I 16 and not going to get a date because there isn't a white boy that will be OK with taking a Black girl to the prom. I'm grown, and all medical students are adults as well, and while racism still exists... there are dynamic, respectable people of all races everywhere. And as HUMAN BEINGS we can relate to each other in many many more ways that have NOTHING to do with our race. I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and not limit yourself to only fitting in with people who look like you. I guarantee you that you'll find someone of a different race that will have more in common with you then someone of your own race. And please for the love of god, do this before you become a damn doctor!! You need to be able to relate, "fit in", however you want to phrase it, with all of your patients. We have more in common then you think. Surely, at 5, you heard "we are more alike then we are different" "we are all the same when we turn out the lights (not sure if I buy this one, but hopefully you get the idea!)"????

I never said I was white. I'm actually Asian and last time I checked, I think there was maybe 1 Asian student at Howard med school's entering class last year? So yea, I wouldn't feel comfortable in going to a school that has a specific MISSION advertising that they attract a specific demographic/race. Id also feel uncomfortable going to a place like marshall where it's 99% rural white people. I want to go to a place that's diverse.

 

[osprey099]

I agree strongly with all your points actually. However, I view schools like Howard, meharry, Marshall, and others that have a specific mission to attract certain races and demographics to be countering diversity. In my opinion, any med school with a homogenous (>90% of a certain race/demographic) group of people is a medical school I want to avoid because there is a LACK of diversity in these schools.

 

[yehhhboiii]

So since I AM BLACK, should I only apply to black schools because I won't "FIT IN" anywhere else?

relax
no one likes it when people play the race card
you won't gain any sympathy

 

[BioBeaver]

relax
no one likes it when people play the race card
you won't gain any sympathy

I agree that Affirmative Action, "historically black" schools, and threads like these only contribute to the divide between races.

 

[mdocfuture]

Funny. I checked your profile after I made my post and saw that your Asian, not white, but that doesn't change anything. And do you know the history of HBCUs? They exist because there was a time when other schools REFUSED to educate us, so we were FORCED to open our own institutions. And today racism still exists but we have way have more opportunities to be educated across the globe. And HBCU medical schools (all 3 of them) have missions to serve the underserved. HBCUs attract black students because of history and a lot of obvious reasons..but in terms of diversity (weather there are 1 or 20 Asians... and I have personally seen a many East Indians at Howard) its going to match the diversity of most medical schools throughout the entire country. And its unfair to say that their mission is to attract black students. While it is noteworthy that these schools produce the majority of our much needed black physicians....their MISSION extends past race and is about producing quality doctors who will serve the underserved. And BTW Washington, DC (where Howard is) is diverse ... black, white, East Indian, Middle Eastern, African, European, Latino, some other Asians as well. Great city!

 

[mdocfuture]

And BTW. Asians make up a much larger proportion of medical students than Blacks do. Asians, as you know, aren't even underrepresented. Soooooo....I more likely and more often then not will be the one that doesn't "fit in" as you put it. But I could careless!! I hope to be an example for more black and Latino docs to come. And I will feel comfortable because I am ME, HUMAN and best yet a Doc to be! So get over it-your the majority in this industry anyways lol!!

 

[yehhhboiii]

you need to drop the whole victim mentality. it doesn't help anyone and the more you harp on it, the more people will dislike you. medicine is about fitting in, toeing the line and working with your peers. your us vs them worldview will be an impediment to your future career.

 

[KnuxNole]

There are 11 white students at Howard. Just so you know that's about the average or little higher than the average of black students at most medical schools...

I remember meeting a white person from a HBCU and blurted out "Oh wow, I didn't know white people were allowed in those schools!"

Embarrasing indeed. I blame vodka.