KCOM or DMU?

[medneuro]

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This is a nice predicament to be in but nerve racking all the same. I'm having such a hard time choosing between Des Moines and Kirksville. I want to go into neurology, anyone know which one has more specialist coming out of it?
I know you can't rely on anyone else's opinion but anyone have any words of wisdome?
Thanks!

 

[DoubleImage]

medneuro,
I am in the exact predicament that you are in, deciding between KCOM and DMU. I have just recently made up my mind. I was impressed with both schools as they each have a lot to offer and no matter which one you choose, you will become a great physician. I sent my deposit in to KCOM because of:

1. The willingness of the entire staff in searching for employment for my fiance. (If they are this willing to help before I have sent them any money, to me this indicates a great precedent)
2. The stats: I found KCOM stats sheet to be quite impressive, the residencies that former students obtained, the COMLEX scores, and while I understand GPA and MCAT have no bearing on medical school success KCOM has an average MCAT of 27 and a GPA of 3.5.
3. The tradition and reputation, going to the founding school of osteopathic medicine
Not to mention KCOM?s rigorous curriculum.
Like I said, this was just my opinions as everyone as their own. I hope this just reassures you. Good luck in your choice. It is a great position to be in-

 

[docpetey]

I'm in the same boat! DMU and KCOM...both great schools and I feel as though they're very similar. I know KCOM has the academic reputation but DMU is in a big city (well, relatively big).

To answer your original post, I know that a lot of DMU students receive residencies at the Mayo clinic...can't get much better than that.

So...can any KCOM'ers and DMU'ers give us some input into which school is better?

 

[rbassdo]

I don't know anything specific about DMU. I know it's one of the top DO schools. I happen to attend KCOM, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. If you're interested in specializing, I do know that KCOM grads have had excellent success getting into competitive DO and MD residencies in various specialties. The only direct comparison I am aware of, between the two schools, was made bya UHS graduate who is finishing up a cardiology fellowship in Michigan. The hospital she works at accomodates students from several DO and MD schools in including KCOM and DMU. She has observed two specific things which she shared with me. 1.) UHS are the poorest in terms of preparedness, knowledge, and accountability (she's very dissapointed about this sense she is a UHS alum). 2.) KCOM students are hands-down the best. Although these observations don't directly involve DMU, her lone positive comment involved KCOM. I know this is one example, but maybe it's what you need to here to help you decide. By the way, this doctor friend of mine is going to be the first female DO interventional cardiologist in the state of Michigan, that she knows of.

 

[greymew]

Hi,

I also had to decide between the two schools. I chose KCOM for many reasons that I can't name here because I have to get to class. I do write everyday about what it's like here at KCOM. Feel free to read my journal and email or post any specific questions or concerns.

Good luck,
-Jason

www.jasondreyer.com

 

[Katie1822]

Hello

First I would like to say medneuro, either way you go, you will make a good choice. I'm a 2nd year at DMU and I hear nothing but praise for KCOM. I think DMU and KCOM have a really good relationship...probably from being the 2 oldest schools. My advice to you however, is to listen to no one. Most people I know, myself included, will talk about just feeling "right" about whatever school they attend. Consider where you felt that "rightness." Ok, now I should give my plug for DMU. The curriculum at DMU is rigorous enough for me, but then probably any med school would be. As for residency placements, call Becky in admissions and get a list; in fact do that for KCOM too. That way you have facts and not hearsay. As for boards, last year 5 people out of 200 didn't pass Step 1 on the first try giving us a 97% pass rate with scores well above average. We also have the highest board scores in OMM of any of the school (including KCOM). We have one of the best OMM programs around. As a 2nd year, I can now treat the axial and appendicular skelton. I know about 4 to 5 treatments for nearly every ailment. This last semester we are moving into cranial treatments and finishing off FPR and Still treatments. So there is my plug 🙂 If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Once again, Congrats!! And no matter what you decide, you have made a good choice.

Katie

 

[tristan]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the same predicament and I can't seem to decide. I change schools everyday. I don't know what to do. I feel good about DMU, but I also like the weight of being a KCOM graduate. Will you guys give me some advice? Thanks.

 

[docslytherin]

I was in the same predicament and chose KCOM. The curriculum and the staff impressed me more than DMU. Additionally, I liked the community of Kirksville (I'm from the small town environment).

You won't be sorry with either school, but KCOM seems a better fit for me. I'm excited to begin.

Take care.

 

[medneuro]

I just wanted to say thank you everyone for your help and GOOD LUCK to anyone else trying to make this decision. I ultimately decided on KCOM based on many-a-factor such as school rep, placement facts etc. DMU is a great school though, I really would be happy there too I think!!

 

[docslytherin]

cool... see you there in the fall!!