kcom or lecom-bradenton

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just another comparison thread. so ive been accepted at both schools and have about a week to decide which i want to attend and am having a very hard time. here are my biggest issues, though any comments on both schools would be nice.

1) research: kcom offers a do/ms program, has anyone participated in this program, does holding a ms in addition to a do degree make a big difference when applying to competitive residencies, has anyone tried to do research at lecom-b, upon talking with them, it doesnt sound like an easy task.
2) clinicals: any updates on clinicals at lecom-b? sounds like there were some early issues.
3) location: being near the beach sounds more fun than being in middle of nowhere missouri. how are the winters in kirksville? im from colorado, so can handle cold, more concerned about the town being buried in snow.
4) pbl: im not a big fan of lectures, but i guess kcom's lectures arent mandatory, and ive heard rumpors of a change in curriculum at kcom around 2010.

any thoughts on these subjects? im very torn and would love some input.

 

[rddoms]

1) I did the MS in the Dept of Pharmacology at KCOM. I loved it, and it really prepared me for medical school. We just got a new confocal microscope, so that will open up new avenues for research. I am not sure how much a MS will help as far as residency, but it can't hurt. You will have at least one publication by the end of the MS program, o that is another plus.

2) KCOM has many sites for doing rotations, and many of them have top AOA residency programs.

3) I am originally from the PNW, so I know what you mean regarding the beach and such. I am doing fine here, and think the location is great for the first 2 years of medical school. We don't get burried in snow, I have a small Subaru and haven't been stuck out here yet.

4) The curriculum is changing year by year. This year, it is similar to what it was in previous years, but with more clinical components. Few lectures are mandatory, and let's say that one can do well by attending only required lectures (labs, workshops, etc.).

I say go to KCOM, but I am biased. PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[MossPoh]

You can't go wrong with either school. I was accepted to Bradenton and rejected from KCOM, but probably would've gone to KCOM over most of the places I was accepted. The town is boring but it is kind of nice at the same time, everyone there seemed friendly and I thought most people were happy. KCOM has the reputation and is "the ark". Both schools have had solid matchlists.

Bradenton is a lot cheaper I believe. The dress code is a bummer. PBL is cool but that is a personal thing. I just didn't feel like I had enough faith in myself to stay on point with that over doing other things since I get distracted when left on my own.

My personal belief is that it comes down to two things curriculum and location. I aim to return to a smaller town not in Florida and most likely in the midwest, so KCOM seemed like a good fit for me. Other random things include whether you want to wear a shirt and tie (somewhat arbitrary), whether food/drink in the library is an issue, whether having separate building to walk to for anatomy bothers you...It is all a feel thing. My impression of LECOM-B is that you either love it or hate it. I really did like it and was excited to be accepted but didn't go because of my personal uncertainty with PBL and proximity to my family with the other school I chose to attend.

 

[rddoms]

A lot of people don't realize that Kirksville has more than enough to do, especially given the amount of free time you have. It is sad how people discount the school based solely on the fact that Kirksville is a small rural town. There is plenty to do here, and Columbia is a mere 88 miles south if you get stir crazy. The size of Kirksville helps you stay focused, but still allows you to have fun when time permits.

This has been said many times, but I will reiterate: Go to the school that fits you best. You will have a harder time if the school doesn't fit you than if the location doesn't fit you.

 

[digitlnoize]

just another comparison thread. so ive been accepted at both schools and have about a week to decide which i want to attend and am having a very hard time. here are my biggest issues, though any comments on both schools would be nice.

1) research: kcom offers a do/ms program, has anyone participated in this program, does holding a ms in addition to a do degree make a big difference when applying to competitive residencies, has anyone tried to do research at lecom-b, upon talking with them, it doesnt sound like an easy task.
2) clinicals: any updates on clinicals at lecom-b? sounds like there were some early issues.
3) location: being near the beach sounds more fun than being in middle of nowhere missouri. how are the winters in kirksville? im from colorado, so can handle cold, more concerned about the town being buried in snow.
4) pbl: im not a big fan of lectures, but i guess kcom's lectures arent mandatory, and ive heard rumpors of a change in curriculum at kcom around 2010.

any thoughts on these subjects? im very torn and would love some input.

1. I doubt having an MS would matter much, but research never hurts. There ARE research opportunities at LECOM-B. We have some labs here at school and there is good flexibility in clinical years to do a Research month or two away (or here).

2. Clinicals. Everyone I've talked to at LECOM-B has liked the clinical years. We have sites at good sized hospitals in Tampa/St. Pete as well as Orlando and many others around the east coast. You have to do some leg work yourself to set it up, but there's more freedom. The school doesn't dictate where you go as much, unlike some other schools. Good didactics at most sites from what I hear.

3. I love it here. Weather is perfect year round, and constant, which I think helps you get into a routine. No snow to worry about. No traffic, still enough to do to keep you busy. Awesome beaches. Cheap rent.

4. PBL. It works. Our board scores are spectacular and I feel that we learn a LOT more than I ever learned in a lecture format.

Also hard to beat LECOM tuition.

Negatives: Some people complain about the "dress code" and the "no food or drink outside the cafeteria" rules. I don't care that much. I'm only at school for 2 hours a day anyways. I think the "rules" get us prepared for rotations where we have to "dress up" and can't eat or drink except in certain places...

We may not be considered as "hardcore" on OMM as other schools. I wouldn't say it's emphasized, but it's obviously important. Most of us consider it "an extra tool in the toolbox" type thing rather than the center piece of the curriculum. At least, that's my perspective...others may disagree.

Bottom line: go where you fit best. For me, that was LECOM-B...but I think it's a great place to be! Good luck!