KCU vs DMU

[mydogiscool]

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Was all set on KCUMB until I found out about my DMU acceptance this morning. I want to put a deposit down for the waitlist at century towers apartments in KCU just to make sure I reserve my spot since I heard the waitlist goes up to 100 and the class fills more than 50% by like november.

Similarities:
-Boss ass deans
-Students
-Atmosphere
-Rotations
-Tuition

Differences:
-Gym: DMU has an indoor basketball court! That is huge for me since I need basketball, even if it's just once every 2 weeks or something. The convenience of having an indoor basketball court is really comforting for me, especially knowing I am entering a high stress environment for the next four years of my life. Also, KCU's gym does not feel like a real gym to me, and I work out on a daily basis.

-Curriculum: KCU's curriculum seems like it would train me well for the boards, but after seeing a couple of posts on here about the current MS1's going through a rough time makes me a little hesitant. DMU, on the other hand, seems to have multiple choices on their anatomy practicals, and might overall have it easier with the way the exams are set up.

-City Size: I am coming from LA so both these cities felt kind of small, but DMU felt smaller. I am not sure whether that was a good or a bad thing since it might be nice to have less distractions and more reasons to study. (Side note: I hate DMU airport. I was stuck there for over 24 hours, and I would not wish that on anybody.)

-Research opportunities: this is where I think KCU might easily win over DMU. I read that DMU is considered a top research school relative to DO schools, but KCU has 2 MD schools within 15 minutes. Not sure how good that is, but I figured it meant more research opportunities overall.

-Grand rounds: I was extremely impressed by KCU 1st year students presentation of grand rounds. Yet, I keep reading that it has a tendency to get in the way of studying. Not sure if that applies only to procrastinators, but I would drown if I had to do grand rounds the week I was studying for a biochemistry final.

-Facilities: Dmu has underground tunnels so that's some love for kids from california who are afraid of cold. Also has some cool sim labs. KCU also has nice facilities, but no tunnels so my face gonna hurt.

-OMM: Not sure if its true, but DMU seems to care more about OMM? But if lecture and lab hours at both institutions are pretty similar, I am not sure if that is true. Can students elaborate on that? I like some of OMM but I dont want to be indoctrinated about some treatments that I find hard to believe.

-Matchlists: Not sure how to judge this either, but a boat load of FM students at DMU. I am not sure what specialty I want, but I definitely am open to more competitive surgery sub-specialties after having worked closely with one.

Overall: I really can't decide between the two. Personally LOVED KCU because I felt I would get challenged in many ways out of my comfort zone. Yet, DMU felt like the place I would feel most comfortable, and if I am going to be in a high stress zone, it might be nice to have comfort. I love the gym at DMU, but I love the opportunities for research at KCU, and that might be more important in the long run. I also love KCUMB's challenging curriculum, but am afraid of it for the same reason. These things make it extremely difficult to decide where I want to be for the next four years of my life.

 

[Goro]

Here's the really important consideration:

Barbeque or fried snickers bars?

Was all set on KCUMB until I found out about my DMU acceptance this morning. I want to put a deposit down for the waitlist at century towers apartments in KCU just to make sure I reserve my spot since I heard the waitlist goes up to 100 and the class fills more than 50% by like november.

Similarities:
-Boss ass deans
-Students
-Atmosphere
-Rotations
-Tuition

Differences:
-Gym: DMU has an indoor basketball court! That is huge for me since I need basketball, even if it's just once every 2 weeks or something. The convenience of having an indoor basketball court is really comforting for me, especially knowing I am entering a high stress environment for the next four years of my life. Also, KCU's gym does not feel like a real gym to me, and I work out on a daily basis.

-Curriculum: KCU's curriculum seems like it would train me well for the boards, but after seeing a couple of posts on here about the current MS1's going through a rough time makes me a little hesitant. DMU, on the other hand, seems to have multiple choices on their anatomy practicals, and might overall have it easier with the way the exams are set up.

-City Size: I am coming from LA so both these cities felt kind of small, but DMU felt smaller. I am not sure whether that was a good or a bad thing since it might be nice to have less distractions and more reasons to study. (Side note: I hate DMU airport. I was stuck there for over 24 hours, and I would not wish that on anybody.)

-Research opportunities: this is where I think KCU might easily win over DMU. I read that DMU is considered a top research school relative to DO schools, but KCU has 2 MD schools within 15 minutes. Not sure how good that is, but I figured it meant more research opportunities overall.

-Grand rounds: I was extremely impressed by KCU 1st year students presentation of grand rounds. Yet, I keep reading that it has a tendency to get in the way of studying. Not sure if that applies only to procrastinators, but I would drown if I had to do grand rounds the week I was studying for a biochemistry final.

-Facilities: Dmu has underground tunnels so that's some love for kids from california who are afraid of cold. Also has some cool sim labs. KCU also has nice facilities, but no tunnels so my face gonna hurt.

-OMM: Not sure if its true, but DMU seems to care more about OMM? But if lecture and lab hours at both institutions are pretty similar, I am not sure if that is true. Can students elaborate on that? I like some of OMM but I dont want to be indoctrinated about some treatments that I find hard to believe.

-Matchlists: Not sure how to judge this either, but a boat load of FM students at DMU. I am not sure what specialty I want, but I definitely am open to more competitive surgery sub-specialties after having worked closely with one.

Overall: I really can't decide between the two. Personally LOVED KCU because I felt I would get challenged in many ways out of my comfort zone. Yet, DMU felt like the place I would feel most comfortable, and if I am going to be in a high stress zone, it might be nice to have comfort. I love the gym at DMU, but I love the opportunities for research at KCU, and that might be more important in the long run. I also love KCUMB's challenging curriculum, but am afraid of it for the same reason. These things make it extremely difficult to decide where I want to be for the next four years of my life.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Was all set on KCUMB until I found out about my DMU acceptance this morning. I want to put a deposit down for the waitlist at century towers apartments in KCU just to make sure I reserve my spot since I heard the waitlist goes up to 100 and the class fills more than 50% by like november.

Similarities:
-Boss ass deans
-Students
-Atmosphere
-Rotations
-Tuition

Differences:
-Gym: DMU has an indoor basketball court! That is huge for me since I need basketball, even if it's just once every 2 weeks or something. The convenience of having an indoor basketball court is really comforting for me, especially knowing I am entering a high stress environment for the next four years of my life. Also, KCU's gym does not feel like a real gym to me, and I work out on a daily basis.

-Curriculum: KCU's curriculum seems like it would train me well for the boards, but after seeing a couple of posts on here about the current MS1's going through a rough time makes me a little hesitant. DMU, on the other hand, seems to have multiple choices on their anatomy practicals, and might overall have it easier with the way the exams are set up.

-City Size: I am coming from LA so both these cities felt kind of small, but DMU felt smaller. I am not sure whether that was a good or a bad thing since it might be nice to have less distractions and more reasons to study. (Side note: I hate DMU airport. I was stuck there for over 24 hours, and I would not wish that on anybody.)

-Research opportunities: this is where I think KCU might easily win over DMU. I read that DMU is considered a top research school relative to DO schools, but KCU has 2 MD schools within 15 minutes. Not sure how good that is, but I figured it meant more research opportunities overall.

-Grand rounds: I was extremely impressed by KCU 1st year students presentation of grand rounds. Yet, I keep reading that it has a tendency to get in the way of studying. Not sure if that applies only to procrastinators, but I would drown if I had to do grand rounds the week I was studying for a biochemistry final.

-Facilities: Dmu has underground tunnels so that's some love for kids from california who are afraid of cold. Also has some cool sim labs. KCU also has nice facilities, but no tunnels so my face gonna hurt.

-OMM: Not sure if its true, but DMU seems to care more about OMM? But if lecture and lab hours at both institutions are pretty similar, I am not sure if that is true. Can students elaborate on that? I like some of OMM but I dont want to be indoctrinated about some treatments that I find hard to believe.

-Matchlists: Not sure how to judge this either, but a boat load of FM students at DMU. I am not sure what specialty I want, but I definitely am open to more competitive surgery sub-specialties after having worked closely with one.

Overall: I really can't decide between the two. Personally LOVED KCU because I felt I would get challenged in many ways out of my comfort zone. Yet, DMU felt like the place I would feel most comfortable, and if I am going to be in a high stress zone, it might be nice to have comfort. I love the gym at DMU, but I love the opportunities for research at KCU, and that might be more important in the long run. I also love KCUMB's challenging curriculum, but am afraid of it for the same reason. These things make it extremely difficult to decide where I want to be for the next four years of my life.

Either way you can't go wrong. I think you considered everything you just got to pick a school!

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Why.....is it always these two schools? Congrats on two great acceptances!

 

[AlteredScale]

Was all set on KCUMB until I found out about my DMU acceptance this morning. I want to put a deposit down for the waitlist at century towers apartments in KCU just to make sure I reserve my spot since I heard the waitlist goes up to 100 and the class fills more than 50% by like november.

Similarities:
-Boss ass deans
-Students
-Atmosphere
-Rotations
-Tuition

Differences:
-Gym: DMU has an indoor basketball court! That is huge for me since I need basketball, even if it's just once every 2 weeks or something. The convenience of having an indoor basketball court is really comforting for me, especially knowing I am entering a high stress environment for the next four years of my life. Also, KCU's gym does not feel like a real gym to me, and I work out on a daily basis.

-Curriculum: KCU's curriculum seems like it would train me well for the boards, but after seeing a couple of posts on here about the current MS1's going through a rough time makes me a little hesitant. DMU, on the other hand, seems to have multiple choices on their anatomy practicals, and might overall have it easier with the way the exams are set up.

-City Size: I am coming from LA so both these cities felt kind of small, but DMU felt smaller. I am not sure whether that was a good or a bad thing since it might be nice to have less distractions and more reasons to study. (Side note: I hate DMU airport. I was stuck there for over 24 hours, and I would not wish that on anybody.)

-Research opportunities: this is where I think KCU might easily win over DMU. I read that DMU is considered a top research school relative to DO schools, but KCU has 2 MD schools within 15 minutes. Not sure how good that is, but I figured it meant more research opportunities overall.

-Grand rounds: I was extremely impressed by KCU 1st year students presentation of grand rounds. Yet, I keep reading that it has a tendency to get in the way of studying. Not sure if that applies only to procrastinators, but I would drown if I had to do grand rounds the week I was studying for a biochemistry final.

-Facilities: Dmu has underground tunnels so that's some love for kids from california who are afraid of cold. Also has some cool sim labs. KCU also has nice facilities, but no tunnels so my face gonna hurt.

-OMM: Not sure if its true, but DMU seems to care more about OMM? But if lecture and lab hours at both institutions are pretty similar, I am not sure if that is true. Can students elaborate on that? I like some of OMM but I dont want to be indoctrinated about some treatments that I find hard to believe.

-Matchlists: Not sure how to judge this either, but a boat load of FM students at DMU. I am not sure what specialty I want, but I definitely am open to more competitive surgery sub-specialties after having worked closely with one.

Overall: I really can't decide between the two. Personally LOVED KCU because I felt I would get challenged in many ways out of my comfort zone. Yet, DMU felt like the place I would feel most comfortable, and if I am going to be in a high stress zone, it might be nice to have comfort. I love the gym at DMU, but I love the opportunities for research at KCU, and that might be more important in the long run. I also love KCUMB's challenging curriculum, but am afraid of it for the same reason. These things make it extremely difficult to decide where I want to be for the next four years of my life.

@SynapticDoctah and I think @Higherprimate had the same predicament as you in choosing between DMU and KCU.

We spend on avg 2-5 hours on OMM stuff a week. It's really minimal IMO. The written exams are good because from the get go the write them board style (second, third order questions) that challenge you.

OMM comes up in other scenarios such as our Principles of Clinical Medicine course when we interview standardized patients so you don't actually forget it.

I love being at KCU. It's tough but I'm proud I've learned so much. We have our third standardized patient interview tomorrow and we will be running through the entire SOAP with 3 DDx and a minimum of three directives through the plan. Amazing that in a couple months we have gotten to the point where we can do a (somewhat/sort of) complete patient interview and write the entire note for it.

At the end of the day, DMU and KCU will teach you the same material, it's just the method of delivery that is your choice! And of course as
@Goro hinted at, you can't beat the BBQ and the Royals here! 😉

 

[drsmpc]

I think DMU would be better for you honestly. I chose KCU myself, and would rep KCU over any other school alll day long.
But heres why I say DMU.
You mentioned that one of the ways you relieve stress is through basketball. You went so far as to say you "need basketball". DMU has an indoor gym, KCU does not. You also mentioned you work out on a daily basis, and KCU's gym looked adequate at best. Finally, you admitted that while KCU may prove to be a challenge, DMU is where you felt most comfortable. Medical school will be challenging regardless of where you go - finding a comfortable place to drive away your stress, be in the gym, on the court or just in the comfort of your surroundings - thats important. DMU will put you in a position to chase your dream of surgery - don't worry about the match list there. At this level of the DO game, comparison of match lists can yield different results each year.

 

[Higherprimate]

I agree with @drsmpc. If basketball means that much to you then choose a place like DMU that has a nice gym. 11 guys from my undergraduate school chose DMU and many of them chose it based off of the gym facilities. Med school is stressful and you have to find a way to decompress, I decompress by working out. KCU's gym is workable but you have to get creative in your workouts and sharing a "single" free weight bar can be difficult. I would suggest that they get rid of 5 or 6 elliptical/treadmills and add more free weight bars but it won't happen. If basketball is your way of de-crompessing then by all means choose DMU, it is a great school and I'm sure it will help you accomplish your goals as far as being a physician. Saying that, I believe KCU is a fantastic school and I am more than happy that I chose to come here.

 

[Higherprimate]

Another thing to consider when thinking of basketball as an important piece of the puzzle. Are there plenty of other students willing to take 1-2 hours away from studying to play a pick up game? Maybe ask around and see what the scene is like, otherwise you might find yourself all alone in the gym shooting hoops. Good luck on the decision.

 

[68PGunner]

Meditate!

So, young one, what does your gut say? You already know the answer. Trust your instincts.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Was all set on KCUMB until I found out about my DMU acceptance this morning. I want to put a deposit down for the waitlist at century towers apartments in KCU just to make sure I reserve my spot since I heard the waitlist goes up to 100 and the class fills more than 50% by like november.

Similarities:
-Boss ass deans
-Students
-Atmosphere
-Rotations
-Tuition

Differences:
-Gym: DMU has an indoor basketball court! That is huge for me since I need basketball, even if it's just once every 2 weeks or something. The convenience of having an indoor basketball court is really comforting for me, especially knowing I am entering a high stress environment for the next four years of my life. Also, KCU's gym does not feel like a real gym to me, and I work out on a daily basis.

-Curriculum: KCU's curriculum seems like it would train me well for the boards, but after seeing a couple of posts on here about the current MS1's going through a rough time makes me a little hesitant. DMU, on the other hand, seems to have multiple choices on their anatomy practicals, and might overall have it easier with the way the exams are set up.

-City Size: I am coming from LA so both these cities felt kind of small, but DMU felt smaller. I am not sure whether that was a good or a bad thing since it might be nice to have less distractions and more reasons to study. (Side note: I hate DMU airport. I was stuck there for over 24 hours, and I would not wish that on anybody.)

-Research opportunities: this is where I think KCU might easily win over DMU. I read that DMU is considered a top research school relative to DO schools, but KCU has 2 MD schools within 15 minutes. Not sure how good that is, but I figured it meant more research opportunities overall.

-Grand rounds: I was extremely impressed by KCU 1st year students presentation of grand rounds. Yet, I keep reading that it has a tendency to get in the way of studying. Not sure if that applies only to procrastinators, but I would drown if I had to do grand rounds the week I was studying for a biochemistry final.

-Facilities: Dmu has underground tunnels so that's some love for kids from california who are afraid of cold. Also has some cool sim labs. KCU also has nice facilities, but no tunnels so my face gonna hurt.

-OMM: Not sure if its true, but DMU seems to care more about OMM? But if lecture and lab hours at both institutions are pretty similar, I am not sure if that is true. Can students elaborate on that? I like some of OMM but I dont want to be indoctrinated about some treatments that I find hard to believe.

-Matchlists: Not sure how to judge this either, but a boat load of FM students at DMU. I am not sure what specialty I want, but I definitely am open to more competitive surgery sub-specialties after having worked closely with one.

Overall: I really can't decide between the two. Personally LOVED KCU because I felt I would get challenged in many ways out of my comfort zone. Yet, DMU felt like the place I would feel most comfortable, and if I am going to be in a high stress zone, it might be nice to have comfort. I love the gym at DMU, but I love the opportunities for research at KCU, and that might be more important in the long run. I also love KCUMB's challenging curriculum, but am afraid of it for the same reason. These things make it extremely difficult to decide where I want to be for the next four years of my life.

1. IMO, you should go to where you feel you will get the best education. The other things (gym, city size, etc.) is fluff that, in the long run, doesn't REALLY matter. For example, yes DMU has an amazing gym, but do you NEED that? And if you do, maybe you could get a membership at a local gym. Also, KCU does have basketball courts outside. Don't make a huge decision based on working out.

2. Yes, KCU has a tough curriculum. Positives to that is that Dr. Dubin has a track record for his schools producing amazing board scores with this curriculum. Negative would be that it's tough...but it's med school. As far as the multiple choice practicals... I feel as though I really learned the anatomy because we HAD TO KNOW IT WELL (spelling and no MC). It's much easier to just find the structure on a list, but is this going to help you remember in the long run? Don't take the easy way out.

3. City size...I attended UCLA so I have lived in Los Angeles for a few years. Honestly, I hate living in big cites. I love the KC area. If you want to live in DT you can do that, or you can live outside the city and have more space. It's up to you. Compared to LA, living is SUPER cheap.

4. Grand rounds looks worse than it is. Yes, it did take time away from studying, but I did pretty much all my work in two days. I feel it was a good experience and worth it.

5. DMU does have some sweet facilities and that was one of the reasons I loved it, but KCU has nice facilities as well. The only thing I think DMU has a leg up on would be the surgical lab.

Both schools have great match lists and will get you where you need to go (if you do well on boards and in your studies.) In Iowa you're gonna have some horrid winters, and coming from Cali....well yeah.

 

[mydogiscool]

Thanks for te responses! I guess after hearing people suggest one school or the other helped me realize where I wanted to be.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Thanks for te responses! I guess after hearing people suggest one school or the other helped me realize where I wanted to be.

Which is....?

 

[mydogiscool]

I always liked Kcu and your response just helped me confirm it. Dmu has so much going for it so I guess I let that get to my head.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

I always liked Kcu and your response just helped me confirm it. Dmu has so much going for it so I guess I let that get to my head.

I got my acceptance to KCU first and then to DMU. Once I got my DMU, I almost backed out of KCU for the same reasons you stated. I ended up deciding against it and I am happy with my decision to attend KCU.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Someone asked if there would be enough time to play basketball at DMU. They have year long intramural basketball leagues that are popular. They also have volleyball and something else. So there is always a ton of people willing to play basketball.

and from my class (so n=1) i don't know a single person applying to FM that doesn't genuinely want FM.

I don't know how KCUMB does things now a days, but i would be absolutely miserable if I was at a school that had required attendance for all classes. DMU has some, but i was barely on campus the first 2 years.

 

[Higherprimate]

No required attendance at KCU.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Just started CP and already buried

 

[Mantis_TobogganMD]

I'm a little late to the party, but I faced this same dilemma as well. I put down my deposit at KCU and then interviewed at DMU, was accepted there and offered a substantial scholarship. I ended up deciding on KCU and could not be more excited about starting classes in a month.

 

[AlteredScale]

I'm a little late to the party, but I faced this same dilemma as well. I put down my deposit at KCU and then interviewed at DMU, was accepted there and offered a substantial scholarship. I ended up deciding on KCU and could not be more excited about starting classes in a month.

Welcome! 🙂