KCUMB vs VCOM

Started by JustDOinIt
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JustDOinIt

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I have looked through this forum up and down and read many threads, but I am still stuck. I am trying to decide between VCOM and KCUMB. I am originally from NC, so, VCOM is relatively close to home for me. But I was very impressed with KCUMB during my interview. I loved the facilities, the curriculum and the feel of the school too. VCOM is very promising and has lots of plans for the future which was a huge plus also. My biggest issues is that VCOM is a new school while KCUMB is very established. I want to know how much that plays into getting good clinical rotations and residencies. I would appreciate it if you can give me some input regarding this matter. Thanks in advance
 
dude this is a no brainer go to the school that has been open longer and if you like the feel for the school go there, if you feel like its ur fit than you go there you will do much better. that is my 2cents so take it if you want.
 
JustDOinIt said:
I want to know how much that <the school> plays into getting good clinical rotations and residencies.
Click to expand...

Contrary to popular belief, very little. There are very established schools (over 100 yrs) that still have communication and other issues with rotation sites based simply on the nature of the large healthcare entities with which they coordinate. New schools will likely have the same issues so I wouldn't put too much stock in that as a reason alone. It goes with the territory.

Less or even no influence on the residency - that's up to the individual student's class ranking, board scores, rotation success, ECs, and how well they interview. If your numbers and CV are up to par, the school doesn't matter. The only place there is a slight indication otherwise is the Ivy League, but that's even a rare thing, IMO.

It's still all a numbers game.

Go where you feel like you're the best fit. Make sure your environment suits you as well.
 
I was also considering both schools but decided on KCUMB. The philosophy at VCOM did not fit me as well. I could not see myself doing rotations AND staying in rural Virginia/Appalachia to practice medicine, which is what VCOM would like students to do. I am also from Missouri, so perhaps I am biased towards KCUMB. I liked the emphasis on spirtuality and ethics, the curriculum, and the variety of rotations available at KCUMB. At KCUMB, you can do rotations all over the US or stay in Kansas City if you like, but at VCOM, they are all pretty much in rural Virginia (unless of course you do some pull on your own to get alternative rotations). It depends on what you are looking for.
 
Something to keep in mind:

I was always told that moving around to different schools and different parts of the country showed flexibility and adaptability - something grad schools, residencies, noticed. Plus, I am from Wisconsin and now attend KCUMB, and even this little move south has really opened my eyes to how other people in our own country live, think, talk, etc. I think it's been a useful experience (in many ways, of course).
 
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