KYCOM, VCOM, OUHCOM…Insight Appreciated

[mcat29]

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Lurked through SDN consistently through college, first time posting.

I was accepted to KYCOM and VCOM-CC while wait-listed at OU-HCOM. I have searched the forums for these schools independently but it’s hard to get a sense of how they stand against each other.

Background:
-OU-HCOM has always been my #1 choice, but they don’t pull from the wait list until May. My fiancé is relocating with me and will need to find work. She’s a school teacher, so the extra time could at least enable her to get her foot in the door for a desirable position.

-I am interested in FM and IM, but of course this could change so I would like to choose the program that will offer me the most options with the least resistance.

OU-HCOM (in state)
$32,806 for years 1-2 and [some increased amount] for years 3/4
Pros:
-Close to friends/family
-Class attendance is not mandatory
-The CORE - large volume of reputable hospitals - strong AOA OPTI
-Plenty of research opportunities
-Most ‘established’ of other 2 schools
Cons:
-I’m waitlisted lol

VCOM-CC
$43,250
Pros:
-Region, SC weather is a huge plus
-Spartanburg is a perfectly sized town, more opportunities for S/O to find work
-A much higher volume of relatively cheap housing (compared to other 3 areas)
-An entire block designated for review/board prep
-Research opportunities
Cons:
-Hardcore mandatory attendance
-Stacked block exams

KYCOM
$38,950
Pros:
-KYCOM Advantage (OPP table, white coat, scrubs, diagnostic equipment, laptop, ipad, all books, 1st attempts at COMLEX level 1 and level 2 CE)
-Mandatory attendance isn’t really mandatory (depends on the professor, from what I hear)
Cons:
-Pikeville is a super rural area, significantly more difficult for S/O to find work
-I sensed very little research opportunities


I understand that these decisions essentially boil down to what I personally want in a school, but I have been contemplating for quite awhile with little resolve. Simply put, I think I could benefit from additional perspectives.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Lurked through SDN consistently through college, first time posting.

I was accepted to KYCOM and VCOM-CC while wait-listed at OU-HCOM. I have searched the forums for these schools independently but it’s hard to get a sense of how they stand against each other.

Background:
-OU-HCOM has always been my #1 choice, but they don’t pull from the wait list until May. My fiancé is relocating with me and will need to find work. She’s a school teacher, so the extra time could at least enable her to get her foot in the door for a desirable position.

-I am interested in FM and IM, but of course this could change so I would like to choose the program that will offer me the most options with the least resistance.

OU-HCOM (in state)
$32,806 for years 1-2 and [some increased amount] for years 3/4
Pros:
-Close to friends/family
-Class attendance is not mandatory
-The CORE - large volume of reputable hospitals - strong AOA OPTI
-Plenty of research opportunities
-Most ‘established’ of other 2 schools
Cons:
-I’m waitlisted lol

VCOM-CC
$43,250
Pros:
-Region, SC weather is a huge plus
-Spartanburg is a perfectly sized town, more opportunities for S/O to find work
-A much higher volume of relatively cheap housing (compared to other 3 areas)
-An entire block designated for review/board prep
-Research opportunities
Cons:
-Hardcore mandatory attendance
-Stacked block exams

KYCOM
$38,950
Pros:
-KYCOM Advantage (OPP table, white coat, scrubs, diagnostic equipment, laptop, ipad, all books, 1st attempts at COMLEX level 1 and level 2 CE)
-Mandatory attendance isn’t really mandatory (depends on the professor, from what I hear)
Cons:
-Pikeville is a super rural area, significantly more difficult for S/O to find work
-I sensed very little research opportunities


I understand that these decisions essentially boil down to what I personally want in a school, but I have been contemplating for quite awhile with little resolve. Simply put, I think I could benefit from additional perspectives.

Try sending in a letter of interest to ou-hcom.

Also mandatory attendance should be a big factor.

 

[mcat29]

Try sending in a letter of interest to ou-hcom.

Also mandatory attendance should be a big factor.

Thanks, yeah I sent one in already addressing their feedback for waitlisting me. The dean told me it will be put in my file to be reviewed at their May meeting.

And yes, mandatory attendance is the reason why I have to re-think VCOM. Otherwise, it would be an easier choice.

 

[Azmah]

I like KYCOM because its a small place so there isn't too many distractions of the big city life. From my experience, everyone was really nice and humble there. Places are close by so don't have to go too far to get what I need. Plus the KYCOM advantage is awesome, don't have to worry about carrying books, since I will have them all on the iPad, and its fairly cheap. Those are my reasons for choosing this school

Cant say anything about the other schools since I have never been there personally and have no experience with them.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

OUCOM> KYCOM> VCOM-CC

Obviously OUCOM is an awesome school. I dont know what advice to give but look around on how you can get your foot back in there to really show them that you would add to the school.

Otherwise give us an exact number of weeks that VCOM and KYCOM gives for boards. I would imagine that the attendance and board time allotted are major factors for getting a solid residency. Dont worry about research, I mean it sucks that you wont get a shot at basic science stuff, but you can try and get involved in some clinical stuff during your 3rd year and get on a couple small papers if you work hard for it, regardless of where you are.

Also, how do each of the schools feel about the USMLE? It has been my general impression that VCOM pushes harder for their students to go into AOA residencies and thus may even block off some electives so that they have to be in an AOA rotation. I would say dont take my word on it, but maybe dig into that more. With the way the merger is, the ACGME is still the best way to go simply by volume of opportunities. Whichever school gives you the easiest time to get an ACGME spot, supports you for the USMLE, and gives you the most time for boards is the winner in my book.

 

[mcat29]

OUCOM> KYCOM> VCOM-CC

Is this related to your hunch that VCOM pushes for AOA, or is there another reason?

Otherwise give us an exact number of weeks that VCOM and KYCOM gives for boards. I would imagine that the attendance and board time allotted are major factors for getting a solid residency.

I believe VCOM has 8 blocks for years one and two and one of those serve as a "comprehensive review" which I do believe is geared towards the COMLEX. I think that's essentially 6 weeks or so for level1 review. KYCOM advertises 4 weeks of prep for level2 but oddly doesn't mention how much time is given for level1, maybe the same?

And yeah the class attendance at VCOM (and partly KYCOM) really bum me out. Funny thing is I would probably go most days, but it's nice to know that if I'm really slammed one week I can capitalize on my study time by skipping class.

Also, how do each of the schools feel about the USMLE? It has been my general impression that VCOM pushes harder for their students to go into AOA residencies and thus may even block off some electives so that they have to be in an AOA rotation.

This is an interesting thought, I assumed students placing ACGME was generally accepted by all schools..
OUHCOM: No data recovered, but a letter from the Executive Dean in 2013 discussing unified GME information seems to advocate dual capabilities of osteopathic students, and that over the past year the number of students placing ACGME spots have increased (as if he was proud).
VCOM: These are four-year averages (2010-2014) obviously for the VirginiaC: 50% matched ACGME, 39% matched AOA, 11% military. I remember at my interview (Carolina's) the representative could only give a portion of the classes match results because ACGME hasn't matched yet and she seemed, if nothing else, proud about it.
KYCOM: No clue, many of the students at my interview planned to take the USMLE though

I know VCOM pushes somewhat harder for Primary Care than most schools, as far as MY impressions go, but I don't fear any resistance in taking the USMLE. I'm glad you brought that up though, I will make sure to be aware of this for any future research/discussion.

Whichever school gives you the easiest time to get an ACGME spot, supports you for the USMLE, and gives you the most time for boards is the winner in my book.

Do many Osteopathic schools actually assist students in studying for the USMLE?

Great feedback AwesomeSauceome, I appreciate it!

 

[mcat29]

I like KYCOM because its a small place so there isn't too many distractions of the big city life. From my experience, everyone was really nice and humble there. Places are close by so don't have to go too far to get what I need. Plus the KYCOM advantage is awesome, don't have to worry about carrying books, since I will have them all on the iPad, and its fairly cheap. Those are my reasons for choosing this school

Cant say anything about the other schools since I have never been there personally and have no experience with them.

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah I also liked the small town feel of KYCOM, it was oddly charming how rural the area was. Personally I don't really mind location as much as I worry about my fiancé finding work. There is a pretty nice high school in pikeville that could definitely work out for her though.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Is this related to your hunch that VCOM pushes for AOA, or is there another reason?

Just general gut instinct. Its a combo of cost, opportunity, rotations, general reputation, etc.

This is an interesting thought, I assumed students placing ACGME was generally accepted by all schools..

Absolutely, all schools will let their students match ACGME, its not up to them. But some schools will make it much harder for your to match ACGME. Conversely some will make your path much easier towards ACGME. Where this really comes up is just at two points: board studying time/resources and rotations. I am pretty darn sure that at least VCOM-VA locks you into AOA OPTIs. So like if you want to do an away at an ACGME residency, it is impossible/incredibly challenging.

I know VCOM pushes somewhat harder for Primary Care than most schools,

Honestly, I was under the impression that all 3 are big primary care schools, but obviously OUCOM will physically have more opportunities to do other things. I would say KYCOM and VCOM are probably equal when it comes to primary care.

Do many Osteopathic schools actually assist students in studying for the USMLE?

Some do, and some - with the recent merger - will actually be requiring students to take the USMLE.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah I also liked the small town feel of KYCOM, it was oddly charming how rural the area was. Personally I don't really mind location as much as I worry about my fiancé finding work. There is a pretty nice high school in pikeville that could definitely work out for her though.

If you have a fiance who is looking for work and that is part of your decision I would pick VCOM over KYCOM. The general population around that area is much larger than where KYCOM is located.

 

[Clinicall]

At VCOM you're expected to attend 85% of class lectures. A student told me that per block he can miss up to like 6 days or 12 half days. I don't think its that terrible but to each their own.

 

[mcat29]

I am pretty darn sure that at least VCOM-VA locks you into AOA OPTIs. So like if you want to do an away at an ACGME residency, it is impossible/incredibly challenging.

Wow, very useful info. I will be sure to look into this further.

At VCOM you're expected to attend 85% of class lectures. A student told me that per block he can miss up to like 6 days or 12 half days. I don't think its that terrible but to each their own.

I forgot about this, good point. That makes me feel a little better. I have to say though having mandatory attendance at all makes me feel like I'm in elementary school. If we made it this far, do you really need to spend the time to have cameras snap pictures of us to make sure we're good little boys and gals sitting in our assigned seats? VCOM has assigned seating, I forgot to list that in my cons section. This is purely subjective disapproval and minimally invasive on the grounds of principle, I know that in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal.

 

[user3]

Wow, very useful info. I will be sure to look into this further.



I forgot about this, good point. That makes me feel a little better. I have to say though having mandatory attendance at all makes me feel like I'm in elementary school. If we made it this far, do you really need to spend the time to have cameras snap pictures of us to make sure we're good little boys and gals sitting in our assigned seats? VCOM has assigned seating, I forgot to list that in my cons section. This is purely subjective disapproval and minimally invasive on the grounds of principle, I know that in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal.

COCA really needs to put a stop to this kind of BS.

 

[AM508]

1. OUCOM
2. KYCOM
3. VCOM

 

[Clinicall]

I don't understand the long, deeply descriptive annoyance of assigned seats? Was it just my university where EVERYONE pretty much sat in the same seat for every class, despite there being no assigned seats?

 

[AM508]

I don't understand the long, deeply descriptive annoyance of assigned seats? Was it just my university where EVERYONE pretty much sat in the same seat for every class, despite there being no assigned seats?

In my undergrad school people gravitated more generally to certain parts of the classroom/or with certain groups of people after a couple of weeks. I think the importance there is that you had a choice. It seems pretty arbitrary and well, as another poster stated, like elementary school to have assigned seats.

 

[mcat29]

I don't understand the long, deeply descriptive annoyance of assigned seats? Was it just my university where EVERYONE pretty much sat in the same seat for every class, despite there being no assigned seats?

Precisely my point, why officially assign them? We can seat ourselves, and will likely be just as organized. I don't mean to be offensive, it's just my opinion on the matter. And if I went to VCOM it wouldn't really bother me, it just seems silly. At the same time though, I think that's how they take attendance so it makes sense. I suppose my 'deeply descriptive annoyance' was more directed towards the mandatory attendance, which really isn't necessarily VCOM's fault.

 

[Clinicall]

For sure. Good luck on your decision. Options are everything.

 

[ToonLink]

I dont know where people are speculating that VCOM pushes AOA.
Just take a look at the published stats on VA Campus
http://www.vcom.edu/outcomes/index.html#24

 

[Stagg737]

I'd be more inclined to say OUHCOM>>>>VCOM>KYCOM, especially for you given your Pro/Con list. VCOM is also much more transparent with their board pass rates and mean scores. The fact that KYCOMs are nowhere to be found would definitely concern me.

 

[MedNation907]

I'd be more inclined to say OUHCOM>>>>VCOM>KYCOM, especially for you given your Pro/Con list. VCOM is also much more transparent with their board pass rates and mean scores. The fact that KYCOMs are nowhere to be found would definitely concern me.

Agreed. Although I do recall seeing KYCOMs stats somewhere and they fluctuated in the low 90 percent over the past couple years. It did take some serious hunting to retrieve though. I would say try and wait out OU, although I can see the implications especially since your other options are OOS. Try to choose between KYCOM and VCOM, then find a couple furnished apartments in that location. That way IF you weren't pulled from OU's waitlist, the late move won't be as bad. And your fiance could always apply for a few positions in that area as well, just to get her foot in the door. That would seem like the best compromise in your situation.

 

[Stagg737]

Agreed. Although I do recall seeing KYCOMs stats somewhere and they fluctuated in the low 90 percent over the past couple years. It did take some serious hunting to retrieve though. I would say try and wait out OU, although I can see the implications especially since your other options are OOS. Try to choose between KYCOM and VCOM, then find a couple furnished apartments in that location. That way IF you weren't pulled from OU's waitlist, the late move won't be as bad. And your fiance could always apply for a few positions in that area as well, just to get her foot in the door. That would seem like the best compromise in your situation.

This was the only information I was able to find: http://www.upike.edu/College-of-Osteopathic-Medicine/prospective

I found it in a couple different places, but those are only the Level 3 scores. You have to pass it to be a DO, but they don't really matter in terms of getting into residency. If they are willing to release their info over the phone or via e-mail to applicants, that's fine imo. However, I wouldn't be willing to apply or attend a school that wasn't willing to release board scores and match rates in some way.

 

[NontradCA]

Wow, very useful info. I will be sure to look into this further.



I forgot about this, good point. That makes me feel a little better. I have to say though having mandatory attendance at all makes me feel like I'm in elementary school. If we made it this far, do you really need to spend the time to have cameras snap pictures of us to make sure we're good little boys and gals sitting in our assigned seats? VCOM has assigned seating, I forgot to list that in my cons section. This is purely subjective disapproval and minimally invasive on the grounds of principle, I know that in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal.

We have a lot of mandatory things at OUHCOM, and I'm sure it's the same at other schools as well. I wouldn't let something as trivial as mandatory attendance sway your decision much. You will have to fall in line at all medical schools. There's a bit of psychological and cultural training in medical school. You can't avoid this, but having factors such as a supportive, happy SO, weather, friends and support of your faculty and staff can mitigate this.

 

[mcat29]

I dont know where people are speculating that VCOM pushes AOA.
Just take a look at the published stats on VA Campus
http://www.vcom.edu/outcomes/index.html#24

Yes, this is what I referenced in an earlier post. Were you accepted to the Carolina Campus?

I'd be more inclined to say OUHCOM>>>>VCOM>KYCOM, especially for you given your Pro/Con list. VCOM is also much more transparent with their board pass rates and mean scores. The fact that KYCOMs are nowhere to be found would definitely concern me.

Yeah I like Spartanburg a lot more than I did Pikeville, and it's really hard for me to pass up the nice weather in SC.
You make a good point that KYCOM doesn't seem to make finding the important outcomes of their program easy, that's strange

 

[user3]

We have a lot of mandatory things at OUHCOM, and I'm sure it's the same at other schools as well. I wouldn't let something as trivial as mandatory attendance sway your decision much. You will have to fall in line at all medical schools. There's a bit of psychological and cultural training in medical school. You can't avoid this, but having factors such as a supportive, happy SO, weather, friends and support of your faculty and staff can mitigate this.

mandatory events here and there is very different than a mandatory 8-5 schedule M-F.

 

[elam1001]

If you don't get accepted into OUHCOM, I would pick KYCOM. I go here and I love it, if you have specific questions you can ask me. I can tell you that our OMT professor is the President elect for the OMM national organization, and our Dean is the new AOA presidential candidate. Those are the people who will be signing your recommendation letter for residency and they are very influential people in the osteopathic profession. I went with it over two other schools and I love it! The faculty here are amazing, they know exactly what they are doing and are great teachers. I would have to say our faculty are the most caring and helpful professors I ever had, plus they are hilarious. The school provides so many opportunities for learning, volunteering and conferences. We literally got a free trip, to go to DC for DO on the hill. And we just got one of the best Neuroanatomy professors In the nation. On top of that we have a brand new state of the art building. They listen to the student body, we said we wanted more study rooms, guess what we have built in less than 2 months, 25 new study rooms on campus. Our patient care doc is best friends with the PE examiner and our standardized patient exam rooms are literally a copy and paste of the PE exam rooms. We have great rotation sites, including PMC which is part of Mayo clinic. For boards they do provide Kaplan for free and they just added the Q bank onto it starting this year, I don't know the numbers for boards and honestly I don't care because at the end of the day it's what I put into it. Also keep in mind part of why our boards were down is because our school pays for your first attempt at the complex exam, so people would take the exam when they were not prepared just because they weren't paying for it. Our attendance policy is under change and it will no longer be mandatory in the near future. On top of all the free equipment, books, laptop, iPad and very cheap tuition I'd say we stand pretty strong.

 

[mcat29]

Thank you @elam1001 for all the insight. It really is just the location that evokes some hesitation for me personally, otherwise it really is a good program. If I have any specific questions I will certainly send them your way!

Nothing has changed in the past 2 weeks, except I did interview at CUSOM in NC (b/c I applied there a couple weeks prior) and I was really impressed. I knew there were only waitlist spots by the time I would be processed but I was able to make a mini vacation out of it. Their proposed clinical education seems pretty great, I just wish students have gone through them already.

 

[asdf123g]

Thank you @elam1001 for all the insight. It really is just the location that evokes some hesitation for me personally, otherwise it really is a good program. If I have any specific questions I will certainly send them your way!

Nothing has changed in the past 2 weeks, except I did interview at CUSOM in NC (b/c I applied there a couple weeks prior) and I was really impressed. I knew there were only waitlist spots by the time I would be processed but I was able to make a mini vacation out of it. Their proposed clinical education seems pretty great, I just wish students have gone through them already.

if you dont mind me asking, when did you send in your primaries and when did you send in the bulk of yoru secondaries??

 

[mcat29]

Sure thing. Processed primary in June, I was 100% complete to most of my school list by early/mid September. I fudged up applying to LECOM. So long story short I sent in my secondary to LECOM-E in January (which we all know for LECOM at least that is a death wish) and CUSOM was even later. Other than those two, I was complete early.

 

[DubVille]

We have a lot of mandatory things at OUHCOM, and I'm sure it's the same at other schools as well. I wouldn't let something as trivial as mandatory attendance sway your decision much. You will have to fall in line at all medical schools. There's a bit of psychological and cultural training in medical school. You can't avoid this, but having factors such as a supportive, happy SO, weather, friends and support of your faculty and staff can mitigate this.

Unless things have drastically changed in the last 4 years (wow I feel old saying that) we only had to be around for omm lab, anatomy, clinical skills, and cbl group. I rarely spent more than 8-12 hours on campus a week. I loved the fact that I could stay home and listen to lectures on 2x the majority of my Monday's and Fridays.