LECOM-Bradenton VS WesternU

[Jennepho]

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Hi everyone,

I am fortunate enough to have been accepted to both LECOM-B and WesternU. This is going to be a tough decision.

I'm from SoCal and went to undergrad here. I would like to get away, but I want to practice in SoCal in the future. (specifically with underserved communities)

I think that I would really enjoy and do well with PBL at LECOM-B.
However, WesternU is moving towards a guided case-based curriculum, so its somewhat similar.

I'm hesitant about LECOM-B, since I'll have to do more legwork to get a residency in SoCal because they only have rotations in FL/East Coast.

Lastly, the opportunities to serve the community seems to be equivalent at both schools, but LECOM-B is more isolated from the city than WesternU.

If anyone can provide me with their thoughts on these two schools and whether it is significantly difficult to practice in SoCal after attending out-of-state school, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[bbcnp]

I'm sure if you really wanted to, you could get a job in southern California after residency. However, it may be difficult to get a good residency in California if you don't rotate there.

I think Western is a better option for you because of that.

 

[denco88]

I'm sure if you really wanted to, you could get a job in southern California after residency. However, it may be difficult to get a good residency in California if you don't rotate there.

I think Western is a better option for you because of that.

I actually heard from a doctor I know that for some part of your medical training you should get away from where you want to practice. Therefore you can bring something unique to the area... Also, I don't know how LECOM works, but won't you have audition rotations that you can go back to SoCal and do?

 

[WingedOx]

Lakewood Ranch, FL is a desolate wasteland. Go for Western.

 

[MightyMoose]

I actually heard from a doctor I know that for some part of your medical training you should get away from where you want to practice. Therefore you can bring something unique to the area... Also, I don't know how LECOM works, but won't you have audition rotations that you can go back to SoCal and do?

I've heard this as well, and it sounds like good advice to me. Although, I have no advice to offer the OP for which school to choose... I think that is a personal decision.

 

[vega07]

LECOM is much cheaper than WesternU.

 

[Ejection]

Lakewood Ranch, FL is a desolate wasteland. Go for Western.

👍🙂

 

[Jennepho]

Thanks for all the input. I'm still in the process of deciding.

I don't think Lakewood Ranch is a desolate wasteland, I actually considered the location to be a big plus. Less dense population and cheaper housing are positives for me.

Since I think I will do equally well at both schools, I think I am just considering the reputation of both schools and whether I want to live in CA or FL for the next couple years.

 

[SFO-IST]

Thanks for all the input. I'm still in the process of deciding.

I don't think Lakewood Ranch is a desolate wasteland, I actually considered the location to be a big plus. Less dense population and cheaper housing are positives for me.

Since I think I will do equally well at both schools, I think I am just considering the reputation of both schools and whether I want to live in CA or FL for the next couple years.

Then your decision is easy. Find a program director at a hospital/program you are interested in and ask what they would think if they had two equally qualified candidates from each school.

Best of luck with your decision and congratz on your acceptance!

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Lakewood Ranch, FL is a desolate wasteland. Go for Western.

👍🙂

Seriously? I found it to be extrodinarly beautiful...

OP: From what it sounds like Western might be a better bet for you. I've heard it is much easier to get the job you want if you do residency in the location. It is easier to get a residency in the location you want if you are able to do your sub's their. It is obviously easier doing sub's in Cali when attending Western than attending LECOM-B (if you do go LECOM-B, remember to build the expense of travel and stay in Cali into your final COA). This is assuming that Cali is your end all be all of where you want to practice medicine and there is little to no chance you'd want to end up elsewhere.

 

[med10333]

Lakewood Ranch, FL is a desolate wasteland. Go for Western.

I actually really liked Lakewood Ranch, FL. Its quiet and secluded (but not to the point where it is creepy) with awesome weather. And its still not too far from the beach, Tampa, Orlando etc.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I actually really liked Lakewood Ranch, FL. Its quiet and secluded (but not to the point where it is creepy) with awesome weather. And its still not too far from the beach, Tampa, Orlando etc.

This is what I loved about the area too. I guess being a non-trad with a wife I look for a different environment than the 22 y/o kid looking for night life.