LECOM-PA vs. WVSOM

[FutureDocDO]

I need help deciding between LECOM-PA and WVSOM. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to WVSOM a couple months back but I just received my acceptance from LECOM-PA. I am starting to think LECOM is a better option as I can do rotation in my home state starting third year (although I might have to set it up myself as they do not have one where I live). LECOM also has a lot of great rotation sites to choose from. Most importantly, it is "easier" to specialize there than WVSOM. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you guys will .

Oh yeah, the tuition is much cheaper at LECOM. I really like WVSOM though but I want to go to a school that will offer me a great education as well as the ease of specializing.

Thanks in advance for everyone's input!!!

 

[Dorkus Maximus]

I need help deciding between LECOM-PA and WVSOM. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to WVSOM a couple months back but I just received my acceptance from LECOM-PA. I am starting to think LECOM is a better option as I can do rotation in my home state starting third year (although I might have to set it up myself as they do not have one where I live). LECOM also has a lot of great rotation sites to choose from. Most importantly, it is "easier" to specialize there than WVSOM. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you guys will .

Oh yeah, the tuition is much cheaper at LECOM. I really like WVSOM though but I want to go to a school that will offer me a great education as well as the ease of specializing.

Thanks in advance for everyone's input!!!

I wish I could help you out on this one!!! I chose to go to LECOM over Touro-NV (waitlist) and AZCOM, but I've never been to WVSOM, so I can't really compare. LECOM does have tons of rotation options and seems to have a lot of students that specialize. That's what made LECOM appeal to me. Plus it's relatively cheap - the tuition and living expenses in Erie.

I had doubts about choice too. I think it's natural! It'd be great to have you at LECOM next year! But you have to follow your heart! Where would you be happier?

 

[SuperDOgirl]

I need help deciding between LECOM-PA and WVSOM. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to WVSOM a couple months back but I just received my acceptance from LECOM-PA. I am starting to think LECOM is a better option as I can do rotation in my home state starting third year (although I might have to set it up myself as they do not have one where I live). LECOM also has a lot of great rotation sites to choose from. Most importantly, it is "easier" to specialize there than WVSOM. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you guys will .

Oh yeah, the tuition is much cheaper at LECOM. I really like WVSOM though but I want to go to a school that will offer me a great education as well as the ease of specializing.

Thanks in advance for everyone's input!!!

FutureDocDO-
Congratulations on getting into LECOM! It is great that you have options. I am sure at the end you find the place that fits your needs perfectly.

 

[Jezzielin]

LECOM! Hey, there was one other guy that interviewed with us who goes to school with me at MSU (I don't know if you remember him, Patrick) he got in too! He is going for sure.

As for me, I called and they said it was in the mail and should be here within the week! I just got an email from them to come to Campus Day. Good omen??? I mean they wouldn't have me on an email list if they have sent out a rejection, eh?

But yeah, if I do get in, that would be sweet to get us all together to study like crazy people!!!

 

[FutureDocDO]

LECOM! Hey, there was one other guy that interviewed with us who goes to school with me at MSU (I don't know if you remember him, Patrick) he got in too! He is going for sure.

As for me, I called and they said it was in the mail and should be here within the week! I just got an email from them to come to Campus Day. Good omen??? I mean they wouldn't have me on an email list if they have sent out a rejection, eh?

But yeah, if I do get in, that would be sweet to get us all together to study like crazy people!!!

Yes. I do remember him, somewhat. That would be cool if we all go there. I am having a tough decision! Tuition isn't as much of a concern as the quality of education, rotation, and residency. I didn't tell you but I called a couple of days ago and was told that it's in the mail. I got the mail as well as the good news two days later. What is Campus Day? If it is what I think it is then yes it wouldn't make sense to invite you if you're not accepted. Good luck.

That's for sure! We'll study like crazy if we can dig ourselves out of our apartments to go the the library. 100+ inches of snow a year is way too much! I wonder how cold it gets!

For those attending LECOM-PA right now, what time are you done with classes? I assume it's earlier than most schools as anatomy is prosection. That could be a positive.

 

[iwillbesoon]

I'm trying to decide between both LECOM's and AZCOM right now too....only I'm PBL at LECOM-Erie, not lecture like you guys. I need a three sided coin.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I'm trying to decide between both LECOM's and AZCOM right now too....only I'm PBL at LECOM-Erie, not lecture like you guys. I need a three sided coin.

LOL. It sure is tough to decide. I now understand why it took LECOM so freaking long to send me a letter of acceptance. What make you think twice about LECOM?

 

[iwillbesoon]

AZCOM
+ board scores better than LECOM
+ don't have that primary physician thing
- expensive
- hot and dry = weird for me
- lecture only = really not how I learn
+ test schedule
- lack of technology!

LECOM-Erie
+ not too expensive, I guess
+ area reminds me of where I went to college, only a little less rural and a little older overall.
+ pretty!
- even though I don't like extreme hot, I also don't love winter, and it sounds like there's a lot of winter there.
+ decent boards, although not as high as AZCOM.
+ PBL
- PBL has so few students
- primary physician thing...buutttt
+ it sounds like people still specialize if they want to.
+ established program compared to Florida.
+/- dress code.
+ about $80 (tops $100) to fly roundtrip to IL

LECOM-Bradenton
+ Pretty!
+ Florida.
+ PBL
+ lots (all) students in PBL
- no boards yet.
- no one is to the residency stage yet (don't know what I'm in for)
+ new school = lots of opportunity
+ not too expensive
- housing more expensive than Erie
- about $200 to fly roundtrip home to IL
+ spent a lot of time in FL as a kid - feels more like home than AZ
- primary physician thing...buutttt
+ it sounds like people still specialize if they want to.
+/- dress code.

I'm sure there's other things I'm not remembering off the top of my head... My parents and siblings ask me at every opportunity what I've decided. Meh...I don't want to think about it yet b/c if I get that acceptance from CCOM it changes everything and I'll just have to re-think (although...I think one of the LECOMs will win, regardless). I'm sure at Thanksgiving I'll be swarmed by family, all asking the same question: where are you going to go to school? Haha...gotta love family.

 

[FutureDocDO]

AZCOM
+ board scores better than LECOM
+ don't have that primary physician thing
- expensive
- hot and dry = weird for me
- lecture only = really not how I learn
+ test schedule
- lack of technology!

Yeah. I don't like dry and hot weather either. On the other hand, I am not too fond of being stuck in the snow or below zero degree weather either.

LECOM-Erie
+ not too expensive, I guess
+ area reminds me of where I went to college, only a little less rural and a little older overall.
+ pretty!
- even though I don't like extreme hot, I also don't love winter, and it sounds like there's a lot of winter there.
+ decent boards, although not as high as AZCOM.
+ PBL
- PBL has so few students
- primary physician thing...buutttt
+ it sounds like people still specialize if they want to.
+ established program compared to Florida.
+/- dress code.
+ about $80 (tops $100) to fly roundtrip to IL

Tuition is relatively cheap compared to other schools. That's a positive for sure. I also heard the cost of living in Erie is quite low. I heard winter weather up there is pretty bad...a couple of feet of snow at a time...unpredictable weather patterns...etc. Dress code is a downside but I could live with that.

LECOM-Bradenton
+ Pretty!
+ Florida.
+ PBL
+ lots (all) students in PBL
- no boards yet.
- no one is to the residency stage yet (don't know what I'm in for)
+ new school = lots of opportunity
+ not too expensive
- housing more expensive than Erie
- about $200 to fly roundtrip home to IL
+ spent a lot of time in FL as a kid - feels more like home than AZ
- primary physician thing...buutttt
+ it sounds like people still specialize if they want to.
+/- dress code.

I was waitlisted at LECOM-FL. I don't really care. It was my lowest backup school. I don't like PBL and how it's graded on participation and such. Sarasota is an extremely nice place to live though. If they add LDP to their curriculum down there I'd definitely go there and so would others.

I'm sure there's other things I'm not remembering off the top of my head... My parents and siblings ask me at every opportunity what I've decided. Meh...I don't want to think about it yet b/c if I get that acceptance from CCOM it changes everything and I'll just have to re-think (although...I think one of the LECOMs will win, regardless). I'm sure at Thanksgiving I'll be swarmed by family, all asking the same question: where are you going to go to school? Haha...gotta love family.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. Yeah. Parents can get a little too "nosy" sometimes but they have every right to be. Mine are constantly asking which one I'd chose with the usual hint that I should go to LECOM because it's cheaper . Of course, they also said that it's my education and so it is up to me. Let me know what you decide.

 

[Fermata]

WVSOM = Texas with a dollar sign.

 

[EMTLizzy]

Most importantly, it is "easier" to specialize there than WVSOM. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you guys will .

I chose WVSOM over LECOM-PA. I was much more comfortable and "at home" here. I liked the campus and the faculty here. The facilities are great, and everyone was so warm and friendly that I couldn't go anywhere else.

Not sure what you mean by "easier". What makes it easier to specialize is to get good board scores and good LOR's. While WVSOM emphasizes primary care, they don't put up any roadblocks to keep you from getting into something you are interested in.

Also remember, most specialties will require a primary care residency (IM, peds) so it's not like primary care is something you can avoid entirely. By the time you are looking at a fellowship, where you went to med school becomes less important than how you are doing in your residency. You also won't be much of a specialist if you don't have a good foundation in primary care.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I chose WVSOM over LECOM-PA. I was much more comfortable and "at home" here. I liked the campus and the faculty here. The facilities are great, and everyone was so warm and friendly that I couldn't go anywhere else.

Not sure what you mean by "easier". What makes it easier to specialize is to get good board scores and good LOR's. While WVSOM emphasizes primary care, they don't put up any roadblocks to keep you from getting into something you are interested in.

Also remember, most specialties will require a primary care residency (IM, peds) so it's not like primary care is something you can avoid entirely. By the time you are looking at a fellowship, where you went to med school becomes less important than how you are doing in your residency. You also won't be much of a specialist if you don't have a good foundation in primary care.

Thank you for posting. I really liked WVSOM when I was there. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I don't think it would be hard to get a good letter of recommendation from those faculties comes residency. I also felt at home when I was there. That is why I am having such a hard time choosing. Did I mention I got frisked (spelling?) in Pennsylvania airport when I was leaving? That didn't leave such a good memory. It is good to know that you chose WVSOM-PA over LECOM-PA even though it is much more expensive. What are you planning to specializing in at this moment?

 

[ragda26]

hey,

if i were you. i would(if possible) go back and visit that WVSOM campus. I really liked the campus there. basically WVSOM is away from many things but it can be good if you really like the RURAL atmosphere. If not and you still want to go to big city type places, then LECOM

aside from the tuition difference, WVSOM has a long tradition of training great rural physicians but LECOM is closer to big cities around PA, NJ, and NY and even Mich.

hope that helps!

didnt you apply to UMDNJ-SOM?

 

[FutureDocDO]

hey,

if i were you. i would(if possible) go back and visit that WVSOM campus. I really liked the campus there. basically WVSOM is away from many things but it can be good if you really like the RURAL atmosphere. If not and you still want to go to big city type places, then LECOM

aside from the tuition difference, WVSOM has a long tradition of training great rural physicians but LECOM is closer to big cities around PA, NJ, and NY and even Mich.

hope that helps!

didnt you apply to UMDNJ-SOM?

I do like the rural atmospher at WVSOM. I liked everything about it except I can't do rotations in other part of the country until 4th year. Tuition is also a drawback. I can't seem to decide. One minute I think I'd choose LECOM and the other WVSOM. This is so stressful. Wish I'd know how to create a poll.

 

[HooahDOc]

I do like the rural atmospher at WVSOM. I liked everything about it except I can't do rotations in other part of the country until 4th year. Tuition is also a drawback. I can't seem to decide. One minute I think I'd choose LECOM and the other WVSOM. This is so stressful. Wish I'd know how to create a poll.

Personally, if I wasn't interested in primary care I would choose LECOM. WVSOM has 20 weeks of FP rotations if I remember correctly, which is a huge waste of time if you have no interest in primary care. I'm not sure if LECOM is similar.

It's not impossible to do third-year rotations somewhere else at WVSOM. My wife met a third-year WVSOM student doing IM at Aiken Regional here in SC.

Good luck with whichever you choose. I wish I was in your position!

 

[Canuck99]

WVSOM = Texas with a dollar sign.

interesting comparison. what do you mean by that exactly?

 

[EMTLizzy]

What are you planning to specializing in at this moment?

My background (before coming to WVSOM) is in public health and disaster management. My job before starting school involved teaching hospital staff about WMD (bioterror, chem weapons, etc). I want to get back into that. I have an interest in infectious diseases and want to work on the public health end of things.

Truthfully, what I ultimately want to get into requires a medical degree...which is why I'm here. I was never one of those kids who ran around with a scope wanting to listen to everyone's heart. Seeing patients every day in an office was never a goal of mine. It's entirely possible that I'll end up in a sitation where I don't actually practice clinical medicine.

 

[FutureDocDO]

interesting comparison. what do you mean by that exactly?

Yeah. Please expand.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Personally, if I wasn't interested in primary care I would choose LECOM. WVSOM has 20 weeks of FP rotations if I remember correctly, which is a huge waste of time if you have no interest in primary care. I'm not sure if LECOM is similar.

It's not impossible to do third-year rotations somewhere else at WVSOM. My wife met a third-year WVSOM student doing IM at Aiken Regional here in SC.

Good luck with whichever you choose. I wish I was in your position!

Yeah 20 weeks of FP rotation is a lot if you don't want to go into that area which I don't. But I am keeping that option open as it is hard to know without being exposed to different areas first. LECOM requires 12 weeks of FP so it's quite a bit less. I know it's possible to do 3rd year rotation outside of WV but you have to set everything up on your own. They prefer you stay in WV.

Have you heard anything from WVSOM? IMO, as long as they haven't reject you, you still have a chance. FYI, I interviewed at LECOM-PA on 9/29 and didn't receive the acceptance letter until 11/10 while others interviewed after me received theirs a week or two post-interview. Good luck!

 

[HooahDOc]

I have yet to hear anything. They stuck me in the deferred pile. I assume they're either (a) split and don't know what to do or (b) waiting for my Fall semester grades. (B) doesn't make sense since my GPA is at/above the average for the school. The admin there said they just simply haven't decided yet, but the fact they didn't offer me a seat suggests they have reservations about something, though neither me nor my advisor can figure out what it may be.

Speaking of which, I had a nice chat with my premed advisor Friday afternoon. She couldn't figure out why I'm not in yet either and is going to call the schools and she what she can find out. She suggested I just head to AUC if things don't work out, which was my plan until I read about the possibility of legislation that will remove the Title IV eligibility of AUC, Ross, and SGU.

I have an interview at PCOM-GA Tuesday, and I'm completing my secondaries at both LECOMs. Maybe something will work out and WVSOM and AUC/SGU will be a non-issue. I was serious when I sent them a letter of intent, but if I'm accepted somewhere else first I'm going to withdraw from WV; if they're not serious about having me, I'm not going to beg them.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I have yet to hear anything. They stuck me in the deferred pile. I assume they're either (a) split and don't know what to do or (b) waiting for my Fall semester grades. (B) doesn't make sense since my GPA is at/above the average for the school. The admin there said they just simply haven't decided yet, but the fact they didn't offer me a seat suggests they have reservations about something, though neither me nor my advisor can figure out what it may be.

Speaking of which, I had a nice chat with my premed advisor Friday afternoon. She couldn't figure out why I'm not in yet either and is going to call the schools and she what she can find out. She suggested I just head to AUC if things don't work out, which was my plan until I read about the possibility of legislation that will remove the Title IV eligibility of AUC, Ross, and SGU.

I have an interview at PCOM-GA Tuesday, and I'm completing my secondaries at both LECOMs. Maybe something will work out and WVSOM and AUC/SGU will be a non-issue. I was serious when I sent them a letter of intent, but if I'm accepted somewhere else first I'm going to withdraw from WV; if they're not serious about having me, I'm not going to beg them.

Yeah. It is hard to figure out what the admissions people are thinking. Your numbers should get you in somewhere. Maybe you can write them a letter of intent every week or so.

I frequent Valuedmd.com a lot and was surprised to find that Stafford Loans might not be available to the Big three students any longer. Even if current students successfully prevent that from happening by writing to their respective congressman...it doesn't mean the issue will not come up again once you're down there. It's nice to hear you've got other interviews coming up. You'll get in somewhere. Something you should keep in mind during your interviews is to express your interest in the school with anyone, even your fellow interviewees, as it can get to the admissions people. I've noticed I've been waitlisted at both schools where I didn't any show interest in going. Maybe it's just coincidence or they could read my body language.

 

[HooahDOc]

The only liability I can find that may prevent me from getting into a DO school is that my personality screams, "MD specialist", not DO primary care, despite what my intentions may be, and my personality is somewhat haughty and cynical; I use, "arrogant vocublary" naturally. Maybe I'm not as good at hiding these as I think I am. My impression of DO schools is that they really like friendly, down to earth people. All of this crossed my mind after speaking to a woman I taught with, who said I have a habit of, "talking above" other people, and when both my mother and wife said that the House character from the show could have practically been ripped off of me.

I'm thinking I should avoid the really hardcore DO schools that focus on rural primary care, such as PCSOM and WVSOM and focus more on places like PCOM.

*shrug*

I could theorectically still head to AUC/SGU on private loans, but who knows if I can find someone good enough to serve as a cosigner? A big problem is that since I have decided against HPSP, I will run into the same problem if I attend WVSOM -- the need for private loans.

 

[Canuck99]

I'm thinking I should avoid the really hardcore DO schools that focus on rural primary care, such as PCSOM and WVSOM and focus more on places like PCOM.

I could theorectically still head to AUC/SGU on private loans

If you are going to avoid "hardcore" DO schools then you sure might want reconsider caribbean medicine.

 

[HooahDOc]

If you are going to avoid "hardcore" DO schools then you sure might want reconsider caribbean medicine.

What do you mean?

 

[Canuck99]

What do you mean?

That was not meant to be malicious, sorry if it came across that way. I was trying to say that it will probably be harder to avoid a career in IM or FP if you go to a caribbean school. That is just my understanding.

 

[Canuck99]

I could theorectically still head to AUC/SGU on private loans, but who knows if I can find someone good enough to serve as a cosigner? A big problem is that since I have decided against HPSP, I will run into the same problem if I attend WVSOM -- the need for private loans.

I was considering SGU. Both my wife and I just yesterday turned down interviews. After some serious thinking, and from what we have heard from friends that go there, we decided that it definitely was not for us.

 

[HooahDOc]

That was not meant to be malicious, sorry if it came across that way. I was trying to say that it will probably be harder to avoid a career in IM or FP if you go to a caribbean school. That is just my understanding.

Well, I was posing more of a hypothetical to FutureDoc. One of my interests is in fp/psych.

 

[mamitch4]

It's not impossible to do third-year rotations somewhere else at WVSOM. My wife met a third-year WVSOM student doing IM at Aiken Regional here in SC.

This is most likely changing... as of now, clin-ed at WVSOM says that Class of '09 and everybody after will have to do 3rd year rotations at specific "state-wide campus" sites-- you pick a site and move there for your 3rd year (there are only 5-8 slots at the Lewisburg site, so plan on moving). We'll see how this works when the class size doubles. Their goal is to have slots at state-wide campus sites for all students...

 

[Raven Feather]

I need help deciding between LECOM-PA and WVSOM. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to WVSOM a couple months back but I just received my acceptance from LECOM-PA. I am starting to think LECOM is a better option as I can do rotation in my home state starting third year (although I might have to set it up myself as they do not have one where I live). LECOM also has a lot of great rotation sites to choose from. Most importantly, it is "easier" to specialize there than WVSOM. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you guys will .

Oh yeah, the tuition is much cheaper at LECOM. I really like WVSOM though but I want to go to a school that will offer me a great education as well as the ease of specializing.

Thanks in advance for everyone's input!!!

I would pick LECOM-PA just based on tuition a lone, you can only get around 35k/yr from the government which means you would have to take out loads of money in private loans to pay for the rest of tuition and living costs, unless, of course you have some other method of paying for your education.

Additionally, it seems LECOM is more "specialty friendly."

FutureDO, you live in the midwest, PA will not be that much different!

 

[FutureDocDO]

I would pick LECOM-PA just based on tuition a lone, you can only get around 35k/yr from the government which means you would have to take out loads of money in private loans to pay for the rest of tuition and living costs, unless, of course you have some other method of paying for your education.

Additionally, it seems LECOM is more "specialty friendly."

FutureDO, you live in the midwest, PA will not be that much different!

We don't have a couple of feet of snow at a time. That might be different. I looked at the US map the other day and saw that PA is at the same latitude as where I'm from so I it shouldn't be any colder...if anything it should be slightly warmer as it's by a large body of water. Tell you what Raven Feather, if you go to LECOM-PA I will.

Raven Feather - Just saw that you've been accepted to VCOM. CONGRATS!!! Decision time! Where have you decided to spend the next two years? Keep in mind VCOM is almost 5k more a year.

 

[Raven Feather]

We don't have a couple of feet of snow at a time. That might be different. I looked at the US map the other day and saw that PA is at the same latitude as where I'm from so I it shouldn't be any colder...if anything it should be slightly warmer as it's by a large body of water. Tell you what Raven Feather, if you go to LECOM-PA I will.

Raven Feather - Just saw that you've been accepted to VCOM. CONGRATS!!! Decision time! Where have you decided to spend the next two years? Keep in mind VCOM is almost 5k more a year.

You better believe I am keeping that additional 5k in mind, plus, VA has a highter cost of living. I did feel really comfortable at the school though.

I just got back not long ago from KCUMB--think I might have blew the interview--Oh well. The 35K a year tuition kinda holds me back from that school if I were accepted--I did like Kansas City.


I am waaay leaning toward LECOM at this point, I will probably attend. So futuredoc, have your snow gear on standby!!

 

[FutureDocDO]

I am waaay leaning toward LECOM at this point, I will probably attend. So futuredoc, have your snow gear on standby!!

If the difference between WVSOM and LECOM-PA is only 5K a year I'd go to WVSOM in an instant! I think I MIGHT go to LECOM-PA now. Two years isn't that long, hopefully. If I go there I will have to rent an apartment with some kind of garage so I don't have to scrape all the snow and ice off my car.

 

[simpy2000]

Yeah 20 weeks of FP rotation is a lot if you don't want to go into that area which I don't. But I am keeping that option open as it is hard to know without being exposed to different areas first. LECOM requires 12 weeks of FP so it's quite a bit less. I know it's possible to do 3rd year rotation outside of WV but you have to set everything up on your own. They prefer you stay in WV.

Have you heard anything from WVSOM? IMO, as long as they haven't reject you, you still have a chance. FYI, I interviewed at LECOM-PA on 9/29 and didn't receive the acceptance letter until 11/10 while others interviewed after me received theirs a week or two post-interview. Good luck!

The rotations at LECOM-PA are as follows (copied and pasted directly from the website):

Third Year Rotations
Internal Medicine I, II, III
General Surgery I, II
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Core Selective
Elective I, II
Psychiatry/Behavioral Health
Vacation (4 weeks)



Fourth Year Rotations
Emergency Medicine I, II
Medicine Selective
Primary Care Selective
Surgery Selective
Ambulatory Medicine I, II
Rural/Underserved Ambulatory Medicine
Elective I, II, III, IV
Vacation (4 weeks)

Medicine Selective is typically done in a subspecialty of IM (cardio, GI, nephr...etc) but can be done in general IM if one so desires. Primary Care selective is done in gen IM, peds, FM, OB, or Psych. Ambulatory Medicine is like an urgent care facility which closely resembles a FM type of practice. Having said that, assuming you do a Primary Care selective in something other than FM, you would still have approximately 16 weeks of FM type training with an additional 4 wks of primary care.

EMTLizzy is correct, the opportunity to specialize is based more on board scores, transcripts, and letters than on what school you attended (Unless you are trying to do a residency at Harvard or something then your school matters). My good friend graduated from KCOM in 2004 and he said the same thing.

One thing to consider with LECOM-PA is that you will most likely living out of a suitcase every month because of a lack of stability in the clinical training. This may appeal to you, however, I prefer a location where a majority of the training is done at one site with the opportunity to train away during elective/selective rotations.

Anyhow, if you can't tell already, I am planning to attend WVSOM next and mailed my deposit.

 

[Raven Feather]

The rotations at LECOM-PA are as follows (copied and pasted directly from the website):

Third Year Rotations
Internal Medicine I, II, III
General Surgery I, II
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Core Selective
Elective I, II
Psychiatry/Behavioral Health
Vacation (4 weeks)



Fourth Year Rotations
Emergency Medicine I, II
Medicine Selective
Primary Care Selective
Surgery Selective
Ambulatory Medicine I, II
Rural/Underserved Ambulatory Medicine
Elective I, II, III, IV
Vacation (4 weeks)

Medicine Selective is typically done in a subspecialty of IM (cardio, GI, nephr...etc) but can be done in general IM if one so desires. Primary Care selective is done in gen IM, peds, FM, OB, or Psych. Ambulatory Medicine is like an urgent care facility which closely resembles a FM type of practice. Having said that, assuming you do a Primary Care selective in something other than FM, you would still have approximately 16 weeks of FM type training with an additional 4 wks of primary care.

EMTLizzy is correct, the opportunity to specialize is based more on board scores, transcripts, and letters than on what school you attended (Unless you are trying to do a residency at Harvard or something then your school matters). My good friend graduated from KCOM in 2004 and he said the same thing.

One thing to consider with LECOM-PA is that you will most likely living out of a suitcase every month because of a lack of stability in the clinical training. This may appeal to you, however, I prefer a location where a majority of the training is done at one site with the opportunity to train away during elective/selective rotations.

Anyhow, if you can't tell already, I am planning to attend WVSOM next and mailed my deposit.

What school do you attend, because all the 5 schools that interviewed/have invited me, cannot guarantee rotations will be done on-site.

 

[FrogE7]

What school do you attend, because all the 5 schools that interviewed/have invited me, cannot guarantee rotations will be done on-site.

Yes, having to move around third year is really worrying me. Do they always provide housing at LECOM? Even if they do have housing, I am going to be so stressed out third year, it would have been nice to have my own apartment to come home to.

 

[Raven Feather]

Yes, having to move around third year is really worrying me. Do they always provide housing at LECOM? Even if they do have housing, I am going to be so stressed out third year, it would have been nice to have my own apartment to come home to.

I think it depends on the site, I do know some provide housing.

You can set up your own rotations at home, this may be good or bad for some--some med schools don't give you that option. It works out fine for me though b/c I am a nurse and know many physicans in different fields who would be more than willing to take me on. At LECOM, the FM rotation has to be done at a core rotation site, and must be a D.O.--but all the others can me DO or MD, I was told this by a 4th yr med student.

 

[HooahDOc]

We don't have a couple of feet of snow at a time. That might be different. I looked at the US map the other day and saw that PA is at the same latitude as where I'm from so I it shouldn't be any colder...if anything it should be slightly warmer as it's by a large body of water.

I think this is inaccurate. Wouldn't the moisture in the air and the cool wind coming off of the lake make it a bit cooler? I'm not familiar with the temp of the lake.

Anyways, it seems kind of silly to me that WVSOM is doubling their class size and keeping all third-years in WV when they haven't even secured enough clinical spots.

As an aside, my PCOM interview went swimmingly -- the best I have had so far. Hopefully I'll get some good news.

 

[Lauviah84]

I went to the OMAC offered at LECOM Brandenton 2 weeks ago, this is their clinical rotations for 3rd and 4th year:

3rd yr:
Internal Med (12wks)
FP (4wks)
Surgery (8wks)
Obgyn (4wks)
Ped (4wks)
Psyc (4wks)
Core Selective (4wks)
Electives (8wks)
Vacation (4wks)

4th yr:
Ambulatory Med (8wks)
Surgery Selective (4wks)
Medical Selective (4wks)
Primary Care Selective (4wks)
Rural/Underserved Med (4wks)
ER (8wks)
Electives (16wks)
Vacation (4wks)

 

[Raven Feather]

I think this is inaccurate. Wouldn't the moisture in the air and the cool wind coming off of the lake make it a bit cooler? I'm not familiar with the temp of the lake.

Anyways, it seems kind of silly to me that WVSOM is doubling their class size and keeping all third-years in WV when they haven't even secured enough clinical spots.

As an aside, my PCOM interview went swimmingly -- the best I have had so far. Hopefully I'll get some good news.

I live an hour away from Chicago at the tip of Lake Michigan, the big thing is Lake Effect Snow, that being said the Chicagoland area is know for its chilling winds from whatever the source. I asked someone while I was at my interview at LECOM who was originally from Chicago about the winter, she said it probably snows a little more but for the most part, without that sometimes subzero chilling wind we get around here near Chicago.

 

[simpy2000]

What school do you attend, because all the 5 schools that interviewed/have invited me, cannot guarantee rotations will be done on-site.

I don't attend any school at the moment, however, I will be attending WVSOM next year. I downloaded their clinical education training manual. There are ~ eight sites in the "Statewide Campus". Training during the third year is done at a statewide campus site. The first rotation is the 8 wk FM rotation at a rural clinic (this may or may not be at the SWC site depending on the size of the city). However, the core rotations will be at the swc site of your choosing so you don't rotate from location to location every month like LECOM.

In the fourth year, WVSOM gives you the freedom to schedule your rotations away from the SWC network but 50% must be with Osteopathic physicians or training hospitals. You can also choose to do all of your 4th year rotations at the same SWC site as the 3rd year. Housing at away rotations typically is provided for you but it is not guaranteed.

I am not sure how the larger class size will affect the swc. Right now, I am banking of the fact that the administration has figured this out. I don't want to rotate locations every month. I prefer to have a "home base" in the area since I am from Indiana.

If you are curious as to which locations make up the SWC, go to the following link.

http://www.wvsom.edu/OPTI/AffiliatedHospitals.htm

The list is not all-inclusive but I think it lists about 5-6 of the sites.

 

[FutureDocDO]

One thing to consider with LECOM-PA is that you will most likely living out of a suitcase every month because of a lack of stability in the clinical training. This may appeal to you, however, I prefer a location where a majority of the training is done at one site with the opportunity to train away during elective/selective rotations.

Anyhow, if you can't tell already, I am planning to attend WVSOM next and mailed my deposit.

Where else besides WVSOM have you been accepted? What other factors made you choose WVSOM over other schools? I like the rural setting of Lewisburg, extremely nice town's people, students, and staff, well ventilated anatomy lab-dissection instead of prosection unlike LECOM, and others. Do you happen to know what WVSOM last year's COMLEX II pass rates for SBL students was? By the way, what learning pathway are you in? I will be in SBL if I go there.

You brought up an important point that I overlooked. Thank you! I definitely do not want to have to relocate all over every few weeks. That would be too much of a hassle. I guess WVSOM is back into consideration once again . It's so hard to decide!

 

[Jezzielin]

Where else besides WVSOM have you been accepted? What other factors made you choose WVSOM over other schools? I like the rural setting of Lewisburg, extremely nice town's people, students, and staff, well ventilated anatomy lab-dissection instead of prosection unlike LECOM, and others. Do you happen to know what WVSOM last year's COMLEX II pass rates for SBL students was? By the way, what learning pathway are you in? I will be in SBL if I go there.

You brought up an important point that I overlooked. Thank you! I definitely do not want to have to relocate all over every few weeks. That would be too much of a hassle. I guess WVSOM is back into consideration once again . It's so hard to decide!

FutureDoc, I am confused now too. On the website and at the interview he was talking about the locations for the clinical sites. These aren't sites where we can do all our rotations? There are 2 or 3 very close to my house, so I was just curious if that means that I will not be able to finish my clinical years at home.

 

[FutureDocDO]

FutureDoc, I am confused now too. On the website and at the interview he was talking about the locations for the clinical sites. These aren't sites where we can do all our rotations? There are 2 or 3 very close to my house, so I was just curious if that means that I will not be able to finish my clinical years at home.

Yeah. I thought they said they have a lot of rotation sites around the country. I suppose you can't do all your rotations at a single hospital. You have to move from hospital to hospital after you finish each of your rotation? Maybe someone in-the-know can explain this to us lowly medical students to be.

 

[Canuck99]

Yeah. I thought they said they have a lot of rotation sites around the country. I suppose you can't do all your rotations at a single hospital. You have to move from hospital to hospital after you finish each of your rotation? Maybe someone in-the-know can explain this to us lowly medical students to be.

I am curious as well.

 

[FutureDocDO]

bump

 

[Richie Truxillo]

WVSOM last year's COMLEX pass rates for SBL students was

COMLEX I last year was 92%, they did a heck of a job! The SBLs have always done fairly well at WVSOM. I'm proud of them. (my best friend and his wife are in the class of 2007) As for Comlex-II I am not sure but I know the school consistently posts good scores for Step II.

PBL had some stellar Comlex-I scores but we also had 6 failures last year. There have been a few changes but I believe the nature of the failures came down to individuals not studying enough during the last month.
Rest assurred though, I'm studying hard so I can post the mad scores for the PBL track I don't want to be a board casuality so I've already started studying for boards.

I have Robbins Pathology in my lap, but I'm goofing off by posting on the SDN boards right now. This book is so dry to read. Tension Pneumothorax for the lose!


I would like to say, if you have specific questions about the school, I will try to answer them for you. Though I might be a smidge slow to reply!

Ok I gotta run or I'll never get to sleep tonight

 

[Raven Feather]

FutureDoc, I am confused now too. On the website and at the interview he was talking about the locations for the clinical sites. These aren't sites where we can do all our rotations? There are 2 or 3 very close to my house, so I was just curious if that means that I will not be able to finish my clinical years at home.

You pick your choices then are assigned to core rotation sites, such as Erie, for example, you do rotations at different sites, but within that locale...not quite living out of a suitcase.

 

[doctorE2010]

FurureDocDo, you should go to the school you like the best and the one that gave you the best gut impression. Seems like you really liked WVSOM and I don't think you should let a few thousand dollars change your mind (we're all going to have ridiculous loans afterwards regardless, I doubt the slight differences really matters in the long run). Go with your gut instinct, it's usually right. Little nit picky things don't matter.

 

[FutureDocDO]

FurureDocDo, you should go to the school you like the best and the one that gave you the best gut impression. Seems like you really liked WVSOM and I don't think you should let a few thousand dollars change your mind (we're all going to have ridiculous loans afterwards regardless, I doubt the slight differences really matters in the long run). Go with your gut instinct, it's usually right. Little nit picky things don't matter.

Thanks. I think I've finally made up my mind. I am strongly reconsidering WVSOM. Where else can you get a faculty offering you a place to stay during your visit? Priceless.

 

[Canuck99]

Thanks. I think I've finally made up my mind. I am strongly reconsidering WVSOM. Where else can you get a faculty offering you a place to stay during your visit? Priceless.

Just think, you will be dealing with your schools administration and faculty for four years. Hospitality and support are very important. WVSOM has gone above and beyond my expectations for a cooperative staff. No other school has made me feel more welcome.