LECOM vs CCOM

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I have been accepted at both schools and I am torn on where to go. I really liked CCOM. They have great facilities, great rotations, and previous classes have done very well in the MATCH. The only thing I don't like is the high tuition. Would it be worth the extra money to go here?

I also liked LECOM because of the schools reputation, their very low tuition, and the chance of doing the independent study program.

I want to have the best chance to succeed in getting the residency I want when I end up deciding whatever that may be. To me, I can see myself succeeding at either. Is there anything anybody wants to point out to help with my decision with either school? (I've already searched sdn on this topic, just wanted to see if anyone had anything to add).

 

[jslo85]

IMO, go CCOM and don't look back.

It's one of the oldest and most established osteopathic schools in the nation and has one of the best match lists/3rd and fourth year rotations of the DO schools. Yes it is a bit more expensive but I do believe that aside from tuition, it is an upgrade over LECOM in most regards. The location would be more ideal as well I believe (only been to Chicago once so you can take this with a grain of salt, but I'm in Erie currently).

 

[MightyMoose]

I would choose CCOM, but that's just me.


LECOM is in Erie... CCOM is in a nice suburb of Chicago.

LECOM doesn't have set rotation sites (according to those who have posted)... CCOM does.

They are both good schools, so ultimately it is whatever you think fits you best.

 

[Hottpants89]

I have been accepted at both schools and I am torn on where to go. I really liked CCOM. They have great facilities, great rotations, and previous classes have done very well in the MATCH. The only thing I don't like is the high tuition. Would it be worth the extra money to go here?

I also liked LECOM because of the schools reputation, their very low tuition, and the chance of doing the independent study program.

I want to have the best chance to succeed in getting the residency I want when I end up deciding whatever that may be. To me, I can see myself succeeding at either. Is there anything anybody wants to point out to help with my decision with either school? (I've already searched sdn on this topic, just wanted to see if anyone had anything to add).

If you are basing it on what gives you the best shot at the residency you want, that's probably CCOM. Like you said, CCOM does not have the independent study program that you're looking for, but I don't think you really have to go to class. So you could skip and study independently that way if that's what you want.

 

[EEL08]

CCOM hands down. Honestly I think CCOM's reputation is better than LECOM's. That plus the other things already mentioned, locations and rotations, I would pick CCOM and not even think twice about it.

 

[Kateb4]

You have to figure out which school is better for you. Which program were you accepted to at Erie? If it's just there LDP, then I'd say go with CCOM hands down. If you were selected for PBL or ISP, then it's a different story.

As far as reputation, CCOM is older and has more history. However, PBL has a great reputation for training students to be more integrative in our reasoning, and we supposedly do better in rotations and step 2 scores.

I was accepted at both also, but I chose LECOM (Bradenton) because of the PBL. I definately think that PBL is worth it. Bradenton has it's own set of problems that I won't mention here though.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

You have to figure out which school is better for you. Which program were you accepted to at Erie? If it's just there LDP, then I'd say go with CCOM hands down. If you were selected for PBL or ISP, then it's a different story.

As far as reputation, CCOM is older and has more history. However, PBL has a great reputation for training students to be more integrative in our reasoning, and we supposedly do better in rotations and step 2 scores.

I was accepted at both also, but I chose LECOM (Bradenton) because of the PBL. I definately think that PBL is worth it. Bradenton has it's own set of problems that I won't mention here though.

I agree with the above. I am turning down interviews at places the SDN population would consider more "prestigious" schools, because I know PBL is the way I'll learn best. I have also heard many practicing physicians say "go wherever it's cheapest so you aren't still in debt 10 years out of school". Additionally, at this point it is really hard for any other place to compare geographically to the Lakewood Ranch area.

 

[MightyMoose]

I agree with the above. I am turning down interviews at places the SDN population would consider more "prestigious" schools, because I know PBL is the way I'll learn best. I have also heard many practicing physicians say "go wherever it's cheapest so you aren't still in debt 10 years out of school". Additionally, at this point it is really hard for any other place to compare geographically to the Lakewood Ranch area.

I think it's great that you know what you are looking for, etc.. I think LECOM-B sounds like a great program, but I just read this last night and it would make me very very leery about their program. I think your first two years will be awesome (I am actually a huge fan of the PBL idea myself), but it looks like there are a number of struggles you will face during your core rotation years. This is just one persons take, but before you start canceling other interviews/acceptances, I would certainly consider this type of stuff, because your third and fourth year rotations are what is going to train you how to become a doctor.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=10232033&postcount=25

 

[gatorfann14]

I think it's great that you know what you are looking for, etc.. I think LECOM-B sounds like a great program, but I just read this last night and it would make me very very leery about their program. I think your first two years will be awesome (I am actually a huge fan of the PBL idea myself), but it looks like there are a number of struggles you will face during your core rotation years. This is just one persons take, but before you start canceling other interviews/acceptances, I would certainly consider this type of stuff, because your third and fourth year rotations are what is going to train you how to become a doctor.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=10232033&postcount=25

Hmmm that was a very revealing post. I'm in the same position as the OP but I also have NSU in the mix. The cost is the only thing holding me back from CCOM thoughl

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I think it's great that you know what you are looking for, etc.. I think LECOM-B sounds like a great program, but I just read this last night and it would make me very very leery about their program. I think your first two years will be awesome (I am actually a huge fan of the PBL idea myself), but it looks like there are a number of struggles you will face during your core rotation years. This is just one persons take, but before you start canceling other interviews/acceptances, I would certainly consider this type of stuff, because your third and fourth year rotations are what is going to train you how to become a doctor.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=10232033&postcount=25

Yeah, I've dumped some not all of my interviews. I'm also trying to get a feel for the clinicals as I do know that is one spot LECOM-B could work on. One of the more "prestigous" schools that I opt out of the interview also has this same issue during 4th year so it was a toss up. To be fair, I don't know how CCOM does their clinicals and if they are more solid, that may be better for the OP.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Yeah, I've dumped some not all of my interviews. I'm also trying to get a feel for the clinicals as I do know that is one spot LECOM-B could work on. One of the more "prestigous" schools that I opt out of the interview also has this same issue during 4th year so it was a toss up. To be fair, I don't know how CCOM does their clinicals and if they are more solid, that may be better for the OP.

CCOM=VERY SOLID ROTATIONS!!! .....or so I hear.🙂

 

[pianoman511]

I have been accepted at both schools and I am torn on where to go. I really liked CCOM. They have great facilities, great rotations, and previous classes have done very well in the MATCH. The only thing I don't like is the high tuition. Would it be worth the extra money to go here?

I also liked LECOM because of the schools reputation, their very low tuition, and the chance of doing the independent study program.

I want to have the best chance to succeed in getting the residency I want when I end up deciding whatever that may be. To me, I can see myself succeeding at either. Is there anything anybody wants to point out to help with my decision with either school? (I've already searched sdn on this topic, just wanted to see if anyone had anything to add).

Getting the residency you want is more about the choices you make as the school you go to. Getting good board scores is important (which if you are doing ISP is up to you), but it isn't everything. The match has a lot to do with how you interview and what your letters of recommendation look like. No matter where you go to medical school, you'll be a doctor. What you should look at primarily is where you would feel comfortable going to school. Don't think too much about money (you're gonna be in debt....just the way it is).

Good luck 1

 

[wolverinepwns]

Yeah, I've dumped some not all of my interviews. I'm also trying to get a feel for the clinicals as I do know that is one spot LECOM-B could work on. One of the more "prestigous" schools that I opt out of the interview also has this same issue during 4th year so it was a toss up. To be fair, I don't know how CCOM does their clinicals and if they are more solid, that may be better for the OP.

I was always under the assumption that 4th year was mostly up to the student anyways, since it's mostly audition rotations! So its better if you get to arrange your own rotations across the country. Have I been wrong this time or does that make sense?

 

[IvyHopeful20]

I am not applying to either so maybe I'm wrong but a friend of mine goes to Lecom and I think he said you have to wear a tie to class every day?

Is that true? That would suck - how can you relax and study all the time?

 

[wolverinepwns]

I am not applying to either so maybe I'm wrong but a friend of mine goes to Lecom and I think he said you have to wear a tie to class every day?

Is that true? That would suck - how can you relax and study all the time?

yeah guys have to wear a shirt and tie, although girls have it ALOT easier based on my observation on the interview day. And as much as I would hate to have to dress up everday, having worked in a hospital all these years I have to admit its look terrible and unprofessional when doctors come to work wearing a tshirt and short (yes a bunch do), so if this practice can lower those occurances, maybe its a good idea.

 

[IvyHopeful20]

1. The worst thing to wear in a hospital is a tie. It's been shown that ties are basically bacteria colonies. Many places now don't allow ties for that reason.
2. Even if you do want to mandate such a thing, mandate it whenever you have patient contact or are in a hospital- not when you're coming to class and want to study ffs.

 

[wolverinepwns]

I personally think tie are useless regardless, although I'm fascinated with collecting ties! IMO the school is has the dressing up policy more as teaching a small part of professionalism, for the same reason that police officers have to iron their clothing and wax their boots, etc..... and the school enviroment look better to me as a visitor partially due to the fact that everyone looked so nice. Now I'm sure if I end up going there next year I will complain and not like it at all the same, haha!

 

[Buckeye4life]

I don't know anything about CCOM. For LECOM, however, it is a great school for preparing you for the wards and as a resident. My core sites were done at Akron General, Aultman Hospital and South Pointe (2/3 at allopathic institutions, but was worked hard at all of them and learned medicine). I chose Ohio Regional. LECOM has you take 6 nbme shelfs for third year, which forces you to stay on top of your reading and studying. LECOM has some of the highest pass rates for boards because they will not even let you sit for them if they feel there is a good chance you will not pass them. The whole reputation thing is blown way out of proportion, imho, and let's be honest, as a DO, there ain't too much prestige at any school you go to, but an opportunity to become a physician. LECOM has a relatively low tuition rate and as current trends are going, many people are going to be forced into primary care specialties, and you aren't going to want to be paying back that extra 100K of debt just because you heard on SDN that this school is more established. LECOM has a brand new $30 million wellness center next to their hospital, which is included in tuition. Millcreek hospital has residency programs in many specialties and as of recently are showing a lot of preference for LECOM grads. The H&P program is taught by one of the best primary care clinicians I've met and is even the author of a recently released book on prepping for COMLEX PE...Dr. Mark Kaufman, DO, PA-C. As for the "rules", get used to them in school because in the professional world, it doesn't ease up. As long as you stay on top of your bookwork you have nothing to worry about. I hardly even noticed the administration except for an occasional passing in the hallways. Good luck to all.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I don't know anything about CCOM. For LECOM, however, it is a great school for preparing you for the wards and as a resident. My core sites were done at Akron General, Aultman Hospital and South Pointe (2/3 at allopathic institutions, but was worked hard at all of them and learned medicine). I chose Ohio Regional. LECOM has you take 6 nbme shelfs for third year, which forces you to stay on top of your reading and studying. LECOM has some of the highest pass rates for boards because they will not even let you sit for them if they feel there is a good chance you will not pass them. The whole reputation thing is blown way out of proportion, imho, and let's be honest, as a DO, there ain't too much prestige at any school you go to, but an opportunity to become a physician. LECOM has a relatively low tuition rate and as current trends are going, many people are going to be forced into primary care specialties, and you aren't going to want to be paying back that extra 100K of debt just because you heard on SDN that this school is more established. LECOM has a brand new $30 million wellness center next to their hospital, which is included in tuition. Millcreek hospital has residency programs in many specialties and as of recently are showing a lot of preference for LECOM grads. The H&P program is taught by one of the best primary care clinicians I've met and is even the author of a recently released book on prepping for COMLEX PE...Dr. Mark Kaufman, DO, PA-C. As for the "rules", get used to them in school because in the professional world, it doesn't ease up. As long as you stay on top of your bookwork you have nothing to worry about. I hardly even noticed the administration except for an occasional passing in the hallways. Good luck to all.

In the lecture pathway is attendance mandatory?

 

[csmittyB]

In the lecture pathway is attendance mandatory?

Yup. Now that all the pathways are off doing their thing, I don't know how they enforce the attendance. Pop quizzes?

ISP has mandatory lecture until anatomy is finished.

OPP lecture/lab attendance is mandatory for all pathways (LDP, ISP, PBL).

 

[csmittyB]

I am not applying to either so maybe I'm wrong but a friend of mine goes to Lecom and I think he said you have to wear a tie to class every day?

Is that true? That would suck - how can you relax and study all the time?

Its true. Men have to wear a dress shirt and tie even in the anatomy lab.
You get used to the whole tie thing so it isn't a big deal. Prior to coming to LECOM, I had worn a tie maybe 7 times in my life. The only time I don't like it is when it is windy outside.

Dress code ends at 5:30 on weekdays and there is no dress code on weekends. So you can relax and study then.

 

[pianoman511]

Yup. Now that all the pathways are off doing their thing, I don't know how they enforce the attendance. Pop quizzes?

ISP has mandatory lecture until anatomy is finished.

OPP lecture/lab attendance is mandatory for all pathways (LDP, ISP, PBL).

Attendance is enforced by administrative staff coming in and seeing which seats are empty (that's the reason for assigned seating). That being said, if you don't go to lecture not much happens. Some professors do have pop quizzes, but generally not that often.

 

[csmittyB]

Attendance is enforced by administrative staff coming in and seeing which seats are empty (that's the reason for assigned seating). That being said, if you don't go to lecture not much happens. Some professors do have pop quizzes, but generally not that often.

I wonder when LECOM is going to install card readers at each assigned seat so that the students have to insert their ID badge before lecture and remove it when lecture is over 🙄

 

[MightyMoose]

1. The worst thing to wear in a hospital is a tie. It's been shown that ties are basically bacteria colonies. Many places now don't allow ties for that reason.
2. Even if you do want to mandate such a thing, mandate it whenever you have patient contact or are in a hospital- not when you're coming to class and want to study ffs.

I read a similar study that showed the sleeves of white coats to harbor nasty bacteria colonies as well, so many hospitals have proposed regulations against the white coat as well, which led to backlash from some physicians.

I completely agree with your point though, how bad would that suck to have to dress up everyday to sit in a lecture hall... Not to mention expensive, because dress shirts and ties aren't cheap.

 

[engineeredout]

I wonder when LECOM is going to install card readers at each assigned seat so that the students have to insert their ID badge before lecture and remove it when lecture is over 🙄

That would require the IT department to be less incompetant then they are now. Our lecture hall projector hasn't worked correctly for weeks.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Attendance is enforced by administrative staff coming in and seeing which seats are empty (that's the reason for assigned seating). That being said, if you don't go to lecture not much happens. Some professors do have pop quizzes, but generally not that often.

Funny. During our interview they told us that if you don't show up for class they will call and track you down...

 

[MightyMoose]

I'd go to LECOM.

CCOM's tuition ($49,219) is ridiculous. LECOM's dress code and mandatory attendance is probably annoying at first, but I'd deal with it. Prestige? Give me a break. No one outside SDN cares which osteopathic school you attend. Plus, if it were me, I'd rather live in Erie than Chicagoland anyway.

I always find it funny when people on SDN talk about prestigious DO schools.

Damn! I didn't realize ccom is 50k a year! That's the most expensive DO school I have seen to date.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I always find it funny when people on SDN talk about prestigious DO schools.

Damn! I didn't realize ccom is 50k a year! That's the most expensive DO school I have seen to date.

MSU/WV OOS both trump that, by alot.

 

[MightyMoose]

How much are they?

 

[MightyMoose]

LECOM: $28,660

CCOM: $49,219

WVSOM: $48,843 (in-state), $78,843 (out-of-state)

MSUCOM:
2 semesters: $22,930 (in-state), $49,192 (out-of-state)
3 semesters: $34,395 (in-state), $73,788 (out-of-state)


(I don't know what MSUCOM means by 2 and 3 semesters)

Wow! 😱

I figured most DO schools hovered right around 40k/year, but that is crazy! WV at 73K? They better be fluffin' your pillows for that kind of money.

 

[jd1031]

Wow! 😱

I figured most DO schools hovered right around 40k/year, but that is crazy! WV at 73K? They better be fluffin' your pillows for that kind of money.

I almost jumped out of my chair when i saw 😱$78,000😱 a year for medical school ....so i checked WVSOM...its actually $19,950 IS and $49950 OOS plus living expenses lol. still expensive for OOS but not nearly as bad.

 

[MightyMoose]

I almost jumped out of my chair when i saw 😱$78,000😱 a year for medical school ....so i checked WVSOM...its actually $19,950 IS and $49950 OOS plus living expenses lol. still expensive for OOS but not nearly as bad.

Haha. I was going to say... That would have been ridiculous.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

MSUCOM is high for OOS, but I believe most OOS receive scholarships to offset the high balance which would bring it back down closer to instate tuition.

 

[bongobingo]

Hey could someone please tell me about clinical rotations for Lecom-B? Can lecom students do 2 electives in 3rd year at any hospital in the u.s. or it must be one of those affiliated hospitals? How about in 4th year? How many acting internships can they do? And if your goal is to get into an allopathic residency in nyc and your competition would be NYCOM students, would acting internship at the same nyc hospital put you on equal footing? Thanks.

And can Lecom-B students do clerkships in Pittsburgh-Mercy or Ohio or are all those clerkships reserved for Erie/Seton Hill? How about in florida, are there any hospitals that are strong/reputable in internal medicine and general surgery? Any allopathic hospitals for 3rd years?