MSU CHM vs NEOMED

[OHMed22]

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Hi all,


I’m currently deciding between MSU CHM (Grand Rapids M1/2) and NEOMED and would appreciate input, especially from current students or those familiar with either program.

Context:

• Non-traditional Ohio resident with childcare needs for 1 child
• Husband is also in healthcare with a fairly straightforward job market, will need to relocate for either school from Cleveland)
• Full COA at both schools at this point MSU (~$310K), NEOMED (~$225K)
• Interested in a surgical subspecialty, with interest in Cleveland/NE Ohio long-term

MSU CHM
Pros:

• P/F, self-guided preclinical grading
• Strong systems-based curriculum
• Good research opportunities in GR and flexibility for away rotations later
• Established reputation with wide clinical exposure across sites
• Home residency spots in surgical fields

Cons:

• Significant distance from family/support system (~4.5 hours from extended family)
• Full relocation to Grand Rapids for preclinical years
• Less direct access to NE Ohio/Cleveland early in training/possible regional match

NEOMED
Pros:

• Proximity to family/support system (~40-45 min away from extended family)
• Better alignment with staying within the Cleveland/NE Ohio training ecosystem

Cons:

• More rigid curriculum structure with mandatory lectures/small groups and flipped classroom format
• Smaller institutional footprint compared to larger multi-campus programs
• Not sure about research connections for a tentative subspecialty plan?

Summary:
Would really appreciate any insight on:

• Surgical residency match outcomes/mentorship at either program
• Research opportunities and access for competitive surgical subspecialties
• Comments from current students/alum on student support and curriculum
• Whether campus structure meaningfully impacts residency placement in surgery

Thanks in advance—having a difficult time balancing curriculum preference, structure, and geography/support system proximity.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Uprooting family is a significant challenge. How much would it cost you to move, get your partner a job, and finding someone to care for your child?

 

[OHMed22]

Uprooting family is a significant challenge. How much would it cost you to move, get your partner a job, and finding someone to care for your child?

Thank you for your response! I know your question was somewhat rhetorical, but there will be costs associated with either move, with NEOMED being more geographically adjacent to where we are now and likely requiring less disruption if that's what you're inferring. Childcare costs would remain essentially the same regardless of location, since that’s already a baseline expense for us. The job market for my partner is also fairly flexible, so we don’t anticipate major barriers to reemployment in either scenario. In terms of direct relocation expenses, we estimate moving costs to be in the range of about $4,000–$7,000, depending on logistics and timing, which we have accounted for. I was considering more school-specific factors as far as advice on whether there would be a stark difference in the outcomes of selecting one vs the other for matriculation.