MSUCOM vs UToledo

[MistaN]

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Hi, I'm very fortunate to have two medical school acceptances. I am a Michigan resident, also hoping to eventually do residency in Michigan.
For anyone at MSUCOM or UToledo, how is your experience at each school?

MSUCOM I've heard has a lot of connections within the state of Michigan and will be increasing in research opportunities after it's merging w/ MSUCHM.
Downside is potentially taking both COMPLEX and STEP and potential DO bias when applying for residency.

UToledo from what I've heard has a decent amount of research and matches into some competitive specialties. Although it's a tier 3 school and historically matches around 16% in Michigan.

Currently I'm unsure of what specialty I want to pursue. If cost and location aren't an issue, what would you advise?

 

[TwoDogMed]

Take MSU COM as you get to train to treat the whole person that emphasizes mind, body and spirit. You also get OMM and the MDs don't.
Just keep this in mind.
Tier1 vs. Tier2:
• Tier 1 (MD/LCME): Produces the researchers, specialists, and academic leaders from
"brand name" institutions.
• Tier 2 (DO/COCA): High-volume "workforce engine" that supplies primary
care and community doctors to areas the Tier 1 graduates often avoid.

 

[cytomegalovirus123]

Probably Utoledo if cost is similar. Utoledo is right next to michigan and if you want to match back home in michigan you will.

 

[HenryJolly]

Do the MD.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

There is a move underway where MSUCHM and MSUCOM will merge. I don't know if you want to be in the crossfire of that transition.

 

[cytomegalovirus123]

There is a move underway where MSUCHM and MSUCOM will merge. I don't know if you want to be in the crossfire of that transition.

Its not a true merger. The DO school, MD school, PA school, and other allied health professional pathways will be under one MSU college of medicine. They will all still keep their respective identities. The only things shared will be the name, some shared faculty, and clinical and research opportunities. Besides that the schools are different in every way especially the curriculum.

 

[cytomegalovirus123]

Its not a true merger. The DO school, MD school, PA school, and other allied health professional pathways will be under one MSU college of medicine. They will all still keep their respective identities. The only things shared will be the name, some shared faculty, and clinical and research opportunities. Besides that the schools are different in every way especially the curriculum.

With that being said though still choose the MD.

 

[MistaN]

Thanks for the insight, do you guys mind going more in depth about why MD would be better here? MSUCOM specifically has a lot of connections in the state of Michigan and will have more research opportunities after the merger. Toledo is a smaller program with less reach, but does match into competitive specialties.

 

[cytomegalovirus123]

Thanks for the insight, do you guys mind going more in depth about why MD would be better here? MSUCOM specifically has a lot of connections in the state of Michigan and will have more research opportunities after the merger. Toledo is a smaller program with less reach, but does match into competitive specialties.

The research opportunities will not change with a merger with the MD. It will take many years for the "merger" to come into effect. Regardless, CHM students will have priority with their programs and clinical sites, and COM students will take priority at their own sites. Toledo is a smaller program, but it is an MD school, and it is close to michigan. If you want to jump through some hoops and go DO and take double the board exams, that is okay too. COM is an excellent school that matches well. Most of us will say go to the MD just because it would simply be easier. But if your dreams are to stay in michigan surely you wont go wrong with COM. The only thing to note is that you would have a better time with the historically "DO" residency programs, and it may still be harder to enter the more MD-heavy programs within the state. Overall, cannot go wrong with either choice.