New DO school opening--what factors would be most important for attracting potential students?

[DoctorDean]

So, "hypothetically" if there were a new DO school opening in a MAJOR Metropolitan city (like, the #1 big city in the US, voted as such by Conde Nast for 8y running) in the coming years, what factors would make it attractive to potential students? Obviously the newness brings questions for applicants but I'm curious to hear what would be weighed in favor of consideration of such a proposed new COM.
This "hypothetical" school has outstanding clinical training sites in other major metro areas around the country, with prominent GME programs at most/all.
How does a new school like the one above get into the discussion of potential landing spots for great students?
If/when that school were to become ready to accept applications through AACOMAS, what would be the best way to get the word out to the pre-med community? (other than this Forum, of course)

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[ecobio]

Ah, chicago, the best city in the world!

when i was choosing DO schools to apply to, all i really cared about was 1) location 2) cost 3) support with clinical rotations (apparently some schools you have to schedule them yourself?) 4) connections to the community. i didn't care as much about new-ness (applied to CHSU who have yet to graduate a class) if location and program were desirable. i probably would have added this "hypothetical" school to my list as well d/t proximity to family 🙂

in terms of how to get the word out... i've seen email blasts from my pre-med advisor about new MD schools who have reached out to him offering information about their program. perhaps seeing if you can get into contact with various pre-med advisors at different undergrads.

 

[Justcuriousstar]

So, "hypothetically" if there were a new DO school opening in a MAJOR Metropolitan city (like, the #1 big city in the US, voted as such by Conde Nast for 8y running) in the coming years, what factors would make it attractive to potential students? Obviously the newness brings questions for applicants but I'm curious to hear what would be weighed in favor of consideration of such a proposed new COM.
This "hypothetical" school has outstanding clinical training sites in other major metro areas around the country, with prominent GME programs at most/all.
How does a new school like the one above get into the discussion of potential landing spots for great students?
If/when that school were to become ready to accept applications through AACOMAS, what would be the best way to get the word out to the pre-med community? (other than this Forum, of course)

I think I know what school you are lol.

As a current student in this cycle, I don't think new DO schools are that bad but there are some that I think were badly made.
Some schools that I was impressed with was Duq com and Bapist COM.
A new school will always make me wary but I went to Duq COM interview and was impressed with what I saw.
Partly was the bread and butter based stuff of a good location, good parking, good clinical rotation sites.
I got into my state DO school for reasons such as trusted history, lower tuition and P/F.
If I can sum it up:
1) Actual Good clinical rotation i.e a direct home based hospital with residency.
2) True Pass/Fail {can maybe be rank students}.
3) (Can't comment full yet but also heard from student mandatory attendance sucks)
4) Low tuition. COL is increasing, but the salary isn't keeping up that much. A low tuition with above would make the school catch eyes a lot.

I personally think you should contact premed advisor at various undergrads and basically a meeting with undergrad at premed clubs to introduce your school. I would probably recc you to target schools in Chicago and the surrounding area. Alot of people who live in the area tend to also want to go to the school in the area (family + area love).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

The AACOM team will help you connect with the prehealth advising community, especially NAAHP. You will have your audience with SOMA, SNMA, and AMSA which all should have premed committees.

Like the other major cities, you have competing health systems so I'm not sure what relationships exist between you and the other programs that aren't already connected with Rush, NW, or UChicago. I'm sure there are plenty, but the clinical connections with potential residency programs are going to be crucial.

 

[MDMechEngr]

How does a new school like the one above get into the discussion of potential landing spots for great students?

Seek LCME accreditation instead of COCA.

 

[Goro]

So, "hypothetically" if there were a new DO school opening in a MAJOR Metropolitan city (like, the #1 big city in the US, voted as such by Conde Nast for 8y running) in the coming years, what factors would make it attractive to potential students? Obviously the newness brings questions for applicants but I'm curious to hear what would be weighed in favor of consideration of such a proposed new COM.
This "hypothetical" school has outstanding clinical training sites in other major metro areas around the country, with prominent GME programs at most/all.
How does a new school like the one above get into the discussion of potential landing spots for great students?
If/when that school were to become ready to accept applications through AACOMAS, what would be the best way to get the word out to the pre-med community? (other than this Forum, of course)

Low tuition
Have a full Student Services dept in place with learning and mental health specialists.
Adequate study space
STRONG rotation sites in place that are, at a minimum, all in state.
STRONG Clin Ed dept with adequate supervision a preceptor and expectations.
Pass/fail curriculum
No problems with teaching to Boards
Adequate time for COMLEX I prep at end of OMSII
Use of NBME shelf exams
Require all Faculty to take the NBOME item writing course
That ought to do it

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

Ah, chicago, the best city in the world!

when i was choosing DO schools to apply to, all i really cared about was 1) location 2) cost 3) support with clinical rotations (apparently some schools you have to schedule them yourself?) 4) connections to the community. i didn't care as much about new-ness (applied to CHSU who have yet to graduate a class) if location and program were desirable. i probably would have added this "hypothetical" school to my list as well d/t proximity to family 🙂

in terms of how to get the word out... i've seen email blasts from my pre-med advisor about new MD schools who have reached out to him offering information about their program. perhaps seeing if you can get into contact with various pre-med advisors at different undergrads.

One of the biggest challenges, in my experience with DOs, is that clinical rotations can be difficult as many programs do not have the established hospitals or relations to hospitals to get student in as part of a program. As such, a number of DO students have to find their own rotations. I've worked with a few to do this and it's such a pain.