NYCOM or LECOM-ERIE????

[beastiemaa]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys. I know this has already been discussed, but I thought people might have different views of these two schools now, where they send students, etc. I will list the pros and cons that I have thought of, and would appreciate any feedback.

NYCOM
Pros
1. Well-established DO school (opened in 1970’s). Also well established in NJ, NYC, areas I intend to apply for residency and practice.

2. University affiliated (NYIT). This means more research than the average DO school.

3. Rotations are locked in NYC areas. However, I have heard a few different things. Please clarify if I am wrong.

4. Close to home. I live in NJ.

5. Seems to have put out pretty good match list for the last five years, although last year’s was a little strange. Only 3-4 anesthesiology?

6. I went to NYU, so a lot of my friends still live in the city/LI. However I doubt I will have the time to see them.
Cons
1. Expensive as hell, although money is really not a concern. Sorry if that sounds bad.

2. There seem to be a lot of students per class. Approx 300 I think? I am not sure if this means attrition, failing, etc.

3. Some say that the first time passing rate is pretty low. However, I have not seen evidence of this.

LECOM
Pros
1. Well-established in Western Penn., ohio and chic. I am not sure about nyv, nj however.

2. Cheapest medical school in the country as well as housing.

3. First time pass rate for boards is 94 %. Pretty good.

4. The school only has lists out but there were 9 ortho matches last year and 14 gen. surgeries. That’s pretty damn impressive, considering surgery is my primary interest.

5. I am in the Lecture Discussion and waitlisted in PBL, but I hear PBL prepares students very well for the boards.

6. The town is small and the med school plays a huge part of it. There is also a really nice wellness center, with a huge gym, sauna, pool, and indoor track. I have not seen anything like that in any DO school, although this does not play a huge part in the education.

Cons
1. The lack of freedom in the school→ dress code, no drinks, etc.

2. Not that established amongst residencies in NYC, NJ.

3. Still fairly new for a DO school. Opened in 1992 vs 1977 for NYCOM.

4. Most students end up in mid-west for rotation/residency. I am pretty sure I do not want to be there.

5. During the interview they did not emphasize research at all. Even though most osteopathic schools don’t, I felt NYCOM pursued research in a better fashion.

So that’s what I thought of. Please let me know what you think would be the better choice. Thanks.

 

[engineeredout]

I had to decide between NYCOM and LECOM too, ended up with LECOM.

Biggest factor: PRICE!!! Did you notice NYCOM's tuition is going up even futher over the next four years? Up to 50K. LECOM is 28K, not to mention living on long island is HELLA expensive, while I'm looking at 1br apartments in Erie for like 450/month. You won't get a cardboard box for that price on long island.

Have you checked out the LECOM research collective? http://research.lecom.edu/ LECOM is certainly into research.



I did like NYCOM a lot and I'm sure it would be a great education, and yeah the dress code sucks at LECOM, but price is a major factor, as you said LECOM has a great match list, and personally after growing up on LI and going to college here, I want to get off for a while.


Those are my reasons, nobody can tell you what the better choice for you is.

 

[beastiemaa]

Hey engineer. Thanks or the response. I did not mean to say that LECOM did not have any research, but I felt that NYCOM had more options and more faculty on research.

Like I said before. Money is not too much of an issue. If this is case, with all the other points I stated, and new york being a better fit, what do you think about the decision of choosing NYCOM. Also, are you doing PBL, LDP or ISP?

 

[engineeredout]

LDP, and like I said, nobody can tell you what is better for you. if money is no option, and you prefer NY, it sounds like you'd rather be at NYCOM. You'll get a good education at both so just go where you'll feel more comfortable. Go on a visit to both schools if you're still unsure

 

[Semicolon]

Hey guys. I know this has already been discussed, but I thought people might have different views of these two schools now, where they send students, etc. I will list the pros and cons that I have thought of, and would appreciate any feedback.

NYCOM
Pros
1. Well-established DO school (opened in 1970's). Also well established in NJ, NYC, areas I intend to apply for residency and practice.

2. University affiliated (NYIT). This means more research than the average DO school.

3. Rotations are locked in NYC areas. However, I have heard a few different things. Please clarify if I am wrong.

4. Close to home. I live in NJ.

5. Seems to have put out pretty good match list for the last five years, although last year's was a little strange. Only 3-4 anesthesiology?

6. I went to NYU, so a lot of my friends still live in the city/LI. However I doubt I will have the time to see them.
Cons
1. Expensive as hell, although money is really not a concern. Sorry if that sounds bad.

2. There seem to be a lot of students per class. Approx 300 I think? I am not sure if this means attrition, failing, etc.

3. Some say that the first time passing rate is pretty low. However, I have not seen evidence of this.

LECOM
Pros
1. Well-established in Western Penn., ohio and chic. I am not sure about nyv, nj however.

2. Cheapest medical school in the country as well as housing.

3. First time pass rate for boards is 94 %. Pretty good.

4. The school only has lists out but there were 9 ortho matches last year and 14 gen. surgeries. That's pretty damn impressive, considering surgery is my primary interest.

5. I am in the Lecture Discussion and waitlisted in PBL, but I hear PBL prepares students very well for the boards.

6. The town is small and the med school plays a huge part of it. There is also a really nice wellness center, with a huge gym, sauna, pool, and indoor track. I have not seen anything like that in any DO school, although this does not play a huge part in the education.

Cons
1. The lack of freedom in the school→ dress code, no drinks, etc.

2. Not that established amongst residencies in NYC, NJ.

3. Still fairly new for a DO school. Opened in 1992 vs 1977 for NYCOM.

4. Most students end up in mid-west for rotation/residency. I am pretty sure I do not want to be there.

5. During the interview they did not emphasize research at all. Even though most osteopathic schools don't, I felt NYCOM pursued research in a better fashion.

So that's what I thought of. Please let me know what you think would be the better choice. Thanks.

I can tell you that those two are DEFINITELY not true. I have no idea where you heard that info.

I agree with engineeredout; no one can really tell you which is better other than yourself. It sounds like you're leaning towards NYCOM, which is what I picked (I also got accepted to LECOM). I chose it for the location and the fact that it's well-established within the NYC community, which is where I want to stay and practice.

 

[Kal222]

Hey guys. I know this has already been discussed, but I thought people might have different views of these two schools now, where they send students, etc. I will list the pros and cons that I have thought of, and would appreciate any feedback.

NYCOM
Pros
1. Well-established DO school (opened in 1970’s). Also well established in NJ, NYC, areas I intend to apply for residency and practice.

2. University affiliated (NYIT). This means more research than the average DO school.

3. Rotations are locked in NYC areas. However, I have heard a few different things. Please clarify if I am wrong.

4. Close to home. I live in NJ.

5. Seems to have put out pretty good match list for the last five years, although last year’s was a little strange. Only 3-4 anesthesiology?

6. I went to NYU, so a lot of my friends still live in the city/LI. However I doubt I will have the time to see them.
Cons
1. Expensive as hell, although money is really not a concern. Sorry if that sounds bad.

2. There seem to be a lot of students per class. Approx 300 I think? I am not sure if this means attrition, failing, etc.

3. Some say that the first time passing rate is pretty low. However, I have not seen evidence of this.

LECOM
Pros
1. Well-established in Western Penn., ohio and chic. I am not sure about nyv, nj however.

2. Cheapest medical school in the country as well as housing.

3. First time pass rate for boards is 94 %. Pretty good.

4. The school only has lists out but there were 9 ortho matches last year and 14 gen. surgeries. That’s pretty damn impressive, considering surgery is my primary interest.

5. I am in the Lecture Discussion and waitlisted in PBL, but I hear PBL prepares students very well for the boards.

6. The town is small and the med school plays a huge part of it. There is also a really nice wellness center, with a huge gym, sauna, pool, and indoor track. I have not seen anything like that in any DO school, although this does not play a huge part in the education.

Cons
1. The lack of freedom in the school→ dress code, no drinks, etc.

2. Not that established amongst residencies in NYC, NJ.

3. Still fairly new for a DO school. Opened in 1992 vs 1977 for NYCOM.

4. Most students end up in mid-west for rotation/residency. I am pretty sure I do not want to be there.

5. During the interview they did not emphasize research at all. Even though most osteopathic schools don’t, I felt NYCOM pursued research in a better fashion.

So that’s what I thought of. Please let me know what you think would be the better choice. Thanks.

It seems as though you wish to stay in the NYC, NJ area for your residency and there after. If that is the case and is important to you, I'd choose NYCOM

 

[stonewall22]

Hey guys. I know this has already been discussed, but I thought people might have different views of these two schools now, where they send students, etc. I will list the pros and cons that I have thought of, and would appreciate any feedback.

NYCOM
Pros
1. Well-established DO school (opened in 1970’s). Also well established in NJ, NYC, areas I intend to apply for residency and practice.

2. University affiliated (NYIT). This means more research than the average DO school.

3. Rotations are locked in NYC areas. However, I have heard a few different things. Please clarify if I am wrong.

4. Close to home. I live in NJ.

5. Seems to have put out pretty good match list for the last five years, although last year’s was a little strange. Only 3-4 anesthesiology?

6. I went to NYU, so a lot of my friends still live in the city/LI. However I doubt I will have the time to see them.
Cons
1. Expensive as hell, although money is really not a concern. Sorry if that sounds bad.

2. There seem to be a lot of students per class. Approx 300 I think? I am not sure if this means attrition, failing, etc.

3. Some say that the first time passing rate is pretty low. However, I have not seen evidence of this.

LECOM
Pros
1. Well-established in Western Penn., ohio and chic. I am not sure about nyv, nj however.

2. Cheapest medical school in the country as well as housing.

3. First time pass rate for boards is 94 %. Pretty good.

4. The school only has lists out but there were 9 ortho matches last year and 14 gen. surgeries. That’s pretty damn impressive, considering surgery is my primary interest.

5. I am in the Lecture Discussion and waitlisted in PBL, but I hear PBL prepares students very well for the boards.

6. The town is small and the med school plays a huge part of it. There is also a really nice wellness center, with a huge gym, sauna, pool, and indoor track. I have not seen anything like that in any DO school, although this does not play a huge part in the education.

Cons
1. The lack of freedom in the school→ dress code, no drinks, etc.

2. Not that established amongst residencies in NYC, NJ.

3. Still fairly new for a DO school. Opened in 1992 vs 1977 for NYCOM.

4. Most students end up in mid-west for rotation/residency. I am pretty sure I do not want to be there.

5. During the interview they did not emphasize research at all. Even though most osteopathic schools don’t, I felt NYCOM pursued research in a better fashion.

So that’s what I thought of. Please let me know what you think would be the better choice. Thanks.

For me, LECOM, for you...NO ONE else can say. You can go any where you want for residency. Going to LECOM doesn't lock you into Michigan/Ohio/Pennsylvania, although anyone going to a DO school and thinking of an AOA residency will probably have to consider these three states.

 

[skatertudoroga]

Hey if you had to compare the M3/M4 experience at these schools, could you make a similar list? Where exactly in NYC can NYCOM students rotate and which of those sites are considered good and which ones suck? Same for LECOM and its associated hospitals? Also for Lecom-Bradenton. I would like to do at least some of the clerkships at "teaching hospitals" where attendings teach residents+students.

And whats that about ortho? Is it 9orthos every year at lecom-erie? How was it at Bradenton? Either way I dont think that 9/300 puts you at great odds. I would forget about ortho because it's too competitive.

Also about NYC: look up resident lists at prestigious hospitals like columbia, mt sinai, nyu. Even if you do a non-competitive specialty like IM there is virtually no chance to match at those sites. Just because 1 person from 1 DO school matches 1 year doesnt mean you should count on it. And if you cant match at prestigious hospitals I don't see any appeal about NYC. But DO's don't have much of a chance to match at a major teaching hospital in a midwestern city like minneapolis or madison either.

 

[skatertudoroga]

For me, LECOM, for you...NO ONE else can say. You can go any where you want for residency. Going to LECOM doesn't lock you into Michigan/Ohio/Pennsylvania, although anyone going to a DO school and thinking of an AOA residency will probably have to consider these three states.

There are 0 DO's at U Michigan IM and 0 at UPenn. 1 at Upitt from MSU.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Hey if you had to compare the M3/M4 experience at these schools, could you make a similar list? Where exactly in NYC can NYCOM students rotate and which of those sites are considered good and which ones suck? Same for LECOM and its associated hospitals? Also for Lecom-Bradenton. I would like to do at least some of the clerkships at "teaching hospitals" where attendings teach residents+students.

And whats that about ortho? Is it 9orthos every year at lecom-erie? How was it at Bradenton? Either way I dont think that 9/300 puts you at great odds. I would forget about ortho because it's too competitive.

Also about NYC: look up resident lists at prestigious hospitals like columbia, mt sinai, nyu. Even if you do a non-competitive specialty like IM there is virtually no chance to match at those sites. Just because 1 person from 1 DO school matches 1 year doesnt mean you should count on it. And if you cant match at prestigious hospitals I don't see any appeal about NYC. But DO's don't have much of a chance to match at a major teaching hospital in a midwestern city like minneapolis or madison either.

There are 0 DO's at U Michigan IM and 0 at UPenn. 1 at Upitt from MSU.

This would be true if every DO student mindset was like yours.

 

[StayOnTop]

Hey if you had to compare the M3/M4 experience at these schools, could you make a similar list? Where exactly in NYC can NYCOM students rotate and which of those sites are considered good and which ones suck? Same for LECOM and its associated hospitals? Also for Lecom-Bradenton. I would like to do at least some of the clerkships at "teaching hospitals" where attendings teach residents+students.

And whats that about ortho? Is it 9orthos every year at lecom-erie? How was it at Bradenton? Either way I dont think that 9/300 puts you at great odds. I would forget about ortho because it's too competitive.

Also about NYC: look up resident lists at prestigious hospitals like columbia, mt sinai, nyu. Even if you do a non-competitive specialty like IM there is virtually no chance to match at those sites. Just because 1 person from 1 DO school matches 1 year doesnt mean you should count on it. And if you cant match at prestigious hospitals I don't see any appeal about NYC. But DO's don't have much of a chance to match at a major teaching hospital in a midwestern city like minneapolis or madison either.

Not everyone is looking to get into the most competitive of residency programs. Location would be much more important to me, for instance.

 

[jslo85]

Pros
1. Well-established in Western Penn., ohio and chic. I am not sure about nyv, nj however.

This is true and not true. Alot of the core rotations are in west pennsylvania and ohio but there are also a few in NY and Buffalo (Niagra Falls Center is one that comes immediately to mind). There perhaps is more emphasis to stay in Western Pennsylvania though due to students preferring to rotate through larger medical centers like UPMC Mercy and West Penn Hospital.

2. Cheapest medical school in the country as well as housing.

Second cheapest private medical school in the nation. Housing is pretty cheap as well, I pay 375 for my share of a 2BR in downtown Erie in a pretty decent apartment.

3. First time pass rate for boards is 94 %. Pretty good.

I actually heard the pass rate was higher for the COMLEX but my information is probably outdated.

5. I am in the Lecture Discussion and waitlisted in PBL, but I hear PBL prepares students very well for the boards.

It's more about the time management, PBL's emphasis on learning from textbooks and cross referencing, and their clinical approach to case studies from the start. It sets you in the mindset to approach board like questions that you would normally find in a BRS book rather than the questions that are asked in other pathways. Again, my own opinion only.

6. The town is small and the med school plays a huge part of it. There is also a really nice wellness center, with a huge gym, sauna, pool, and indoor track. I have not seen anything like that in any DO school, although this does not play a huge part in the education.

Yeah I hear you. It's a blue collar rugged town but even though I say that, I admit there are many nice areas and it has virtually every single store you can imagine (Wegmans, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Lowes, Great Eagle, Tops, etc.) After seeing some of the other osteopathic school locations, Erie is actually pretty decent. Yet again, my own opinion.

Cons
1. The lack of freedom in the school→ dress code, no drinks, etc.

It's really not that bad. I am probably biased, but you quickly get used to it. You can eat and drink in the cafeteria (the food isn't so great) and the formal wear becomes almost second nature as well as badging in and out.

3. Still fairly new for a DO school. Opened in 1992 vs 1977 for NYCOM.

Yup. But it's reputation has shot up quite a bit with their high pass rates and with the very successful formation of Bradenton off the bat. Maybe its just me, but I'm very impressed that they were able to roll out a branch campus that is able to boast a 100% pass rate that quickly.

4. Most students end up in mid-west for rotation/residency. I am pretty sure I do not want to be there.

I personally think it's because a large portion of the students here come from Ohio and surrounding areas. (shrug) The midwest and the east coast have a far higher number of DOs than the west coast so many osteopathic students may find it more worthwhile to seek established residencies in areas with more osteopathic physicians. Just tossing this out as it is my own thoughts, but look at where many of the top medical centers are located: Cleveland Clinic, UPMC, JHU, etc. I mean you can always counter with UCLA and UCSF but I know from personal experience that OHSU in Portland is not very DO friendly with only one DO in their EM program currently (I think he's from UMDNJ).

5. During the interview they did not emphasize research at all. Even though most osteopathic schools don’t, I felt NYCOM pursued research in a better fashion.

I think that's common with alot of osteopathic schools in general with a lack of research. You are right, having an undergrad institution really does help out alot by allowing the faculty to have the equipment and resources to fund their research. I mean look at TCOM and MSU-COM. But I believe Dr. Dudas did show a chart showing LECOM as #4 for all osteopathic schools for impact factor for last year. Goes to show something I guess.


So again, to really beat this thing to death, there is no "wrong" choice. If practicality falls 50/50 for you between both schools, try to figure out which has that "click" with you when you interviewed there. I doubt you can go wrong with that choice.

 

[NYEMMED]

I made the same choice a few years ago between LECOM and NYCOM... Both are good schools. But NYCOM just appealed more to me. NYCOM has a lot of research. (More projects than students, so take your pick) NYCOM is affiliated with over 40 hospitals throughout the NY, NYC, LI, NJ, CT area, and the majority of them are level 1 trauma facilities, and teaching hospitals. NYCOM has about an 85% specialization rate for each graduating year, and has placed many students into good residencies like Johns Hopkins- Bayville, cleveland clinic, etc... NYCOM also has a well established reputation, instead of working up a reputation etc, its already there. NYCOM has a very high pass rate and more than that, NYCOM students have much higher scores than many other schools, and the NYCOM average for boards are much higher than the national average. Dont just look at passing, look at how high were the overall scores. NYCOM believes it matters more to score well, than to pass. I really Liked LECOM as well when I visited the school. The school was great etc, no complaints about the school. I worked at a few hospitals however in the NY/NJ area, (where I would also like a residency) and when I asked the attendings about LECOM they said whats that? But when I mentioned NYCOM the attendings almost unanimously said NYCOM Great School, Great Students. NYCOMs tuition though is steep compared to LECOM, but I rent out a 3 br apartment 10 mins away from the school, and my share is $600, living isnt that expensive.

In the end it has to be your choice, I remember racking my brains out deciding for a week.

Reasons I chose NYCOM:
Location
Rotations- Very well established throughout more than 40 hospitals, Just take your pick.
Specialization rates-
Residency matches
Reputation (Nationwide and Established)

 

[Biology101]

both are good schools

lecom erie at all the students have to dress up.....the place seemed to have no character to me....though they could see Canada from the window....

 

[equilibrio]

Thank you guys for this discussion. It's very informative!