NYMC VS. SUNY Downstate

[curiouswombat]

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I am a NY resident from Manhattan. I could see myself living in NY forever, especially somewhere more chill like Brooklyn. I am quite mission driven and hope to work with a medically underserved population. I am thinking about OB-GYN (specifically reproductive endocrinology). Also considering gen surg and peds. Both have ~200 students which I like.

SUNY Downstate

PROS
- I have lots of friends in NYC and in Brooklyn so would see them more
- Don't have to drive
- 1.5 preclinical years --> can do clinical rotations sooner to pinpoint what residency I want to pursue
- $20,000 cheaper tuition
- Exams aren't in house
- Under-resourced so you get to do and see a lot (per the doctors I've talked to)

CONS
- I hate the subway at times and how delays are out of your control
- I have heard that there
- 1hr subway ride from home

NYMC

PROS
- Campus-centered life (I life nature and loved having a campus community at college)
- They have seemed much more organized thus far
- I like the idea of being somewhere more suburban
- Can do rotations in NYC if I decide I like it here more

CONS
- I would have to drive (but only 30min from home and I do have a car already)
- Would be slightly harder for friends to visit me since none of them have cars
- 2 preclinical years
- $20,000 more expensive tuition

 

[PugsAndHugs]

SUNY Downstate grad here > 5 years ago. I have nothing but good things to about the school. I also commuted from lower Manhattan (45 min each way). You are going opposite of rush hour so generally less hectic. Also every subway ride was me doing Anki so if you’re planning to do Anki that’s how you can fill your time.

I wouldn’t worry about your friends visiting you at med school if you’re still going to live in the city? Just hang out in the city?

The bigger thing for you to consider is what is going on with the clinical rotations at SUNY downstate since the hospital allegedly closed down? When I was there, Lenox Hill was a big rotation spot which could be good for you.

Otherwise the 1.5 years preclinical was AMAZING, gave more time for clinical rotations. Also NBME exams and cheaper tuition was huge plus.

 

[curiouswombat]

SUNY Downstate grad here > 5 years ago. I have nothing but good things to about the school. I also commuted from lower Manhattan (45 min each way). You are going opposite of rush hour so generally less hectic. Also every subway ride was me doing Anki so if you’re planning to do Anki that’s how you can fill your time.

I wouldn’t worry about your friends visiting you at med school if you’re still going to live in the city? Just hang out in the city?

The bigger thing for you to consider is what is going on with the clinical rotations at SUNY downstate since the hospital allegedly closed down? When I was there, Lenox Hill was a big rotation spot which could be good for you.

Otherwise the 1.5 years preclinical was AMAZING, gave more time for clinical rotations. Also NBME exams and cheaper tuition was huge plus.

Thank you!!! I think I'd live in student housing the first two years at both! But maybe at home if closer for rotations later on. Yes, I should look into SUNY Downstate rotations. Appreciate your insight.

 

[Golden_Fox]

Hey! Which school did you choose?

 

[curiouswombat]

Hey! Which school did you choose?

Downstate! Both schools are P/F & optional lecture attendance but NYMC uses in-house exams, while Downstate doesn't. I think the schools' match lists are pretty similar, so I mostly considered lifestyle factors. Ultimately, I realized I'm a city kid and I'd be more at home in NYC. Plus, NYMC wasn't quite as beautiful as I was imagining. I also want to do an MPH which Downstate offers. Lastly, I've heard the clinical experience at Downstate is great and their mission is more in alignment with my own. I think NYMC is slightly stronger w/ more research and such, but I'm currently thinking I'll pursue ob-gyn so I think I'll get better experience at Downstate. It was a tough choice, but I just didn't think NYMC was worth the extra $$.

 

[Golden_Fox]

Downstate! Both schools are P/F & optional lecture attendance but NYMC uses in-house exams, while Downstate doesn't. I think the schools' match lists are pretty similar, so I mostly considered lifestyle factors. Ultimately, I realized I'm a city kid and I'd be more at home in NYC. Plus, NYMC wasn't quite as beautiful as I was imagining. I also want to do an MPH which Downstate offers. Lastly, I've heard the clinical experience at Downstate is great and their mission is more in alignment with my own. I think NYMC is slightly stronger w/ more research and such, but I'm currently thinking I'll pursue ob-gyn so I think I'll get better experience at Downstate. It was a tough choice, but I just didn't think NYMC was worth the extra $$.

Totally makes sense!

 

[PugsAndHugs]

Downstate! Both schools are P/F & optional lecture attendance but NYMC uses in-house exams, while Downstate doesn't. I think the schools' match lists are pretty similar, so I mostly considered lifestyle factors. Ultimately, I realized I'm a city kid and I'd be more at home in NYC. Plus, NYMC wasn't quite as beautiful as I was imagining. I also want to do an MPH which Downstate offers. Lastly, I've heard the clinical experience at Downstate is great and their mission is more in alignment with my own. I think NYMC is slightly stronger w/ more research and such, but I'm currently thinking I'll pursue ob-gyn so I think I'll get better experience at Downstate. It was a tough choice, but I just didn't think NYMC was worth the extra $$.

Old Downstate alum here, what’s the deal with the clinical rotations with downstate hospital closing?

 

[Golden_Fox]

Old Downstate alum here, what’s the deal with the clinical rotations with downstate hospital closing?

It’s not closing