I am very fortunate to have the "problem" of deciding between multiple medicals schools. I have narrowed down my choices to these two schools but I am still feeling very torn. I am a Louisiana resident, although I am originally from the west coast area. I have spent a lot of time in both cities and know I would be happy at either place. I also have good support systems in both cities. I see myself living in the west coast-ish area later on in my life. I am unsure of which specialty I want to go into but have thought most seriously about emergency medicine, OB/GYN and Urology. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
OHSU
Pros:
Pros:
Summary: I have spent the last few months going back and forth. I initially was leaning towards OHSU but now I am pretty much equally split. I know cost isn't everything, but the difference would be about $120,000 before interest. I feel like both schools will provide me with a great education, so is the extra money worth it? I was also very impressed with LSU when I attended my interview. The students seem very close and it seems like they spend a lot of time together both inside and outside of class. Ultimately, I know I can't go wrong and I am very lucky to have this problem. Thanks for the help!
OHSU
Pros:
- Very supportive/creative learning environment
- P/F for preclinical years
- Approx. six months less time spent in the classroom
- More research opportunities
- Good matches in regions I want to ultimately end up in/great reputation
- Easy access to the outdoors!
- VERY expensive OOS tuition ($64,000)
- Accelerated curriculum which means you take step one six months earlier
- NO summer breaks, very long days
- Worried about how oversaturated Portland is because of the amount of healthcare students
Pros:
- Tuition would be roughly $30,000 less/year
- New hospital is beautiful
- Amazing clinical exposure/greater diversity
- Students here seem genuinely happy/
- Step scores above the national average
- Not P/F (although it is H/HP/P/F)
- More traditional school (seems OHSU has a more innovative approach to education)
- Not as nationally recognized, many students stay in LA for residency
Summary: I have spent the last few months going back and forth. I initially was leaning towards OHSU but now I am pretty much equally split. I know cost isn't everything, but the difference would be about $120,000 before interest. I feel like both schools will provide me with a great education, so is the extra money worth it? I was also very impressed with LSU when I attended my interview. The students seem very close and it seems like they spend a lot of time together both inside and outside of class. Ultimately, I know I can't go wrong and I am very lucky to have this problem. Thanks for the help!
