OHSU vs Pitt

[Drako]

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I understand that OHSU is leaning toward primary care more than Pittsburgh. I also understand that Pittsburgh has one of the top Orthopaedic residencies in the country. OHSU has Portland, which is a very nice city. Pittsburgh, the city, is a little old, but very charming. Pitt ranks higher on the US News list than OHSU (a factor to consider, not the factor). I haven't received a financial aid package from OHSU yet. Pitt is giving me a scholarship. OHSU is closer to home, southern california. OHSU curriculum is tranditional. Pitt's is innovative; lecture + PBL.

Help me decide! Help!!!

 

[P60001]

I am not certain what you consider "traditional", but I would say OHSU's curriculum is far from traditional. You must be using the US News ranking for research, because OHSU is ranked #3 for primary care. If research is what you want, then that is probably a good ranking to use. I am not familiar with Pitt, but I feel OHSU definetly is a top all-around school. The area, curriculum, overall education, patient contact oportunities, and student happiness, in my opinion, ranks OHSU as one of best school. I might be some what biased, since I am very familiar with OHSU, but it is a very good school.

 

[none]

I'd go with OHSU, just for being closer to home.

 

[Doc13]

Correction, OHSU is ranked #2 in primary care. And they have a very innovative curriculum leaving plenty of time to pursue other things while in medical school.

 

[Femtochemistry]

Drako, I am applying to pitt and i was wondering what were your numbers like? mcat,gpa etc....thx

 

[Drako]

I know how high OHSU ranks in primary care. But primary care is not what I am interested in. For the specialty that I perceivably want to study at present, OHSU sent four of its students last year into it. I haven't seen the Pitt's matchlist for last year, so I don't know how many people went.

I love Portland and the weather up there. There is a possibility that my aging parents might retire in Oregon, outside of Portland. What I fear is that by going to OHSU, I might limit my chance of getting into a competitive residency in orthopedic surgery. At least, that is what I am worried about right now. I also realize that I might like some other specialty once I have been exposed to them all.

Pitt, on the other hand, has one of the top ortho residency in the country. By going to Pitt, my chance might be better. Who knows.

When I interviewed, I was impressed by both school. The students at both school were very happy. The schools were also equally impressive and the clinical exposure possibilities are endless at both places. I am sure that by going to either, I will receive an excellent education. What seems to make it so hard to decide is what might happen in the future, given what I want to do at the present.

Anymore thought from you all?

Tks!

p.s. Femto: I sent you a PM regarding my stats

 

[Dr. Kermit]

Drako-

My boss told me that Pitt's matchlist this year was quite impressive. (i.e. Harvard, Mass Gen, Duke, etc.) It's possible that I could get a copy of it for you. I'll let you know later this week.

-DK

 

[SMW]

Congrats, Drako, on having such a nice dilemma!! 🙂 I'm envious, didn't get into OHSU 🙁 so I have no such dilemma. I would have seriously considered OHSU over Columbia. But then, my interest is in primary care, and I have lots of family in Oregon. Med school is only 4 years, so I wouldn't be swayed too much by where your parents might retire. Btw, how was your summer trip? You must have lots of great photos!! Are you going to post them somewhere for us to see? 🙂

 

[irongirl]

I'm biased... as I'll be going to OHSU, but I would have to say that it sounds like OHSU would be a good choice for you, too. Given your situation, it sounds like being in Oregon would be really nice, and I think you should go where you'll be happiest. I don't believe OHSU will limit your ability to get a competitive orthopedic residency at all. In fact, if you'd like a residency at Pitt, you'll be more likely to get one if you don't go there for med school. The residency programs tend to accept very few of their own students, they like to mix it up. I personally know an orthopedic surgeon who went to OHSU for med school and got into one of the best residency programs in the country (can't remember which one... sorry... not the specialty that I think I'll be going in to). OHSU is a great school, and won't limit your future opportunities, your performance in med school will be the deciding factor. Also, don't forget that at OHSU you only have to take one class at a time and have your afternoons free. I think that's a pretty big deal. Anyways, I hope my humble opinions might have helped in some way 🙂

 

[Drako]

Dr. Kermit, thanks a lot for helping me out with the matchlist. I very much want to see it!

SMW, my trip hasn't happened yet. I am going in the month of June and taking 70 rolls of film with me along with two camera and a few lenses. When I get back, I will scan a majority of them and put them on the web for you guys to see. It has been a few years since I make a website, but I am going to have my own domain and website just for the fun of it. Also, thanks for your kind comment. Indeed I have a rather nice dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless.

I agree with what irongirl said and believe that regardless of which medical school one attends, to a certain extent of course, one could get into a competitive residency program if one is dedicated. I am a firm believer in finding your own path and walking it.

Where my parents might retire seems to be a big deal for me is because they are older than the average parents who have children of my age. On top of that, my father is disable. I am their only child and without me, they have no other help if things go wrong or if there are things that need to be taken care of by someone with a bit of strength. If I have siblings, then where I am would not be a concern.