OSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[Phlame217]

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Weird thing today, maybe some one can enlighten me...

OSU offers the option where a D.O. can either write a LOR or fill our their Questionaire. The doc I had do mine stated he was rather busy (4th year resident) and would prefer the questionaire. Well he emailed me today and said OSU contacted him and wanted a formal LOR in place of the questionaire.

odd?

 

[Phlame217]

Well emailed the admissions staff this morning and got a response at around 4ish. I was told OSU will no longer be allowing the evaluation form and will only take LOR's. Kinda odd that change it this far in, but oh well. I just hope my Doc can have a quick turn around time.

 

[just one]

Well emailed the admissions staff this morning and got a response at around 4ish. I was told OSU will no longer be allowing the evaluation form and will only take LOR's. Kinda odd that change it this far in, but oh well. I just hope my Doc can have a quick turn around time.

So are you still complete? Since you already received the complete email, hopefully they will still consider you for the first round. I was told today that interviews are Oct 21,22,23 Nov 11,12,13,18,19,20 Dec 2,3. Don't know about the interviews after.

 

[just one]

Weird thing today, maybe some one can enlighten me...

OSU offers the option where a D.O. can either write a LOR or fill our their Questionaire. The doc I had do mine stated he was rather busy (4th year resident) and would prefer the questionaire. Well he emailed me today and said OSU contacted him and wanted a formal LOR in place of the questionaire.

odd?

I have never heard of that option. It is not posted on their website (that I can see) and I have attended Med-X three times and have not heard it mentioned. How did you find out about it?

 

[EdLongshanks]

You all probably already know this, but I understand that once you interview you'll know a status - Accepted, non-accepted, or wait-listed within a couple of weeks.

Most of the OSU students come from the wait-list, but for you outstanding students (over 27 MCAT, 3.6 GPA) you should get a feel for which way it is going pretty quickly.

 

[WhatsNext]

Well emailed the admissions staff this morning and got a response at around 4ish. I was told OSU will no longer be allowing the evaluation form and will only take LOR's. Kinda odd that change it this far in, but oh well. I just hope my Doc can have a quick turn around time.

Stand over his shoulder while he writes it 😉. Just kidding. Seriously though, I hope you get your letter in soon.

 

[WhatsNext]

...Most of the OSU students come from the wait-list...

Did a representative from the school tell you this?

 

[Phlame217]

I have never heard of that option. It is not posted on their website (that I can see) and I have attended Med-X three times and have not heard it mentioned. How did you find out about it?

it was listed here http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/student/admissions/application_components.cfm
but I guess the website got changed too. Not a big deal but not sure about my application or anything else. Pisses me off though they waited until now... been "complete" since end of July.

 

[0350408]

Ya I hadn't heard about the change, but I"m not surprised. Those evals don't give a very good "feel" for that person. Or atleast not as good as a well written LOR. I'm sure they won't keep you held up to much Phlame. They do a pretty good job of monitoring this thread and will have an idea of how committed you have been over the past few years.

Ed - "Most of the OSU students come from the wait-list" I would say this is incorrect, but it depends on your idea of "most". 30 to 40% would probably be a more realistic number, but also a number that changes yearly. I do know that this past cycle there were alot fewer pulled up from the waitlist than in previous years. All that means is that more people chose to take the seat here at OSU that they were offered. Hope that helps clear up some confusion.

 

[Phlame217]

I understand the "feel" difference, but I got to be good friends with a resident and asked his preference and he said due to his shifts and all, he felt better off doing the form [at the time] rather than the a letter since he didn't have a fair amount of time to write and edit it. Catch 22 in my opinion.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Did a representative from the school tell you this?

Yes. Lindsay told me that. As you already know, she is the main contact person on the "future students" link. . But I didn't ask her to repeat it and verify what I believe I heard.

A typical student admitted without being wait-listed would be over 27 on the MCAT and over 3.6 and, of course, have a good interview. People below these numbers have a good chance of being admitted later after being on the wait-list.

Their average MCAT score of the students is 27. I would imagine that there are a several over 29 scores and very few under 25 scores, so that would put the number of people below 27 as more numerous than those above, so the numbers add up with what I thought I heard her say. It would say that most students get on in the wait-list.

 

[0350408]

Typically most schools that have a "rolling" admissions cycle do this: They interview, take the results of the group, then put most on the waitlist until the followng interview group to compare both groups. Following that comparison people are offered a seat. I was in the first interview group on my cycle and we were all "waitlisted" for about a week or so. What I typically call the waitlist is when the class is full and people are then actually "waiting" for a seat to open up. I mispoke earlier.

 

[WhatsNext]

What I typically call the waitlist is when the class is full and people are then actually "waiting" for a seat to open up.

That's what I've always thought a waitlist was. Thanks for your clarification on the rolling admissions process.

 

[just one]

Since we are all in the waiting part of the cycle, thought I'd ask the current medical students at OSU-COM that monitor this thread a question. What is the feature that you like most about OSU-COM? Simple answer will due such as certain professor or certain part of the facility (please be somewhat specific). Thank you.

 

[futrdoc1584]

Since we are all in the waiting part of the cycle, thought I'd ask the current medical students at OSU-COM that monitor this thread a question. What is the feature that you like most about OSU-COM? Simple answer will due such as certain professor or certain part of the facility (please be somewhat specific). Thank you.

I think my fav. feature is how everyone is truly interested in your success. I think this is the only place I have been where your fellow classmates, upper-classmen, faculty and staff have all wanted you to do awesome. There is no "cut-throat" competitive attitude. That makes things much easier (if thats possible) on me as a student, in my opinion. SuperPong ranks pretty high up on the "favorites" list as well though!

Hope this helps (or at least is in the general direction of what you were looking for.)

 

[just one]

I think my fav. feature is how everyone is truly interested in your success. I think this is the only place I have been where your fellow classmates, upper-classmen, faculty and staff have all wanted you to do awesome. There is no "cut-throat" competitive attitude. That makes things much easier (if thats possible) on me as a student, in my opinion. SuperPong ranks pretty high up on the "favorites" list as well though!

Hope this helps (or at least is in the general direction of what you were looking for.)

Exactly what I was looking for. Just trying to make a decision of which school to attend should I be fortunate to have multiple acceptances. That is the same feeling I have gotten from the school when attending MED-X , definitely a plus for the school. However, I am TERRIBLE at ping pong, so I can only imagine what it would be like to play SuperPong. But I am extremely competitive in sports/competitions so I can imagine that instead of studying I would spend all my energy improving my SuperPong game, only to eventually flunk out of school. Definitely a minus!

 

[mimi2kul]

Exactly what I was looking for. Just trying to make a decision of which school to attend should I be fortunate to have multiple acceptances. That is the same feeling I have gotten from the school when attending MED-X , definitely a plus for the school. However, I am TERRIBLE at ping pong, so I can only imagine what it would be like to play SuperPong. But I am extremely competitive in sports/competitions so I can imagine that instead of studying I would spend all my energy improving my SuperPong game, only to eventually flunk out of school. Definitely a minus!

i will also be applying to OSU-COM Both the regular and the bridge program. i have been a R.N over 4years now working ICU and ER. my stats are not all that but i am counting on the favor of God

 

[DrMom]

I think my fav. feature is how everyone is truly interested in your success. I think this is the only place I have been where your fellow classmates, upper-classmen, faculty and staff have all wanted you to do awesome. There is no "cut-throat" competitive attitude. That makes things much easier (if thats possible) on me as a student, in my opinion. SuperPong ranks pretty high up on the "favorites" list as well though!

Hope this helps (or at least is in the general direction of what you were looking for.)

I agree with this. The culture of the school is supportive.

 

[just one]

So along the same lines, what would you like to see the school improve on? Not trying to bash the school, no school is perfect and there is always room for improvement. Just what would you do differently if you were in charge of the school.

 

[nobleheart]

I can also confirm that the school, and in particular students and faculty are very supportive; if one person has a revalation, it will end up on OSUDO for everyone's benefit.
Also worth mentioning: The Faculty @ OSU-COM are stellar. Dr.'s Goulijan and Meek are superheros in there respective fields. More than this, they are personable and incredibly supportive. Dr. Meek actually said "I am the stem and you are the flower" to our class. They desperately want you to succeed.

 

[Hernandez]

Are you going to drive an hour and a half the morning of the interview in your suit? I'm not. I feel an overnight stay in Tulsa is well worth bypassing the chance of car trouble, highway closing due to wreck, or any other variable. Call me cautious.

it could be much worse. I lived a hour 45 from tulsa in under-grad and decided to get a hotel the night before as well, needless to say the resulting shenanigans and driving 5 hours back and forth between different hotels (other than the 1 I had booked) because my only credit card had been locked for "suspicious activity" of buying a book online back in 2002, left me a little frazzled. I had to find a hotel that would allow my parents to fax a copy of their CC and consent to use it because I had all of $15 in my wallet. It was finally 1am before I got checked in and in my room.

needless to say, I drove to OU the morning of my interview.

 

[0350408]

Everything has been summarized pretty well as to benefits of the school. I love the atmosphere, though that changes from class to class, it's been pretty helpful/positive for the past 4 or 5 years atleast.. Poppie, Meek, Smith and Jarolim are all EXCELLENT professors that truly do want you to succeed. That is not saying the others are poor, just that these 3 really stood out to me personally. The OMT department does a great job of teaching OMT as well as realizing we are in med school and human. They are known to cut back on material if we have a huge Neuro or Anatomy exam coming up. Now that the hospital is getting stable, I can mention that as well as the residents/interns/attendings. I spent a couple of weeks over there this summer and was incredibly impressed with how they went out of their way to teach and show me things as a "lowly" 2nd year. Each year the school has also done a good job of listening to the students. Over the past 3 years the test schedule has been adjusted numerous times to give us more time between tests and place lectures at differing times. OSUDO is pretty invaluable, as well as Poppie's free board review for the 2nd years prior to boards. Our gym is only 2 years old, so equip is pretty new and its really close to labs/etc for a quick workout if you need stress relief.

As for negatives: Being a state school we don't have all the newest gadgets/technology, but its adequate. They are building a large new addition next to the school right now and thats kind of a pain. (noise/etc..) I'm not an attendance fan and its required. My grades actually went up when I didn't go first year, but that wasn't the way of everyone that skipped. This years first year class is a "home study" class, while my class prefers to study at school. That makes for enough room at school, but during finals study space at school can become cramped. (IMO)

Wow this got long. Apologies.

 

[Phlame217]

Hopefully invites will start soon... may this week or next.

 

[DO3]

How receptive are they to out of state students? I am going to apply there.

 

[DrMom]

approx 15% of each class is composed of out-of-staters.

 

[0350408]

Being an OOS applicant/student, I'd say its not impossible, but they do give a pretty big preference to instate app's. To be a successful OOS applicant, you should strive to have scores slightly above avg. Then have a good/great interview. Each class is different, so even if you're scores are avg/slightly below still apply. They like to look at the whole person, which is a huge bonus to OSU-COM (IMO).

 

[DO3]

My GPA is average to slightly above average and my MCAT is slightly below average. I'm planning on an MCAT retake in January after taking a Kaplan course. I'm going to try and get in on the first one though.

 

[EdLongshanks]

Does anyone have any idea of what numbers of graduating seniors at OSU-COM matched this last year. How many of them went allopathic, osteopathic...? I don't know where these numbers are posted. I can see how many positions in Oklahoma were filled by each type, but not where the students came from.

 

[WhatsNext]

Does anyone have any idea of what numbers of graduating seniors at OSU-COM matched this last year. How many of them went allopathic, osteopathic...? I don't know where these numbers are posted. I can see how many positions in Oklahoma were filled by each type, but not where the students came from.

I couldn't find the data for 2009. But, this page has a link to the 2008 match list. Just click on "2008 Residency Placements" and it will pull up an Excel spreadsheet with the list.

http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/student/academic_info/index.cfm

 

[DrMom]

Does anyone have any idea of what numbers of graduating seniors at OSU-COM matched this last year. How many of them went allopathic, osteopathic...? I don't know where these numbers are posted. I can see how many positions in Oklahoma were filled by each type, but not where the students came from.

I haven't heard of anyone not matching somewhere in the past few years (or before that, either).
Guestimate is that about half go MD residency and half go DO. Not exact, but probably a decent estimate.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I haven't heard of anyone not matching somewhere in the past few years (or before that, either).
Guestimate is that about half go MD residency and half go DO. Not exact, but probably a decent estimate.

These two answers were exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

 

[EdLongshanks]

I couldn't find the data for 2009. But, this page has a link to the 2008 match list. Just click on "2008 Residency Placements" and it will pull up an Excel spreadsheet with the list.

http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/student/academic_info/index.cfm

That list is surprising in a lot of ways. One student got into John Hopkins, another one managed Plastic surgery. I would think that these were highly competitive slots. That OSU-COM managed to get DO's into these positions means that coming from there does not limit residency options.

The second surprising thing is the number of armed services doctors on it. Isn't a comparatively low-priced school like OSU an economically bad choice for a full scholarship army med student?

 

[just one]

That list is surprising in a lot of ways. One student got into John Hopkins, another one managed Plastic surgery. I would think that these were highly competitive slots. That OSU-COM managed to get DO's into these positions means that coming from there does not limit residency options.

The second surprising thing is the number of armed services doctors on it. Isn't a comparatively low-priced school like OSU an economically bad choice for a full scholarship army med student?

So you are saying people wanting to do armed forces scholarships should be attending high priced schools? I think you have either been misinformed or have come to an incorrect conclusion. The scholarships only pay a certain amount, which may not cover more expensive schools. If I was to use the scholarship for money only purposes, why not attend a cheaper school. Come out with little to no debt. Plus you are incenuating that people only use the scholarship with no interest in the military, which is untrue.
Another point is that medical schools are not as variable in the quality of education as you incinuate. The school did not put those people in highly competitive residencies, the students worked hard to obtain them. It will be your work ethic and desire that will land you a residency position.

 

[EdLongshanks]

So you are saying people wanting to do armed forces scholarships should be attending high priced schools? I think you have either been misinformed or have come to an incorrect conclusion. The scholarships only pay a certain amount, which may not cover more expensive schools. If I was to use the scholarship for money only purposes, why not attend a cheaper school. Come out with little to no debt. Plus you are incenuating that people only use the scholarship with no interest in the military, which is untrue.
Another point is that medical schools are not as variable in the quality of education as you incinuate. The school did not put those people in highly competitive residencies, the students worked hard to obtain them. It will be your work ethic and desire that will land you a residency position.

Maybe I didn't understand the army scholarships, but my understanding (and this was confirmed from multiple sources) is that they pay all tuition and fees and then give a set amount. Therefore the army gets a real good deal when someone on their scholarship goes to a lower-priced school. I don't have a problem with this, it was just a minor surprise. Maybe Oklahoma just produces a lot of young people who both want to be doctors and want to serve, this is a good way to do both. But the numbers were an anomaly.

I realize that the school does not put people in residencies, nevertheless, since I am judging the school and not the people, I was referring to the school's accomplishment of having a good enough reputation for one of their students to get a plastic surgeon or Hopkins residency. I have a feeling that there are DO schools where these residencies would not be open to any of their graduates, no matter how accomplished. Look at the national stats of allopathic residencies and you will see what I mean. Last year only 1 DO got an allopathic plastic surgery residency slot. This is the first time that there were any in 5 years.

The reason that I was looking at this is because I had heard by rumor, but wanted to confirm for my own self, that graduates of OSU-COM are welcome at any residency in the US. This list confirms that.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

The scholarships only pay a certain amount, which may not cover more expensive schools.

This is not entirely correct. HPSP pays the entire tuition in addition to receiving a monthly stipend.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Maybe I didn't understand the army scholarships, but my understanding (and this was confirmed from multiple sources) is that they pay all tuition and fees and then give a set amount. Therefore the army gets a real good deal when someone on their scholarship goes to a lower-priced school. I don't have a problem with this, it was just a minor surprise. Maybe Oklahoma just produces a lot of young people who both want to be doctors and want to serve, this is a good way to do both. But the numbers were an anomaly.

I realize that the school does not put people in residencies, nevertheless, since I am judging the school and not the people, I was referring to the school's accomplishment of having a good enough reputation for one of their students to get a plastic surgeon or Hopkins residency. I have a feeling that there are DO schools where these residencies would not be open to any of their graduates, no matter how accomplished. Look at the national stats of allopathic residencies and you will see what I mean. Last year 0 DO's got an allopathic plastic surgery residency slot.

The reason that I was looking at this is because I had heard by rumor, but wanted to confirm for my own self, that graduates of OSU-COM are welcome at any residency in the US. This list confirms that.

All graduates of of DO programs are welcome to US residencies whether it be ACGME or AOA. For the most part every residency that is represented in the ACGME is also in AOA (with the exception of pathology). Some of the more competitive residencies maybe difficult to get into but its definitely not impossible (at least in my opinion). Every graduate isn't concerned about entering into the most competitive or prestigious specialty.

 

[EdLongshanks]

... you are incenuating that people ...

I think that you are inferring what I did not intend to imply and do not believe.

 

[just one]

This is not entirely correct. HPSP pays the entire tuition in addition to receiving a monthly stipend.

I stand corrected on the amount the scholarship pays, but I do not believe a cheaper school is a bad choice like indicated above by EdLongshanks. Price of the education does not reflect the value of the education.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I stand corrected on the amount the scholarship pays, but I do not believe a cheaper school is a bad choice like indicated above by EdLongshanks. Price of the education does not reflect the value of the education.

I agree. Its not an economically bad choice for someone to choose a low priced institution and continue to take the military scholarship. The military scholarship is to ensure NO debt at the end of your medical education no matter how low or high the tuition is.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I stand corrected on the amount the scholarship pays, but I do not believe a cheaper school is a bad choice like indicated above by EdLongshanks. Price of the education does not reflect the value of the education.

Again you are inferring what I don't believe and didn't say. The point I was making was that I was surprised that there were that many military scholarship students at a lower-priced school like OSU-COM. Since there is not as much financial pressure at a lower-priced school, it would not be surprising if there were fewer people who went the military route. There must be some other explanation for this anomaly. I would guess that Oklahoma has more military service-oriented people.

In fact, Just One, I was implying the very thing that you challenged me on. There are people at OSU-COM motivated by something besides money. Don't jump to conclusions.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I agree. Its not an economically bad choice for someone to choose a low priced institution and continue to take the military scholarship. The military scholarship is to ensure NO debt at the end of your medical education no matter how low or high the tuition is.

"Bad economic choice" is not equal to "Bad choice"

On purely a pure economic standard, graduating from a low-priced school without debt and a 5 to 8 year committment to work for low wages for the US Govt is not a good choice. Let's say that a person borrowed 200K to go to an expensive med school. During his residency the new MD or DO will work for even less pittance than other residents. After he finishes his residency, the board-certified doc now has to work 5 to 8 years for medium wages of 60 to 70 k. In private practice he would be making 120K (minimum). 40K * 5 years = 200K. This is almost a good choice.

But the real value of the scholarship is not 200k at a OSU-COM, but much closer to 150K.

This is what I mean when I say "Bad economic Choice". But, what if, like my children, they want to serve in the Army at some point (my son is). Why not satisfy you desire to serve along with your desire to be a doctor, in this case "bad economic choice" = "good personal choice".

My very short comment above was only intended to draw attention to something at OSU-COM that is surprising in light of what I would expect at other schools.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

"Bad economic choice" is not equal to "Bad choice"

On purely a pure economic standard, graduating from a low-priced school without debt and a 5 to 8 year committment to work for low wages for the US Govt is not a good choice. Let's say that a person borrowed 200K to go to an expensive med school. During his residency the new MD or DO will work for even less pittance than other residents. After he finishes his residency, the board-certified doc now has to work 5 to 8 years for medium wages of 60 to 70 k. In private practice he would be making 120K (minimum). 40K * 5 years = 200K. This is almost a good choice.

But the real value of the scholarship is not 200k at a OSU-COM, but much closer to 150K.

This is what I mean when I say "Bad economic Choice". But, what if, like my children, they want to serve in the Army at some point (my son is). Why not satisfy you desire to serve along with your desire to be a doctor, in this case "bad economic choice" = "good personal choice".

My very short comment above was only intended to draw attention to something at OSU-COM that is surprising in light of what I would expect at other schools.

I understand what you mean, but everyone is not going to look at it from that stand point. I was just saying that what you consider or feel is a "bad economic choice" may not be shared with others who are going through the process now. Some may feel its an even trade off to take a lower salary for a couple of years versus being quarter million or more dollars in debt after medical school. I think that's a more sound choice versus taking out loans, but only if the military lifestyle is something you are really interested in or are able to handle. And as you know that if someone borrows 200k in loans for med school, he will be repaying a whole lot more than that.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I understand what you mean, but everyone is not going to look at it from that stand point. I was just saying that what you consider or feel is a "bad economic choice" may not be shared with others who are going through the process now. Some may feel its an even trade off to take a lower salary for a couple of years versus being quarter million or more dollars in debt after medical school. I think that's a more sound choice versus taking out loans, but only if the military lifestyle is something you are really interested in or are able to handle. And as you know that if someone borrows 200k in loans for med school, he will be repaying a whole lot more than that.

It is a choice I would make if my age did not disqualify me. As I said before, my son is in the army now. But the choice is not a good economic choice for a lower cost school. 5 years of a doctor's wages is not anywhere near 150K (which is what the scholarship is worth at a low-cost school).

 

[Phlame217]

I am applying the the Air Force HPSP.

I have done much talking to the liaison and done much personal research on the matter. I am still hanging on the fence though.

HPSP plusses:
All tuition, fees, books, health insurance (minimum required by school), and 1992 monthly stiped (taxed by state, no FICA, = 760 bi weekly)

2nd leutinant (O1) during med school, promoted to O3 (captain) upon graduation and most make O4 - Major by end of repayment.

As a resident, will make close to 65k a year (versus 40-45k as a civilian).

As a full physician, make around 95-105k upon start (will all incentives such as housing allowance, base pay, specialty pay, etc...).

Make no malpractice payments and full job security.

DOWNSIDES:
During medical school, summer breaks must be spent @ first Commissioned officer training, then continued training each summer therefore after.

required to do intern/PGY-1 year at a military residency.

Required to apply to military residency first, and then civilian.

Military residencies are awarded either by 1 year PGY or all 4-5 years, if given 1, you may have to do a flight surgery (GMO) tour and typically results in a 4 year delay to do your residency.

The moving around happens every 3-4 years. Garanteed to be moved atleast twice if you serve your four and go.

Risk of Stop Loss and also required to do 4 years inactive call list.

Pay of specialty doc's versus civilian specialty.


Like I said I am on the fence, I plan on doing a specialty that pays over 200k currenty (risking obamedicine cuts) which if I calculate correctly would allow me to pay off my student loans within 9 years of graduation (paying close to 1200 a month during residency and kick up to 3,500 during attenting pay).

In my opinion I almost would rather do the loans so I have the freedom to choose where I live, what residency program I do with no risk of GMO, and ultimately no risk of facing Stop Loss and reserve call.

I am only on the fence right now because of all the negative news i hear from docs i know and all. All I hear is how administrative costs and government reimbursement cuts are slowly chipping at salaries as does malpractice insurance. I am pretty moderate when it comes to politics, but the health bill scares me will all the cuts to doctor pay. It may almost be worth it for the military job and pay security and stress relief during school. But that I am still deciding.

 

[just one]

It is a choice I would make if my age did not disqualify me. As I said before, my son is in the army now. But the choice is not a good economic choice for a lower cost school. 5 years of a doctor's wages is not anywhere near 150K (which is what the scholarship is worth at a low-cost school).

The value would not be 150K. At 2000 a month stipend (times 48 months) plus 20,000 sign on bonus and 80K for tuition it totals close to 200K. Not to mention the reduced stress during school of having to not worry about loans.

 

[Phlame217]

The value would not be 150K. At 2000 a month stipend (times 48 months) plus 20,000 sign on bonus and 80K for tuition it totals close to 200K. Not to mention the reduced stress during school of having to not worry about loans.

sign on bonus, as far as i know, is only for Navy HPSP.

 

[just one]

sign on bonus, as far as i know, is only for Navy HPSP.

Its on army too. http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/medical/corps_benefits.jsp

 

[Phlame217]

I haven't looked too closely into the Army, but I wouldn't apply for the navy personally because they require a GMO tour following PGY-1

 

[WhatsNext]

...

 

[0350408]

Another point is that medical schools are not as variable in the quality of education as you incinuate. The school did not put those people in highly competitive residencies, the students worked hard to obtain them. It will be your work ethic and desire that will land you a residency position.

While this is a partially true statement, the faculty at your chosen institution will have a HUGE variance on both your education and connections down the road. For instance;
You can do a residency/rotation in pretty much any major hospital in the country coming from OSU – Com. The reason? Poppie. (Dr. Goljan) Face it, DO schools still face a lot of punishment from “high end” allopathic institutions. Our students have a great opportunity to practice at those places due to the education you SHOULD have gotten from OSU. Like you said though, the student makes the ultimate difference. We just had a student (now a 3rd year) get a perfect Comlex score, followed by a near perfect USMLE score. He’s a GREAT student, but also a student that absorbs everything Poppie has to teach. Respect and reputation help a lot when it comes to residencies/location. I know this sounds like a gospel to Poppie due to his acclaim, but the other professors do a standup job as well in preparing us for our futures as physicians. One of my favorite t-shirts to wear to the gym says “ Self Taught Doctor”. I picked it up in undergrad, but it does have meaning in medical school. The professors put the information in front of you, but with the vast amounts of info it’s up to YOU to ultimately learn the material. Most medical schools are pretty equal, but there are differences. Tour as many as you can, you'll probably pick up on them.