OSU vs Wash U (MD/PhD)

[Heck]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for feedback on deciding between these two schools for their MSTPs but also any info about their MD-programs, class profile, location, etc. is greatly appreciated!

Washington University in Saint Louis
Pros

• More prestigious - especially regarding research.
• Higher stipend (~$39,000), better benefits (regarding insurance).
• Pretty low cost of living for a city.
• Closer to home (10 hr drive) but not really a major difference.

Cons

• I don't know much about the MD-curriculum (the interview didn't include a presentation?)
• I've heard there's gunner vibes
• My partner may not get accepted to their graduate programs because of how competitive they can be.

Ohio State University
Pros

• The schools really reinforced a community aspect of the program, which I definitely felt with the students and how they interacted with faculty. Everybody seemed really cool!
• I have a strong research connection at the school where I have the chance to continue my current research, or at least with the same niche organism.
• I was nominated for a research fellowship that covers PhD costs so that my future PI doesn't have to pay my stipend out of their grant money. I was told that I am very likely to get it.
• Partner likely to get into graduate programs.

Cons

• 16 hour drive away, flights are twice as expensive compared to going to St. Louis. Again, not that major.
• Not as prestigious but I don't know how big of a factor this is.

Summary: My main focus is choosing a program that would give me the best chance to be an active physician-scientist. I'm super grateful to be accepted to these amazing programs but I'm a little worried about imposter syndrome at WashU as an URM and first-generation college student. I'm not worried about research opportunities at either school though.

Thank You!

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[Mr.Smile12]

Do you mean Ohio State MD-only? What would make you walk away from MD/PhD at WashU?

WashU's Gateway Curriculum

Curriculum - Medical Student Admissions

Your dream career begins at WashU Medicine. No academic medical center is better positioned to help you change the world as a leader in medicine, science, education and advocacy. Our Gateway Curriculum integrates basic science, clinical skills, health systems science, social and behavioral...

mdadmissions.wustl.edu

St. Louis is more of an airport hub than Columbus with being a past hub for TWA (defunct). Living in St. Louis is going to feel more diverse than Columbus, so if you enjoy that for 8-10 years doing MSTP at WashU, you'll have a great time. Columbus is more of a college town feel thanks to the Ohio State University football championship team... vs. UFL? football in St. Louis. But the baseball in St. Louis is better. 🙂

For your situation, you need to think long-game. St. Louis for 8-10 years vs. Columbus for 3-4 years. I don't know how long it takes for your partner to complete graduate education, but prestige in a Ph.D. program matters a bit. However, MSTP's know each other as a small community, so I don't think the prestige there matters.

 

[Heck]

Do you mean Ohio State MD-only? What would make you walk away from MD/PhD at WashU?

WashU's Gateway Curriculum

Curriculum - Medical Student Admissions

Your dream career begins at WashU Medicine. No academic medical center is better positioned to help you change the world as a leader in medicine, science, education and advocacy. Our Gateway Curriculum integrates basic science, clinical skills, health systems science, social and behavioral...

mdadmissions.wustl.edu

St. Louis is more of an airport hub than Columbus with being a past hub for TWA (defunct). Living in St. Louis is going to feel more diverse than Columbus, so if you enjoy that for 8-10 years doing MSTP at WashU, you'll have a great time. Columbus is more of a college town feel thanks to the Ohio State University football championship team... vs. UFL? football in St. Louis. But the baseball in St. Louis is better. 🙂

For your situation, you need to think long-game. St. Louis for 8-10 years vs. Columbus for 3-4 years. I don't know how long it takes for your partner to complete graduate education, but prestige in a Ph.D. program matters a bit. However, MSTP's know each other as a small community, so I don't think the prestige there matters.

Thanks for your thoughts and perspective! To clarify, yes, I’m admitted to both MSTPs for Ohio State and WashU so my partner would have plenty of time to do a PhD at either place.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Okay... if it's both MSTP's, then think long-term with both (where would you want to live for 10 years). I don't know of your partner's competitiveness for their graduate program, but medical school admissions is arguably the second-most competitive graduate program category right now (to physician assistant). For everyone else, it's either a strong fit with their expertise or funding (generalizing)... or they just want to meet enrollment targets. 🙂 If your relationship is serious, I would make sure they are included.

 

[YellowSalamander]

My vote goes to WashU! The curriculum at WashU in my opinion is arguably one of the best in the country. Barnes Jewish is also a proper academic hospital with high patient volume and one of the biggest research footprints in the US.

However, if you feel OSU will be a better fit for you and your family it is certainly a great school that will prepare you well for a career as a physician scientist.