Ponce (MD) vs NYITCOM (DO)

[medkev07]

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Trying to decide between Ponce PR (MD) and NYITCOM-LI (DO). Goal is best shot at competitive match with the least structural strain. I’m from Long Island.

Tuition (2025–2026)
Ponce (MD)
• Tuition: ~$73k/year
• Total COA: $113k/year ($380k+ total)

NYITCOM-LI (DO)
• Tuition: ~$68k/year
• Total COA: ~$480k+ over 4 years (higher COL on LI)


Ponce (MD)

Pros

• LCME accredited USMD degree (potential edge for ortho, anesthesia, academic surgery)
• Single board track (USMLE) vs likely COMLEX + USMLE as DO
• Strong Latino/Hispanic patient base (bilingual advantage)
• Early clinical exposure
• Research infrastructure (NIH-affiliated programs)

Cons

• Match geographically concentrated (~16 states reported)
• Smaller national footprint/name recognition
• Rotation network more PR-focused
• Not pure pass/fail (graded system with GPA requirement)

NYITCOM-LI (DO)

Pros

• Broad clinical network (NY/NJ + multi-state reach)
• Large alumni network (44 states matched)
• Strong advising infrastructure
• Preclinical P/F system
• Established Northeast presence

Cons

DO degree may require both COMLEX + USMLE for competitive surgical paths

• Higher total cost due to Long Island living
• Some reports of rotation variability
• Competitive specialties require strategic planning early

Context: Interested in surgery, ortho, anesthesia, EM. Location flexibility isn’t a major issue, though I’m from LI.

From a purely strategic standpoint, which school gives the cleaner runway into competitive specialties with less added strain?.