Reputation Questions

[570606]

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I'm hoping for some guidance here. My significant other will be attending a DO school next fall and we are in the middle of deciding where we will move and which school he will attend. I know that there is no official ranking system and I know that some schools are considered "top tier" and some are not but does the reputation of a school really making a difference when it comes to matching to a residency? I also know that although people share their opinions on SDN, those opinions may not actually make any difference in the "real world". Are there schools that students should genuinely avoid because it will affect their chances of getting a competitive residency? Is there a reason to attend a school that is considered in the "top tier" even if you prefer a "lower tier" school? Just hoping for some opinions based on what the general public (of the DO world) believes, not just personal preference or bias. Thank you!

 

[Instatewaiter]

I'm hoping for some guidance here. My significant other will be attending a DO school next fall and we are in the middle of deciding where we will move and which school he will attend. I know that there is no official ranking system and I know that some schools are considered "top tier" and some are not but does the reputation of a school really making a difference when it comes to matching to a residency? I also know that although people share their opinions on SDN, those opinions may not actually make any difference in the "real world". Are there schools that students should genuinely avoid because it will affect their chances of getting a competitive residency? Is there a reason to attend a school that is considered in the "top tier" even if you prefer a "lower tier" school? Just hoping for some opinions based on what the general public (of the DO world) believes, not just personal preference or bias. Thank you!

Yes reputation of school makes a difference.

No DO school is considered "top tier". There are plenty of reasons to choose a less well known school over a better known one- family, location, cost are a few that come to mind. Choose what you like the best and where you will fit in the best.

Realistically, there would be only a minor difference between say the best and the worst DO schools with regard to residency placement.

 

[SLC]

The general wisdom from those who've been through things on here seems to be that a DO applicant is a DO applicant. This is with respect to MD residency programs.

I can't comment on how the "tiering" works when it comes to Osteopathic residencies. I've never looked into them at all.

But your significant other should go wherever is the best fit and environment for the both of you. That will likely pan out better for success than stressing over which schools are thought to be top tier. It's hard for medical students not to rank schools and residencies but in the osteopathic world there really isn't any sort of valid ranking system. All schools have their strengths and weaknesses, and all can get a student through to where he/she wants to go if the student is willing to do what it takes.

 

[570606]

The general wisdom from those who've been through things on here seems to be that a DO applicant is a DO applicant. This is with respect to MD residency programs.

I can't comment on how the "tiering" works when it comes to Osteopathic residencies. I've never looked into them at all.

But your significant other should go wherever is the best fit and environment for the both of you. That will likely pan out better for success than stressing over which schools are thought to be top tier. It's hard for medical students not to rank schools and residencies but in the osteopathic world there really isn't any sort of valid ranking system. All schools have their strengths and weaknesses, and all can get a student through to where he/she wants to go if the student is willing to do what it takes.

I guess my concern is that I have read some pretty negative things on SDN (maybe my own fault for reading SDN at all) about my sig's top choice school. It makes me nervous that he is feeling like he wants to attend a school that other people seem to think is below other schools that he was accepted to. It seems like that shouldn't matter, but if it may affect his getting the residency he wants then it should be taken into consideration.

 

[baboxxyun]

The only thing I can think of is if that school has an affiliation w/ where your significant other wants to do residency (which would give you a competitive edge).
But to say someone who have a better shot just because of where he went to school would be inconclusive.

That said, there ARE those DO schools that already have built up a reputation. But to say this is a game changer when applying to residency is again, inconclusive.
Focus on doing well on the boards. Excellent board scores have much more meaning than where ever you went to school.

 

[DrEnderW]

Yes reputation of school makes a difference.

No DO school is considered "top tier". There are plenty of reasons to choose a less well known school over a better known one- family, location, cost are a few that come to mind. Choose what you like the best and where you will fit in the best.

Realistically, there would be only a minor difference between say the best and the worst DO schools with regard to residency placement.

This answer is perfect. It's the best advice your going to get from SDN.

No DO school is going to give you any prestige factor that would come close to weighing with board scores, 3/4th year grades, and elective rotations.

If the location works best for you both... and you're going to be with this person in the future... choose the location that's best for you both. Matching in the DO world will be board scores and your rotations. If you're shooting for ACGME, USMLE scores and potentially connections and LOR will be what matter because the name of your school will be even more insignificant.

Best of luck.

 

[570606]

Thanks everyone! This is the most helpful advice I've gotten so far. I really scared myself by reading some pre-med forums on school reputations and I wanted some advice from people who had been through it. The school I have been referring to is RVU. My sig loves it, SDN does not. I don't know if that changes anyone's opinion, but I'm happy to have gotten some good advice without any obvious bias. Thanks again!

 

[NOsaintsfan]

Thanks everyone! This is the most helpful advice I've gotten so far. I really scared myself by reading some pre-med forums on school reputations and I wanted some advice from people who had been through it. The school I have been referring to is RVU. My sig loves it, SDN does not. I don't know if that changes anyone's opinion, but I'm happy to have gotten some good advice without any obvious bias. Thanks again!

All the above advice is sound so the only thing I have to add is simply to say that the profit status and other things you read about RVU only exist on SND. In the non-internet world RVU is looked at as just another DO school. No more no less. In the eyes of MD residency program directors a DO student is just that, there are no DO schools that are considered prestigious. Grades, board scores and performance on rotations is what will determine where you match. To put it another way if the goal is an MD residency there is no DO school that will give you a "leg up" so to speak and in general being a DO (from any school) will be a hurdle you will have to deal with in regard to MD programs. Some fields are more DO friendly than others and it is very possible to land good residencies as a DO, but if your goal is MD residency the best thing you can possibly do is go to an MD school. Any MD school is considered better than a DO school (in general).

 

[SLC]

Thanks everyone! This is the most helpful advice I've gotten so far. I really scared myself by reading some pre-med forums on school reputations and I wanted some advice from people who had been through it. The school I have been referring to is RVU. My sig loves it, SDN does not. I don't know if that changes anyone's opinion, but I'm happy to have gotten some good advice without any obvious bias. Thanks again!

There was some concern that RVU's for-profit status might have a negative effect on the student's matchability in the MD match. There are (yet) no for-profit LCME schools and people on here speculated that prog. directors might not like a school like that (other prominent for-profit colleges are places like DeVry, U of Phoenix, Stevens Henegar etc, plus basically all the Caribbean schools).

But RVU student seems to have been able to match just fine so it looks for now like the worry never really amounted to much in actuality.

 

[sazerac]

Thanks everyone! This is the most helpful advice I've gotten so far. I really scared myself by reading some pre-med forums on school reputations and I wanted some advice from people who had been through it. The school I have been referring to is RVU. My sig loves it, SDN does not. I don't know if that changes anyone's opinion, but I'm happy to have gotten some good advice without any obvious bias. Thanks again!

Yeah I figured it was RVU, but don't worry. I hear they have a solid match list.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I guess my concern is that I have read some pretty negative things on SDN (maybe my own fault for reading SDN at all) about my sig's top choice school. It makes me nervous that he is feeling like he wants to attend a school that other people seem to think is below other schools that he was accepted to. It seems like that shouldn't matter, but if it may affect his getting the residency he wants then it should be taken into consideration.

What other people think is irrelevant. DO school is DO school. Most on SDN don't know what they are talking about with "tier", there isn't one. There are old schools and new schools. The school does not affect residency, that depends on the student: class rank, board scores, essay, audition rotations. number of residencies one applies to.

 

[preDoGuy24]

Yes reputation of school makes a difference.

No DO school is considered "top tier". There are plenty of reasons to choose a less well known school over a better known one- family, location, cost are a few that come to mind. Choose what you like the best and where you will fit in the best.

Realistically, there would be only a minor difference between say the best and the worst DO schools with regard to residency placement.

This. Usually instatewaiter comes off like a dick in the DO forum (sorry dude it's true) but he is on the spot. If your SO has gotten into a MD school that is where the decision should be difficult and in most instances should go MD. If not, probably best to go with the combination of cheapest and best academic environment for him to succeed.

 

[570606]

My sig feels like the best academic environment for him is at RVU. I have concerns (based mostly on other people's opinions, to be honest) that because it is for-profit, the students won't be put first. Although, the students at RVU seem to be extremely happy and the faculty seems to be very student-centered.

 

[preDoGuy24]

My sig feels like the best academic environment for him is at RVU. I have concerns (based mostly on other people's opinions, to be honest) that because it is for-profit, the students won't be put first. Although, the students at RVU seem to be extremely happy and the faculty seems to be very student-centered.

For profit is an issue kind of, check our there match lists for an idea of the places students are going. I have heard lots of good things about the academic environment there, plus they have a pretty decent average comlex score every year. Honestly I can't say much more because I'm not a student there.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Trogghunter]

This is a troll post...shifting to an rvu debate. Let's just say that older schools have more alumni, which is important.

 

[gators21]

Your post makes absolutely no sense. You bash the SDN forum community saying nobody here lives in the "real world", but then proceed to ask for our advice. How about you let your significant other choose their own career path. Chances are you 2 won't be together after medical school anyways. (Just playing the odds). Let them make the decision, be happy about it, or else they will probably regret listening to you because you read something on an anonymous forum the doesn't live in the "real world" of your naive mind.
Ohh and the other thing is that statistically speaking your SO is average. So it probably doesn't even matter what school they attend as far as getting into a competitive residency, because they probably wont match anyways

 

[bajastapler]

Ohh and the other thing is that statistically speaking your SO is average. So it probably doesn't even matter what school they attend as far as getting into a competitive residency, because they probably wont match anyways

burn. sizzle. sizzle.

haha x)

 

[cabinbuilder]

My sig feels like the best academic environment for him is at RVU. I have concerns (based mostly on other people's opinions, to be honest) that because it is for-profit, the students won't be put first. Although, the students at RVU seem to be extremely happy and the faculty seems to be very student-centered.

Many of the professors who taught me at LECOM now work at RVU. Do not listen to SDN. The school is fine. I toured there (as an attending) I thought it was fabulous.

 

[570606]

Well, thank most of you for your helpful words of encouragement. I appreciate it! I hope gators21 understands why I was hesitant to come to SDN for advice. Those are hurtful words and I don't feel like there is any place for words like that in an online forum or in real life.

 

[gators21]

Well, thank most of you for your helpful words of encouragement. I appreciate it! I hope gators21 understands why I was hesitant to come to SDN for advice. Those are hurtful words and I don't feel like there is any place for words like that in an online forum or in real life.

Your post was insulting to the people that regularly contribute to this forum and anyone at these "lower tiered" schools.
And you are right, there is no place in this world for the statistical truth. Only hopes and dreams

 

[NOsaintsfan]

Your post makes absolutely no sense. You bash the SDN forum community saying nobody here lives in the "real world", but then proceed to ask for our advice. How about you let your significant other choose their own career path. Chances are you 2 won't be together after medical school anyways. (Just playing the odds). Let them make the decision, be happy about it, or else they will probably regret listening to you because you read something on an anonymous forum the doesn't live in the "real world" of your naive mind.
Ohh and the other thing is that statistically speaking your SO is average. So it probably doesn't even matter what school they attend as far as getting into a competitive residency, because they probably wont match anyways

Angry much?

 

[570606]

Angry much?

+1. I apologize if I insulted anyone, I tried to be as up front and honest as possible with what I was looking for. I think I got some great advice and input and I'm thankful for the SDNers who provided it!

 

[JediZero]

Your post makes absolutely no sense. You bash the SDN forum community saying nobody here lives in the "real world", but then proceed to ask for our advice. How about you let your significant other choose their own career path. Chances are you 2 won't be together after medical school anyways. (Just playing the odds). Let them make the decision, be happy about it, or else they will probably regret listening to you because you read something on an anonymous forum the doesn't live in the "real world" of your naive mind.
Ohh and the other thing is that statistically speaking your SO is average. So it probably doesn't even matter what school they attend as far as getting into a competitive residency, because they probably wont match anyways

...dude. She wasn't insulting anyone, she just acknowledged the fact that, as you said, this is an anonymous internet forum, and that she'd be taking what we say with a grain of salt. And just because she's not the one enrolling doesn't mean it's not important for her to be informed about this decision, because good partnerships decide as a team. There is no need for you to be a d*** to her, especially as a guest to this forum.

Also, lol @ "statistically speaking" and that average = no match. If your idea of statistics is that anyone you have no information about must be average, then you've started applying the concept far more broadly than it was ever intended, and if you think that the average DO won't match anywhere, then you must be from 100 years in the future where there are 237 colleges of osteopathic medicine and the ACGME completely barred all of their bull**** once the boomers died off.

OP, RVU is a fine school, and the students I've talked to from there actually sounded like they had a very positive experience. It sounds like they actually treat their students like customers, and are available, supportive, and responsive. An interesting experiment, but one that seems to be working out very well right now. Good luck to you and your SO!

 

[570606]

...dude. She wasn't insulting anyone, she just acknowledged the fact that, as you said, this is an anonymous internet forum, and that she'd be taking what we say with a grain of salt. And just because she's not the one enrolling doesn't mean it's not important for her to be informed about this decision, because good partnerships decide as a team. There is no need for you to be a d*** to her, especially as a guest to this forum.

Also, lol @ "statistically speaking" and that average = no match. If your idea of statistics is that anyone you have no information about must be average, then you've started applying the concept far more broadly than it was ever intended, and if you think that the average DO won't match anywhere, then you must be from 100 years in the future where there are 237 colleges of osteopathic medicine and the ACGME completely barred all of their bull**** once the boomers died off.

OP, RVU is a fine school, and the students I've talked to from there actually sounded like they had a very positive experience. It sounds like they actually treat their students like customers, and are available, supportive, and responsive. An interesting experiment, but one that seems to be working out very well right now. Good luck to you and your SO!

Thank you!

 

[gators21]

...dude. She wasn't insulting anyone, she just acknowledged the fact that, as you said, this is an anonymous internet forum, and that she'd be taking what we say with a grain of salt. And just because she's not the one enrolling doesn't mean it's not important for her to be informed about this decision, because good partnerships decide as a team. There is no need for you to be a d*** to her, especially as a guest to this forum.

Also, lol @ "statistically speaking" and that average = no match. If your idea of statistics is that anyone you have no information about must be average, then you've started applying the concept far more broadly than it was ever intended, and if you think that the average DO won't match anywhere, then you must be from 100 years in the future where there are 237 colleges of osteopathic medicine and the ACGME completely barred all of their bull**** once the boomers died off.

OP, RVU is a fine school, and the students I've talked to from there actually sounded like they had a very positive experience. It sounds like they actually treat their students like customers, and are available, supportive, and responsive. An interesting experiment, but one that seems to be working out very well right now. Good luck to you and your SO!

Meh whatever. I didn't mean no match at all, but not matching into a competitive specialty. Oh well, time to get back to the "world" where only bad people get sick, everyone stays married until death do them part, and the only true healing power is the power of love.
And yes bud that is how statistics work. Given that we don't know anything about this person, we only have the option of using them as an n=1 within the total number of osteopathic students.

 

[SLC]

Meh whatever. I didn't mean no match at all, but not matching into a competitive specialty.

Didn't someone from RVU match RadOnc at Baylor this year?

 

[gators21]

Didn't someone from RVU match RadOnc at Baylor this year?

Couldn't tell ya. I made no mention of any school in my posts. My posts were about the odds of matching into a competitive specialty as a medical student, not school specific. I happen to think RVU is a good school

 

[NOsaintsfan]

Meh whatever. I didn't mean no match at all, but not matching into a competitive specialty. Oh well, time to get back to the "world" where only bad people get sick, everyone stays married until death do them part, and the only true healing power is the power of love.
And yes bud that is how statistics work. Given that we don't know anything about this person, we only have the option of using them as an n=1 within the total number of osteopathic students.

I'm shocked and honored that you humbled yourself and decided to go into medicine. Humanity will certainly benefit. Its exciting to thing of how far you will advance medicine as a whole during your career.

Someone with your genius should be building cold fusion reactors to power interstellar spacecraft or redefining the laws of physics. Medicine seems beneath you.

 

[gators21]

I'm shocked and honored that you humbled yourself and decided to go into medicine. Humanity will certainly benefit. Its exciting to thing of how far you will advance medicine as a whole during your career.

Someone with your genius should be building cold fusion reactors to power interstellar spacecraft or redefining the laws of physics. Medicine seems beneath you.

When did I say that I was somehow superior or in fact better than average? Simply stated the truth.
And you are gonna be a better doctor because you ride in on a white horse to hold the hand of an anonymous poster? Bro, do you even lift?

 

[NOsaintsfan]

When did I say that I was somehow superior or in fact better than average? Simply stated the truth.
And you are gonna be a better doctor because you ride in on a white horse to hold the hand of an anonymous poster? Bro, do you even lift?

Priceless!! That made my day thanks!!

 

[RockDoc28]

I'm shocked and honored that you humbled yourself and decided to go into medicine. Humanity will certainly benefit. Its exciting to thing of how far you will advance medicine as a whole during your career.

Someone with your genius should be building cold fusion reactors to power interstellar spacecraft or redefining the laws of physics. Medicine seems beneath you.

Um I don't think gators was saying he was superior to medicine. I'm guessing they're probably perfect for interacting with patients, what with the tact they used in all of their posts.

"Hey bro, so you got cancer and its pretty bad. Chances are you're probably not gonna make it, but I'm just playing the odds."
"Wait doctor, so there's no options for me?"
"I mean maybe-- in a world where only bad people get sick, everyone stays married until death do them part, and the only true healing power is the power of love."
"Doctor, I'm scared"
"Meh, whatever. Do you even lift?"

 

[cabinbuilder]

A friend of mine wrote this article about RVU.

 

[costales]

A friend of mine wrote this article about RVU.

Good article. It is also available in pdf: http://www.naveedsaleh.com/pdf/for-profit.pdf

(BTW His wife is a TCOM grad).

 

[Lacktherof]

While there are no Tiers, reputation of the school may translate into an advantage on a regional scale amongst residency programs who have had good experiences with DO students who have rotated through.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Good article. It is also available in pdf: http://www.naveedsaleh.com/pdf/for-profit.pdf

(BTW His wife is a TCOM grad).

Yes, his wife went to residency with me.

 

[hallowmann]

There was some concern that RVU's for-profit status might have a negative effect on the student's matchability in the MD match. There are (yet) no for-profit LCME schools and people on here speculated that prog. directors might not like a school like that (other prominent for-profit colleges are places like DeVry, U of Phoenix, Stevens Henegar etc, plus basically all the Caribbean schools)...

I believe the LCME recently changed their rules for medical school accreditation and removed the requirement that they be only not-for-profit institutions. 2 for profit MD schools are in the works, so we'll see what happens in this regard.

 

[Instatewaiter]

I believe the LCME recently changed their rules for medical school accreditation and removed the requirement that they be only not-for-profit institutions. 2 for profit MD schools are in the works, so we'll see what happens in this regard.

People have been saying this for 3 years and it has yet to come to fruition. We'll see.

 

[hallowmann]

People have been saying this for 3 years and it has yet to come to fruition. We'll see.

Yeah, but the LCME didn't change its policy until this year. Prior to that, it didn't matter if people proposed for-profit MD schools, because they could never get accredited. Of the programs applying now, I believe only one hasn't run into financial issues that have delayed or stalled development of the school.

 

[mommy2three]

To the OP -
I have said it before but I will say it to you.
Your SO should absolutely go where they are happy - period.
No school is perfect - they are all going to have little things here and there that will drive your SO crazy and subsequently extend to you.
Those little things are not as big of a deal if SO is generally happy- however if they are unhappy every little minor irritation turns into a major annoyance.
Do not underestimate the power of your SO being happy and keeping harmony in the home 🙂
GL