research-oriented schools = better schools??

[osjx-82]

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I know some people worship the US News research rankings like nothing else--but do the rankings actually speak of the quality of undergraduate medical education one receives? I think the facilities, student/faculty ratio, classroom size etc. are more important than how much research goes on at the school.

From past experiences, I noticed that profs who are doing some "cutting-edge" research stuff tend to drift off into their glorious works in lectures rather than teaching the basics and providing a solid foundation to the subject.

 

[Brain]

I know some people worship the US News research rankings like nothing else--but do the rankings actually speak of the quality of undergraduate medical education one receives? I think the facilities, student/faculty ratio, classroom size etc. are more important than how much research goes on at the school.

From past experiences, I noticed that profs who are doing some "cutting-edge" research stuff tend to drift off into their glorious works in lectures rather than teaching the basics and providing a solid foundation to the subject.

I totally agree with you. A large component of the U.S. News ranking is things like the amount of NIH funding and nothing that speaks of the quality of education you'll get. Most of the physicians I've spoken to say that it really doesn't matter where you go but I know some people on SDN will disagree with me. Go where you'll feel the most comfortable because you'll probably do better in that environment. Best of luck.

 

[45408]

Research-oriented schools are better schools.


If you're research-oriented.


A lot of the top research schools have good trickle-down effects for those not interested in research, but that's not easily quantifiable.

 

[Blue Scrub]

I believe if you'll be a great doctor, it wont really matter what school you go to....and better school is a relative term for people.....what matters is what you want and what will be best for you. Do you want a research-oriented school? Do you want to do research afterwards? Do you want to be a good clinician? Both? I think its really a personal thing when choosing what school you should go to, I think U.S. News and Report rankings shouldnt dictate what school you as a person would feel most comfortable and confident at.

 

[Hallm_7]

The limiting factor in American medical education isn't any school, it's the person. I've heard it said that no matter what school someone goes to, if they remember everything taught then they will be the greatest doctor in the history of the world. The basic science taught at the number 1 school and the last ranked school in the US is essentially the same, and you're not gonna remember most of it a year later anyway.

US News ranks research money, stats, and prestige. It doesn't consider how good the doctors are that it graduates or how compassionate the doctors are that it graduates.

 

[MWillie]

Eh the top people go to the top ranked schools and thats why they're top.