Robert Wood vs. New Jersey Med...what do you guys think?

[megkudos]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has an opinion of which of these NJ State schools they would prefer. If you have a sec and would like to comment on why also, that would be awesome. Thanks

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[BushBaby]

Go to NJMS....

 

[altaskier]

I'd go to RWJ because of their commitment to working with the underserved. Their program is kind of like UCLA-DREW.

 

[Notorious D.O.C.]

NJMS has a bigger commitment to working with the underserved. I mean, its in Newark..unlike suburbia (RWJ).

 

[souljah1]

krazykam,

RWJ serves New Brunswick (not a suburb) and Camden (poorer than Newark). RWJ is ranked second in the nation for community medicine, a result of their dedication to the underserved. Your first two years are in Piscataway (suburb) but your clinical rotations are mostly urban.

RWJ is also ranked for primary care.

 

[megkudos]

So anybody have any new thoughts on this? I am trying to decide between the two schools and I am pretty sure I want to go to NJ Med. I really like the clinical experience and the student atmosphere of the school. Also I've lived in New Brunswick where RWJ is for 4 years already and think I need a change. Robert Wood does have really good reputation though and I would probably have to commute into Newark because it's not the greatest place to live. If I stay in New Brusnwick I have an apartment and a med student friend to live with already. It's a hard decision But I shouldn't complain. What do you guys think?

Also, is there anyone who's definately planning on attending one of these schools next fall? Thanks

 

[souljah1]

It seems like you already know your answer medkudos.

I didn't apply to the Newark school so I can't really give a perceptive point of view on that school.

I interviewed at RWJ and thought it was a pretty good program. I really dug the HIPHOP project and, as a product of middlesex county, felt that I would really appreciate doing my clerkships in the county that reared me (so to speak). What I wasn't crazy about...the fact that most of the first and second year classes are taught by PhDs and not physicians/clinicians. I know the first two years are basic sciences, but I wonder how well they would be able to answer clinically oriented questions?/? Not sure about the Newark curriculum, but this was the one reservation I had about RWJ. The students seemed really nice, but I got that feeling from every school I visited. RWJ is relatively new, isn't it? And it is already getting some national clout for its primary care and community medicine. I think that is pretty impressive. I agree that a change of location is a good thing, but I think I'd choose another 4 years in the NBrunswick area than spend four years in Newark..Just my own feelings.

It seems like you are set on Newark. Just make your decision and relax for a few months.

 

[megkudos]

Thanks souljah1

Yeah you are proably right that I should just go for it I just want to make sure I make a fully informed decision that I will be happy with I went to NJ last week to visit and I've been talking to a lot of people about what they think.

It seems that many of the students at Rutgers with me are choosing Robert Wood over NJ Med. I fell like I am missing something. I think that people just don't want to live in Newark though. They want to stay here cuz they are comfortable and Robert wood is a very good school. When I talk to my advisors and doctors that I know, most of them think that Newark has an edge because of it's patient population. I know I need to do what's best for me.

Are you applying for next year also and if so where are you looking at?

 

[cacahuetes]

They are both good schools. If you plan to stay in the new york/new jersey area then go with NJMED because you will see a better patient population, have a more clinically focused education, and it is well known in new york city. However, if you plan on doing your residency outside of NJ and NY then I would go to Robert Wood because even though they are a newer school they definitly have a more national reputation then NJMED. Also if you are interested in research or getting a combined degree then go to Robert Wood because they are stronger in those departments as well. But that is just my two cents, you can take it or leave it.

 

[souljah1]

megkudos, check your pm's