Rosalind Franklin vs. Tulane

[polmd]

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Hey! I know it's early in the season but I've been lucky to receive two acceptances - one at Rosalind Franklin University's Chicago Medical School and the other at Tulane. While things may change I'd like to go into psychiatry and practice in an urban setting. There are pros and cons to each and I wanted to see if I'm missing anything/hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

Rosalind Franklin University
Pros

• 17 minute drive from my parent's house = free rent and proximity to support system
• Multiple hospital affiliations in Chicagoland
• All of the teaching facilities are under one roof, I liked the feel of the campus
• Students at interview day seemed very happy
• I'd like to eventually return to Chicago to practice
• New curriculum (will be in second year when I start) with EMT training

Cons

• No dedicated teaching hospital
  
• Slightly limited research opportunities
• Relatively high tuition

Tulane
Pros

• Have spoken with multiple current and former students who adore the program.
• Opportunity to do dual MD/MPH program
• Urban setting with a dedicated hospital
• New Orleans...
  
• Brand recognition
• Active in the community, something I'm looking for in a med school

Cons

• Would have to pay rent, though NOLA has a relatively low cost of living
• Relatively far from home

Summary: I have two great options for medical school - Tulane and Rosalind Franklin. One is a bit closer to home than the other.

Thanks again!

 

[watermelon master]

I would go to Tulane, I think having an affiliated hospital is extremely important when considering which medical school to go to. All of your rotations can be under the same roof. Home departments at Tulane have a sort of obligation to help you out, given that you are a student there. Also it builds character. You can always match back into psychiatry programs in Chicago once you graduate. It'll be a good life experience.

 

[btuck]

Hi! Congratulations on your acceptances. I was in your same position last year and chose Rosalind Franklin. I am a current M1 and love it here, don't regret my decision at all. As for the hospital situation, I think having a university hospital is a bit overrated. RFU's main teaching hospital is the Advocate Health System, several giant hospitals in the Chicago area (possibly the largest health system in Illinois), an academic medical system with many residencies. This is where we do most of our rotations, research, etc. At RFU we also have the option to explore other hospitals as well though. So if you ask me, hospital wise, Rosalind Franklin/Advocate > Tulane/Tulane Medical Center.

There are many other reasons why I like Chicago Med so much, if you have any questions please DM me! Best of luck with your decision.

 

[pstomd]

I would go to Tulane, I think having an affiliated hospital is extremely important when considering which medical school to go to. All of your rotations can be under the same roof. Home departments at Tulane have a sort of obligation to help you out, given that you are a student there. Also it builds character. You can always match back into psychiatry programs in Chicago once you graduate. It'll be a good life experience.

Hi! Congratulations on your acceptances. I was in your same position last year and chose Rosalind Franklin. I am a current M1 and love it here, don't regret my decision at all. As for the hospital situation, I think having a university hospital is a bit overrated. RFU's main teaching hospital is the Advocate Health System, several giant hospitals in the Chicago area (possibly the largest health system in Illinois), an academic medical system with many residencies. This is where we do most of our rotations, research, etc. At RFU we also have the option to explore other hospitals as well though. So if you ask me, hospital wise, Rosalind Franklin/Advocate > Tulane/Tulane Medical Center.

There are many other reasons why I like Chicago Med so much, if you have any questions please DM me! Best of luck with your decision.

Thank you both for your thoughtful comments! I really appreciate it.

 

[watermelon master]

Thank you both for your thoughtful comments! I really appreciate it.

Two very different opinions, one coming from somebody who goes there and one (me) who only interviewed there. Probably best that you talk to multiple people regarding this, and additionally, the best people to give you advice would be 3rd and 4th years at both schools. A M1 has only been at the school for a few months and hasn't really been through much yet.

Good luck with your decision! Two good schools and whatever choice you make you'll end up doing just fine.

 

[MedicineN'Jazz]

Both are really great schools, with near equal learning opportunities. Go with the money on this one (or if you wish to complete a dual degree in four years)!

 

[btuck]

Have you made your decision? Just curious

 

[ABay]

Tulane