SUNY Buffalo's MD program v. UMDNJ-SOM

[jopdo]

---

Members do not see this ad.

The hypothetical debate re: DO v. MD never seems to resolve. How about looking at two actual programs? If you had to make a decision between SUNY Buffalo and UMDNJ-SOM, as I do, which way would you go and why.
1. Both are state schools offering similar tuitions.
2. UMDNJ-SOM has the affiliated Kennedy Health Center/System while SUNY Buffalo doesn't have a directly affiliated hospital.
3. UMDNJ-SOM is state of the art and relatively new with less endowment than SUNY Buffalo which is one of the oldest- if not the oldest program in the country.
4. Both are near or in cities.
5. UMDNJ-SOM has a smaller entering class size.
6. Buffalo has a more integrated learning approach. For example the classes: "Fundamentals", and "PCM" (Practice of Clinical MEdicine) allow more 'hands on' learning. "Fundamentals" is taught as in a somewhat case based manner.
7, 8, 9, 10..... Any more pros/cons???

I am very confused and on the fence. PLEASE HELP!!!!Thanks in advance.

 

[Robz]

1. Both are state schools offering similar tuitions.

I don't know a whole lot about either school....but I am pretty sure you get instate tuition at UMDNJ after the first year.

 

[Luck]

The hypothetical debate re: DO v. MD never seems to resolve. How about looking at two actual programs? If you had to make a decision between SUNY Buffalo and UMDNJ-SOM, as I do, which way would you go and why.
1. Both are state schools offering similar tuitions.
2. UMDNJ-SOM has the affiliated Kennedy Health Center/System while SUNY Buffalo doesn't have a directly affiliated hospital.
3. UMDNJ-SOM is state of the art and relatively new with less endowment than SUNY Buffalo which is one of the oldest- if not the oldest program in the country.
4. Both are near or in cities.
5. UMDNJ-SOM has a smaller entering class size.
6. Buffalo has a more integrated learning approach. For example the classes: "Fundamentals", and "PCM" (Practice of Clinical MEdicine) allow more 'hands on' learning. "Fundamentals" is taught as in a somewhat case based manner.
7, 8, 9, 10..... Any more pros/cons???

I am very confused and on the fence. PLEASE HELP!!!!Thanks in advance.

That is a good question. First I would say which school did you like more in terms of facilities and people. Where would you be most happy at for the next four years. Also, examine the types of rotations each school offers and which would give you a better clinical education.

Finally, if you're going into primary care or a specialty that is not that competitive, it wouldn't matter where you go. If you want something like opthamology, dermatology, or neurosurgery, it might help to have that MD.

 

[jopdo]

That is a good question. First I would say which school did you like more in terms of facilities and people. Where would you be most happy at for the next four years. Also, examine the types of rotations each school offers and which would give you a better clinical education.

Finally, if you're going into primary care or a specialty that is not that competitive, it wouldn't matter where you go. If you want something like opthamology, dermatology, or neurosurgery, it might help to have that MD.

I am not sure which specialty(or non) path I am interested in yet. But I am trying not to think that DO really limits that flexibility if I were to choose it. This is why I feel that choosing a DO degree is ultimately more risky. Risk can also end in more reward though....

 

[jopdo]

I don't know a whole lot about either school....but I am pretty sure you get instate tuition at UMDNJ after the first year.

Just wondering where you might have heard that. When I went for a housing orientation event, the dean says that once you provide a NJ lease, NJ car reg. & NJ drivers license, you are eligible for the instate tuition. As long as you can provide that stuff prior to day 1 of matriculation. Also, as far as I know, you don't need to be a NJ resident for any length of time in order to qualify for the above credentials. That said, I would love to know any info contrary to my understanding. If what you say is indeed the case, I have my answer. I can not afford out-of-state tuition for any school.

 

[bgreet]

Jopdo what you heard is correct. Once you supply those credentials you pay instate tuition. Umdnj SOM is a nice school, I just hope I get in next year!

 

[ny skindoc]

SUNY Buffalo is affiliated with many hospitals http://www.smbs.buffalo.edu/about.htm including the Roswell Park Cancer Institute ,one of the nations leading cancer centers,and has a very strong residency match list in specialties with matches at prestigious hospitals. The UMDNJ DO program is a good one no doubt,but if you are not absolutely certain about the DO path then go to Buffalo.

 

[DOctorJay]

jopdo is right, i will be entering as a first year in august and have the paper work that shows how to obtain in state residency prior to matriculation to receive in state tuition.

more pro UMDNJ-SOM comments found on another thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=112647&highlight=umdnj


-J