TCOM is probably just fine. I'm not sure on what basis (besides price) the resounding recommendation comes. We can of course look at match results, board scores, etc. But the truth is that school is what you make of it. You get out what you put in. In general, at med school you buy the books, follow the profs guidance, dissect, and try and do some fun things in between. There isn't time for much else. We are all learning similar basic concepts. Can there really be such a discrepancy? I think that ones med school decision is based in a set of inputs specific to each person. Use caution when others tell you how 'good' a school is because you may have different criteria and goals.
Finally a plug for Osteopathic Medicine in general. We are taught that complete health is a summation of the health of the body, mind, and spirit, and that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. If you understand and embrace these simple concepts, Osteopathic medical school is for you.
That said, here's some food for thought:
TUCOM-CA strengths:
- On this site, you will see repeated accolades for TUCOM-CA profs. I stress this once again. 100% professor commitment to student success. Experienced 1st hand!
- OMM department has top notch nationally renowned leadership and staff. The school has OMM excitement in the hallways daily. There is active OMM research activity, and consistent OMM extracurricular opportunity.
- Location!!!!! Can't beat Bay area. Yes, it's in vallejo, which is not SF. But being located in a community like Vallejo is a strenght I think. The community is not affluent. It has unmet healthcare needs. So it's ripe for student involvement. The med school is active at La Clinica, Pregnancy Partners, Student Run Pediatric clinics, Local teen tutoring programs, Teen Life conferences, and the Mare Island 5K race among others. There is a ferry to SF, and students are not distracted by the big city which is a good thing, and can still enjoy it when needed.
- Clinical rotation sites in the Bay area (+80 currently), with options to go elsewhere (colorado, ny, michigan, + others) if desired. It is true that this is not currently the schools strongest point , but they are ACTIVELY improving this. Two full time staff were recently hired to focus on clinical education alone. As i understand it, 0 students have gone without rotation sites ever. So it is not a problem, just a situation that is being improved. I do not believe that this should drive a med school decision. You will rotate.
- Students. The selection process is unique. The interview process uses a unique format, and this give the staff a fresh selection style. I truly believe that TUCOM-CA does not select based on numbers, but based on the individual. There are student in the classes with MCAT scores ranging from 23 to 38. There are 'esoteric healer' types, and hardcore scientists. The average age is about 27, (21 to 36).
- Love life: My class seems to love life!
Thanks! Good luck with you decisions.
