Just so the above-listed author would not throw you, or anyone else off course:
This post (my first one here) is drawn largely from COMPLETE disagreement with the recent master's student's tirade.
Firstly, although it is entirely my guess (but I believe that a good guess it is), her(?) criticism most likely resulted from a lack of acceptance into the D.O. program which, in turn, resulted from a lack of academic success in the master's program (the two events are linked, mind you!). Hence, the statement "if I do apply to this school next year" should be altered into "if this school will accept me next year". And the "if" should be set in bold...and then profusely highlighted in crimson red.
Now, concerning the actual school. I am first in my family to apply to an American medical school, and thus performed a COPIOUS amount of "research" before delving into the process. Here is my reasoning:
Pro's
-Touro Middletown is newly built, but not "new" itself, which means the most up-to-date equipment (which is remarkable indeed...I mean only 3 or 4 schools in this country have the same quality 3-d anatomy dissection and plastination programs), excellent condition of anatomy labs (I mean, have you seen SUNY Buffalo's miasmatic pit????), excellent condition of dorms...all with the combined benefit of Touro's connections and (what is equally important) ability to attain connections.
-There is a large, quality hospital not even 150 meters from campus. Most DO schools are criticized for not being directly affiliated, or not being in direct proximity of a hospital, while Touro Middletown seems to be one of the few to defy this trend. The "juggling" of rotations which I heard being often referred to is practically nonexistent here. Moreover, a hefty percentage of physicians employed by Orange County Regional Hospital also teach at Touro, which
1-proves them to be set not only on medical practice, but on taking the time to teach this practice to others, a trait that only a very few urban physicians can boast of (just compare ORMC's rhythm with that of, say, Coney Island Hospital, Staten Island Hospital, or Icahn)...
2-makes the prospect of finding a "tie" for future rotations, and even residency quite easy (and ORMC is just one and closest of the many hospitals which offer this opportunity for Touro students).
-As far as research is concerned, there is no "basic science" lab space, however one can hardly find space on the walls free from clinical research or medical case studies (many associated with such schools and hospitals as Yale, Mt. Sinai, NYMC, SUNY Stony Brook, and SUNY Downstate). In my opinion, basic science research (i.e. standing nights on end before a Bunsen burner) should be completely facultative for a physician...I mean, he is welcome to do it, but his primary responsibility is, and always will be, the treatment of patients. In this light, clinical research (which is not only offered, but highly encouraged, and highly pursued), and even more so clinical case studies(since how else would a doctor gain expertise in his field, if not through study of interesting and unusual cases?) are vastly available through cooperation with nearby hospitals and medical schools!
-I(while being quite pedantic with my interrogation) am yet to hear a single student state his concern with the administration's "unprofessionalism". As a matter of fact, I have heard only the opposite. Additionally, my case is direct proof of this opposite (if you would like, PM me and I will tell you in details). Regarding rotations, unlike some Harlem students, no one (literally, none yet) of the second years and now-third-years, have expressed ANY worry...
Con's
-The only CON that I have heard of is the school's novelty; however, once again, I believe that "novelty" here should be used with respect to the branch, and not to the entire university.
3D anatomy was useless. Seriously. And half the time it didn't even work/ on repair. Everything I learned was in actual lab and plastination. The anatomy staff were informative and told you exactly what you needed to know. But that 3D anatomy was total bogus and I would say a waste of money.
The school is in a building that was built in the 1970s. The school part is okay. The dorms are terrible. Infestations of fruit and sewer flies in the plumbing/drain. The ceiling leaks. Far from "excellent condition"
Some physicians at ORMC (Orange Regional Medical Center) are "associated" with Touro, but definitely do not teach there.
ORMC despite being a new hospital, and nice facility is quite poorly rated.
You cannot predict how "easy" you can get a residency spot. The first class at Middletown doesn't even graduate until 2018 (they have two more years).
If you are coming to TouroCOM Middletown, the local rotations are very rural and suburban populations. If you are lucky, (a friend of mine) you may "win" the lottery system and pick the Nyack Hospital (as urban as you can get).
Rotation spots are sparse and with more students coming in, these spots are going to dwindle down. Since there is only one class currently going into rotations next year, this isn't something for them to worry... yet. But for future classes, when they get to 3rd and 4th year, options are sparse unless Touro somehow can get bids.
There are plenty examples of unprofessionalism in regards to the administration. I've heard a professor yell/scream at the IT administrator over the phone, where it was clearly the professor's own fault/ineptitude for not knowing how the testing system works.
It is a new school, there are growing pains, but it's feels like the administration just lies to your face at times.
Touro is far from what you say it is, that's fosure. Please don't lie. Be honest, allow those who are interested to get a clearer picture of what they are getting into.
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