Tufts MD/MPH (4 yr) or Temple Med????

[pleaseletmein123]

Hi everyone! I have been struggling with this decision for a while now. I am so grateful that I have this choice to make but I have been in the same boat for the past couple of months unable to decide which school is a better fit for me so I figured outside perspectives might be helpful! I am still waiting to hear back on the MD/Urban Bioethics at Temple but have been accepted to Tufts MD/MPH.

A little background about me, I was born and raised in northeast (so location of both is equal to me) , iidentify as part of the Latino community and am really passionate about working with underserved patients and being in an area where my medical education supports that vision of learning about health inequalities and gaining diverse patient care experiences. With that being said I love both schools in completely different ways and am so torn. Here are the pros and cons I have found at each school and please correct me if anything I have is wrong!

TUFTS
Pros:

• Love the curriculum so much! Lectures + small-group/case based learning with faculty coaching, PBL, cases within each organ system, presentations of patients with certain illnesses (in the organ system you are in) coming to speak
  • Starts with an introduction to what medicine is ( ethics, healthcare, social determinants etc )rather than jumping right into class
  • In-person medical interviewing with actual patients within first month
  • Spend 1 day/week in PCP clinic
• Service involvements (though not as many with latinx populations) such as ENTRE MUJERES (wellness workshops for latino community), THE PHOENIX PROJECT (discussions with incarcerated individuals on social and health topics) and TUFTS INTERPRETER PROGRAM to assist with interviewing/physical exams of latino patients at its student-run clinic
• Also have first gen in medicine club, multicultural fellow council and Doctors Without Borders club which I am interested in
• Huge emphasis on mental health and so many resources including counseling, workshops, electives and partnering with older students to practice mindfulness etc
• I thought my tufts interview overall was the best, it was very put together and I really meshed well with the interviewers

Cons:

• Main concern =I dont think the surrounding area is as diverse/underserved as where temple is located
• Aeems like while there are opportunities to work with latino/immigrant populations they might be harder to obtain and not as readily available as temple. I got the impression that you have to match at a hospital that serves this population primarily to get this sort of clinical experience or shadow in one of these hospitals which may not always be possible depending on others students interests.
• A lot of the students interviewing on my interview day came from ivy league schools,, I know they state that the environment is collaborative bc its pass/fail but also worried people may be cutthroat and not as collaborative as it may appear :/

TEMPLE
Pros

• Has more of a traditional curriculum with some similar aspects in terms of still covering essential some of the same things as tufts in the doctoring, I think just less emphasis on PBL/small group compared to those opportunities available in the tufts curriculum
• Social determinants are heavily incorporated into curriculum
• Focus on creating physicians that are passionate about serving the underserved and everyone seems to share that same passion
• Located in a super underserved area where the patient population unlike any other city—> afford me unique patient experiences and greater opportunity’s with latino communities
• Theres a lot of opportunities for latino community involvement like PUENTES DE SALUD (care and education for latinx immigrant population), ESPERANZA (preventative care/screenigns for latinx population) and then TEACH AND CARE CLINIC which is the regular student run clinic for underserved
• Huge level 1 trauma center/emergency department with emergencies you probably dont get in Boston
• Loved temple interview too, it was the only interview that we weren’t awkwardly staring at each other during breaks we actually engaged in conversation like we already knew each other which I think says alot about students they recruit
• Faculty sole focus is to teach you and make sure you become an excellent doctor

Cons

• AOA—> understand it is still super collaborative but also dont love that they internally rank students
• Has emphasis on mental health but not as many resources mostly just counseling available and access to web articles/podcasts

This is what I have gathered through researching each school/speaking to students. If you made it this far I really appreciate your input in helping me decide!! 🙂 Please feel free to correct anything that may be wrong or any other insight to each school. Thank you so much!!


Edit: Have not received financial aid packages from either but do not want to decide solely based on cost unless its a super significant difference (will update once I recieve!)

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[7331poas]

Cost?

 

[Redpancreas]

Cost?

This would be my number #1 factor. I bet Temple is 10K/year cheaper based on likely outdated info from a Google search plus the cost of living and just to overshoot and account for interest I think it’ll be a 60-70K more at Tufts.

Is there an MPH built in or is it an extra year? Some residency programs I interviewed at offer a free MPH concurrently with the program but it’s not a guarantee you will match at a residency program that offers that.

This is tough, my gestalt is that Tufts overall seemed like a better curriculum and that can be a bit more important than the pre-med community likes to admit. In terms of tier Tufts is perhaps half a tier better but it’s a smidgeon of a difference.

I coincidentally have a pretty nice take on this kind of niche topic in my signature. Check it out @pleaseletmein123

All things considered this seems like a tough choice. Both good ones though!

 

[calvinhobbes]

Tufts is super pricey! Boston and Philly are both great: honestly, I would see which place gives you a better scholarship. honestly I would go to the cheaper option, but also if you can, try to visit both places (if you haven’t yet) and see where you would be the most happy at. Personally I would choose Temple, although Tufts is amazing, the price is insane haha.

 

[pleaseletmein123]

Cost?

Haven't gotten financial aid packages for either school yet (though tufts gives generous need-based scholarships which im hoping for) but I said to myself I wouldn't let cost influence my choice unless it is a huge difference. Would rather go to a place that is more expensive but makes me happier!

 

[pleaseletmein123]

This would be the number #1 factor. I bet Temple is 10K/year cheaper plus the cost of living and just to overshoot and account for interest I think it’ll be a 60-70K difference at the end of the day.

Is there an MPH built in or is it an extra year?

This is tough, my gestalt is that Tufts overall seems like a better curriculum and that can be a bit more important than the pre-med community likes to admit. In terms of tier Tufts is perhaps half a tier better but it’s a smidgeon of a difference.

I coincidentally have a pretty nice take on this kind of niche topic in my signature. Check it out @pleaseletmein123

it is a 4 year MD/MPH! I am still awaiting financial aid packages though I do know Tufts is generous for students that are need-based. I don't want to focus too much on cost vs overall happiness so I am trying to decide based on other factors 🙂

 

[Redpancreas]

it is a 4 year MD/MPH! I am still awaiting financial aid packages though I do know Tufts is generous for students that are need-based. I don't want to focus too much on cost vs overall happiness so I am trying to decide based on other factors 🙂

This makes it easier for me to tell you to go to Tufts.

 

[Redpancreas]

Tufts is super pricey! Boston and Philly are both great: honestly, I would see which place gives you a better scholarship. honestly I would go to the cheaper option, but also if you can, try to visit both places (if you haven’t yet) and see where you would be the most happy at. Personally I would choose Temple, although Tufts is amazing, the price is insane haha.

Temple has your standard 50K OOS tuition too. If this were IS Tenple vs OOS Tufts that would be a different story. Tufts is probably somewhere around 60K.

OP from what you described you would like Tufts better, you get an MPH, and I personally think the curriculum is better. Don’t buy into the hype with the small groups, coaching, and PBL. That’s all garbage. The thing that I like is the early clinical exposure and how it’s organ system based and how there’s no internal ranking system for preclinicals per your report.

 

[pleaseletmein123]

This makes it easier for me to tell you to go to Tufts.

This makes it easier for me to tell you to go to Tufts.

would you put more emphasis on curriculum versus patient experiences/opportunities in surrounding area?

 

[Redpancreas]

would you put more emphasis on curriculum versus patient experiences/opportunities in surrounding area?

Yes. You will spend more time with the curriculum than these outside opportunities. Maybe Tufts doesn’t have the population you’re looking to cater to but with these sort of outreach efforts, where there’s a will there’s a way and I’m sure there will be clinics you can sign up for.

I’m happy to see you’re so genuinely interested in this and whichever medical school gets you is blessed.

 

[calvinhobbes]

Temple has your standard 50K OOS tuition too. If this were IS Tenple vs OOS Tufts that would be a different story. Tufts is probably somewhere around 60K.

OP from what you described you would like Tufts better, you get an MPH, and I personally think the curriculum is better. Don’t buy into the hype with the small groups, coaching, and PBL. That’s all garbage. The thing that I like is the early clinical exposure and how it’s organ system based and how there’s no internal ranking system for preclinicals per your report.

Totally forgot about the whole OOS tuition thing! In that case, then gotta decide are you a Red Sox or Phillies fan 😀

 

[calvinhobbes]

it is a 4 year MD/MPH! I am still awaiting financial aid packages though I do know Tufts is generous for students that are need-based. I don't want to focus too much on cost vs overall happiness so I am trying to decide based on other factors 🙂

Oh then Tufts for sure! (Unless temple is 4 year MD/MPH as well...haha can you tell my bias yet). Jk. Do you pay extra for the MPH in either school?

 

[pleaseletmein123]

Oh then Tufts for sure! (Unless temple is 4 year MD/MPH as well...haha can you tell my bias yet). Jk. Do you pay extra for the MPH in either school?

Temple is a 4 year MD/Urban Bioethics (still waiting on whether I have been accepted) but it is extra for both!

 

[pleaseletmein123]

OP from what you described you would like Tufts better, you get an MPH, and I personally think the curriculum is better. Don’t buy into the hype with the small groups, coaching, and PBL. That’s all garbage. The thing that I like is the early clinical exposure and how it’s organ system based and how there’s no internal ranking system for preclinicals per your report.

I will say Temple also has early clinical exposure and is organ-system based which makes my decision harder 🙁 One of the students I spoke to said they are kind of just thrown in there from the beginning to treat patients and because their population is so diverse she has had very unique experiences compared to patient populations at other schools.

The internal ranking is not my favorite though they say they are not sure how they are ranked so everyone is super collaborative and not cutthroat (still that may be a determining factor for me).

With that being said, I know both temple and tufts really emphasized how amazing their clinical training is. Something that stood out to me was during my temple interview the faculty shared how when students begin residencies they know who is a temple student and who isn't based on how advanced their skills are, there were also students saying they assisted in things as a med student that only residents do. I don't know how true it may be but gives me the impression the clinical training might be better? Just thinking out loud and I really appreciate your insight because I want to make sure I make the right decision for me and I like seeing other peoples perspectives! 🙂

 

[Redpancreas]

I will say Temple also has early clinical exposure and is organ-system based which makes my decision harder 🙁 One of the students I spoke to said they are kind of just thrown in there from the beginning to treat patients and because their population is so diverse she has had very unique experiences compared to patient populations at other schools.

The internal ranking is not my favorite though they say they are not sure how they are ranked so everyone is super collaborative and not cutthroat (still that may be a determining factor for me).

With that being said, I know both temple and tufts really emphasized how amazing their clinical training is. Something that stood out to me was during my temple interview the faculty shared how when students begin residencies they know who is a temple student and who isn't based on how advanced their skills are, there were also students saying they assisted in things as a med student that only residents do. I don't know how true it may be but gives me the impression the clinical training might be better? Just thinking out loud and I really appreciate your insight because I want to make sure I make the right decision for me and I like seeing other peoples perspectives! 🙂

hmmm...I had the vibe Temple was traditional for some reason. I guess that puts Temple up a bit higher but IDK. I will say you shouldn’t put weight in that faculty’s comment. It is empty words. I’m sure me someone if prompted would say the same about Tufts. Ultimately the decision’s up to you now!

 

[SweetBurger]

PBL small groups are 0 reason to pick a school. Wish i had less. It's like learning the standard material but with extra steps

 

[pleaseletmein123]

The main factor that has me going back to temple is the fac

PBL small groups are 0 reason to pick a school. Wish i had less. It's like learning the standard material but with extra steps

Oh good to know! So would you say choose the school with the better curriculum but not the patient population you want to work with or vise versa?

 

[Banco]

Cost should be at number 1 for differentiation between the 2. Then you can scrutinize beyond it once you know.

 

[Thesimplelifeofamyloid]

The main factor that has me going back to temple is the fac

Oh good to know! So would you say choose the school with the better curriculum but not the patient population you want to work with or vise versa?

After cost, choose the school that gives the least amount of mandatory sessions, NBME exams and lets you do the most independent study/research. PBL is nonsense

 

[pleaseletmein123]

Update with financial aid!!** Getting close to decision day and I still cant decide 🙁

Tufts = 4 year MD/MPH w/ $50,000$ scholarship (ends up being about 55,000/year)

Pros:
- Curriculum/ no internal ranking
- mental health resources
- global health emphasis/resources
- have program for those interested in underserved (only ~15 people though)

Cons:
- seems like you have to really go out of your way to get diverse patient experiences
- LMSA is very new and not as active

Temple = 4 year MD/MA in Urban Bioethics w $25,000 scholarship (ends up being about 70,000/year)

Pros:
- loved the area much more when I visited
- in a very unique place and immediate population it serves is super underserved
- every student has the same passion for working with minority and marginalized communities
- seems like theres very tight unity with the URM students and LMSA is very active

Cons:
- internal ranking
- no MPH

More about me and my goals: I want to work in an underserved setting as a future physician. I am very interested in trauma related specialties, like burn, reconstructive plastics, emergency medicine etc. Would love to open my own free clinic for low-income/disadvantaged communities, and definitely want to expand my care globally through doctors without borders/medical missions. Also really interested in health policy!!!

If anyone has any insight on what school may be the better fit especially with these goals/interests would love to hear any last minute advice! Thank you everyone! 🙂

 

[Banco]

If your main goal is to work in underserved communities, then Temple is a good option. North philly isn't the best area and the people are certainly underserved. The trauma/emergency experience at Temple will be far superior to that of Tufts - but this is more likely to be a residency consideration. There are lots of outreach efforts though in many specialties.

The specialties you are interested in are effectively general surgery --> Burn surgery/trauma surgery/plastic surgery, plastic surgery I6 and EM. In terms of home residencies, Temple is stronger than Tufts in general surgery and EM. Neither have an I6 plastics residency, but Temple has a plastics fellowship - so research should be available to you. Also, doesn't the med school have the global health initiative where you can get an MPH (i think in 5 years?)

Tufts is cheaper by 60k overall and comes with that MPH in 4 years - so strong bang for your buck. You can also match all of your desired specialties from there. You'll have to analyze the curriculum yourself.

I think you can make the case for either as cost difference isn't so massive. So go with your gut.

 

[pleaseletmein123]

If your main goal is to work in underserved communities, then Temple is a good option. North philly isn't the best area and the people are certainly underserved. The trauma/emergency experience at Temple will be far superior to that of Tufts - but this is more likely to be a residency consideration. There are lots of outreach efforts though in many specialties.

The specialties you are interested in are effectively general surgery --> Burn surgery/trauma surgery/plastic surgery, plastic surgery I6 and EM. In terms of home residencies, Temple is stronger than Tufts in general surgery and EM. Neither have an I6 plastics residency, but Temple has a plastics fellowship - so research should be available to you. Also, doesn't the med school have the global health initiative where you can get an MPH (i think in 5 years?)

Tufts is cheaper by 60k overall and comes with that MPH in 4 years - so strong bang for your buck. You can also match all of your desired specialties from there. You'll have to analyze the curriculum yourself.

I think you can make the case for either as cost difference isn't so massive. So go with your gut.

Yes weirdly I feel like Temple matches my interests more so but my gut says tufts

 

[SweetBurger]

Sounds like you want Tufts so go with Tufts. You'll honestly have equal opportunity come match time at both places I would say. Dm me if you would like.