Tulane vs Drexel vs Quinnipiac Please Help!

[rowjimmy]

Please read everything--I really appreciate the feedback!! Thanks! 😀

Hi everyone, I’m debating among these three schools. I would really appreciate some constructive input about which school you think would be the best school overall. (If this thread bothers you for some reason, please don’t comment. I looked at other threads, and while there are Tulane vs Drexel threads, my main focus is on the incipient nature of QU vs the established reputation of both Tulane and Drexel--something definitely not mentioned.)

FYI my main interest is a wide range of subspecialties in internal medicine. For those of you who don’t know, Quinnipiac’s SOM is brand new and this year would host the first class. This has its drawbacks and risks, but it also has many benefits. I have recently toured QU’s new school and am really impressed by its facilities and undiluted presentation of technology. Admittedly, one of my main attractions to Quinnipiac is based on its convenience—I would be able to stay where I am currently living and commute (which would save me over $100K + accrued interest), a faculty committed to the success of their students (this is true for most new schools but especially true for the very first class), ability to shape curricular and extracurricular aspects, brand new everything, only 60 students in first class in a facility intended to eventually teach 500+, pass/fail grading, 50/50 PBL and didactics, focus on global health, etc. However, it also has an aim to prepare its students for primary care—a specialty I do not wish to pursue at this time. My two main concerns are that my education and what follows may be compromised somewhat because the school’s focus is in a specialty other than what I wish to pursue and that finding a residency may be difficult coming from a school without an established SOM reputation. Tulane and Drexel both appeal to me for many reasons—Tulane more so—and both have established reputations from which residency programs can base their decisions from.

Do you think it would be significantly more difficult to get a residency in internal medicine (or something other than primary care) coming from QU than it would from Tulane or Drexel? It would be really convenient, economical, and (dare I say) enjoyable going to QU with all its said appeal, but should the risk of an un-established reputation and focus in primary care be enough to deter me from matriculating there? Thanks in advance for the feedback!

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[Itwashambone]

Please read everything--I really appreciate the feedback!! Thanks! 😀

Hi everyone, I’m debating among these three schools. I would really appreciate some constructive input about which school you think would be the best school overall. (If this thread bothers you for some reason, please don’t comment. I looked at other threads, and while there are Tulane vs Drexel threads, my main focus is on the incipient nature of QU vs the established reputation of both Tulane and Drexel--something definitely not mentioned.)

FYI my main interest is a wide range of subspecialties in internal medicine. For those of you who don’t know, Quinnipiac’s SOM is brand new and this year would host the first class. This has its drawbacks and risks, but it also has many benefits. I have recently toured QU’s new school and am really impressed by its facilities and undiluted presentation of technology. Admittedly, one of my main attractions to Quinnipiac is based on its convenience—I would be able to stay where I am currently living and commute (which would save me over $100K + accrued interest), a faculty committed to the success of their students (this is true for most new schools but especially true for the very first class), ability to shape curricular and extracurricular aspects, brand new everything, only 60 students in first class in a facility intended to eventually teach 500+, pass/fail grading, 50/50 PBL and didactics, focus on global health, etc. However, it also has an aim to prepare its students for primary care—a specialty I do not wish to pursue at this time. My two main concerns are that my education and what follows may be compromised somewhat because the school’s focus is in a specialty other than what I wish to pursue and that finding a residency may be difficult coming from a school without an established SOM reputation. Tulane and Drexel both appeal to me for many reasons—Tulane more so—and both have established reputations from which residency programs can base their decisions from.

Do you think it would be significantly more difficult to get a residency in internal medicine (or something other than primary care) coming from QU than it would from Tulane or Drexel? It would be really convenient, economical, and (dare I say) enjoyable going to QU with all its said appeal, but should the risk of an un-established reputation and focus in primary care be enough to deter me from matriculating there? Thanks in advance for the feedback!

You've answered your own question. Clearly you know the pros and cons of both options, and even more apparent from your post is your desire to go to QU. It is more of a risk, but you clearly seem to love the school so take a jump and enjoy the ride.

 

[Daodejing]

Tulane. Nawlins. Nuff said. Thank me later.

 

[loltopsy]

Cheapest school = best school.

 

[Nymphicus]

I would pick Tulane unless it it is a lot more expensive.

There just really is no advantage in going to a brand new school. The advantage for you seems to be that you already live there.

 

[mybubbles627]

Internal medicine is considered a primary care specialty along with pediatrics and family medicine. You can get a fellowship in cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, etc. but it's still primary care so you would be very well prepared for that at a school with a primary care focus.

 

[fourhumours]

I think your real choice is QU or Tulane

I would take Tulane over Drexel any day (turned down an interview to drexel, both my parents are drexel alums and told me to choose tulane).

its really whether you want one of the oldest most established schools with a good/really good rep (but not great). I am probably going to Tulane and love the atmosphere and laid back nature, 4 year mph/md, NOLA, no winters, different culture. I thought about applying to QU but I have an irrational dislike of Connecticut (probably because I am from RI and had to drive down 95 to get to NYC).

I interviewed at Hofstra for what would have been the third class and I can say that I was worried about the lack of a track record for their curriculum vis a vis the step 1/residencies. however I would say that being one of the first classes at a school means they probably will put an over the top amount of effort into making sure you do well on step 1 and residency match (since what school would want to have a weak first class).

also money, if money is an issue then not Tulane (expensive).

but yeah it sounds like you like QU more than the other two and are kinda looking for reasons not to go there. if you really like one school and think its the match for you, go. you will get an MD from all three schools and will be a doctor regardless.

 

[rowjimmy]

You've answered your own question. Clearly you know the pros and cons of both options, and even more apparent from your post is your desire to go to QU. It is more of a risk, but you clearly seem to love the school so take a jump and enjoy the ride.

I agree that, based solely on my post, one would argue that I have a clear preference for QU. With that said, however, I did and do feel a strong connection to both Tulane and NO.

I am completely attracted to Tulane's essentially unlimited clinical and volunteer opportunities, commitment to underprivileged communities, extensive global health electives, exhaustive student activities programs, increasing performance trend on boards scores, flexible clinical years and attendance, broadcasted/recorded classes, established/good reputation, very rich in history (which I do appreciate), excellent culture and plenty of social aspects.

Some of the negatives of Tulane--for me--are: cost--I've heard that Tulane is one of the top 5 most expensive SOMs in the US (it would be over 100k cheaper for me to go to QU), "disorganized" team based learning, many current students complain about a lot of "low yield assignments" like cultural competency lectures and online documentation, curricular preference for didactic lecture over PBL, and clinical years grading system of H HP P C F (might as well be ABCDF?).

On a social level, I also got pretty tired of the "lets get drunk and party" selling point of the school. I mean Tulane and NO can sell itself just fine without the constant mantra of "we have daiquiri drive-throughs" and "drinking in the streets is really fun" and "make sure you bring plenty of alcohol with you on Mardi Gras so you don't lose your spot." I mean, not to sound like a TOTAL loser, but I don't drink at all and I can't believe that being a teetotaler is actually a major consideration for not matriculating at a US medical school. Moreover, I'm really adamant about not eating refined, sugary, greasy, or salt-laden foods--maintaining a healthy diet is really important to me, and it was impossible to find natural-state, unrefined, and (at the risk of sounding like a health snob) organic, foods in New Orleans--even at Tulane. This critique may come across like I am complaining about the "culture" of New Orleans, but I am not-- I absolutely love the history, culture, mystique and architecture of New Orleans. Evidently, however, my inability to slug back mint julips and scarf down beignets are somewhat major considerations when thinking about going to Tulane! 🙁

Also, Charity Hospital was apparently one of the major lures of prospective students to go to Tulane because of the wide range of freedom and clinical work students had--unlike any other hospital in the US. I would love for Charity Hospital to be reopened but that apparently will never happen now. Just getting it to remain standing seems to be a challenge.

Cheapest school = best school.

I see where you're coming from, but I wouldn't go to a cheaper offshore or DO school over a more expensive allopathic school. In the same vein, I want to chose a medical school that will give me the best chance of getting a residency in the specialty that most appeals to me. Cost is a major consideration of this decision, but it is not everything. I guess it boils down to: does QU's lack of reputation negate its economical, convenience,and personalized attention benefits?

I would pick Tulane unless it it is a lot more expensive.



There just really is no advantage in going to a brand new school. The advantage for you seems to be that you already live there.

I appreciate your input and thank you, but I'd have to disagree. There are many advantages of going to a brand new school (see last quote in this response). And to address your first statement, it's about 100k + accrued interest more expensive.

Internal medicine is considered a primary care specialty along with pediatrics and family medicine. You can get a fellowship in cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, etc. but it's still primary care so you would be very well prepared for that at a school with a primary care focus.

That's a really great point. Say my interest is in oncology. When I am doing a residency in IM, does my residency have to be geared in any way towards oncology to make me better suited for the fellowship or is it just a general internal medicine residency?

I think your real choice is QU or Tulane

I would take Tulane over Drexel any day (turned down an interview to drexel, both my parents are drexel alums and told me to choose tulane).

its really whether you want one of the oldest most established schools with a good/really good rep (but not great). I am probably going to Tulane and love the atmosphere and laid back nature, 4 year mph/md, NOLA, no winters, different culture. I thought about applying to QU but I have an irrational dislike of Connecticut (probably because I am from RI and had to drive down 95 to get to NYC).

I interviewed at Hofstra for what would have been the third class and I can say that I was worried about the lack of a track record for their curriculum vis a vis the step 1/residencies. however I would say that being one of the first classes at a school means they probably will put an over the top amount of effort into making sure you do well on step 1 and residency match (since what school would want to have a weak first class).

also money, if money is an issue then not Tulane (expensive).

but yeah it sounds like you like QU more than the other two and are kinda looking for reasons not to go there. if you really like one school and think its the match for you, go. you will get an MD from all three schools and will be a doctor regardless.

Very true--many good points. Thank you. I do seem to be leaning towards QU, but I just want to make sure that I don't risk wasting all the effort I put into getting to this point by investing in a four year education at a school with an unknown reputation--this is a big consideration. But as you've pointed out, being the very first class of a brand new school definitely has its perks--personalized attention to every student with regard to boards preparation and residency match are among the benefits. I guess my final decision boils down to the risk-benefit ratio we will have to be doing for the rest of our careers: does the benefit of QU's personalized faculty attention, new facilities, convenience, costs-savings, very intimate classes, pass/fail grading, outweigh the potential risk of unmatched residency on account of an un-established reputation?

 

[Brachyury]

Also, Charity Hospital was apparently one of the major lures of prospective students to go to Tulane because of the wide range of freedom and clinical work students had--unlike any other hospital in the US. I would love for Charity Hospital to be reopened but that apparently will never happen now. Just getting it to remain standing seems to be a challenge.

I get so sick and tired of having to correct this point. The physical Charity hospital closed, but all the patients are still served at University Hospital (which you will rotate at) down the street. The old Charity Hospital was mostly abandoned even before Katrina because most services had started to be transferred to University. The new Charity Hospital has been under construction for over a year, and will be completed in 2014. Again, just to recap, the physical space of old Charity is no longer used, but the unique patient populations, disease, and teaching opportunities never went away. You will treat these patients at University (interim Charity), and at the new Charity Hospital once construction ends

Also, Tulane is P/F for preclinical years, and H/HP/P for clinical years

 

[Nymphicus]

I appreciate your input and thank you, but I'd have to disagree. There are many advantages of going to a brand new school (see last quote in this response). And to address your first statement, it's about 100k + accrued interest more expensive.



Very true--many good points. Thank you. I do seem to be leaning towards QU, but I just want to make sure that I don't risk wasting all the effort I put into getting to this point by investing in a four year education at a school with an unknown reputation--this is a big consideration. But as you've pointed out, being the very first class of a brand new school definitely has its perks--personalized attention to every student with regard to boards preparation and residency match are among the benefits.

Most half-decent medical schools will provide these for their students. This is not a "new school" advantage.

I guess my final decision boils down to the risk-benefit ratio we will have to be doing for the rest of our careers: does the benefit of QU's personalized faculty attention, new facilities, convenience, costs-savings, very intimate classes, pass/fail grading...

Again, none of these are inherent advantages of going to a "new school."

...outweigh the potential risk of unmatched residency on account of an un-established reputation?

You are not going to go unmatched just because you went to Quinnipiac. If anything, what is more likely is that you may have more difficulty getting the specialty you want in the location you want. If you do well, it probably won't matter honestly vs Tulane.

 

[deleted454156]

It seems you're making a well informed decision but I just wanted to leave you with an anecdote. One of the physicians I work with in the ED went to Tulane and said he had the best time of his life with the students/faculty/city and got a great education.

I personally think the extra money with Tulane (living expenses), which you wouldn't have at QU would be worth it. Get out experience a new city, one as fantastic as New Orleans, and study at the more established medical program.

 

[rowjimmy]

You are not going to go unmatched just because you went to Quinnipiac. If anything, what is more likely is that you may have more difficulty getting the specialty you want in the location you want. If you do well, it probably won't matter honestly vs Tulane.

I agree with this statement, however a faculty member from the school stated that it should not be a problem getting residencies within the Northeast, especially in CT, but that it may be more difficult elsewhere where QU's name isn't as well known.

Regarding the comments in bold...

A family member of mine had the privilege of speaking with the President of the AAMC and he attested to the inherent advantages associated with going to a new school. He stated that being in the 1st or "charter" class in a new medical school puts you in a position where you "would never be treated better." Everyone wants you to succeed not only for your sake but for the sake of the new school.

I don't understand why it is so hard for someone to think that there are advantages to going to a new school. The caliber and prevalence of state of the art, unused technological equipment at QU is mostly, if not wholly, a product of it being a novice school. Sure old schools can have new technology installed, but the extent will rarely match that of a new school--especially when one takes into account the available technology to student ratio (especially for the charter class, which is 1/3 the size of the anticipated maximum). The pristine nature of the PBL classrooms, anatomy labs, lecture halls, study rooms, etc are that way because they are new. Is this a huge, life-altering consideration of mine? No. But it is definitely an advantage that contributes to the overall enhancement of the educational experience. More importantly to me, is what the president and CEO of the AAMC touched upon, which is the overall personalization of education that students in the charter class receive--it truly is unique because it is a truly unique situation (not every class is the charter class). This translates to an exceptionally focused faculty with the aim of benefiting every student in the charter class. I would have to say one would be incorrect in stating or even implying that the level of education and investment of professors in "half-decent" medical schools would match that of a charter class--not only will the faculty to student ratio be higher than most "half-decent" schools, but the motivation and commitment to get the students to succeed would be greater for obvious reasons. One would assume that this would manifest in exceptional assistance in getting students' desired residency matches and extensive boards prep. Additionally, having only a third of the class matriculating means an excess of resources, which again translates to enhancement of education. I'd be hard pressed to find a "half-decent" school that offers 2/3 as many available resources as students--most "half-decent" schools I know cram as many students as possible until all student resources are used. How someone can argue that the excess availability of resources is not a "new school advantage" is beyond my comprehension.

 

[rowjimmy]

It seems you're making a well informed decision but I just wanted to leave you with an anecdote. One of the physicians I work with in the ED went to Tulane and said he had the best time of his life with the students/faculty/city and got a great education.

I personally think the extra money with Tulane (living expenses), which you wouldn't have at QU would be worth it. Get out experience a new city, one as fantastic as New Orleans, and study at the more established medical program.

Thanks, I appreciate the anecdote. I've heard many good things about Tulane and NO, which is why I'm kind of struggling with this decision. Tick tock...

 

[rowjimmy]

I get so sick and tired of having to correct this point.

Oh, ok 😱

The physical Charity hospital closed, but all the patients are still served at University Hospital (which you will rotate at) down the street. The old Charity Hospital was mostly abandoned even before Katrina because most services had started to be transferred to University. The new Charity Hospital has been under construction for over a year, and will be completed in 2014. Again, just to recap, the physical space of old Charity is no longer used, but the unique patient populations, disease, and teaching opportunities never went away. You will treat these patients at University (interim Charity), and at the new Charity Hospital once construction ends

I never said that the patient population and range of disease prevalence has changed. A graduate of Tulane Med told me that what made old Charity unique was the unprecedented level of freedom there and how the students on their clerkships and residents would essentially have a degree of freedom that was hard to find at any other hospital in the US. The fact that a new hospital is being opened in a new location and just happens to go by the same name does not mean that the same level of oversight and orchestration of clinicians will be the same.

Also, Tulane is P/F for preclinical years, and H/HP/P for clinical years

I said during clinical years it's H HP P C F-- there is a conditional range between Pass and Fail FYI (At least according to Tulane's SoM Handbook)

 

[loltopsy]

I see where you're coming from, but I wouldn't go to a cheaper offshore or DO school over a more expensive allopathic school. In the same vein, I want to chose a medical school that will give me the best chance of getting a residency in the specialty that most appeals to me. Cost is a major consideration of this decision, but it is not everything. I guess it boils down to: does QU's lack of reputation negate its economical, convenience,and personalized attention benefits?

That's not exactly what I meant. I should have clarified, but I was lazy. Rank doesn't matter a whole hell of a lot when it comes to residencies, from what I've read. Unless you are secretly considering a top 25 ranked school, then that would somewhat increase your chances of matching to a better residency, but even then, step 1, clinical grades, research, etc all outweigh school rank.

When it comes to step 1 prep, schools are pretty much the same. With the exception of P/F and PBL schools, it seems that the cheapest school is the best option in the long run. You're match very likely won't be different, and if you can save 100k over 4 years, that'd be huge in terms of debt you don't have to pay off.

That being said, some smaller, competitive specialties (ie neurosurgery) basically require you to do NSG research to match (with some exceptions of course). If you go to a school that has a weak/non-existant NSG program with no one doing research, you will have to try a whole lot harder to get those opportunities - ie looking at adjacent schools. That's a headache and reduces your ability to network and get relevant, solid LORs. The possible lack of a home program also further reduces your chances of matching.

 

[rowjimmy]

That's not exactly what I meant. I should have clarified, but I was lazy. Rank doesn't matter a whole hell of a lot when it comes to residencies, from what I've read. Unless you are secretly considering a top 25 ranked school, then that would somewhat increase your chances of matching to a better residency, but even then, step 1, clinical grades, research, etc all outweigh school rank.

When it comes to step 1 prep, schools are pretty much the same. With the exception of P/F and PBL schools, it seems that the cheapest school is the best option in the long run. You're match very likely won't be different, and if you can save 100k over 4 years, that'd be huge in terms of debt you don't have to pay off.

That being said, some smaller, competitive specialties (ie neurosurgery) basically require you to do NSG research to match (with some exceptions of course). If you go to a school that has a weak/non-existant NSG program with no one doing research, you will have to try a whole lot harder to get those opportunities - ie looking at adjacent schools. That's a headache and reduces your ability to network and get relevant, solid LORs. The possible lack of a home program also further reduces your chances of matching.

Ok thanks 👍

 

[fourhumours]

Before I went to my Interview at Tulane I spoke to someone I know who graduated in 1981 and he was less than enthusiastic about Charity (he said that the building was condemned to close back then but they couldn't close it because they had no replacement). also he mentioned how at old charity, at least when he was there, there was a fight/struggle between LSU and Tulane over patients for their students. he certainly did not make charity to be quite as romantic as it is played up to be by some (granted it is a sample of n=1).

I think the two brand new hospitals opening up in time for what would be our clinical years are great (the largest VA in the southeast (I think that's the region) and the new university/charity hospital). though the hospital, at least according to what I have read, will still be shared between LSU and Tulane. Honestly having the opportunity to do clinical rotations in a brand new, (what I am assuming) state of the art hospital is pretty cool. as for "a different location" the location, if memory serves, is like half am mile from old charity so it's really not that far. I would think that a brand new hospital may also draw better clinicians than an older facility would so it may actually even improve clinical rotations. plus their is still the university hospital attached to the medical school building. I would imagine, though obviously I have no idea, that you will still have plenty of "freedom" especially since Tulane really emphasizes that (i.e. tons of student run clinics).

I think the opportunity to be in a new environment with a completely different culture from New England is cool. also as for drinking, I don't know when you went to visit but when I went for my interview (a weekend before an exam) there was no drinking or partying I could see from the students I interacted with. sure second look was loaded with drinking but I think literally every college does that and they planned it so it did not fall on an exam week on purpose. I think they just play it up because they want people to realize you will actually have fun at Tulane and not be stuck in a library or study area all day. as for organic food and that stuff, a quick google maps search shows there is a whole foods in the lower garden district and plenty of "organic supermarkets" (what I searched), and I am sure when you are closer to the uptown/undergrad campuses there are much more options for the kind of food you are looking for in terms of restaurants. NOLA is a big city, it will have plenty of the food options you need. plus since its in the south you can go running outdoors all year round and not be cold (actually a major draw for me).

 

[Itwashambone]

What's your decision?

 

[acromonkey]

What's your decision?

Chose QU