I'm actually a student in the combined six year program, nevertheless I have a few friends in the MD only portion and I can try to summarize their experiences. In general you wont find many UMKC kids on SDN (and if they are, theyre pretty covert) because people have a *tendency* to bash the hell out of it.
With that being said, it doesnt necessarily have the best reputation but I believe thats something thats changing. The program structure is somewhat innovative because cadaver lab is not required, clinical experience starts early on, and the basic sciences classes are cross disciplinary (specifically i'm referring to a class called HSF or human structure function). Graduates do well (i'm in the process of applying). UMKC has sent kids every from mass gen to UCSF to baylor and so forth. The attitude towards MD only students may be somewhat discouraging. Most of the kids that youll be attending classes with will much MUCH younger (most of us are 20 or 21 in HSF which is when the MD only students join, in our year two that is) which translates into them being super obnixious.
The clinicians here are great, they enjoy teaching and I genuinely feel they care, that theyre are vested in our success. Students graduating are great clinicians as well thanks to all the patient contact and relatively high degree of autonomy - we take call, write orders, write daily progress notes as well as H/Ps. (most MS dont write prog notes or HandPs I learning)
As far as KC, I think its a great city. Super vibrant with a lot of stuff going on nightly. Its changed a lot over the past five years that i've been here even. Theres a new district down town (10mins away from school) called power and light that youll find refreshing in limited quanities.
Most people ask about the work load and Id say its pretty comparable to other schools. I think youre soley responsible for your education... so youre going to get out with you put in.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
