UNECOM vs. DMU

[shibumyweebu]

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I know there have been threads asking the same question but I wanted to still get different viewpoints while providing some information more specific to myself. I currently have a seat at UNECOM but was recently also accepted into DMU.

UNECOM
Pros:

• Closer to SO (2 hour drive/train)
• P/F (not true P/F though)
• Consistently hear about the great community of the school
• Very established in the Northeast
• Heard they give ample study time for boards and have a great Anatomy foundation
• More outdoorsy activities (Skiing/Hiking)
• May get to experience a new campus as they plan to move to Portland in my 2nd year

Cons:

• Higher COL (roughly 30% higher)
• Rotations don't seem as organized/consistent (likely have to set up many of my electives/selectives in 4th year)
• Less elective rotation time (20 weeks)
• Maine's Population doesn't seem very diverse (don't know enough about Des Moines to comment if its the same)
• Board Pass Rates and Match Rates a little lower (96.9% and 98.2%)

DMU
Pros:

• Lower COL
• Rotations seem more organized and much more elective time (32-36 weeks)
• Updated Campus in West Des Moines
• Original 5 DO school (maybe more connections/reputation?)
• Board Pass and Match Rates slightly better (98% and 100%)
• Sounds like another great community + like their focus on global connections
• More city activities potentially being in Des Moines compared to Biddeford/Portland

Cons:

• No connections to the Midwest
• 4+ hour flights away from SO with no direct flights
• Letter Grades (not that big of a deal to me)

Summary: I'm from the Northwest but completed undergrad in the Northeast and would like to do Residency/eventually practice in one of those regions. The financials come out similarly for me so not weighing my decision based on that as much. I'm currently interested in PM&R and/or Sports Medicine, so wouldn't mind doing Family Med first. Both school's don't sound like the have an excess of research opportunities but I'm sure I could find something. If anyone has any thoughts or extra insights you'd be willing to provide I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[Rad2bRad]

Full disclosure: Currently on DMU waitlist.

Honestly, I think DMU is the way to go. Probably the biggest pro to emphasize for you is that they have matched well into the Northeast in the past so returning for residency shouldn't be out of the question and added time for electives/aways could also help those odds. From what I can tell, the difference in diversity between the communities wouldn't be that much. And, if the COA is similar, I would think (my non-expert opinion) that DMU has the resources to get you where you want to be.

A couple of things I would consider though:

• Would your SO be able to move closer wherever you go at some point (Thus, reducing the con of longer distance/harder travel)?
• I'm not sure how UNECOM has their rotations set up, but some of the sites at DMU are far from Des Moines and would require you to move for OMS-3. Would/Could it be a similar situation at UNECOM?

 

[deleted1161395]

UNECOM b/c closer to SO

 

[EArlyBirdGetsTheWorm]

I would go with DMU. I’ve seen both campuses and know a little about both programs as I know ppl in both. Funny enough they both are getting new buildings.

Edit I saw the S/O post. That could make it harder. Ultimately it would depend on if you can be away from them or they could move in with you.

Edit 2 UNECOMs rotations during the 4th year have to be acquired on your own. I believe there are established rotations places that you can reach out to.

 

[theoceanman]

UNECOM and DMU are both fine DO schools and carry a solid reputation. I would say DMU might slightly better in this case, although if you decide to UNECOM, it's still a great medical school.

 

[shibumyweebu]

Thanks everyone for your insights! I haven't made my decision official, but I am leaning towards keeping my spot at UNECOM because I think having the support system of my SO and some friends only a couple of hours away will make me happier. Although I think experiencing a new city like Des Moines could be really fun, most of the DOs that I have personally spoken too graduated from UNECOM and I've heard great things about the school. Hopefully through keeping up some of those connections I'll have an easier time finding away rotations and potentially match in that region.