What program to choose: DMU, KCUMB, Oklahoma St.??

[inquiringminds]

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Hello!

I'm in a little bit of a pickle (in a good way). I have been accepted to Oklahoma State, DMU, and KCUMB. From the people that I have already cornered and talked to (residents and attendings), all of these schools have strong reputations. I'm making a pros and cons list and was hoping to get input from other students (I'm especially interested hearing about support for arranging away clerkships). For a little background - I have my doctorate in Neuroscience from a Big Ten school and would also like to continue with SOME research at these schools - to keep my toes wet. Thank you so much!

 

[inquiringminds]

Forgot to say that I am NOT an OK resident so tuition differences are not really part of the equation. Thanks!

 

[rafman]

Hello!

I'm in a little bit of a pickle (in a good way). I have been accepted to Oklahoma State, DMU, and KCUMB. From the people that I have already cornered and talked to (residents and attendings), all of these schools have strong reputations. I'm making a pros and cons list and was hoping to get input from other students (I'm especially interested hearing about support for arranging away clerkships). For a little background - I have my doctorate in Neuroscience from a Big Ten school and would also like to continue with SOME research at these schools - to keep my toes wet. Thank you so much!

I had the same dilemna a couple of months ago between KCUMB and OK State. It literally was the hardest decision of my life. I really liked the Genesis curriculum at KCUMB, it was a good way to remember the material, and from what I heard it was producing students with really really good board scores. I also heard really good things about their anatomy class. Also, as a younger incoming DO student (I'm only 22), I felt KCUMB has less nontrads than OSU, and might have been a better fit socially. From what I hear, a lot of the OSU students are older and already are married and many have kids.

But, I ended up choosing OSU because its closer to home, and they have their own hospital, which is important for me because I would prefer to stay in one place throughout my med school education. OSU has some residency programs I'm really interested in, and even though EVERY DO student around the country has an equal chance at obtaining these, I feel it might just be a tiny bit more (emphasizing the word "tiny") beneficial since I would be able to do my core rotation there before I do my "try-out" (?) rotation later on at the same place. Also, although both OSU and KCUMB have good research projects going on, I felt that OSU had a little bit more variety and I was more interested in the research going on at OSU CHS.

Sorry for babbling, I just wanted to give an insight into my thought process when I made my decision. Like I said, I'm in love with both of these schools, and it really was a very hard decision for me. Whatever school you end up choosing, either way you will end up in a great place. Good luck 🙂

 

[FrkyBgStok]

DMU hands down. The only reason is I have pride in the school I am going to attend. Genesis curriculum seems awesome. I know absolutely nothing about OSU. All of my input is biased, but DMU gets my vote. Super nice facilities.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

If the curriculum seems equivalent, what school felt the best?

 

[Iliketoytles]

Also, as a younger incoming DO student (I'm only 22), I felt KCUMB has less nontrads than OSU, and might have been a better fit socially. From what I hear, a lot of the OSU students are older and already are married and many have kids.

I'm 22 as well, and while there are plenty of people around my age group, DMU is known to be very non-trad heavy. Not that this is a problem... I actually chose DMU over KCUMB partly for this reason, since the family atmosphere is something I like to see. I also feel it'll give the class some maturity.

As long as nobody calls me "son"... 🙄

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

No, but we might call you kiddo

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I'm 22 as well, and while there are plenty of people around my age group, DMU is known to be very non-trad heavy. Not that this is a problem... I actually chose DMU over KCUMB partly for this reason, since the family atmosphere is something I like to see. I also feel it'll give the class some maturity.

As long as nobody calls me "son"... 🙄

That comment was a mistake.....😀

 

[Iliketoytles]

Dang, now I want to know what your original post was.

 

[Flemon]

Better food in Kansas City. KCUMB wins.


I'm helpful....🙄

 

[Iliketoytles]

Better food in Kansas City. KCUMB wins.


I'm helpful....🙄

And Kansas City has more fountains than any other city in the world! That's pretty neat! 👍

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I'm 22 as well, and while there are plenty of people around my age group, DMU is known to be very non-trad heavy. Not that this is a problem... I actually chose DMU over KCUMB partly for this reason, since the family atmosphere is something I like to see. I also feel it'll give the class some maturity.

As long as nobody calls me "son"... 🙄

Dang, now I want to know what your original post was.

Haha. No I mean youur comment was a mistake because when we finally meet I am going to have to call you son. My edit was me choosing the wrong emoticon, that is all. No worries sport.

 

[Jnorman1218]

Better food in Kansas City. KCUMB wins.


I'm helpful....🙄

I think this should answer your question 🙂

Hands down, KC has better food than Des Moines or Stillwater.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Me thinks some of you are biased...

KC gets ice storms...

 

[Jnorman1218]

Me thinks some of you are biased...

KC gets ice storms...

Actually, Oklahoma gets more frequent ice storms than KC. We are usually far enough north that we miss the worst of them.

Far enough south though that we get a lot less snow than IA.

 

[denco88]

I think this should answer your question 🙂

Hands down, KC has better food than Des Moines or Stillwater.

OSU-COM is in Tulsa, not Stillwater

 

[rafman]

OSU-COM is in Tulsa, not Stillwater

Hey denco!! Good to see some OSU sdners on here. BTW, there is a OSUCOM class of 2016 thread up. We would appreciate any insight or help when questions are asked. Hope your semester went well!!

 

[TriagePreMed]

Oklahoma is a public campus. It will give somewhat of a better "name" to your degree.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

If it were me the question would be: which school is warmer?

 

[inquiringminds]

haha! thanks..but I'm originally from the great white North (aka Canada) and feel I can handle any of these climates... 😉

 

[inquiringminds]

Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it...have been dreaming about this choice for the past week now. However, still can't pull the trigger and decide. I was pretty impressed with each program. I am giving myself until next Wednesday...

 

[Jnorman1218]

OSU-COM is in Tulsa, not Stillwater

My bad. I just assumed it was on OSU's main campus.

Inquiringminds, here is a post from Jayhvvip on why he chose KCUMB. I know it may not contain any new info for you and I'm not trying to convince you this is where you should go as I didn't apply to OSU or DMU so I have nothing to compare. Just thought I would share it as it is a well written post on some of the advantages of KCUMB.

Why KCUMB?

First, the Curriculum seems well designed and intuitive for learning all aspects of the human body and associated pathologies. From what I can tell, the curriculum has a lot of opportunity for independent learning. This attracts me since I would rather not spend 8 hours a day in a classroom. Furthermore, many students feel they do not need to attend all lectures. Although not technically allowed, I think this is a valuable option for those who are more efficient at learning on their own . Conversely, KCUMB provides the students with printouts of all lecture notes, as well as video and audio recording for most so you never have to miss a class. I think having these amenities will go far in being successful through medical school. From my interview, I saw that the lecture halls, anatomy lab, and OMT lab were well equipped, as were all the buildings. As far as technology goes, it appears that KCUMB wants to break a record for the number of huge LCD flat screens on campus. There are more TVs and blue ray players than paintings. KCUMB also utilizes a centralized online system (blackboard) for faculty and students.

Second, KCUMB has a solid research base. Students have ample opportunities to participate in research activities, or to just learn research methodologies through coursework. I find it incredibly important for a student doctor to be well versed in the world of research since this will ensure you stay up to date as a practicing physician. Furthermore, if you want to work in academics or at a university hospital, being up to date on the current literature, as well as knowledgeable of how research is done, is invaluable.

Third, KCUMB graduates have high success rates matching into good residencies. Students also have good passing rates on board exams. At this point I plan on taking both the COMLEX and USMLE since I want to attend a specific surgery residency at an ACGME institution, and having USMLE scores will ensure that I am compared equally to MD graduates. KCUMB also provides ample dedicated study time (about seven weeks) for board exams which is fantastic.