Where would you guys attend?

[FutureDocDO]

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1. LECOM-PA (Lecture/Discussion Pathway)
2. WVSOM (System Based Learning)

Where would you guys go if you have to decide between LECOM-PA and WVSOM?

LECOM-PA = $25,000 a year
WVSOM = $46,736 a year

If the decision is based on money alone then it would be straight forward 😉 .

 

[cyclegirl]

I am on the Navy HPSP scholarship so I do not have to consider money. From my research the system based learning will work better for me.

 

[MikeyLu2010]

based on tuition..LECOM..however if both were same price..i would go to WVSOM..i heard LECOM was in the middle of nowhere..and its really cold up there, etc..and WVSOM was ranked pretty high in primary care by USnews (not like that really means anything) ..plus system based learning is corresponds to the new first aid (board review book) Granted these differences in institutions doesnt warrant the extra 20K a year...go to LECOM

 

[FutureDocDO]

I am on the Navy HPSP scholarship so I do not have to consider money. From my research the system based learning will work better for me.

I think I would like system based learning as well. LECOM-PA is system based starting 2nd semester of first year. They are separate classes but teaches relevant info for the same system. At least that's what I got out of reading their website.

 

[FutureDocDO]

based on tuition..LECOM..however if both were same price..i would go to WVSOM..i heard LECOM was in the middle of nowhere..and its really cold up there, etc..and WVSOM was ranked pretty high in primary care by USnews (not like that really means anything) ..plus system based learning is corresponds to the new first aid (board review book) Granted these differences in institutions doesnt warrant the extra 20K a year...go to LECOM

LECOM-PA is not in the middle of nowhere compared to WVSOM. But, yeah 20K is a lot of money.

 

[scpod]

If the decision is based on money alone then it would be straight forward 😉 .

To me it's where you feel most comfortable that counts. Of course, I'd never be comfortable spending the kind of money that WVSOM wants 😉

 

[FutureDocDO]

To me it's where you feel most comfortable that counts. Of course, I'd never be comfortable spending the kind of money that WVSOM wants 😉

LOL. That's why I'm having trouble deciding. I could live comfortably at LECOM or toast and water at WVSOM.

 

[Nate]

You should follow your instinct, but if it were me:
48k plus living expenses, lets say 70k to be moderate, thats 280k of debt and private loans out the rear. If they were atleast reasonable with tuition I would go to WV. LECOM, mandatory classes and wear ties every day, spandex to OMM (you do not want to see me in spandex trust me). All of my free time gone because I have to sit in every class. If it were me which is what you are asking, I would just re-apply, but if re-applying is not an option then I would have to suck it up and got LECOM, I may be miserable but atleast I would get a good education and be able to someday pay off my debt.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Tough decision. I wouldn't want to be faced with attending only one of those two, but between then I would have to choose LECOM-PA. WVSOM is way too far removed from anything and it's way too expensive.

What are third and fourth years like at each? If I remember correctly, WVSOM sends its students all over the place. Does LECOM do the same?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

The tuition is tempting at LECOM, but I'd go to WVSOM. It's a good school, students seem to be happy there and it's in a beautiful albeit remote location.

I had a list of the clinical spots for WVSOM, and the deal is that you'll likely not be able to stay in Lewisburg. They send students to core rotations sites all over the state, but you won't have to move around once there. Their dean said they're trying to do something like the Ohio core system.

 

[bbgirl]

I will be at WVSOM in the fall; however, I grew up in Erie. It's really not in the middle of nowhere. It's about 2hr from Cleveland and Pittsburgh and about 1-1.5 hr from Buffalo. The lake is great and I like the hospital. My father, an MD, was in a private practice in the hospital. But you better like some snow, several feet.
Personally, I liked the stats at WVSOM better, especially for the lecture pathway. If you like primary care or rural, WVSOM is better; but the cost is an issue.
I just wanted to clear up the point of LECOM's area. I've never seen the school, but I'm familiar with the area. Good luck in your decision.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and participation on the poll. Anyone else?

I've read pretty much all the bashing about LECOM and I've come to the conclusion that most of the negativity stems from the dress code, no food/drinks, and attendance policy LECOM has. Can anyone confirm this? If this is pretty much all of it I think I could deal with it for two years. As for the match not having guidance I think I'll educate myself on it and bug all you wise SDNers as the time comes . What do you guys think?

 

[Nate]

I think you will get a solid education at either school; the complaints are usually focused around things that make people happy, not around things that make people more knowledgeable. One of my role models before I started med school was a DO from LECOM and he was an awesome doc so I have no lack of confidence in their training. The other thing is that LECOM has clerkship tracks in NY and elsewhere so you realistically only have to stay in Erie for two years.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

It is importnat to point out that at LECOM you can do the ISP pathway and not have to go to class and you will only be on campus for ~1 day per week.

Also in OMM lab you do not have to wear spandex. Gym clothes basically.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Someone else said it, but I agree. Reapply.

 

[Green912]

Someone else said it, but I agree. Reapply.

"which is the best medical school?...the one you get into." Unless you can't live with the choices pick one and move ahead. My vote is to go with price. For an extra $88,000 the acceptance should come with a pre-approved residency. I was in LECOM's ISP pathway and would do it again. Lecture...not-so-much.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Someone else said it, but I agree. Reapply.

I'm deciding on which school I should attend NOT should I attend either of those. I'd be happy at either one as I'll be able to do what I've dreamed of doing. I want to make an informed decision so I'll know what to expect when I get there and not have to spend the next couple of years complaining on here 😀 . Thank you.

 

[Raven Feather]

I would go to LECOM--of course I did not interview at WVSOM to have that great an opinion. Did you compare first time pass rates on boards. I know it in part has a lot to do with the motivation of the student, but when deciding between 2 schools, the pass rates would be important to me.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I would go to LECOM--of course I did not interview at WVSOM to have that great an opinion. Did you compare first time pass rates on boards. I know it in part has a lot to do with the motivation of the student, but when deciding between 2 schools, the pass rates would be important to me.

I don't know what the pass rate for COMLEX I for LECOM-PA was but the number I keep seeing thrown around is 87%. For WVSOM, it's 92%. It's not that big of a difference and probably is not worth an extra $80K, will likely be more since they increase their tuition every year. They just increased their tuition by $3K over last year's.

 

[surfgirl]

You should follow your instinct, but if it were me:
48k plus living expenses, lets say 70k to be moderate, thats 280k of debt and private loans out the rear. If they were atleast reasonable with tuition I would go to WV. LECOM, mandatory classes and wear ties every day, spandex to OMM (you do not want to see me in spandex trust me). All of my free time gone because I have to sit in every class. If it were me which is what you are asking, I would just re-apply, but if re-applying is not an option then I would have to suck it up and got LECOM, I may be miserable but atleast I would get a good education and be able to someday pay off my debt.

No mandatory spandex at Lecom. T-shirt and shorts, sports bra for women.
My opinion Erie over anywhere in Jersey, Sorry.

 

[Raven Feather]

I don't know what the pass rate for COMLEX I for LECOM-PA was but the number I keep seeing thrown around is 87%. For WVSOM, it's 92%. It's not that big of a difference and probably is not worth an extra $80K, will likely be more since they increase their tuition every year. They just increased their tuition by $3K over last year's.

Well you know I am soo cheap. I think you would get just as great an education there with dramatically less debt than WV.

 

[Megalofyia]

No mandatory spandex at Lecom. T-shirt and shorts, sports bra for women.
My opinion Erie over anywhere in Jersey, Sorry.

WVSOM is in West Virginia.

I love going to WVSOM. I know that that going here was a very good decision for me. However I have no clue what LECOM is like as I turned down their interview due to location. I just couldnt see myself living that far north or going to a school with any kind of a dress code.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Well you know I am soo cheap. I think you would get just as great an education there with dramatically less debt than WV.

Thanks everyone, you too Raven Feather, for your honest opinion.

I'm trying to decide and let the schools know by May 15th. That's when we have to let them know by right?

 

[Raven Feather]

Thanks everyone, you too Raven Feather, for your honest opinion.

I'm trying to decide and let the schools know by May 15th. That's when we have to let them know by right?

I thought that was for only allo schools, no?

 

[MikeyLu2010]

WVSOM is in West Virginia.

I love going to WVSOM. I know that that going here was a very good decision for me. However I have no clue what LECOM is like as I turned down their interview due to location. I just couldnt see myself living that far north or going to a school with any kind of a dress code.

especially since you are a bunny..and dont wear clothes 😉

 

[FutureDocDO]

WVSOM is in West Virginia.

I love going to WVSOM. I know that that going here was a very good decision for me. However I have no clue what LECOM is like as I turned down their interview due to location. I just couldnt see myself living that far north or going to a school with any kind of a dress code.

I'm not fond of their dress code either, since I'm a guy. Girls can get away with pretty much anything, so I heard. But, if I could keep my $80+K in my pocket I'd dress however they want. I'm interested in their quality of education. Their matchlist has a lot of people matching in specialties (ER, Anesthesia, General Surgery) I'm interested in. Albeit, since the matchlist wasn't officially released by the school I'm not sure if I should read too much into it just like their COMLEX I pass rate. LECOM has a pretty good/attractive schedule for the board review though.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I thought that was for only allo schools, no?

I have no idea.

I have a question for those in the know. LECOM has this financial award packet online for potential students already. I was messing around with it and I accepted the STAFFORD subsidized and unsubsidized loans and submitted it online. So my question is if I decide not to go there am I obligated to anything? I have no idea why I did that. <don't read into it too much, I haven't made my decision yet>

 

[Megalofyia]

I'm not fond of their dress code either, since I'm a guy. Girls can get away with pretty much anything, so I heard. But, if I could keep my $80+K in my pocket I'd dress however they want. I'm interested in their quality of education. Their matchlist has a lot of people matching in specialties (ER, Anesthesia, General Surgery) I'm interested in. Albeit, since the matchlist wasn't officially released by the school I'm not sure if I should read too much into it just like their COMLEX I pass rate. LECOM has a pretty good/attractive schedule for the board review though.

The match list that was posted on here was emailed to us by the people in clinical education or administration, in any case a reliable source.
Also keep in mind that the school has more than overestimated the amount you need in loan money. As in I will be giving the school at check for like 30,000 dollars in a couple of weeks and I will still have enough money to play and pay rent this summer.

 

[FutureDocDO]

The match list that was posted on here was emailed to us by the people in clinical education or administration, in any case a reliable source.

I was referring to LECOM's matchlist. I assume you were referring to WVSOM's.

Also keep in mind that the school has more than overestimated the amount you need in loan money. As in I will be giving the school at check for like 30,000 dollars in a couple of weeks and I will still have enough money to play and pay rent this summer.

I know. I think I could get by with $60K a year. $47,763 for tuition. $47,763 + 6237 (rent+utilities) + $2000 (books) + 1200 (car insurance) + 2400 (food 200/month) + 400 (miscellaneous) = $60,000 I'm sure there are other expenses that I haven't thought of yet but I know I'll need to take out $60K in loans per year. I'll use my savings for other unexpected spending. I'll owe around $240,000 when it's all said and done but with interests and stuff I'll pay back around $300K 😱

 

[Megalofyia]

I was referring to LECOM's matchlist. I assume you were referring to WVSOM's.

Indeed

 

[Raven Feather]

I was referring to LECOM's matchlist. I assume you were referring to WVSOM's.

I know. I think I could get by with $60K a year. $47,763 for tuition. $47,763 + 6237 (rent+utilities) + $2000 (books) + 1200 (car insurance) + 2400 (food 200/month) + 400 (miscellaneous) = $60,000 I'm sure there are other expenses that I haven't thought of yet but I know I'll need to take out $60K in loans per year. I'll use my savings for other unexpected spending. I'll owe around $240,000 when it's all said and done but with interests and stuff I'll pay back around $300K 😱

When it is all said and done, I'll have that much debt too--you won't be alone if that is the case. If I could have avoided it, I would have. But I guess that is life.

 

[allendo]

I don't know what the pass rate for COMLEX I for LECOM-PA was but the number I keep seeing thrown around is 87%. For WVSOM, it's 92%. It's not that big of a difference and probably is not worth an extra $80K, will likely be more since they increase their tuition every year. They just increased their tuition by $3K over last year's.

I just want to say that lecom is re-evaluating the ldp curriculum and changing some things to teach for the boards, so the scores will go up. They said the goal is 95% and they think by reworking some things they can get there.

 

[Nate]

No mandatory spandex at Lecom. T-shirt and shorts, sports bra for women.
My opinion Erie over anywhere in Jersey, Sorry.

Yeah, I am sure all of your patients will come in sports bras 😛

 

[Dr Trek 1]

I'm always plesantly surprised at LECOM's matches.

I was browsing the website for an allopathic hospital I would like to ultimately work at. I went to the emergency department (Level-I trauama facility) page and they had a link to get bios of their current residents. Well, turns out both of the chief residents and the attending are LECOM-Pa grads. I even emailed them and they had very positive things to say about the school.

However, your residency competitiveness ultimately depends on you, not your school.

 

[allendo]

I'm always plesantly surprised at LECOM's matches.

I was browsing the website for an allopathic hospital I would like to ultimately work at. I went to the emergency department (Level-I trauama facility) page and they had a link to get bios of their current residents. Well, turns out both of the chief residents and the attending are LECOM-Pa grads. I even emailed them and they had very positive things to say about the school.

However, your residency competitiveness ultimately depends on you, not your school.

Can you tell which program?

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Can you tell which program?

I don't see why not. SUNY Upstate in central NY. Check out their website: www.upstate.edu

They are a very DO friendly hospital in all their departments.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Can you tell which program?

http://www.upstate.edu/emergency/residency/residents.php
Nice find, Dr Trek 1.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

http://www.upstate.edu/emergency/residency/residents.php
Nice find, Dr Trek 1.

Thanks for posting the specific link.

Yeah, Upstate is a great university allopathic hospital and they have plenty of DOs in each of their departments.

 

[ryan483]

No mandatory spandex at Lecom. T-shirt and shorts, sports bra for women.
My opinion Erie over anywhere in Jersey, Sorry.

I agree, what is the purpose of New Jersey anyways; the terd coming from NY? Pennsylvania needs a beach. WVSOM may be expensive, but the education is priceless. LECOM may have a dress code but, you will have a dress code later on in life. The choice comes down to what YOU want, not some poll.

 

[bustbones26]

..i heard LECOM was in the middle of nowhere..and its really cold up there,

Every been to Lewisburg, WV? Erie is a crap hole, I'll give you that, but its about a two hour drive from Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Less than two hours to Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Lewisburg is truely in the middel of nowhere.

My thoughts, take them for what they are worth here. I went to LECOM as a student. Yes, it does get cold and snowy in Erie, but you aren't going to be spending much time outside anyways.

I have passed through Lewisburg a few times and had a chance to visit WVSOM as this is where I took my step II, I think its a nicer campus than LECOM and everybody there seemed friendly. About their curriculum, strengths, or weaknesses, well, have to ask somebody else.

Ultimately, go where you feel you will be happiest. We all will have loans to pay back. Just live financially smart, even if you do decide to go to LECOM

 

[Megalofyia]

It takes about an hour and a half to get to Charleston and about an hour and a half to get the Roanoake, Virginia.

 

[newdogirl]

i'll be attending wvsom in the fall and i am very confident with my decision. I haven't seen lecom, but it does seem like there are a lot more complaints about lecom on sdn. i know that wv is a lot more expensive, but from what i've heard the 70k is a max number and that 60k-ish is more realistic. the living expenses are really cheap in lewisburg. plus the students there that i spoke with were so happy, and enjoying my med school experience is a priority for me.

 

[DD214_DOC]

There was a board inside the main building at WVSOM with the COMLEX I scores on it, along with the national average for each section or whatever. WVSOM may have a 92% pass rate, but they were below the national average in almost every section if I remember correctly.

Something to think about.

 

[FutureDocDO]

There was a board inside the main building at WVSOM with the COMLEX I scores on it, along with the national average for each section or whatever. WVSOM may have a 92% pass rate, but they were below the national average in almost every section if I remember correctly.

Something to think about.

Thanks for the info. Was it signicificantly below the national average? Thanks.

 

[Megalofyia]

When I went to go look at that board HooahDoc was talking about there was no significant difference in the national mean and the scores WVSOM had. In some sections WVSOM was like maybe 5 -10 points lower and in other sections WVSOM was maybe 5 - 10 points higher.

 

[Kuba]

Someone else said it, but I agree. Reapply.

I disagree. Why waste a year when both those schools will adequetly prepare you for your career as long as you put in the work. I would go to any US med school.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

I disagree. Why waste a year when both those schools will adequetly prepare you for your career as long as you put in the work. I would go to any US med school.

Good point that many don't undestand. When it comes down to it, any of the ~150 US med schools (both DO and MD) will prepare you very well to be a doctor.

 

[JohnUC33]

I vote WVSOM!!

 

[FutureDocDO]

I vote WVSOM!!

I can't understand why 😉 .

 

[FutureDocDO]

For those that voted or choose to vote, please provide a reason if desire. 😀


BTW, I'm not interested in primary care. My interests are ER, Anesthesia, General Surgery, and possibly others. Thanks.