Which combined BS/MD program do you consider the "best"?

[flatearth22]

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Just wondering what hSDN thinks on this topic as my little brother is going to be a rising HS senior this year and really wants to go to a strong BS/MD program as opposed to just a regular undergrad.

Thanks

 

[HH Holmes]

There is no "best" program. All of them are extremely, extremely difficult to get into, so the best bet is going to the one he gets into, and if he has a choice, the one that offers the best scholarship.

Rice, Northwestern and Brown are amazing undergraduate schools, and their medical schools are quite excellent as well. They are all very 'good' in their own respects. Have him research and see which school fits him the best. I believe the USC/Keck program is also highly sought after.

 

[Lil Mick]

I know some students in UF's and UM's programs, respectively. They're structured pretty well-few requirements, lots of flexibility for study abroad, non-science majors, pursuing a master's... A lot of the other programs (looked into those myself) were very intense, with students really competing with each other and with classmates.

 

[HH Holmes]

Also, another factor to consider is location... 'where will I be living for 7 or 8 years?' had a huge impact on my BS/MD and BS/DO process. The campus(es) should be livable, as should the facilities, climate and weather. I chose NSU-COM and South Florida for all of the aforementioned reasons. There was no way I was going to live in Lake Eerie for 8 years of my life, as I love warm weather, palm trees and not having to wear five layers everyday (I'm from NY, go figure).

UMiami's 7 year BS/MD is great, and they receive a ton of research grants at the Miller SOM, which makes it a pretty enticing deal. 1400 SAT minimum to be considered, but I believe you also need to maintain a very good GPA. Only problem is, UM is ~50k a year plus the SOM. Choose wisely.

 

[Narmerguy]

Anyone good enough to get into one of these could probably get close to a full ride somewhere with a normal undergraduate experience. Me and my HS friend both turned down a BS/MD program to pursue other options and we both are 100% behind it. In fact, I was gungho on attending my BS/MD program until one of my interviewers, halfway through the interview, encouraged me to consider other options.

His point (and mine now) is that many of the students that get into these will not only be able to still get into medical school going the normal path but will have the opportunity to go to a better school and perhaps get some money thrown your way (both for undergrad and for med school). College is so much more than the "phase before medical school" and you should really position yourself to make easier/better jumps into other interests if you decided during UG that that's what you want to do.

 

[DwyaneWade]

Also, another factor to consider is location... 'where will I be living for 7 or 8 years?' had a huge impact on my BS/MD and BS/DO process. The campus(es) should be livable, as should the facilities, climate and weather. I chose NSU-COM and South Florida for all of the aforementioned reasons. There was no way I was going to live in Lake Eerie for 8 years of my life, as I love warm weather, palm trees and not having to wear five layers everyday (I'm from NY, go figure).

UMiami's 7 year BS/MD is great, and they receive a ton of research grants at the Miller SOM, which makes it a pretty enticing deal. 1400 SAT minimum to be considered, but I believe you also need to maintain a very good GPA. Only problem is, UM is ~50k a year plus the SOM. Choose wisely.

UM has a terrific program. I do not have personal experience with those in the poll but have met other residents from those programs and they all seemed very happy in the end.

 

[ucbsmd]

Anyone good enough to get into one of these could probably get close to a full ride somewhere with a normal undergraduate experience. Me and my HS friend both turned down a BS/MD program to pursue other options and we both are 100% behind it. In fact, I was gungho on attending my BS/MD program until one of my interviewers, halfway through the interview, encouraged me to consider other options.

His point (and mine now) is that many of the students that get into these will not only be able to still get into medical school going the normal path but will have the opportunity to go to a better school and perhaps get some money thrown your way (both for undergrad and for med school). College is so much more than the "phase before medical school" and you should really position yourself to make easier/better jumps into other interests if you decided during UG that that's what you want to do.

I agree that if you can get into one, you will mostly likely be able to get into medical school. I did accept the BS/MD at Cincinnati and it has worked out well for me. Not having to have the stress of applications and knowing exactly what I need to get into the COM made my 5 years(engineering with required co-op) great.