Which is better in Arizona - AT still or Midwestern?

[shadowclaws]

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Can someone tell me the pros and cons of either school? And maybe why you would want to go there instead of the other.

 

[seemstress]

I duno about AZCOM, but ATSU's campus is brand spankin' new, and very pretty.

 

[azmo07]

Well Western is one of the oldest DO school in the US and has good residency match if you looking for something more than family practice.
However ATSU is a sister school from its main campus which is also an older well known school. ATSU focuses more in primary care and working in rural under represented community. Also its a brand new school and still trying to organize there program.

 

[shadowclaws]

What about in terms of rankings or prestige? Like is one school's accepted stats better than the other.

My friend told me midwestern is way better than atsu, but his opinion is bias cause he goes to midwestern.

 

[Lamont]

visit/interview both. see which one you like better. the one that you will be happier at is the better school. quit getting wrapped up in statistics & prestige - med school is different than undergrad. all the prestige you need is a good GPA, a killer board score, and great rotations. go where you can see yourself succeeding and being happy. i'd rather go to XCOM (the infamous xcom returns) than JHU if I will be happier at xcom. dont ask for advice on such an important component of your life - its YOUR life, not SDN's, even if people cant get off this website for any reasonable amount of time. ignore much of the SDN pseudo-advice and decide for yourself. good luck!

 

[shadowclaws]

There needs to be a MSAR for DO schools.

 

[DocBR]

ATSU-Mesa is brand new, there are no stats on students because their first class just started.

I interviewed and was accepted at both, but chose MWU because I did not want to commit to primary care.

Here are the pros and cons from my prospective:

ATSU pros-

1)Extremely innovative curriculum
2)Your choice of 11 community health clinics for years 2-4 ranging from Hawaii to Brooklyn. While at these, you learn medicine with real patients and real diseases.
3) The most dedicated staff that I have seen at any of my interview schools, MD or DO -they truly believe in their new system and are very excited to train new physicians with it.

ATSU cons-

1) you are only on the new campus for 1 year. After that you are sent to a CHC where you do learning mostly via teleconferencing. Seems like a difficult way to learn OMM.
2) No dissection lab. You learn gross anatomy by using slice of life technology and prosections.
3) No student data for comparison during residency selection.
4) Fewer out of state rotations can mean fewer connections for residency selection.

My general feeling of ATSU was that it would be an absolutely awesome way to learn medicine *IF* you wanted to do primary care, otherwise the lack of gross anatomy and teleconferencing could make it difficult. I wasn't willing to risk it.


MWU Pros -

1) Well established with great board scores and a very nice match list available at their website. http://mwunet.midwestern.edu/academic/AZCOM/azcomDean_Match.htm
2) You get to stay in one spot through all of medical school (except when you are on away rotations).
3) Most students I have spoken with were very happy about their education there.
4) Great facilities for OMM, anatomy, lectures, etc.

MWU Cons -

1) You get less time to prepare for the step 1 exams compared to most schools (I think it is 5 weeks verses 8 at other schools).
2) They may be increasing the class size in the next few years.
3) There is a constant political struggle between MWU and University of Arizona for rotation spots.

I intend to specialize, so MWU was a better fit.



Keep in mind, both schools are horrendously expensive. (40K ish a year).

I hope this helps.

 

[Sarikate]

I second all of DocBR's comments. He's wise 🙂.

I don't feel at liberty to compare the two because I am just starting my first year at AZCOM. I chose it over six other schools for a lot of reasons - I'm interested in indigenous healthcare so the location is a good fit; facilities, board pass rates, allied health programs all very impressive; my fiance is going to study education right down the street at ASU-West (this was a big one). I just moved to Glendale and other than my face melting off in the blistering heat, I'm enjoying myself.

That being said, Mesa would surely be an adventure as well. These are two very different schools, curriculum-wise. Mesa is inaugurating their first class this year, so it's hard to compare them. Ask everyone again in six months and there might be a little more info to go by!

 

[DocBR]

There needs to be a MSAR for DO schools.

There is a book called "Baron's Guide to Getting into Medical School" which has MSAR type information for all allo and osteo schools (save ATSU) from either 2005 or 2006. Pretty handy book for people applying. It also has interview questions, essay help, etc.

 

[shadowclaws]

Thanks a lot for your comments dr. br.

 

[jltuttle]

I am also applying to AT in Mesa and I noticed that the school only has provisional accreditation right now. Would that affect how much you can borrow for federal and private loans?

 

[Boner]

I am also applying to AT in Mesa and I noticed that the school only has provisional accreditation right now. Would that affect how much you can borrow for federal and private loans?

This has no bearing on fin aid.

 

[DocBR]

I am also applying to AT in Mesa and I noticed that the school only has provisional accreditation right now. Would that affect how much you can borrow for federal and private loans?

They addressed this question during the financial aid presentation on the interview day.

I am not sure how the provisional accreditation works, I think it remains until they graduate their first class. As far as financial aid, you can get the same federal/state aid that you would get at any other DO school. You would also be eligable for the armed services scholarship, state primary care scholarships, etc.

 

[GreenShirt]

I'm part of the inagural class of ATSU-SOMA and so far I love it. We just returned from a three-day hiking/learning trip in Northern Arizona. The most important thing to know is that SOMA has a highly non-traditional curriculum. We just visited one of the Community Health Centers where some of us will spend the next three years and it was very inspiring. This is grass roots/finger on the pulse of the community medicine and it is very successful in the quality of care it provides. As for some of the pros and cons people have mentioned:

1) Travel: You only have to move once and you spend 3 yrs in one place, which you know at the time of your acceptance . At some DO schools you have to relocate every 6-12 months during clinicals.
2) Away rotations: You have elective time in the 4th yr to do all your “audition” rotations.
3) Financial Aid: We’re eligible for all loans, but scholarship programs vary. For example as of now we’re only eligible for primary care loan repayment but not in-school tuition coverage.

Anywho, class is starting so I can’t say more, but feel free to PM me.

 

[EastWestN2grt]

I'm part of the inagural class of ATSU-SOMA and so far I love it. We just returned from a three-day hiking/learning trip in Northern Arizona. The most important thing to know is that SOMA has a highly non-traditional curriculum. We just visited one of the Community Health Centers where some of us will spend the next three years and it was very inspiring. This is grass roots/finger on the pulse of the community medicine and it is very successful in the quality of care it provides. As for some of the pros and cons people have mentioned:

1) Travel: You only have to move once and you spend 3 yrs in one place, which you know at the time of your acceptance . At some DO schools you have to relocate every 6-12 months during clinicals.
2) Away rotations: You have elective time in the 4th yr to do all your “audition” rotations.
3) Financial Aid: We’re eligible for all loans, but scholarship programs vary. For example as of now we’re only eligible for primary care loan repayment but not in-school tuition coverage.

Anywho, class is starting so I can’t say more, but feel free to PM me.

I second everything Green Shirt just replied!!!I am also part of the SOMA Inaugural class. While i should be studying, let me take a minute or two to add a few things.

1. The inaugural class is unlike any other medical school I have been to(either MD/DO) we have a pretty high percentage of non traditonal students here--lots with families, and many already in their 3rd decade and even beyond. This makes(so far) for a great learning, nurturing environment. But some students may not like this. Just remember this school is about preparing physicians to fit into the Community health Centers med system, with a specific focus on primary care.
2. Expect to be in class from early(8 am) to the mid afternoon. Because of the Contextual based learning curriculum, there are lots of small group activities and interaction--its hard to hide in the back of the room when there are only ten of you, and a facilitator in the room.)
3. The Community health Centers (for years 2-4) absolutely LOVE us!! Remember this school was started in conjunction with the National Assoc. of Community Health Centers, and so far they treat us like we are their children. And for good reason, AT Still SOMA, is supposed to be a feeder school for the Natl. CHCs. Their hope is that a significant number of us when we graduate will work in the CHC system, working with underserved populations. Each of the 11 campuses are not insignificant either, they are all quite extensive and will provide an excellent learning environment. Its very nice to already have the location of my rotations already set up. Just to reiterize, the CHCs are HAPPY we are coming around. I have heard too many stories of people who are treated pretty crappy during rotations because for the most part they(med students) were not wanted.

4. When everyone else begins rotations in year 3, we would already have 1 year of clinical experience under our belts. Nice to start getting some hands on right away.

If i think of anymore Ill write again.

Cheers.👍

 

[superfan56]

the board pass rate for midwestern is like 90% isn't it? it's the highest of all the osteopathic and i heard from someone who interviewed there last year that they prepare you very well for the USMLE and COMLEX boards. I guess that's why they have tests every monday at 8am.

 

[DocBR]

the board pass rate for midwestern is like 90% isn't it? it's the highest of all the osteopathic and i heard from someone who interviewed there last year that they prepare you very well for the USMLE and COMLEX boards. I guess that's why they have tests every monday at 8am.

The pass rate is closer to 98% on the first attempt - MWU will make sure everyone and their dog knows this after the interview!

COMLEX Part I Board Scores (1998-2007):
98 percent pass rate for first-time test-takers, exceeding national average by 7+ percent; AZCOM scored 100% for five of these years

COMLEX Part II Board Scores (1998-2007):
99 percent pass rate for first-time test-takers, nearly 9 percent above national average; AZCOM scored 100% for seven of these years

The value of this number is debated though (meaning, you could have 99% of the class barely pass, and many would argue that it would be better for 90% to pass with some people doing exceptionally well). The data on how well people do as opposed to pass/fail is not available.

 

[v-lander]

I'm part of the inagural class of ATSU-SOMA and so far I love it. We just returned from a three-day hiking/learning trip in Northern Arizona. The most important thing to know is that SOMA has a highly non-traditional curriculum. We just visited one of the Community Health Centers where some of us will spend the next three years and it was very inspiring. This is grass roots/finger on the pulse of the community medicine and it is very successful in the quality of care it provides. As for some of the pros and cons people have mentioned:

1) Travel: You only have to move once and you spend 3 yrs in one place, which you know at the time of your acceptance . At some DO schools you have to relocate every 6-12 months during clinicals.
2) Away rotations: You have elective time in the 4th yr to do all your “audition” rotations.
3) Financial Aid: We’re eligible for all loans, but scholarship programs vary. For example as of now we’re only eligible for primary care loan repayment but not in-school tuition coverage.

Anywho, class is starting so I can’t say more, but feel free to PM me.

Just to clarify about #3 above regarding scholarships - the primary care loan repayment referred to is the NHSC. Other scholarships such as millitary ones are in full effect. Seems like that NHSC deal is the only downer people have experienced so far with financial aid.

And for those in doubt about this school, all I have to say is don't miss the boat. This school is going to do amazing things for healthcare in this country. School's great so far (ask me that again, though, after this morning's first exam). There have been a few snags here and there but believe me, everything you've heard about the unparalleled dedication levels of faculty here is true. There are usually a couple of faculty members at least that come swooping in to fix any problems immediately.

And for those that are scared of this, you don't HAVE to do primary care. You'll be extremely well prepared for this if it's what you want, but if you want to be a surgeon, you can be a surgeon. Even with prosections and electronic learning. If you want it, you'll prepare yourself in ways that you need to be prepared.

 

[GreenShirt]

Just to clarify about #3 above regarding scholarships - the primary care loan repayment referred to is the NHSC. Other scholarships such as millitary ones are in full effect. Seems like that NHSC deal is the only downer people have experienced so far with financial aid.

I'll also throw in that there are problems with WICHE, which is a scholarship for students from Western states.

So in general: Federal Loans, military scholarship --> no problem
Other scholarship programs vary

 

[gasapple]

Just to clarify about #3 above regarding scholarships - the primary care loan repayment referred to is the NHSC. Other scholarships such as millitary ones are in full effect. Seems like that NHSC deal is the only downer people have experienced so far with financial aid.

And for those in doubt about this school, all I have to say is don't miss the boat. This school is going to do amazing things for healthcare in this country. School's great so far (ask me that again, though, after this morning's first exam). There have been a few snags here and there but believe me, everything you've heard about the unparalleled dedication levels of faculty here is true. There are usually a couple of faculty members at least that come swooping in to fix any problems immediately.

And for those that are scared of this, you don't HAVE to do primary care. You'll be extremely well prepared for this if it's what you want, but if you want to be a surgeon, you can be a surgeon. Even with prosections and electronic learning. If you want it, you'll prepare yourself in ways that you need to be prepared.

Thank you ATSU-MESA guys for posting the additional information. Really helpful as I was worried with some of the previously posted "CONS" of the school. As long as there are opportunities - that's what matters.

However, I'm still not overly excited about the "prosection" portion. There's just something "med school" about actual dissection 👍. Does ATSU have any plans on changing this aspect? If not, they should...