Why do so many people bash Drexel?

[uclabruin725]

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I'm just curious why there are so many people that perpetuate Drexel's negative reputation? In these threads, i've heard people refer to Drexel as "barely allopathic" and just simply bash Drexel's reputation. I have yet to hear any specific examples why though, and when I interviewed, I came away quite happy with the school and the city.
I'm probably one of the few people who would drop my acceptance at VCU for a spot at Drexel (stupid waitlist...). One of the main contributors to this decision is my girlfriend's desire to live in Philly as opposed to Richmond. But people have been recently telling me to rethink this strategy, saying that I'd be much better off at VCU. I had heard about all the drexel bashing beforehand, but I guess this has just got me thinking about it more.
Can anyone provide any specifics as to why Drexel is so hated??

 

[elias514]

Dude, almost every school gets bashed on this forum for one reason or another.

 

[PianoGirl04]

My guess is that people bash Drexel because it accepts a relatively high percentage of applicants and is used as most people's "safety school." Beyond that, I'm not quite sure why Drexel has such a bad reputation. MCP was quite reputable in its day, and it was well-known for its excellent clinical training. I liked Drexel a lot when I interviewed. The curriculum is flexible and the facilities are state-of-the-art. And IIRC, Drexel's match list is pretty good. I think Drexel just needs a few years to establish a reputation and make a name for itself, and hopefully that will make the Drexel-bashing die down a bit.

 

[exmike]

yeah i like the sound "Medical College of Pennsylvania" more than Drexel.

 

[NapeSpikes]

My guess is that people bash Drexel because it accepts a relatively high percentage of applicants...

What IS Drexel's acceptance rate?

 

[Jalby]

Does Hannahiam still have a medical school?? i thought the hospital closed down.

But really, the reason that people bash Drexel is that not much good has happened over there for a while. It's like King/Drew in that it's having a ton of problems and has had a ton for a while. The facts about the place lead to it's "bashing," even though I would more caracterize it as fact reporting.

 

[PianoGirl04]

My guess is that people bash Drexel because it accepts a relatively high percentage of applicants...

What IS Drexel's acceptance rate?

The figure I have is 17% of all applicants are accepted, which is actually not that high in absolute terms, but it's high in comparison to many other schools. As a comparison, NYMC (which is considered by many to be on par with Drexel, but I don't know much about it) accepts 12.7%, and very competitive schools like UPenn, Harvard, Columbia, the UCs, etc. accept something like 3-7%. Just for kicks, the school that accepts the largest percentage of applicants was UND at 38.2% when these data were collected (I think it was a few years ago).

 

[HBMD]

The reason some people bash it is due to the financial problems surrounding the school and it's hospitals. Tenet bought a lot of Drexel's hospitals, and as you know, Tenet is not doing so well financially and closed one of Drexel's affiliate hospitals. Also, from what I've heard, the school has gone near bankrupt a couple of times, thus the multiple name changes. However, financial problems say nothing about the school's ability to teach medical science, thus many of these bashings have no credibility.

 

[snapdad]

Does Hannahiam still have a medical school?? i thought the hospital closed down.

But really, the reason that people bash Drexel is that not much good has happened over there for a while. It's like King/Drew in that it's having a ton of problems and has had a ton for a while. The facts about the place lead to it's "bashing," even though I would more caracterize it as fact reporting.

No, Hahnemann Hospital is still open, and is profitable. The medical school merged with MCP under Allegheny some years back, and is now owned by Drexel.

The deal is this. The school got caught in the big Allegheny bankruptcy several years ago. Tenet bought the Allegheny hospitals, as well as the medical school. Drexel University managed the school for Tenet as MCP Hahnemann for a few years, with an eye toward formally merging it into their own university if it looked like it could pull its own weight, which it ultimately did. Drexel is a separate entity from the hospitals (including MCP, which has some issues), is doing fine, and has a great facility and a bright future (due to Drexel U's interest in aggressively pursuing NIH research funding).

The thing is, a lot of people spout off on these boards without really knowing what they're talking about. "Barely allopathic"? What does that mean? I saw that quote when it was initially written, and still think the physician who apparently said it was an idiot. Drexel students have to take the same boards as everyone else, and they do fine and match well. Do your own research, and take what's said on these boards with a grain of salt.

 

[ForensicPath]

yeah i like the sound "Medical College of Pennsylvania" more than Drexel.

I actually prefer the name Drexel over Medical College of Pennsylvania. Drexel University is a pretty major university here in Philadelphia and is well known for its engineering. I like the fact that the medical school is now run by a large university and now has the associated resources.

Hahnemann Hospital is still alive and kicking in Center City Philadelphia. MCP Hospital is the one that is having the problems. However, the City of Philadelphia is looking at some possible solutions to keep it open. Drexel, Temple, the staff of MCP, and I think an outside Italian company have all put bids in to keep the hospital open or at least maintain some of its services.

Here is actually an interesting article that takes the situation with MCP and shows how it is a good example of the problems with healthcare in the US:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2004/05/04_402.html

 

[JohnnyOU]

My guess is that people bash Drexel because it accepts a relatively high percentage of applicants...

What IS Drexel's acceptance rate?

I'm not sure exactly what Drexels acc. rate is...someone else surely does tho...

but one of the reasons they accept so many is simply due to their large class size; 250 new students accepted each year, 80% from out of state.

There's only about 4 or 5 schools with class sizes that large (that I'm aware of)

Johnny 😳

 

[Alexander99]

They should change their name to "Harverd" or "John Hopkins." (A la the "Folex" watches that are out there.) That would actually be pretty funny.

 

[snapdad]

Here is actually an interesting article that takes the situation with MCP and shows how it is a good example of the problems with healthcare in the US:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2004/05/04_402.html

That's a great article...thanks for posting it. 👍

Let me point one thing out, because I know there'll be someone who doesn't read carefully and will start going off about it: MCP Hospital is not owned by Drexel University. MCP is owned by Tenet. Drexel may buy it if it looks like it's feasible, but if MCP closes down (or changes its operations), Drexel is fine. Drexel does employ many of the docs and staff at MCP, but it's Tenet's hospital, and there are a great deal of other hospitals Drexel has teaching relationships with that are used to train med students.

 

[Neuronix]

Drexel's aministration has changed so many times in the past 20 years that physcians I know who graduated there (including some at the most prestigous places in Philadelphia) don't recognize it and don't contribute any money to it. The recent name/ownership change doesn't help this either. Further, one of their main affiliates (MCPH, owned by Tenet) just shut down. Tenet (who purchased most of the affiliates) has a bad bad reputation, and many of their other hospitals that are affiliated with Drexel are big money losers.

To top it all off Drexel has a large class size and was known for increasing it steadily in the past to try to bring in more revenue.

Now, I'm not trying to bash the school, just report the facts. It is the truth that anywhere you go in the states you will still be an American MD and have the same opportunities as any other American MD. I just hope that nothing happens to the medical school (I don't think Drexel will let anything happen anytime soon) and that they don't lose more affiliates. I've heard from some current students that clinical rotations are cramped as it is...

PS: In response to Alexander, maybe they should change the name to Philadelphia Medical School 🙂

 

[Alexander99]

PS: In response to Alexander, maybe they should change the name to Philadelphia Medical School 🙂

Damn it! I thought I could get some support for Harverd and John Hopkins. I still think it'd be a cool/funny idea.

Concidentally, Hyndai did this and it worked (sounds suspiciously like Honda, doesn't it?)

 

[bmwm3]

Drexel gets a bad rep because its medical college of penn is closing this summer. That is the hospital which most of its students use for their clinical years. With MCP closing the school will be scrambling to place students.

 

[Alexander99]

Drexel gets a bad rep because its medical college of penn is closing this summer. That is the hospital which most of its students use for their clinical years. With MCP closing the school will be scrambling to place students.

So what does this mean? Drexel med students will have a hard time doing their clinical rotations? If that's the case, the school really does blow! I sure as hell wouldn't go to a school (even if it were UCSD) if I knew that there might be problems getting clinical training.

I mean, what's a med school education without clinical training worth?

 

[angstrom55]

The school keeps changing hands so many times and I guess the whole matter with the hospitals and money is a jumble. I talked to a med student who's brother is going there, and she told me if I got into Drexel, don't go. She said that in the past couple of years, professors and doctors were jumping ship to other schools. But then you look at the school itself and its facilities and they were awesome!

The whole thing about mcp closing is a big concern though.......

 

[Alexander99]

The school keeps changing hands so many times and I guess the whole matter with the hospitals and money is a jumble. I talked to a med student who's brother is going there, and she told me if I got into Drexel, don't go. She said that in the past couple of years, professors and doctors were jumping ship to other schools. But then you look at the school itself and its facilities and they were awesome!

The whole thing about mcp closing is a big concern though.......

So what we have is a school that has nice a nice campus and facilities but ailing faculty and teaching hospital. That's kind of like a Porsche with a 100 hp engine--nice to look at but kinda pointless. I'd take a great education at a run-down campus over a spotty education at a nice campus anyday. In the end, it's the knowledge you walk away with.

 

[lovelyaries]

i do agree with some people when they say that you should take anything on this website with a grain of salt...so i interviewed in late April...I asked my faculty interviewer (the Associate Dean of Admissions) about MCP closing and the current situation. I was told that Tenet was preparing to close it, but at the time Drexel was trying to see if they could buy it and he said that there were other interested parties...but he made it pretty clear that in the event of MCP closing it would have no effect on medical students because those doing their rotations there had already been sent to other hospitals (of which Drexel has many affliates) so that the quality of education would not be interrupted. So, having said this, I definitely wouldn't have answered this post had I not had this information...certain comments are not accurate, such as...

Drexel gets a bad rep because its medical college of penn is closing this summer. That is the hospital which most of its students use for their clinical years. With MCP closing the school will be scrambling to place students.


So what does this mean? Drexel med students will have a hard time doing their clinical rotations? If that's the case, the school really does blow! I sure as hell wouldn't go to a school (even if it were UCSD) if I knew that there might be problems getting clinical training.

I mean, what's a med school education without clinical training worth?

these are just two of many, but don't believe everything people post or let it influence your opinion on a school 😀

lovelyaries

 

[SoulRFlare]

Hahnemann was a homeopathic school founded in 1848 and was originally called "homeopathic college of pennsylvania". It was later renamed after the man who founded homeopathy. I imagine (and this is just a theory) that the fact that a former homeopathic school is a part of Drexel colors some ppl's view of the school, even though we're talking the 19th century, when the allopaths were bloodletting, dosing ppl with mercury etc. Interestingly enough, I wonder how many ppl would consider vaccines a homeopathic treatment (small does of the disease causing agent "cures" the disease)

 

[bullhorn]

Hahnemann was a homeopathic school founded in 1848 and was originally called "homeopathic college of pennsylvania". It was later renamed after the man who founded homeopathy. I imagine (and this is just a theory) that the fact that a former homeopathic school is a part of Drexel colors some ppl's view of the school, even though we're talking the 19th century, when the allopaths were bloodletting, dosing ppl with mercury etc. Interestingly enough, I wonder how many ppl would consider vaccines a homeopathic treatment (small does of the disease causing agent "cures" the disease)

I am no so sure about this one. After being in philly and out and about themedical community in philly....no one has ever brought this up. Interestingly it is probably WORSE that part of the school was Medical College of Pennsylvania...the first (and only i think), women's med school. 👎

I doubt it has to do with either HISTORY, but certainly the name changes over the years are contributions. Unless you go through an interview session, where they explain it, you are going to beconfused. I get a lot of 'Drexel has a med school...i didn't know that' THAT plus the financial difficulties of MCP/Hahnemann (not drexel) and potential MCP closing has everyone talking shizit.

Really settign the record straight...if you are in philly you know, Drexel is a great engineering/technology schools with money to spend on good teachers and rebuilding for more space etc. Their ugrad rep has soared in the recent years because of their over the top technology etc. (of course tuiton is mad high...but comparable to private schools everywhere) They seemt o be investing TONS into the med school now that they have taken it over. Trying to take it to the level of the undergrad. I think if they continnue at this level, 3-4 years this bashing won't continue at all.

 

[snapdad]

Really settign the record straight...if you are in philly you know, Drexel is a great engineering/technology schools with money to spend on good teachers and rebuilding for more space etc. Their ugrad rep has soared in the recent years because of their over the top technology etc. (of course tuiton is mad high...but comparable to private schools everywhere) They seemt o be investing TONS into the med school now that they have taken it over. Trying to take it to the level of the undergrad. I think if they continnue at this level, 3-4 years this bashing won't continue at all.

See, that's my feeling as well. Drexel University is well-established, and since they bought the medical school, they've been putting a lot of money and resources into it. The main university has a huge research ethic, and has a very aggressive, entrepreneurial approach to pursuing it. Part of the reason Drexel bought the medical school is so they can create a large biosciences research center and combine it with their existing technological research endeavors. This ultimately means dollars to the medical school, bigger endowments and grants, and attraction of star researchers and academic docs, which leads to reputation. It just takes time.

To address other posts: MCP isn't the main student teaching hospital, from what I understand. It's Hahnemann Hospital, a totally separate facility, which, although it's also run by Tenet, is profitable and strong. MCP will remain open given the interest of these four parties in buying it, it's just that nobody knows in what capacity. Drexel's clinical teaching is NOT going away if MCP's role diminishes.

As to the post about how Hahnemann's rep may be colored due to it starting as a homeopathic college in the 19th century, that's exactly what I was talking about in terms of posts needing to be taken with a grain of salt. MCP Hahnemann Medical College had a very strong reputation before all the Allegheny mismanagement shot it down the crapper, so the "homeopathic" issue is b.s. Agreed, the Tenet mismanagement of MCP isn't helping things either, but as lovelyaries mentioned, Drexel is dealing with it.

Read the paper before you spout off, people. Do some research and learn. Drexel/MCP Hahnemann's past hasn't always been rosy, that's true, but don't just start talking unless you really know what you're talking about. Try doing a search for MCP and Drexel on these sites; it'll help paint a more objective picture.

Philadelphia Inquirer - this is the main Philadelphia newspaper. It has current articles about the MCP/Tenet issues, as well as some great archived ones.

Philadelphia Business Journal. Start with this article, and look at the sidebars over to the right ("Recent Company News" and "Related Topics"). They'll lead to other relevant articles.

 

[basupran]

Concidentally, Hyndai did this and it worked (sounds suspiciously like Honda, doesn't it?)

Where did you get this information from?

 

[snapdad]

Some more articles.

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2004/05/03/daily34.html

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2004/04/26/story3.html

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2004/04/26/daily27.html

The point of these articles is to illustrate that Drexel is not static. The message beneath all these articles is that they're looking for new ways to make the university grow, or to establish a greater presence in the community. This is entrepreneurship, folks, and it bespeaks a certain culture in the university that I think it would be exciting to be a part of. I think it'll be really interesting to see what happens with this medical school over the next ten years.

 

[mackaikai]

you think people bash Drexel? search Finch in the forum. People are disrespecting these 2 schools and their students all the time.

 

[ForensicPath]

Concerning the problems with MCP Hospital: If you think MCP is the only hospital that is having financial problems and is facing the threat of shutting down, you are in for a rude awakening when you finally get your feet wet in the medical field. The problem that MCP is having is only a symptom of the larger health care crisis that the entire country is facing. Although, these problems tend to be magnified in areas like Pennsylvania and New York where malpractice premiums are astronomical.

 

[Ms.Doctor]

I am no so sure about this one. After being in philly and out and about themedical community in philly....no one has ever brought this up. Interestingly it is probably WORSE that part of the school was Medical College of Pennsylvania...the first (and only i think), women's med school. 👎

I doubt it has to do with either HISTORY, but certainly the name changes over the years are contributions. Unless you go through an interview session, where they explain it, you are going to beconfused. I get a lot of 'Drexel has a med school...i didn't know that' THAT plus the financial difficulties of MCP/Hahnemann (not drexel) and potential MCP closing has everyone talking shizit.

Really settign the record straight...if you are in philly you know, Drexel is a great engineering/technology schools with money to spend on good teachers and rebuilding for more space etc. Their ugrad rep has soared in the recent years because of their over the top technology etc. (of course tuiton is mad high...but comparable to private schools everywhere) They seemt o be investing TONS into the med school now that they have taken it over. Trying to take it to the level of the undergrad. I think if they continnue at this level, 3-4 years this bashing won't continue at all.

So the fact that Drexel stems from the history of giving women the opportunity to practice medicine in the days when women were not able to do so deserves a 👎 ??? The women of WMCP were known to provide treatment and open clinics in parts of town that were desperate for treatment. Additionally, they had/have an excellent reputation. That comment makes me *thrilled* to share a future alum with you. Note sarcasm.

 

[mimi1]

People bashing schools such as Drexel when they know nothing real about the school are unfortunately perpetuating the elitism that seems to exist in medicine. So there are things about Drexel that may not thrill you? Fine. Then don't go there. But don't ruin it for others by disrespecting the school and making comments that you have no factual or firsthand knowledge to backup. I am so sick of this! I am WILLINGLY and HAPPILY choosing Drexel over a number of other schools. I am EXCITED about Drexel!! And guess what? I am going to end up, side by side, with some of you "Drexel bashers" at a fantastic residency! And will any of this matter then? NO. Does it matter now? NO!

I also think that whenever money problems arise with any hospital, the associated school automatically becomes a scapegoat. Look at what happened at Georgetown! Everyone screams about what a lousy school it is, when in fact it is a fabulous school and place with lots of cutting-edge research, resources, and support. I say this with first-hand knowledge. Anyone who has spent any amount of time at the school talking to people will see that it's a pretty good place. And if you don't think that- then don't go there! But don't bash it to others. We are just pre-meds. We are not medical students, faculty, or administrators so we really don't know how money problems affect a school.

Please, I beg my fellow pre-meds and future colleagues to get off your high horses, open your eyes, and mature a bit. Choosing a medical school is a very individual decision and you are exhibiting your immaturity and close-mindedness by bashing it!

 

[exmike]

People bashing schools such as Drexel when they know nothing real about the school are unfortunately perpetuating the elitism that seems to exist in medicine. So there are things about Drexel that may not thrill you? Fine. Then don't go there. But don't ruin it for others by disrespecting the school and making comments that you have no factual or firsthand knowledge to backup. I am so sick of this! I am WILLINGLY and HAPPILY choosing Drexel over a number of other schools. I am EXCITED about Drexel!! And guess what? I am going to end up, side by side, with some of you "Drexel bashers" at a fantastic residency! And will any of this matter then? NO. Does it matter now? NO!

I also think that whenever money problems arise with any hospital, the associated school automatically becomes a scapegoat. Look at what happened at Georgetown! Everyone screams about what a lousy school it is, when in fact it is a fabulous school and place with lots of cutting-edge research, resources, and support. I say this with first-hand knowledge. Anyone who has spent any amount of time at the school talking to people will see that it's a pretty good place. And if you don't think that- then don't go there! But don't bash it to others. We are just pre-meds. We are not medical students, faculty, or administrators so we really don't know how money problems affect a school.

Please, I beg my fellow pre-meds and future colleagues to get off your high horses, open your eyes, and mature a bit. Choosing a medical school is a very individual decision and you are exhibiting your immaturity and close-mindedness by bashing it!

I believe the GU bashing is being done by people at GU. Different from Drexel bashing..

 

[Anka]

I'll tell you why I bash drexel -- my interviewer gave me such a horrible impression of the place when I visited. He asked me what specialty I wanted to pursue, and I responded 'surgery'. His response was (after looking me up and down, as though to say... what's a pretty little girl like you want to do with surgery), "So," [long significant pause], "You expect me to believe that you want to do surgery, and just happen to be interviewing with a surgeon." Later on, he said "Well, if you really do want to do surgery here, you'll have to go through me."

The faculty don't seem to have much respect for the interviewees, at least... my guess is that reflects on their opinion of the students. Also, the day I went the PIL students were totally dissing the traditional curriculum students. It was just a rather unprofessional place.

Anka

 

[jlee9531]

I believe the GU bashing is being done by people at GU. Different from Drexel bashing..

true from what ive seen on this thread as well.

and to alexander....

hyundai and honda dont really sound a like...
hyundai is a korean word and it means "modern"
they did not come up with the name thinking...hey lets make up a word that sounds like honda.

and unlike honda, hyundai's main business is not cars. i think cars only take up around 20-30% of their business.

 

[babinski bob]

As a 2nd year IFM student, I feel like I received a fantastic education at drexel and would easily put my pre-clinical education up against any school in the country. Much of the faculty for years 1-2 are devoted solely to teaching and do a fantastic job. Our curriculum is well organized and the faculty really care about student input and make real changes in the curriculum from year to year based on student input. You probably won't find this happening at many other med schools anywhere! The faculty here are NOT arrogant and do NOT feel like they're too far above the students to listen to them!

The medical school is doing extremely well now that Drexel has taken charge. Interestingly, prior to the acquisition by DRexel, both Drexel and Princeton were bidding on the medical school. Yes, that's Princeton University, the ivy league school... No I'm not making this up... Go and talk with the Dean Parrish or Klasko... they'll tell you the story... The fact of the matter is that Drexel was willing to make a stronger commitment to the medical school and so the medical school went with Drexel. The medical school and administrators were much more concerned with having a governing body that was willing to provide 100% support to the school rather than a school which carries a prestigious name.

Remember, with the exception of maybe the top 3 or 4 medical schools, your education is what YOU make of it! NOT what your school can do for you. If you go to Drexel, work hard, and do well on your board exams, you will achieve your career goals and go onto fantastic residiences like the top students at other top schools.

 

[Alexander99]

I'll tell you why I bash drexel -- my interviewer gave me such a horrible impression of the place when I visited. He asked me what specialty I wanted to pursue, and I responded 'surgery'. His response was (after looking me up and down, as though to say... what's a pretty little girl like you want to do with surgery), "So," [long significant pause], "You expect me to believe that you want to do surgery, and just happen to be interviewing with a surgeon." Later on, he said "Well, if you really do want to do surgery here, you'll have to go through me."

The faculty don't seem to have much respect for the interviewees, at least... my guess is that reflects on their opinion of the students. Also, the day I went the PIL students were totally dissing the traditional curriculum students. It was just a rather unprofessional place.

Anka

You'll have to "go through him?" Sounds like a sexual proposition to me. You could sue and get millions of $$$.

 

[snapdad]

I'll tell you why I bash drexel -- my interviewer gave me such a horrible impression of the place when I visited. He asked me what specialty I wanted to pursue, and I responded 'surgery'. His response was (after looking me up and down, as though to say... what's a pretty little girl like you want to do with surgery), "So," [long significant pause], "You expect me to believe that you want to do surgery, and just happen to be interviewing with a surgeon." Later on, he said "Well, if you really do want to do surgery here, you'll have to go through me."

That seems like a pretty shady encounter. Did you talk to anyone in the admissions office about this? My impression was that they wanted to hear if someone had an experience like this so they could address the problem.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

Oh man, Drexel? That place sucks!

Just kidding. I don't know anything about the place.

 

[Anka]

That seems like a pretty shady encounter. Did you talk to anyone in the admissions office about this? My impression was that they wanted to hear if someone had an experience like this so they could address the problem.

No. I've got enough options that I'm not too worried about it. Still, I walked away thinking that if Drexel was the only place I got in, I'd wait and reapply. In general, I think it's better to hear this sort of thing on the way in, than find it out when you get there.

Anka

 

[ForensicPath]

I'll tell you why I bash drexel -- my interviewer gave me such a horrible impression of the place when I visited. He asked me what specialty I wanted to pursue, and I responded 'surgery'. His response was (after looking me up and down, as though to say... what's a pretty little girl like you want to do with surgery), "So," [long significant pause], "You expect me to believe that you want to do surgery, and just happen to be interviewing with a surgeon." Later on, he said "Well, if you really do want to do surgery here, you'll have to go through me."
Anka

I can see why you have a bad impression of the school, but realistically you can't judge the school because of "one bad apple." My interviewer was really cool. He was the head of the pediatric neurology department at St. Christopher's (another Drexel affliate in philly), which was good since I did some work with pediatric MS patients. He had nothing but good things to say about Drexel and the associated hospitals. We got into a discussion about medicine as a business and how it relates to the financial problems with the medical school.

This could be one of the reasons why I walked away from Drexel with a really good impression.

 

[snapdad]

No. I've got enough options that I'm not too worried about it. Still, I walked away thinking that if Drexel was the only place I got in, I'd wait and reapply. In general, I think it's better to hear this sort of thing on the way in, than find it out when you get there.

I can see why you have a bad impression of the school, but realistically you can't judge the school because of "one bad apple." My interviewer was really cool. He was the head of the pediatric neurology department at St. Christopher's (another Drexel affliate in philly), which was good since I did some work with pediatric MS patients. He had nothing but good things to say about Drexel and the associated hospitals. We got into a discussion about medicine as a business and how it relates to the financial problems with the medical school.

This could be one of the reasons why I walked away from Drexel with a really good impression.

Yeah, I had the same experience. My interviewer was super professional and seemed like a really nice guy, and I had a very positive impression of the school. I think they want to avoid students having the kind of interview Anka mentioned, so they asked my group to please let them know if we had any problems with our interviewers.

 

[bullhorn]

So the fact that Drexel stems from the history of giving women the opportunity to practice medicine in the days when women were not able to do so deserves a 👎 ??? The women of WMCP were known to provide treatment and open clinics in parts of town that were desperate for treatment. Additionally, they had/have an excellent reputation. That comment makes me *thrilled* to share a future alum with you. Note sarcasm.

Um despite the sarcasm, you misunderstood my post. After rereading I can understand why. To clarify, my thumbs down was for that fact that historical roots supporting women would even matter and probably be WORSE of a reputation than the homeopathic Hahnemann roots. Not that it needs to be justified, but I am a black woman who chose Drexel primarily because of it continuing in the tradition of MCP as the letterhead states. I am definitely thrilled to be a future alum with you. NO sarcasm. Glad other women are willing to stand up for what is right. YOU get a 👍 even if you misunderstood my post. 😛

 

[bullhorn]

As a 2nd year IFM student, I feel like I received a fantastic education at drexel and would easily put my pre-clinical education up against any school in the country. Much of the faculty for years 1-2 are devoted solely to teaching and do a fantastic job. Our curriculum is well organized and the faculty really care about student input and make real changes in the curriculum from year to year based on student input. You probably won't find this happening at many other med schools anywhere! The faculty here are NOT arrogant and do NOT feel like they're too far above the students to listen to them!

The medical school is doing extremely well now that Drexel has taken charge. Interestingly, prior to the acquisition by DRexel, both Drexel and Princeton were bidding on the medical school. Yes, that's Princeton University, the ivy league school... No I'm not making this up... Go and talk with the Dean Parrish or Klasko... they'll tell you the story... The fact of the matter is that Drexel was willing to make a stronger commitment to the medical school and so the medical school went with Drexel. The medical school and administrators were much more concerned with having a governing body that was willing to provide 100% support to the school rather than a school which carries a prestigious name.

Remember, with the exception of maybe the top 3 or 4 medical schools, your education is what YOU make of it! NOT what your school can do for you. If you go to Drexel, work hard, and do well on your board exams, you will achieve your career goals and go onto fantastic residiences like the top students at other top schools.

Hi Bob, once again you drop knowledge. Princeton is my alma mater and I heard the same thign through some knowledgeable movers and shakers within the administration and alum circles. He tells no lie.


Additionally, having researched a bit..i think drexel's curriculum for didactic years is among the top in the country. first with a choice of learning styles ...then with the modules and the way basic sciences are learned..more relevant to clinical years...which by the way are organized into pathways..unlike my friends who are third and fourth years at the likes of jhu and harvard and running around like chickens without a head to figure out scheduling...one of their biggest complaints even at the best schools int he country. SIGH. like mimi I am excited about attending drexel and can't wait until August 2nd...oh and to be in a great residency alongside the bashers.

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Um despite the sarcasm, you misunderstood my post. After rereading I can understand why. To clarify, my thumbs down was for that fact that historical roots supporting women would even matter and probably be WORSE of a reputation than the homeopathic Hahnemann roots. Not that it needs to be justified, but I am a black woman who chose Drexel primarily because of it continuing in the tradition of MCP as the letterhead states. I am definitely thrilled to be a future alum with you. NO sarcasm. Glad other women are willing to stand up for what is right. YOU get a 👍 even if you misunderstood my post. 😛

Hi Bullhorn, I understand now-- sorry about that. 🙂 I read your post after reading all of those posts about how "there are no hot pre-med/med chicks in medical school" got me all fired up! The support of women at Drexel really is excellent-- and the extra education about the history is really great too. What is great is the male physicians at the school that are such huge supporters of women in medicine and I've gotten some better and more supportive information regarding my life as a physician (and future mother) from them than some women physicians!

Sorry about misreading the post! 🙁 Let me know if you have any questions about Drexel or great programs to get involved in!

 

[bullhorn]

Hi Bullhorn, I understand now-- sorry about that. 🙂 I read your post after reading all of those posts about how "there are no hot pre-med/med chicks in medical school" got me all fired up! The support of women at Drexel really is excellent-- and the extra education about the history is really great too. What is great is the male physicians at the school that are such huge supporters of women in medicine and I've gotten some better and more supportive information regarding my life as a physician (and future mother) from them than some women physicians!

Sorry about misreading the post! 🙁 Let me know if you have any questions about Drexel or great programs to get involved in!

Ms. Doc...

I do have questions. Is it too late to apply for PIL...I really love the idea of the 10 week practicum. Do you think beign in PIL made it difficult for you to study and do well on the boards?

I love the Women's Health electives and plan to take those. I am already a mom (7mos old) and I thought I needed just what you described...SUPPORT from an administration/faculty of my designated school.

Thanks,
bullhorn

 

[bullhorn]

Ok, i did a search and in the officical class of 2008 thread provides tons of information from ms. doctor. My only question is...is it too late to apply?

 

[exmike]

if it is true, current drexel students must have been crapping a brick when they thought princeton would take it over.


I dont see what princeton would have to gain from such a move though besides being the last ivy to gain a med school. Drexel isnt really a big research institution so that doesn't really jive with the Princeton philosphy. It would take decades to transform drexel into a research powerhouse (which is what I assume princeton would want it to be). Also, its in PA. It would make more sense for Princeton to annex UMDNJ-RWJ which is in jersey obviously.

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Ex-mike, I believe the Princeton take over was before Drexel owned the school, as in inquiring at the same time, not lately.

Bullhorn, It's not too late to apply to PIL. Also, you still have to study lots in PIL, students know that and we do. We have resource sessions (class) a lot if you are a class person. Board scores are about the same in the two classes (averages vary within a point or two).

 

[bullhorn]

if it is true, current drexel students must have been crapping a brick when they thought princeton would take it over.


I dont see what princeton would have to gain from such a move though besides being the last ivy to gain a med school. Drexel isnt really a big research institution so that doesn't really jive with the Princeton philosphy. It would take decades to transform drexel into a research powerhouse (which is what I assume princeton would want it to be). Also, its in PA. It would make more sense for Princeton to annex UMDNJ-RWJ which is in jersey obviously.

First of all, Princeton is the only ivy league without a professional school and although they are the number one undergrad in the country and have been for some time...there was always talk about the lack of professional schools. More so from alum and students...ie if I had gone to Harvard...I would feel more confident in applying to harvard med, law whatever. Not saying it is easier to get in...but with Princeton there is no alma mater option.

Second, UMDNJ-RWJ and the like are all affiliated with Rutgers. They are STATE institutions and Princeton is VERY private...so that makes even less sense to me.

Finally, Princeton was not looking to take over Drexel.. Drexel and Princeton were competing to take over MCP Hahnemann University of Medicine. Drexel University, as a tech and engineering school is quite aggressive in regards to research and is financially sound. MCP (now Drexel's med school) was not...and that is where already transformations are being made. Drexel acquired the med school with hopes to expand research....and build the biomedical research center on market. Progress is already being made.

Also, Philadelphia is about 40 mins from Princeton Undergrad campus. In traffic(which is most of the time lol) it takes me about 25-30 mins to get to Drexel's undergrad campus from Queen Lane. Cornell's undergrad campus is about 6 HOURS from it's med school in NYC and let's not talk about the new one in Quatar. I dont think location really matters that much in regards to ugrad/prof campus distance. More so, it matters where the affiliate hospitals are located in relation to the med school campus. Princeton is not near a major hospital and actually MCP Hahnemann is affiliated with Capital Health System..the nearest major system outside of UMDNJ. So, it makes sense that if they were to get a med school they would look for one with an already established group of affiliated hospitals in the vicinity of the med school campus....even if it was 40 mins away.

Just my .02 cents

bullhorn

 

[Odaroloc]

Also, if Princeton were to take over, whatever research funding Princeton has would (I believe) be attributed to the new med school (ie Harvard), so this was likely not a major concern... .02

 

[Ms.Doctor]

Great explanation Bullhorn... 🙂

 

[CalBeE]

Yea, I was actually wondering why Princeton doesn't have any professional schools, but maybe b/c it's a small private school (Small in terms of # of dept).

And a name change may be good for the school in the future, but sucks for people who are in Drexel now. Think about it, more and more med school applicants from this generation will NOT hear about the name MCP at all. If Drexel changes its name, eventually people will be like "Huh you graduated from Drexel? I don't know that they have a med school"