Would I be compromising? Emory vs. USC HELP PLEASE!

[UtterlyTorn]

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This is a long post, but I felt like you should all hear everything before giving your opinion. After visiting both Emory and USC, I LOVED Emory and did not really like USC. However, I don't want to judge the school based on the one impression. I am very conflicted about where to attend medical school and would really appreciate any advice my fellow SDNers could give me. FYI, I am a frequent poster, but I created a new username to stay anonymous. Also, I searched past USC vs Emory threads but they are mostly outdated (eg. from 2003/2005/2006/2007 before Emory updated their curriculum and such...)

I have been asking around (friends, family, doctors/fellows that I work with....) to get opinions and here are some of the things i've heard/considered.

Networking- Go to medical school where you see yourself practicing, because you can make connections, more likely to get a residency in the state, etc. Ultimately, I would rather settle down and practice in California than Georgia.

Fit of the school- Emory >>>> USC

Residency- as long as you are not trying for a super competitive residency (which I don't see myself doing) it should not be hard coming back to CA for residency. But then again, see my comment above about networking.

Support network- Schools are pretty comparable, so go where you have people to support you. My friends and serious SO are all in Los Angeles. LA is also closer to my home (in the bay area) so it would be easier/cheaper to get home. Although, being near everyone may distract me from my school work, whereas if I am away I can try to plan ahead so when I visit I can spend real quality time with friends.

Location- Where can you see yourself living. Part of me wants to stay in LA because it's home, it's familiar, I wouldn't have to move, I know my way around, etc. I've only ever lived in California. The other part of me wants to use this opportunity to live somewhere else, explore, etc. It's complicated though with my SO (e.g. long distance would put a huge strain on the relationship). Plus, to be honest, I am quite concerned for the humidity in Atlanta and the fact that everyone can still smoke indoors. Yuck! Although, I can adjust anywhere and I have no doubt I would acclimate and enjoy my time in Atlanta.

Alumni- USC alumni network is pretty extensive and they really look out for their own.

MPH- I have already been accepted to the 5 year Emory MD/MPH program and I have been told that I have guaranteed acceptance into the MD/MPH program at USC if I apply for it in my 2nd year of medical school. However, the public health program at Emory is WAY better (correct me if I am wrong) than USC's. Plus the CDC is close by and I am interested in global health.

Better for career you envision- As of right now, I am interested in infectious diseases, more specifically HIV/AIDS on a local and global scale. I am also interested in working with children/youth and underserved populations.

3rd/4th year- USC-County vs Grady. Seem pretty similar to me, although USC would have a much higher Spanish speaking population (which would be great to improve my Spanish). The "commute" to County from the USC campus (no actual commute) would be much more ideal than commuting from Emory to Grady....although I shouldn't judge based on that... Anyone else have opinions on the differences in training/clerkships/rotations/how students are treated?

Finances- Both are private and expensive. Atlanta has a lower cost of living than LA. It will be good to see the financial aid packages from both schools.

Curriculum- any medical school will prepare you to be a doctor. However, personally, I think I will learn best from a combination of lecture based and pbl. Anyone have opinions on USC versus Emory's curriculum, prep for Step 1, faculty support etc.?

Part of me feels like I would either be compromising on the school (choosing USC over Emory) in the hopes of making it easier on my relationship, or compromising on my relationship (making it near impossible....5 years long distance) for the school. Then again, if we are serious, we should be able to make it work (although I think even the best relationships can fail from long distance). I don't want to choose USC because of my relationship and my SO doesn't want me to chose it for him either. Ultimately I want to figure out which school is BEST for ME and make my decision that way. Taking the SO out of the picture....I am still so confused!

If you have any thoughts/opinions on the above mentioned items (or anything new) I would love to hear them. Thank you for your time!

 

[Long Way to Go]

Have you actually gotten in to both, or are you still waiting on USC?

 

[unleash500]

I say go for best fit!

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Have you actually gotten in to both, or are you still waiting on USC?

I've been accepted to both 🙂

 

[Barcu]

I would say Emory.

Better fit, better program, and a great school so I don't think you will have a problem getting a residency where you would like (and residency is more important than med school for deciding where you live/practice).

The biggest concern is probably your SO. No one on this board can convince you one way or the other about that.

 

[lovebat]

I can definitely see why you are torn. Leaving family and a significant other behind is, without a doubt, rough. I don't think you should take the SO out of the picture...if they're important to you, they should be in it. Have a solid convo with them about your relationship. Is it at the stage where the relationship is important enough to dictate your choice? If so, USC holds weight...if maybe not...Emory holds more.

I broke up with my girlfriend a few months ago and can honestly say that, while it was a great relationship (just not great enough to do the distance), I could not be more excited to have chosen a med school for myself and uninfluenced. I know that where I am going is the right choice for ME, and I am going to be happy there.

Going to a reputable med school can be important to jump start an ambitious career--but equally important in allowing that to happen is what kind of environment you are in. I would say go to Emory if you are going to be, from what it sounds like, much happier there. It will be able to satisfy your public health interests like no other...pretty sick opportunities there.

Be brave and don't be scared to move away. There are always new people to meet and friends to make. When all is said and done...you're back in CA for residency. I have actually chosen to go to Emory next year and currently live in Seattle. After interviewing and being accepted...it was one of the easiest choices I have ever had to make. It's an incredible school in an incredible city with incredible people. So....if you do go...you won't be the only one repping the west coast. I vote for Emory.

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Yes the SO definitely complicates matters. No one can predict the future and I don't want any resentment (e.g. me if I end up hating USC or him if I choose to move away). Although there is no way to tell. I could stay in LA and we could break up a few months into medical school, i could leave and we break up or we could stay together. who knows!?

That's why I'm trying to completely separate the SO from my decision. So if people have comments about just the schools, minus the SO issue I would greatly appreciate it. Think of the SO as part of the support network I would have if I stayed in LA versus not having if I chose Emory.

Thanks to those who have responded already! it's all quite helpful.

Would love to hear other opinions as well!

 

[Musclemass]

Networking- Go to medical school where you see yourself practicing, because you can make connections, more likely to get a residency in the state, etc. Ultimately, I would rather settle down and practice in California than Georgia.

Residency- as long as you are not trying for a super competitive residency (which I don't see myself doing) it should not be hard coming back to CA for residency. But then again, see my comment above about networking.

Support network- Schools are pretty comparable, so go where you have people to support you. My friends and serious SO are all in Los Angeles. LA is also closer to my home (in the bay area) so it would be easier/cheaper to get home. Although, being near everyone may distract me from my school work, whereas if I am away I can try to plan ahead so when I visit I can spend real quality time with friends.

Location- Where can you see yourself living. Part of me wants to stay in LA because it's home, it's familiar, I wouldn't have to move, I know my way around, etc.

Congrats on your acceptances, both are great schools. I think you answered your own question, unless scholarship monies change your decision. Having friends around can only be a plus and not a minus, though you'll make new friends from your classmates wherever you are.

You have a lot of reasons to stay in LA and not many to go to Atlanta. I agree that most people should realize that it's an adventure and not so tough to spend 4 years somewhere new. But coming from LA or the Bay Area, you may not be happy in Atlanta.

 

[Musclemass]

Going to a reputable med school can be important to jump start an ambitious career--but equally important in allowing that to happen is what kind of environment you are in.

Are you suggesting that there's a US medical school that is not reputable?

 

[gettheleadout]

It seems that all your career-oriented concerns point to Emory, while personal life concerns point to USC. You have to decide what's more important to you, doing the most possible to be as successful as you want to be, or doing what you think will let you be as happy as you want to be. We can't know which one would pan out better.

 

[lovebat]

Are you suggesting that there's a US medical school that is not reputable?

Nope

 

[E11]

Fit of the school- Emory >>>> USC

/thread.

Your gut has already given you the answer.

Seriously though, go where YOU will be happiest and you will excel. Go to both second look weekends and make a decision then.

 

[mjscal]

I do not have an answer for you but I do have a few opinions about your concerns. Medical School networking is of little help. It is your residency/fellowship work and connections which help in getting future work.
It might help you a little in getting into a more competitive residency if you go to Emory but it really depends on how well you do in medical school than Emory/USC. I should also note that you may change your mind in terms of specialty when you do your clinical rotations. USC Medical alumni are irrelevant. If you want an MPH Emory is probably better for you due to the CDC. Support network may be important to you as Medical school can be demanding. It was not a consideration for me but it might be important to you.
Cost may be the deciding factor. Fit may be key if you feel much more comfortable at Emory. Lastly location may not be as big of an issue as you think because you will be spending a lot of time studying or in the hospital.
I like LA a lot more than Atlanta but spending four years away from your comfort zone may be good for you.

 

[iusesharpies]

USC alum network = 😱😍

jus saying..

 

[UtterlyTorn]

yeah I think gettheleadout pretty much nailed it. Emory would be completely a career-oriented choice whereas choosing USC would factor in my personal concerns. However, I definitely want to determine if USC could possibly be better for me in terms of my professional future. Ultimately I'm thinking it may come down to the MPH that I want and Emory is a much better school for that pursuit.

Mjscal... Its great to have your opinion on the networking issue. A doctor on the UCLA admissions committee told me networking in medical school is important and to go where I want to practice...but I always thought it was more important in residency.

I am completely open-minded to change if I discovery other interests while in medical school. A support network has never been super important to me. I am a very independent person. I think the reason it is on my radar this time is because of the SO. Damn him!

Cost is definitely an issue, but both are so expensive. Unless one school offers me so much more money, I can't imagine the difference in cost between the two will be significant.

Location has never really been an issue for me. I like being out of my comfort zone and have lived in Israel and South Africa (along with California). Although I do always get nervous before I move somewhere....I always end up loving it. I'm sure Atlanta will be the same.

Still not sure how to decide where I will be happiest. One reason I delayed applying to medical school is because I wanted to explore other career options that made the balance between a family and career much easier. I just can't see myself pursuing anything but medicine. So now I've applied and I am so lucky to have a choice. But I feel I am stuck at the choice that delayed my applications in the first place. Medical school or "future" family. If I went to USC, I would still get an MD and it would be easier to maintain my serious relationship. But I would be giving up Emory. If I go to Emory, I may not be giving up my serious relationship, but 5 years long distance is ....ifffy. I understand that it is a very personal decision and no one can tell me what to do. I have to figure it out for myself.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

 

[Evergrey]

Has your SO considered moving to Atlanta? Is that an option?

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Unfortunately him moving to Atlanta is not an option. He runs a martial arts school in LA and works as a stuntman for a lot of independent films. There isn't much of a film industry in Atlanta (aside from Tyler Perry) so he is stuck in LA for now....

 

[Big Dog]

1) If you want to do medical research, then the (much) higher ranked school is always better.

2) If you want to go into public health, Emory's MPH is excellent. But, if you really want to do public health, reach even higher. With an MD (from Emory or 'SC), the two H's (Hopkins & Harvard) are easily in reach, as well as other top-ranked PH schools such Cal, U-Dub and Carolina.

3) If you just want to practice medicine, the MPH could be from any accredited school. It won't much matter.

As you know, the Trojan Family is hard to beat, anywhere. With your SO in LA, not to sure why this is so hard....unless you want to do research...or, one school's curriculum is more to your liking.

 

[mjscal]

An MPH is of little practical use if you are going into private practice. Useful for going into academic or government work. Assuming that this is what you choose to do, going to Emory may help you, particularly as you may get useful training and contacts at the CDC. It is however interesting that I have three friends with MPH's from Hopkins after their residency or fellowship there. All are in private practice and do not use their MPH training.
Medical school networking is not the same as college networking. USC networking for college graduates in socal is excellent. Less so outside the state. Have always thought that on the national level that graduates of Princeton, Dartmouth and Notre Dame tend to network well. The networking in medicine is done at the residency and fellowship level. When doctors ask where you trained they are not talking about your medical school. We recently voted on applicants to join our national subspecialty society and the main heading with each applicant name included sponsor, fellowship and residency. Medical school is just basic training. You learn to be a doctor during your residency +.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

You say that Emory would be better because the mph program is better, the CDC in nearby, and the fit is better--but then also that you want to end up practicing in CA? What kind of work on global/local AIDS issues would you want to do in CA?

I guess what I'm getting at is that it's not quite clear what kind of career you expect to pursue. Will you be practicing clinically and not really need the mph, or do you want to work in research, on policy, or internationally? Maybe delving deeper into this will help you...

It sounds like you want the best of everything, and who can blame you? Fortunately, I don't think you can really make a wrong decision here, but unfortunately no matter what you decide, there may still be a small nagging feeling that you should have chosen the other.

I hope you come to decision you are happy with.

 

[toastedcheese]

You can get an MPH, be involved in global heath issues, and have a career in ID if you go to USC.

You can't be near friends and family, maintain SO relationship, and have the same level of Cali contacts by going to Emory.

You can fulfill all your goals by going to USC. You will have to sacrifice some of your goals by going to Emory. The difference in quality of MPH programs is a minor consideration.

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Thank you all for your input. It has been of great help and I see I have more to think about!

To clarify: I want to incorporate practicing as a physician with public health. I want to not only treat patients and the biological symptoms of the disease, but also focus my attention on underlying causes (education, gender inequality, migrant labor, clean needles, poverty, etc.). I am incredibly open to wherever this may take me. Although I have focused my attention on working for such places as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, CDC, WHO, etc. I am hoping to split my time between work in the US and work abroad (Sub-Saharan Africa, Ukraine, places in Latin America, etc.) Again, I completely understand my goals/ideas may (and probably will) change as I go through medical school.

I'm not sure if this clarification change's any of your opinions...

 

[Big Dog]

I want to incorporate practicing as a physician with public health. I want to not only treat patients and the biological symptoms of the disease, but also focus my attention on underlying causes (education, gender inequality, migrant labor, clean needles, poverty, etc.).

ANY public health+MD combo will get you there.

I am hoping to split my time between work in the US and work abroad..

I reiterate: go to Hopkins or Harvard for your MPH. They have tremendous international health programs -- and contacts.

 

[mjscal]

I think you want to go to Emory. If your career is number one and your stated aspiration is your goal, Emory and the CDC will give you some advantages over USC. I am not saying that you cannot accomplish the same things by going to USC, but that there are clear advantages professionally for you with Emory.
Only you can balance the social cost of your decision.

 

[pdxjazz]

Yes, it is very apparent the OP wants to attend Emory.

If your SO was as sigificant as you claim, you would not be strongly considering Emory and posting on SDN as you have a fine medical school nearby where you can remain close to your SO, friends and family and still reach your career goals. You will no doubt resent your SO for keeping you from going to a "dream school" like Emory (even though it was your decision), so likely the relationship is in trouble if you stay. Go to Emory and live your dream.

 

[SodaScientist]

Sorry to bring back such an old thread but I am in a very similar situation as the OP and was wondering if you had decided what school you are going to? I also LOVED Emory and it is a perfect fit for me, but my SO lives in the city of the other school I am considering (which I didn't love nearly as much). I am reallly struggling with this decision so hearing your thoughts now would be much help!

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Sorry to bring back such an old thread but I am in a very similar situation as the OP and was wondering if you had decided what school you are going to? I also LOVED Emory and it is a perfect fit for me, but my SO lives in the city of the other school I am considering (which I didn't love nearly as much). I am reallly struggling with this decision so hearing your thoughts now would be much help!

Wowzah! It has been a long time. It was really interesting to go back and read through all this again. I am 95% sure I will be attending USC this August and I couldn't be happier!! I think the following pretty much summarizes why....

You can get an MPH, be involved in global heath issues, and have a career in ID if you go to USC.

You can't be near friends and family, maintain SO relationship, and have the same level of Cali contacts by going to Emory.

You can fulfill all your goals by going to USC. You will have to sacrifice some of your goals by going to Emory. The difference in quality of MPH programs is a minor consideration.

As I said above, I didn't want to judge either USC or Emory on a first impression. Emory and USC had their interview days set up very differently. At Emory, a lot of attention was paid to the applicants. At USC, I felt they could have cared less, the tour sucked, etc.

So, I did a lot of research into both Emory and USC and tried to really figure out what was best for me. In terms of the first 2 years, I prefer USC. Emory has the curriculum compacted into 1.5 years (which seems nice, but also more intense) but USC has ICS at the end of year two which is basically a guided study course for the Boards. I think this would help me a lot! USC also has webcasted lectures, whereas Emory only has audio. I am a visual learner, so attending Emory would mean I would have to go to every class. Both curriculums are systems based and P/F which I wanted.

In terms of clinical education, both have great opportunities. Ultimately, I want to become fluent in Spanish and work with Latino populations (among others) so USC is also better for that.

When it came down to it, the only thing about Emory that I actually preferred was the public health component. When I took the MPH out of the question, and judged each school purely on the MD education, USC came out on top. It seemed reasonable to pick a school based on where 4 years of my attention would be focused, rather than the 1 year MPH. As soon as I took the MPH out of the equation, the decision seemed clear.

So I came to this realization about a month ago and started leaning towards USC over Emory. I still wanted to take a closer look to be sure, and I had to make sure USC was a great fit before I could commit. USC and Emory had their second look days on the exact same day (WTF!!!). I chose to attend USC's second look because I already knew I "fit" well at Emory. I figured if I still didn't like USC after visiting again, I would go to Emory. Well, USC throws one hell of a second look day! I LOVED it! I liked everyone there, I saw more of the campus, I got to intubate a manaquin, so cool!

I also found out my financial aid packages last week, and USC offered me more aid than Emory, so USC will actually be cheaper.

Realizing that USC was actually a good fit was a major factor in my decision. I have to be happy at the school regardless of the SO.

So....long story short, unless I get a huge scholarship from the two other schools I am waiting on, I'll be attending USC.

There is probably more I could say, but I am rambling. Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[Evergrey]

Wowzah! It has been a long time. It was really interesting to go back and read through all this again. I am 95% sure I will be attending USC this August and I couldn't be happier!! I think the following pretty much summarizes why....




As I said above, I didn't want to judge either USC or Emory on a first impression. Emory and USC had their interview days set up very differently. At Emory, a lot of attention was paid to the applicants. At USC, I felt they could have cared less, the tour sucked, etc.

So, I did a lot of research into both Emory and USC and tried to really figure out what was best for me. In terms of the first 2 years, I prefer USC. Emory has the curriculum compacted into 1.5 years (which seems nice, but also more intense) but USC has ICS at the end of year two which is basically a guided study course for the Boards. I think this would help me a lot! USC also has webcasted lectures, whereas Emory only has audio. I am a visual learner, so attending Emory would mean I would have to go to every class. Both curriculums are systems based and P/F which I wanted.

In terms of clinical education, both have great opportunities. Ultimately, I want to become fluent in Spanish and work with Latino populations (among others) so USC is also better for that.

When it came down to it, the only thing about Emory that I actually preferred was the public health component. When I took the MPH out of the question, and judged each school purely on the MD education, USC came out on top. It seemed reasonable to pick a school based on where 4 years of my attention would be focused, rather than the 1 year MPH. As soon as I took the MPH out of the equation, the decision seemed clear.

So I came to this realization about a month ago and started leaning towards USC over Emory. I still wanted to take a closer look to be sure, and I had to make sure USC was a great fit before I could commit. USC and Emory had their second look days on the exact same day (WTF!!!). I chose to attend USC's second look because I already knew I "fit" well at Emory. I figured if I still didn't like USC after visiting again, I would go to Emory. Well, USC throws one hell of a second look day! I LOVED it! I liked everyone there, I saw more of the campus, I got to intubate a manaquin, so cool!

I also found out my financial aid packages last week, and USC offered me more aid than Emory, so USC will actually be cheaper.

Realizing that USC was actually a good fit was a major factor in my decision. I have to be happy at the school regardless of the SO.

So....long story short, unless I get a huge scholarship from the two other schools I am waiting on, I'll be attending USC.

There is probably more I could say, but I am rambling. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hey UtterlyTorn,

Now I am wondering who you were.. I was at the USC Second Look too! I also had to choose between second looks, but I opted against attending the second look for the other school away from my SO. Even though I like the other school better in some aspects, I expect to be attending USC in August for similar reasons. The whole ICS/Step 1 studying is a huge factor, and it seems USC is one of the more progressive schools when it comes to helping their students prepare for the exam. I don't think USC will close doors by any means. The opportunity to learn clinical Spanish is obviously great, especially if you're interested in public health/international health.

Second Look was awesome, for sure. You clearly got to go on the surgical skills lab breakaway session -- I am jealous! I got thrown in the anatomy and EM ones, which were fun but I didn't get to intubate a mannequin, that's for sure. And you're lucky you got to hear back on financial aid, I just called today and they said they were still meeting and had not finished going over my own package. I hope to hear back soon, it is getting really close to that May 15th deadline.

 

[UtterlyTorn]

Hey UtterlyTorn,

Now I am wondering who you were.. I was at the USC Second Look too! I also had to choose between second looks, but I opted against attending the second look for the other school away from my SO. Even though I like the other school better in some aspects, I expect to be attending USC in August for similar reasons. The whole ICS/Step 1 studying is a huge factor, and it seems USC is one of the more progressive schools when it comes to helping their students prepare for the exam. I don't think USC will close doors by any means. The opportunity to learn clinical Spanish is obviously great, especially if you're interested in public health/international health.

Second Look was awesome, for sure. You clearly got to go on the surgical skills lab breakaway session -- I am jealous! I got thrown in the anatomy and EM ones, which were fun but I didn't get to intubate a mannequin, that's for sure. And you're lucky you got to hear back on financial aid, I just called today and they said they were still meeting and had not finished going over my own package. I hope to hear back soon, it is getting really close to that May 15th deadline.

Hey Evergrey! Awesome! We may be classmates 🙂 Don't you hate when the SO complicates things?? I agree with you that all doors should remain open by attending USC. I don't doubt we will receive a great education!

I did get to go to surgical skills! It was a lot of fun. Ironically, I was bummed when I was placed in that group because I had no interest in surgery...but playing with the toys may have won me over (for now..)

I hope you hear back from financial aid soon. I feel USC had a much more reasonable financial aid package than Emory. Hopefully you will get some $$$

 

[Evergrey]

Hey Evergrey! Awesome! We may be classmates 🙂 Don't you hate when the SO complicates things?? I agree with you that all doors should remain open by attending USC. I don't doubt we will receive a great education!

I did get to go to surgical skills! It was a lot of fun. Ironically, I was bummed when I was placed in that group because I had no interest in surgery...but playing with the toys may have won me over (for now..)

I hope you hear back from financial aid soon. I feel USC had a much more reasonable financial aid package than Emory. Hopefully you will get some $$$

Haha yeah SO complicates things, but worth it 🙂 I am still jealous of your mannequin-intubating skills, but someday I will get to do that too!

Unbelievably, I have not heard back from USC financial aid yet. After calling several times, I'm starting to think I got lost in the system.. I was complete by March 25th so none of this makes any sense. And to further complicate things I am traveling to Japan tomorrow for the rest of May so I will just have to deal with this when I'm there 😡 Sent an e-mail so maybe that will help.. If I even get a bit of aid to defray cost, I am completely comfortable going here. $300k of loans will cause me an ulcer though..

 

[kcin]

Just make sure you're aware how much Atlanta sucks.