Yes, another one: TOUROCOM or KCOM

[aaw2107]

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So I've been accepted at both of these schools. I've been living in NYC for a few years now, so I have a full life here. Kirksville seems like a horrible place to live, especially for a single, 28 yo female. BUT I fell in live with KCOM and I think that since it's so well-established it may be a better choice as far as academics. Plus, I could leave after two years and come back to the east coast for rotations. People with experiences at both of these schools or even those who just feel like sharing input, any info would be greatly appreciated. I know only I can make this choice but god damn is it difficult.
Thanks

 

[MJB]

I'm just gonna say this with no further comment.

I'm from Kansas, and I moved to Tennessee from Missouri (Saint Joseph). People say DCOM is rural.

I think Kirksville is WAY more rural, and it's not even close.

KCOM is a great school, there's no denying that.

Maybe you could live in Columbia and commute? 🙂

 

[Tessy]

It's strange you say this, MJB. I interviewed and was accepted at both DCOM and KCOM, and I definitely think DCOM is WAAAAY more rural. At least that's the impression I got. It was one of the reasons I picked KCOM over DCOM. Why do you consider KCOM to be more rural? It has a larger population than Harrogate. Yeah, it is 3 hours away from Kansas City, but Harrogate is 2 hours away from Knoxville.

To the OP: I also live in NYC and going to attend KCOM. Provided, I was not accepted to TOUROCOM, but I interviewed at both and definitely liked KCOM better. In fact, the only plus of TOUROCOM is that it is in NYC. Don't worry too much about having to study in a rural place, you are not going to have time to enjoy NYC anyway.

 

[Powdermonkey]

It's strange you say this, MJB. I interviewed and was accepted at both DCOM and KCOM, and I definitely think DCOM is WAAAAY more rural. At least that's the impression I got. It was one of the reasons I picked KCOM over DCOM. Why do you consider KCOM to be more rural? It has a larger population than Harrogate. Yeah, it is 3 hours away from Kansas City, but Harrogate is 2 hours away from Knoxville.

To the OP: I also live in NYC and going to attend KCOM. Provided, I was not accepted to TOUROCOM, but I interviewed at both and definitely liked KCOM better. In fact, the only plus of TOUROCOM is that it is in NYC. Don't worry too much about having to study in a rural place, you are not going to have time to enjoy NYC anyway.

wrong. Its only a little over an hour away from Knoxville. Harrogate isnt super, super rural, but its definitely a little in the country. Id just come down and go to DCOM if it were me OP.

 

[MJB]

It's strange you say this, MJB. I interviewed and was accepted at both DCOM and KCOM, and I definitely think DCOM is WAAAAY more rural. At least that's the impression I got. It was one of the reasons I picked KCOM over DCOM. Why do you consider KCOM to be more rural? It has a larger population than Harrogate. Yeah, it is 3 hours away from Kansas City, but Harrogate is 2 hours away from Knoxville.

To the OP: I also live in NYC and going to attend KCOM. Provided, I was not accepted to TOUROCOM, but I interviewed at both and definitely liked KCOM better. In fact, the only plus of TOUROCOM is that it is in NYC. Don't worry too much about having to study in a rural place, you are not going to have time to enjoy NYC anyway.

I live in Knoxville, and it's 50 miles to the school. It takes me just under an hour.

Kirksville is a good 90 miles from Columbia if I remember correctly. It's 3+ hours from any airport with any size that I know of, and as far as size it's no bigger than Middlesboro (I think Kirksville is actually smaller and has less to offer than Middlesboro).

Those are the reasons I said it's more rural. It's nothing against the school, but I do have to admit that when I hear people say DCOM is rural, but then not say anything about Kirksville it kinda cracks me up.

KCOM is an awesome school, but I don't think I would have moved my wife there had I ended up going there.

Now, as far as choosing between the two, I would go with KCOM simply because I think I would find way too many "other things" to do if I lived in NYC when I really should be studying. Further, I feel that it's a waste to spend all that money to live there when more often than not you're going to be studying rather than taking advantage of what NYC has to offer (and that's if you can even afford to do so).

Thus far, I'm loving my choice to attend a rural school in the middle of the TN hills.

In the end, it's whatever is the best fit for the individual.

 

[MJB]

It's strange you say this, MJB. I interviewed and was accepted at both DCOM and KCOM, and I definitely think DCOM is WAAAAY more rural. At least that's the impression I got. It was one of the reasons I picked KCOM over DCOM. Why do you consider KCOM to be more rural? It has a larger population than Harrogate. Yeah, it is 3 hours away from Kansas City, but Harrogate is 2 hours away from Knoxville.

To the OP: I also live in NYC and going to attend KCOM. Provided, I was not accepted to TOUROCOM, but I interviewed at both and definitely liked KCOM better. In fact, the only plus of TOUROCOM is that it is in NYC. Don't worry too much about having to study in a rural place, you are not going to have time to enjoy NYC anyway.

Did you fly into Kirksville or something?

 

[EhCdnGirl]

I am heading to KCOM in the fall and if you had asked me where I would've ended up, even after my interview I would not have guessed this. I was accepted at NOVA and therefore there was a large contrast in the types of places I was thinking of going too. Rural mid-west .vs. big city Florida. After talking to some people in my life and some physicians I trusted they said that the first two years you will unlikely have time to do much beyond study and in most small towns you often can make your own fun with your classmates. With KCOM's reputation and knowing I had the ability to leave after 2 years to pursue another new adventure I figured it was a good fit. Plus the fact I could get a two bedroom, by myself, for less a month than what I paid for my student housing in a mid-size university town.

It's a hard decision and this long winter has made me think about my decision once or twice, but I honestly think that its the people that will make the school and I felt really happy with the type of people at KCOM and the education they would provide me.

that's my two cents and good luck with your decision!

 

[aaw2107]

Thanks for all of your advice. I have another question. Do you think that attending Tourocom would give me less opportunities come residency match time than KCOM?
Thanks

 

[EhCdnGirl]

My understanding for residency matches is as long as you do well in your boards and be the best student you can be you will match accordingly. Saying that, since KCOM is older, and thus has more alumni (I think) it could broaden your opportunities: this is just hypothesizing though!
once again, I think you pick the place you think you can thrive academically and beyond and also where you like their rotations, as that is half of your educational time there

 

[MJB]

You're probably going to get a variety of answers to the residency question, but here's mine.

My guess is KCOM may give you a slight advantage due to being so well established and having some of their own residency programs. Then again, being in NYC and rotating in NYC would also probably give you some good exposure on rotations.

Truly, no 1st year med student or pre-med especially can answer this question accurately for you, but from what I gather landing a residency spot is largely dependent on your performance in rotations and on the boards...so, in the end, it's more dependent on you than the school. KCOM has a track record of students performing well on the boards while the school in NYC does not, so that may also factor into your decision.

 

[bioteach]

I had a choice between established schools vs. new school. I chose KCOM (established school). I know some people like the idea of a new school because you can affect change more easily, exciting, etc... but I feel more secure going to a well established school. KCOM is certainly well established!

The location of KCOM would be a big drawback to alot of people. I can't imagine what it would be like coming from NYC?!!?! I am a small-town sort of person as is my husband so we are looking forward to living there. If you will be very unhappy during your stay in Kirksville (loneliness, etc.) then it might be worth it for your own sanity to go to a big city. However, it sure sounds like we will be kept plenty busy at KCOM, so it might not be an issue.

 

[Tessy]

Did you fly into Kirksville or something?

It's a long story. I was flying from Kirksville to Kansas City and was going by car from Kansas City to Kirksville. Why are you asking?

 

[MJB]

It's a long story. I was flying from Kirksville to Kansas City and was going by car from Kansas City to Kirksville. Why are you asking?

Honestly? Because I figured if you had made the drive from either the KC or St. Louis airports, you would come away with the impression that it's a LONG way from there to Kirksville, that's all. I drove from my home in St. Joseph, MO (about 30 miles north of the airport and 30 miles west of Cameron) and it took me what seemed like forever to get there. My interview was in the middle of an ice storm, but thankfully I left early to get there and didn't have any trouble. Ice came in over night. Don't miss those suckers at all! Congrats on your acceptance, and good luck at KCOM! I was very impressed by the admissions staff there.

 

[HarMegido]

Tourocom hands down

 

[Bond8204]

Tourocom hands down
__________________
TOUROCOM-NYC
Class of 2012

 

[ShanFan]

I had the choice between DMU, Touro-NV, and KCOM. I was having a difficult time deciding (especially between DMU and KCOM because I DO NOT want to live in Las Vegas), and I ended up asking for advice from a physician I know. He happens to be an MD, but I thought I'd ask him what he knew about the schools. He was familiar with both of them, and said that if I worked hard and applied myself then either school would be great... but he did add that I "could not possibly go wrong with Kirksville." He said it is an extremely well-known school to both DOs and MDs, and that its reputation is second to none. He said he has always been impressed with people he knows who graduated from KCOM.

I decided to choose KCOM.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Don't worry too much about having to study in a rural place, you are not going to have time to enjoy NYC anyway.

The less distractions you have around you the easier it will be to study, anyway.

The only thing I can say to the OP is if you felt better at KCOM that's where you should probably go! Good luck!

PS - Why doesn't anyone create polls any more????

 

[Orthodoc40]

I had the choice between DMU, Touro-NV, and KCOM. I was having a difficult time deciding (especially between DMU and KCOM because I DO NOT want to live in Las Vegas), and I ended up asking for advice from a physician I know. He happens to be an MD, but I thought I'd ask him what he knew about the schools. He was familiar with both of them, and said that if I worked hard and applied myself then either school would be great... but he did add that I "could not possibly go wrong with Kirksville." He said it is an extremely well-known school to both DOs and MDs, and that its reputation is second to none. He said he has always been impressed with people he knows who graduated from KCOM.

I decided to choose KCOM.

Uh - hold on. Are you talking about DMU - as in Des Moines University???
Or DCOM?

 

[ShanFan]

Uh - hold on. Are you talking about DMU - as in Des Moines University???
Or DCOM?

Des Moines. And I am sure there are individuals out there who would argue that DMU is the BEST... it just depends who you are talking to. But I respect the physician I spoke with and his opinion was the deal breaker for me. I don't know anything about DCOM.

 

[ellinopedo182]

Sgu!!!!!!

 

[Orthodoc40]

Des Moines. And I am sure there are individuals out there who would argue that DMU is the BEST... it just depends who you are talking to. But I respect the physician I spoke with and his opinion was the deal breaker for me. I don't know anything about DCOM.

OF those choices, yah, I'd have chosen DMU hands down. But when you have a respected opinion to go on, it makes sense to go with it.

 

[aaw2107]

Thank you to everyone for your advice. Keep it coming. I think I have a solution. They should dig up KCOM and put it in the middle of Manhattan. 😉

I've noticed some conversation about DMU on this thread. I interviewed there and can say with absolute certainty that I would not move back to the midwest for that school (I actually grew up in IA). I know it is an absolutely outstanding institution but I just didn't get that magical feeling there. Plus, they waitlisted me, so the feeling must have been mutual.

I liked Tourocom a lot and felt the magic at KCOM. But I might just die a slow and horrible death in Kirksville. Plus, I do have a boyfriend of three years that will be in med school in Philly next year. NYC would be a hell of a lot easier. I really am not deciding based on him though. There is no ring on my finger.

HarMeg, you seem to have an interesting profile. You have some great acceptances! Congrats! Why did you decide on Tourocom? Are you wanting to specialize or are you interested in primary care?

 

[EEL08]

If I was in your position I would probably go with Touro. I'm guessing you have a lot of friends there already and NYC is worlds different than rural MO. The main reason my husband and I couldn't see ourselves at DCOM is because it's so rural. I imagine we would feel the same way about KCOM. with your decision.

 

[theraball]

KCOM is older, has (probably) a more extensive network of rotation opportunities around the country for years 3 and 4, and has a fine reputation. Plus, you'll not have time to do anything but study during years 1 and 2, so why surround yourself with distractions? Personally speaking, I'm a very distractable person so NYC would probably be disastrous for me, though it would be terrific for rotations, I would think. One other point to consider that you might need to borrow less to live in Kirksville than in NYC, and that can add up over 3-4 years. Best of luck,
Therapy Ball

 

[MJB]

Having friends and lots of things to do around you all the time might not be the best thing for you while in Med School. For instance, if I was in KC today, I'd rather be at Opening Day than School.

 

[MJB]

If I was in your position I would probably go with Touro. I'm guessing you have a lot of friends there already and NYC is worlds different than rural MO. The main reason my husband and I couldn't see ourselves at DCOM is because it's so rural. I imagine we would feel the same way about KCOM. with your decision.

That's funny, I thought your husband never visited. 😀

 

[bioteach]

you might need to borrow less to live in Kirksville than in NYC, and that can add up over 3-4 years

This is an excellent point. One I forgot to mention earlier. Since I'll be paying for my living expenses via a loan....lower living expenses = happier dr.Bioteach

 

[EEL08]

That's funny, I thought your husband never visited. 😀

He didn't but he knows it's rural and he grew up in a rural area in IL and hated it. Oh yeah and he visited me when I was at school in Knoxville so he's been around the area. It's nothing against DCOM, which is a great school, the area just isn't right for us. 🙂

 

[MJB]

He didn't but he knows it's rural and he grew up in a rural area in IL and hated it. Oh yeah and he visited me when I was at school in Knoxville so he's been around the area. It's nothing against DCOM, which is a great school, the area just isn't right for us. 🙂

Ok, thought I was losing my mind. Good luck in the desert!

 

[EEL08]

Ok, thought I was losing my mind. Good luck in the desert!

Thanks! I feel that way often myself. 😛

 

[MJB]

BUT I fell in live with KCOM and I think that since it's so well-established it may be a better choice as far as academics.

Just caught this...Looks like you've made up your mind.

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

Thank you to everyone for your advice. Keep it coming. I think I have a solution. They should dig up KCOM and put it in the middle of Manhattan. 😉

I've noticed some conversation about DMU on this thread. I interviewed there and can say with absolute certainty that I would not move back to the midwest for that school (I actually grew up in IA). I know it is an absolutely outstanding institution but I just didn't get that magical feeling there. Plus, they waitlisted me, so the feeling must have been mutual.

I liked Tourocom a lot and felt the magic at KCOM. But I might just die a slow and horrible death in Kirksville. Plus, I do have a boyfriend of three years that will be in med school in Philly next year. NYC would be a hell of a lot easier. I really am not deciding based on him though. There is no ring on my finger.

HarMeg, you seem to have an interesting profile. You have some great acceptances! Congrats! Why did you decide on Tourocom? Are you wanting to specialize or are you interested in primary care?

Every med student I have talked to has almost the same story for year's 1 and 2 - you'll be studying so much that you won't know or care where you are. I have a friend at Nova and she has seen the beach 3 times in her first two years, and she literally lives 10 minutes from the beach.

I think that part of the charm of KCOM is the small town atmosphere. I was there last week looking for housing and the realtor that took us around never once locked her car door nor took her key out of the ignition. Not only that but when we were just around town the people were so nice and considerate. Just seems like a very happy and pleasant area to be under a lot of stress!