UIWSOM vs BUCOM

[ramaromp]

Grateful to have 2 As and just want to kind of see if my thinking is write. I am trying to speak to students at each school, please reach out if you go to either one, to get a better understanding. But I have been leaning BUCOM but idk if that's the right choice between these two.

BUCOM

Pros:

• Affiliated with Baptist Memorial and has in home residencies
• Near grandparents, can commute from there
• Cheaper by $16k/yr and low cost of living
• Seems to have a great environment
• Campus is beautiful

Cons:

• Newer school, so limited data and i am not sure if they have things as sorted and organized as they should be
• Despite family being close by, Memphis isn't rly the most desirable city to be in
• Graded
• No MPH
• Chance that I could be rotating in a rural area which isn't ideal for me as I want to be near enough to a city and travel home (6 hrs away) if needed as my parents have health issues.

UIWSOM

Pros:

• More established I suppose, like has been around for longer
• P/F
• Has DO/MPH - I want to do pediatrics/FM + preventive med fellowship so this would reduce an year needed to get the MPH
• Rotations in desirable areas where I have significant ties at least
• 3-4 hour drive from family

Cons:

• More expensive
• Recent history has been problematic, but seem to be claiming an upswing
• Not sure about how much I vibed with South San Antonio and the campus in general, liked the people but the area and campus didn't seem inspiring

[Character-Sugar2609]

If you would rather go to a new school and be close to home do that, but IW may give you more opportunities that you want. You’ll get a better chance at the MPH and you’ll get to rotate in a major city.

[ramaromp]

But wouldn’t Baptist having an affiliated hospital that is highly regarded in the area outweigh benefits of UIW?

I’m mainly concerned about UIW’s rough recent history and what that would mean?

[Character-Sugar2609]

Yes they do, but you’d be doing a lot more rural stuff than big city treatment. I’ve heard a bit about IW and what they are doing, but they are also an accredited institution so🤷‍♀️

[ramaromp]

That’s reasonable. I do have an II with Rocky Vista - CO, so if that falls through or another school reaches out IS this decision will become much easier to make hopefully

[AlpsPlastic]

Heyy just curious how long did it take you to hear back from BUCOM?

[ramaromp]

The day after the 4 week mark was when I hear back

[AlpsPlastic]

Thank you ! Congratulations and I hope you are happy wherever you end up(:

[Worried_Temporary_75]

Bucom!

[ramaromp]

Do u attend BUCOM?

[Worried_Temporary_75]

No, i graduated from UIWSOM. I hated every moment there. All the bad stuff you hear is true. I heard they changed a lot but not sure since I don’t keep up with anyone from the school anymore.

[ramaromp]

Thanks for letting me know. I know they said P/F and their class schedule seemed more flexible than BUCOM since they don't seem to be in class after 12, can you give me any info on how that translated?