Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) is a private medical school located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1915 as the Scranton-Lackawanna Business College and transitioned into a medical school in 2008. It offers programs in medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health. In this answer, we will explore the pros and cons of attending Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Pros:
- Strong Programs: GCSOM offers a variety of strong programs in medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health. The school’s programs are well-regarded in their respective fields, and graduates are well-prepared for careers in their chosen professions.
- Emphasis on Primary Care: GCSOM places a strong emphasis on primary care and is committed to training physicians to provide care to underserved populations. This can be a draw for students who are interested in serving in rural or urban areas.
- Clinical Experience: GCSOM places a strong emphasis on clinical experience, and students are given opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and clerkships. This provides students with valuable practical experience and helps prepare them for their careers.
- Research Opportunities: GCSOM has a strong research program, and students have opportunities to engage in research and scholarship in their chosen fields. This provides students with valuable hands-on experience and helps prepare them for graduate studies or careers in research.
- Location: Scranton is a small city that offers a variety of cultural and entertainment options. It is also located within driving distance of major cities like Philadelphia and New York City, which can provide students with additional opportunities for cultural and professional development.
Cons:
- Expensive: GCSOM is one of the more expensive medical schools in the region, and the cost of tuition and fees can be a barrier for some students. The school does offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover the cost of tuition and fees.
- Limited Diversity: The student body at GCSOM is predominantly white, which can limit opportunities for students to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Intense Workload: Medical school can be demanding, with a heavy workload that can be challenging for some students to manage. GCSOM is no exception, and students may find that they have limited time for other activities.
- Limited Career Options: While GCSOM offers strong programs in medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health, graduates may find that their career options are limited to these fields. This can be a drawback for students who are looking for more career flexibility.
- Limited Campus Life: GCSOM is primarily a commuter school, and students may find that there is a limited campus life or social scene. This can be a drawback for students who are looking for a more traditional college experience.
In conclusion, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is a prestigious institution that offers strong programs in medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health. While the school has many strengths, including strong programs, emphasis on primary care, clinical experience, research opportunities, and location, it also has some limitations, such as expense, limited diversity, intense workload, limited career options, and limited campus life. Ultimately, whether or not GCSOM is the right choice for a student depends on their individual needs, goals, and preferences.