Why I Am So Excited to Attend OUWB

I am pumped about going to OUWB. The more I learn about the school the more I am proud to be a GOLDEN GRIZZLY. As you may already know, the quality of your medical education is really determined in large part by the quality of your clinical education. Your experience in the clinical setting determines your success in residency and after. In fact, program directors focus heavily on your grades during your clinical years. This should be a huge consideration especially when selecting the medical school you plan to attend. With this in mind, OUWB is attached to some of the best hospitals and health systems in Michigan. "Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak is nationally ranked in the following 10 medical specialties in the 2014-15 lists released:
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery - #25 in U.S. (#1 in Michigan)
• Diabetes & Endocrinology - #16 in U.S. (#1 in Michigan)
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery - #20 in U.S. (#1 in Michigan)
• Geriatrics - #24 in U.S. (#1 in Michigan)
• Gynecology - #44 in U.S.
• Nephrology (Kidney) - #37 in U.S. 
• Neurology & Neurosurgery - #35 in U.S.
• Orthopedics - #9 in U.S. (#1 in Michigan)
• Pulmonology - #22 in U.S.
• Urology - #42 in U.S.

Both Beaumont and Oakland have a long-standing history of teaching students. "Beaumont has been teaching and training medical students for 55 years and has three hospitals that participate in student education." "Oakland University (Oakland) and Beaumont Health (Beaumont) were founded at approximately the same time, half a century ago, in close proximity to each other and in a region of greater Detroit...Oakland and Beaumont both recognized the negative impact that a physician shortage would have on the quality of health care available to the residents of Michigan. Following exploratory discussions, including discussions with community leaders, it was concluded that the combined faculty, staff and infrastructure resources of Oakland and Beaumont provide a remarkably strong base on which to build a new medical school to help satisfy the demand for physicians in Michigan and the nation." OUWB isn't just a new school; its a medical school with a long track record of excellence in teaching students and residents all the while meeting the needs of its community.


With such a long standing history of teaching both students and residents, its no wonder why OUWB students have such impressive matches. In their most recent match, OUWB students matched at a number of competitive residencies including residencies at UCSF, Stanford, Harvard and others. A comment I read a while back really touched on this: 

"Personally, I think a competitive specialty and/or academic medicine probably isn't a problem for a top OUWB student. They had three ortho matches in their first class (out of 47 graduating.) A MGH anesthesiology match, a Harvard Longwood psych match. Lots of strong Midwestern academic institutions. Granted, if you have a precise place in mind where you want/need/must go, a more prestigious/established school might count for something. But I saw a lot to be excited about in that inaugural match list. The fact that WB has very strong ortho and optho departments (with research opportunities) probably counts for something too. Small class size presumably yields more opportunities, as well."

OUWB has smaller classes than the average medical school, providing greater opportunities and more resources to their students. The class size is around 125, allowing for smaller classrooms and a more personalized education. This also allows the administration to more effectively meet the needs of their students.With such a small class size individuals will have the chance to get to know one another well. I am looking forward to making quality relationships that will last the span of my medical education and my medical career.


Since OUWB is a new school it can bring in cutting edge approaches to medical education as well as pivot to make effective changes that enhance our medical education unencumbered by tradition or precedent. What our school has that many don't is a small and efficient administration. Our administration doesn't have many of the bells and whistles that many other schools have, allowing the administration to make changes and pivot the curriculum such that it enhances the quality of our education. Furthermore, in attending a newer medical school we have the attention of the administration. From what I understand, the school is greatly interested in optimizing its curriculum; constantly sending out surveys and things of that nature to gauge student success. It is good to know that our thoughts and opinions will be heard and that with every successive class comes greater improvements.

All in all, I am very proud of the school I am going to attend and am honored to join the OUWB community. 
I look forward to meeting all of you at the white coat ceremony!
Sincerely,
Ari Schreiber