I'm a second year at NYCOM. The first two years are hard, but show me a school where they're not. We just got a new crew of upper administration and they are incredible, all are very much the definition of student advocates with an accurate pulse on the state of medicine. The block system of exams is only starting its 3rd year here, so most of the kinks are finally worked out. They overhauled the second year curriculum this year and it's much better than last year's second years had. It starts out with a month of pharm, then the system-based blocks start until mid April. We're done then and have about 6 weeks to study for boards. Facilities are improving, with a new cafeteria opening next month. Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, the new Dean, is very research-oriented and is going to bring NYCOMs research into the spotlight over the coming years. She's also very student-oriented, pushing for days off for the second years to go to the AOA convention and DO Day on the Hill. Get this--- NYCOM is actually paying for rooms for 140 students to attend the AOA Convention in Las Vegas this October. No other school gets off for it, let alone get their rooms paid for! 140 of your best friends in Vegas for 4 days on someone else's nickel= a good time. The administration realizes that networking and seeing the profession on a national scale are very much a part of a well-rounded medical education. There's also very credible rumors that every first and second year student will be provided with a Palm Pilot come fall.
I cant comment much on rotations or residency, as I've yet to get there, but I havent heard any complaints. We rotate through some of the best hospitals in NY and sent a bunch to Ivy residencies last year.
Hence, NYCOM has it's advantages. My complaints are the tuition, rather high, and the cost of living, also high. NY has alot to do though, so you get what you pay for I suppose. The class size is a bit large, but I've never had a problem getting help when need be. I dont know too much about other schools, but I hear MSU, PCOM, and Nova are also very strong. Moral of the story, go to the school that's right for you. Be happy in your decision, because a happy student will one day make a happy, and I think better, doctor.
'Nuff said.