SUNY Downstate Medical Center Reviews

"LAZY TEACHERS, BAD PREP FOR CAREER, NO RESPECT FOR STUDENTS. You can't transfer halfway through either so don't even bother applying. I met a midwife in Brooklyn who rolled her eyes at me when I told her I'm from Downstate, she said it's really unorganized and it's hard to graduate. One midwife in the Bronx said that it has a reputation of demoting students of color and they hold them back often to graduate late. This school claims that certified midwives (no nursing background) are "identical" to nurse midwives after you graduate but while you're taking the actual classes you notice that the teachers treat the non-nurses as if they already have a clinical background. So the non-nurses are totally lost while the nurses in the class are breezing by and understanding everything, because the teachers don't bother explaining everything fully. Like they expect you to already know the clinical parts of the classes, like you've worked in hospitals before. They also waste your entire first year on nonsense classes that don't mean anything for your career and then warn you that the next 2 years are really crazy, so you better quit your job. Excuse me, why would you tell us to quit our jobs in the first place like you're going to pay my rent and feed my kids? Second why are you cramming so many classes in 2 years when you're completely wasting the first one on crap classes? It's almost like the teachers were too lazy to put effort into our first year. I spoke to a bunch of people in the classes above me, they said the first year's a joke and then you get thrown into clinicals expecting to be a pro and they hold it against your graduation date if they don't have a site ready for you. And it's their fault if you don't have a site to begin with. It's too late for me to transfer, and I regret this place every second."

"No clinical placements for students! Don't waste your time. Spend more money, go to NYU or Columbia, you'll get your money's worth w/ better education, training, and guaranteed job after. Hospital midwives cringe when they know you're from downstate."

"Good courses and professors. Interesting work. Could use more help in advising"

"The mission of this school stems from from a longstanding tradition of engaging with the community. The school was founded by physicians who wanted to provide healthcare to the struggling immigrant population of Brooklyn, and this identity propels the work they do today. The school prides itself of diversity and cultural competency, and prepares students to give back in their work."

"Great and helpful staff/faculty. Multicultural student body. Easy MTA access. Good facilities including gym, tennis courts, pool etc.. It's a ton of work but it's al worth it in the end."

"The pros to the Medical Informatics program is that with healthcare changing daily, i will be more educated in making and being a part of the change. I dont have a con about the program"

"I love Downstate! Pros: 1)New York City! 2)The faculty are super accessible and always willing to lend an ear. 3) The atmosphere is relaxed and encourages cooperation. Cons: There isn't a LOT to do in the immediate surrounding area, but you could easily take the subway or bus to really anywhere in NYC!"

"Best value program. Great clinical education and opportunities for low tuition"

"The sense of community is incredible. Students are always ready to help each other with whatever problems they encounter because we, students, are all going through the same experience for the most part. Professors also are ready to aid students, and often very late at night. I do not regret my choice. However, the con is that there aren't many scholarships that are offered, and the cost of living on campus is high."

"Pros: Learn very much about Public Health and how to administer real health aide to communities of color and poor. People are very nice, friendly, and above all down to earth hard working people. Cons: None"