Class of 08 Clerkships [Archive] - Student Doctor Network Forums

krabmas

11-18-2006, 08:54 PM

Well for now the plan is they will stay home for the first three weeks and fly out for the last week. Housing is really expensive! The problem I'm having is deciding if I want to spend the month at a multispecialty clinc on Kauai or at a single doc practice on Maui. If you want the name of some pods who will take an extern for a month let me know Krab.

If I have to repeat my 4th year again I will surely ask.

I'd go multispecialty - b/c what if you don't like the one doc?

So I'll plan my visit a different week _ lol

OSUDDS

11-19-2006, 06:40 PM

bump bump bump

jonwill

11-19-2006, 07:16 PM

If I have to repeat my 4th year again I will surely ask.

I'd go multispecialty - b/c what if you don't like the one doc?

So I'll plan my visit a different week _ lol

If you don't get "that one month" figured out, you may be repeating your forth year!!! Are you going to Central?

krabmas

11-19-2006, 09:01 PM

If you don't get "that one month" figured out, you may be repeating your forth year!!! Are you going to Central?

I will definitely look out for you at Central.

I am interviewing with

PSL
Ohio
North Co
East Orlando
Inova

What about you?

I do not think I will be repeating the 4th year - just kidding.

jonwill

11-19-2006, 09:35 PM

I will definitely look out for you at Central.

I am interviewing with

PSL
Ohio
North Co
East Orlando
Inova

What about you?

I do not think I will be repeating the 4th year - just kidding.

DMC, Albuquerque, Clinton Township (Michigan).

densmore22

11-20-2006, 02:04 PM

Feelgood-

I would be very interested in hearing about your time at Swedish. I'm from the Seattle area and when I'm home over summer am planning on spending some time down there (I'm only a lowly 1st year though). A ways off, but just curious.

Dens

Dr_Feelgood

11-20-2006, 02:59 PM

Podman

11-22-2006, 10:16 AM

podman is going to west penn for a month! :D

Dr_Feelgood

11-22-2006, 10:28 AM

What month? There will be lots of DMU students at West Penn. If it is during September we'll have to get together and eat lunch.

Podman

11-22-2006, 11:11 AM

What month? There will be lots of DMU students at West Penn. If it is during September we'll have to get together and eat lunch.

they told me sept/oct. but I'd rather get it done in september because i want to shadow a group practice in october.

Lunch sounds great :D

jonwill

11-27-2006, 08:59 AM

Maybe it was my warning they think that the directors are going to read their comments and tell them to eat it. :)

Jon, I really wanted to go to DMC but they are really screwing up. They still have not contact me, they can't find my app, but when I call they blow me off. So I'm just going to go to South Side now and try to visit DMC. It pisses me off.

Try and get it straightened out. I'd call them if I were you and and discuss what is going on. It doesn't sound like them. You don't want to sell yourself short. It is easily one of the best programs in the nation.

Dr_Feelgood

11-27-2006, 12:34 PM

I've heard good things about UPMC-SS so I'm going there. They've lost the interest of most of the DMU students now.

jonwill

11-27-2006, 03:02 PM

I've heard good things about UPMC-SS so I'm going there. They've lost the interest of most of the DMU students now.

I was told that they have 2 second core students and then a handful of your classmates will be spending a month there. I don't know much about UPMC but I think a few of my classmates rotated there.

Dr_Feelgood

11-27-2006, 03:07 PM

I know that they have the 2 core, but they've lost the 4 Pi Delts that were interested. I have not heard much from anyone else either. Most people are pissed that they are jerking us around.

jonwill

11-27-2006, 08:26 PM

I know that they have the 2 core, but they've lost the 4 Pi Delts that were interested. I have not heard much from anyone else either. Most people are pissed that they are jerking us around.

Pi Delts are usually pretty worthless anyway ;) You've got to understand that it is one of the high-powered programs so it is going to be very competitive for externship. That is why I suggest calling them if you are still interested. With as many applications as they received this year, some mistakes were bound to be made. I know it is frustrating to get your 4th year set up. But by not looking into it, you are only hurting yourself. I cannot imagine a better program out there. One of the first years that is currently there has only been on podiatry 3 months (internship year) and already logged over 200 cases.

gustydoc

11-27-2006, 08:39 PM

they've lost the 4 Pi Delts that were interested. :laugh: I hope they don't have to close the program down now! You guys must have been too busy having some secret society meeting to answer your phone.

Dr_Feelgood

11-27-2006, 09:09 PM

Pi Delts are usually pretty worthless anyway ;) You've got to understand that it is one of the high-powered programs so it is going to be very competitive for externship. That is why I suggest calling them if you are still interested. With as many applications as they received this year, some mistakes were bound to be made. I know it is frustrating to get your 4th year set up. But by not looking into it, you are only hurting yourself. I cannot imagine a better program out there. One of the first years that is currently there has only been on podiatry 3 months (internship year) and already logged over 200 cases.

I'm going to visit but I decided not to go b/c they made up a BS story to cover the fact they made a mistake. It wasn't the application volume it was they listed the wrong address in the Clerkship handbook. When I called and emailed they told me they just moved that is why the address was wrong; they were waiting for all of the mail to get there. They would call me when they came across my app. I also emailed them and was blown off.

The same goes for other students that have tried to get a hold of them. I think that they are too proud to admit a mistake and they lost all of the apps.

:laugh: I hope they don't have to close the program down now! You guys must have been too busy having some secret society meeting to answer your phone.

We are busy doing secret stuff and going into the secret halls of DMU where we have secret ceremonies where we mainly arm wrestle. :laugh:

Dr_Feelgood

11-27-2006, 09:11 PM

jonwill

11-27-2006, 09:23 PM

I guess my biggest thing is I don't want to go somewhere that they would lie to cover a little mistake. It really turned me off. I would have been happy to send another app but the don't call us we'll call you response was a shock.

Ya, I remember them switching offices but I don't think that they are lying to anyone. You didn't call them up and act all pissy did you? :eek: OH, so that is why they won't call you back :laugh:

Dr_Feelgood

11-28-2006, 06:39 AM

Ya, I remember them switching offices but I don't think that they are lying to anyone. You didn't call them up and act all pissy did you? :eek: OH, so that is why they won't call you back :laugh:

No I called and asked if they had recieved my app and when they would make a decision (I had to leave a message).

Oh well, their loss.:laugh:

jonwill

11-28-2006, 05:30 PM

No I called and asked if they had recieved my app and when they would make a decision (I had to leave a message).

Oh well, their loss.:laugh:

Spoke with one of the 1st years tonight. There was a mix-up in the mailroom of the new building so that slowed things down quite a bit. They read me a list of all the people from DMU externing there (there are quite a few). Your name was not on the list. They said that, if you are still interested, shoot one of the residents an e-mail. So, if you still have an open month, PM me and I'll give you one of their personal e-mail addresses. If not, don't worry about it.

PharmD/DPM

11-29-2006, 01:51 PM

jonwill

02-07-2007, 07:46 PM

dpmgrad

02-07-2007, 07:52 PM

Hello all, I'm pretty new to the forum, but maybe I'll meet some of you out on externship in the next 18 months. 4th years, good luck on interviews the next several weeks. This is what I got confirmed to extern at:

Jan.'07- West Penn
Mar/April- Penn Presby
April/May- Graduate Hospital
May/June- CCF
July/Aug.- UMDNJ
Jan.'08- U of FL.?

Out of curiosity, have you heard back from Graduate hospital? I know that Graduate Hospital has been sold and is being converted to a Rehabilitation hospital. I think that you might still be able to extern there in April / May but you should confirm with them before going there.

Dr_Feelgood

02-07-2007, 07:52 PM

They confirmed that I am awesome.

Podman

02-07-2007, 08:54 PM

Kaiser (Cleveland) - March
DMC - April/May
St. Barnabas - June
West Penn in September
Ohio State Univeristy in October
July - ?

krabmas

02-07-2007, 09:55 PM

Kaiser (Cleveland) - March
DMC - April/May
St. Barnabas - June
West Penn in September
Ohio State Univeristy in October
July - ?

Go to PSL in Denver in July. It is great as a first externship expecially if you do not want to go there. They pay for housing in a pretty nice hotel, you just need a car. The program is so demanding that it will make the other externships seem easy. They raise the bar and make you want to read more, study more and just be better. Great for getting started.

I used this program as an educational experience and it definitely helped me with my other programs.

Podman

02-07-2007, 10:18 PM

Go to PSL in Denver in July. It is great as a first externship expecially if you do not want to go there. They pay for housing in a pretty nice hotel, you just need a car. The program is so demanding that it will make the other externships seem easy. They raise the bar and make you want to read more, study more and just be better. Great for getting started.

I used this program as an educational experience and it definitely helped me with my other programs.

Thanks for the tip krabmas! I really appreciate it. I should note that july would not be my first externship - I start next month actually so im kinda nervous because i don't know what to expect :eek:

But I think it would be a great experience - and a great way to prepare for West penn in september, as the guys there are huge on research - so it could work out pretty well. I can't see myself taking a vacation in July (as tempting as it sounds) so I'd love to fit another externship there - I'll definitely look it up and keep you posted.

Thanks again!

Dr_Feelgood

02-08-2007, 05:27 AM

Thanks for the tip krabmas! I really appreciate it. I should note that july would not be my first externship - I start next month actually so im kinda nervous because i don't know what to expect :eek:

But I think it would be a great experience - and a great way to prepare for West penn in september, as the guys there are huge on research - so it could work out pretty well. I can't see myself taking a vacation in July (as tempting as it sounds) so I'd love to fit another externship there - I'll definitely look it up and keep you posted.

Thanks again!

PSL is full in July. I know b/c that is when I will be there.

oncogene

02-08-2007, 09:19 AM

krabmas

02-08-2007, 07:01 PM

Krabmas,

Why didn't you want to attend PSL? Location or the program?

It is not about what I wanted. :D

My first week I realized that I knew nothing and even thought about switching externships after 3 days of torture. I felt like a moron everyday and was used to feeling pretty smart at good ol NYCPM.

After the 4th day I decided that I would forget trying to figure out what they thought about me (even if it was a moron) and that I would just learn as much as I could before I left. They read a lot and talk about pod stuff all the time. They make you do a 20 minute presentation. Since they read so much you are terrified to not read all the literature on your topic just in case they ask a question, which they will.

I almost never knew the right answer during pimping but I looked stuff up every night and sure did learn a lot.

I tell people that I learned more in one month PSL than I did in the 1st 3 years of school.

I did not learn enough however to go there as a resident. These people are unbelivable in how smart they are (I think).

The reason that I would not speak baddly of them even though they do not want me is

1. that is not my personality
2. that would be petty
3. I felt like they cared that I learned while I was there. It was not like they told me I was too dumb for them, I felt encouraged by them to strive for more. By them I mean the residents and attendings.

Dr_Feelgood

02-08-2007, 07:56 PM

It is not about what I wanted. :D

My first week I realized that I knew nothing and even thought about switching externships after 3 days of torture. I felt like a moron everyday and was used to feeling pretty smart at good ol NYCPM.

After the 4th day I decided that I would forget trying to figure out what they thought about me (even if it was a moron) and that I would just learn as much as I could before I left. They read a lot and talk about pod stuff all the time. They make you do a 20 minute presentation. Since they read so much you are terrified to not read all the literature on your topic just in case they ask a question, which they will.

I almost never knew the right answer during pimping but I looked stuff up every night and sure did learn a lot.

I tell people that I learned more in one month PSL than I did in the 1st 3 years of school.

I did not learn enough however to go there as a resident. These people are unbelivable in how smart they are (I think).

The reason that I would not speak baddly of them even though they do not want me is

1. that is not my personality
2. that would be petty
3. I felt like they cared that I learned while I was there. It was not like they told me I was too dumb for them, I felt encouraged by them to strive for more. By them I mean the residents and attendings.

:thumbup:

Lets see how I survive. :D

Feli

02-08-2007, 09:58 PM

Go to PSL in Denver in July...
That is an interesting idea. After reading your account of how difficult the residents and attendings pimp you and all the reading you did, it does sound like an experience that would push even the best of students. The 4th year students at Barry just finished putting together a packet of reviews on their externship experiences and what they feel are "essential" journal articles; I'm excited to see if any of them went to PSL and what they thought of it.

I may have to look into externing there next year if I can just for a real challenge. Right now, I'm planning to do all of my programs in Mich/OH/PA because that will minimize travel expense and that is where I see myself as a resident and practitioner. Still, it's never bad to try out a top program.

Do you feel that it might be a risk to spend a month externing at a program I'm not truly interested in, though? Or was the experience so good that you feel it greatly improved your performance and ability to answer pimping at your other externships?
...We only go on 5-6 externships (depending if we take a month off or not. I may want to be sure I get a good look at as many of my top choices as possible and that they get an impression of my capabilities before match.

densmore22

02-08-2007, 10:08 PM

krabmas

02-08-2007, 10:10 PM

That is an interesting idea. After reading your account of how difficult the residents and attendings pimp you and all the reading you did, it does sound like an experience that would push even the best of students. The 4th year students at Barry just finished putting together a packet of reviews on their externship experiences and what they feel are "essential" journal articles; I'm excited to see if any of them went to PSL and what they thought of it.

I may have to look into externing there next year if I can just for a real challenge. Right now, I'm planning to do all of my programs in Mich/OH/PA because that will minimize travel expense and that is where I see myself as a resident and practitioner. Still, it's never bad to try out a top program.

Do you feel that it might be a risk to spend a month externing at a program I'm not truly interested in, though? Or was the experience so good that you feel it greatly improved your performance and ability to answer pimping at your other externships?
...We only go on 5-6 externships (depending if we take a month off or not. I may want to be sure I get a good look at as many of my top choices as possible and that they get an impression of my capabilities before match.

This advise is mostly based on my experience. At NYCPM we only get 3-4externships (next year 4-5).

Originally I was interested in PSL but like I stated before that quickly changed. Since it was my first externship I still had plenty of time to visit other places.

The 2 places that I was ranked highest after interviews were 2 that I only visited or never visited. I was ranked at one place that I externed, that I know of. one of my externships I hated and did not interview.

From that I think visiting is important and externing is great for learning the ropes at a program and getting a learning experience. It is only really necessary to extern at a program you want if the program says it is.

I would extern at the top programs that you might want to go to and visit the rest. This should set you up better for interviews because you should learn more at these top programs.

I do think that the month I spent at PSL set me up to succeed more at my next externships. I had read and discussed 3 journals so I knew all the articles for quoting for my next programs. And at PSL every night it was like I was studying for a test only I had no idea what might be on it. I would read about the procedures the night before but I was always asked something totally different than what I had read. Talk about test anxiety:eek: but totally worth it.

Dr_Feelgood

02-09-2007, 06:13 AM

How do you find out about programs other than word of mouth or the CASPR directory? I just want to start educating myself on the different programs and what not and what I'd like to focus on in my training and anticipate being in the top 25% of my class (hopefully top 10) so don't think I'll be limited in my programs I can apply too. Thanks.

There is going to be a residency day next year. Reps from different programs will be there and you can talk to them. Other ways to check them out is go visit some of the programs during your summer off.

gustydoc

02-09-2007, 06:45 PM

There is going to be a residency day next year. Reps from different programs will be there and you can talk to them. Other ways to check them out is go visit some of the programs during your summer off.

Even better you can talk to the upperclassmen at your school. Even if the fourth year students are all out on rotations the third years have already done a lot of research and most would be more than happy to answer questions about residencies.

Dr_Feelgood

02-09-2007, 06:59 PM

Even better you can talk to the upperclassmen at your school. Even if the fourth year students are all out on rotations the third years have already done a lot of research and most would be more than happy to answer questions about residencies.

I'll be honest I take 4th year comments at face value. If you don't get along w/ the attendings at a program does not mean everyone won't. Some students are lazy and I can see them not getting along w/ directors. Then they come back and tell people that this program sucks. I do listen but I also look at case numbers, educational programs, research opportunities, fellowship and external rotations, and number of attendings/reps of attendings in the mix. I'm looking for a program that fills all of these needs.

jonwill

02-09-2007, 07:32 PM

I'll be honest I take 4th year comments at face value. If you don't get along w/ the attendings at a program does not mean everyone won't. Some students are lazy and I can see them not getting along w/ directors. Then they come back and tell people that this program sucks. I do listen but I also look at case numbers, educational programs, research opportunities, fellowship and external rotations, and number of attendings/reps of attendings in the mix. I'm looking for a program that fills all of these needs.

Always consider the source. If a 4th year gives all kinds of advice and then ends up scrambling, you probably shouldn't take that advice. If a 4th year hated all of their rotations, be skeptical. My disclaimer to the class of 2009 that I recently spoke to was that if I ended up scrambling to some off-shore podiatric surgical residency, they probably shouldn't take any of my advice! There are definitely people in my class that have given what I would consider to be faulty info.

There are guys that are ahead of me that are totally my friends that I would never take advice from. Take advice from those that you want to emulate.

gustydoc

02-09-2007, 08:59 PM

Take advice from those that you want to emulate.

I guess I kind of figured that this went without saying. Obviously you should always consider the source and realize that all of the info you get is opinion. I don't think I ever implied that someone should chose a residency based on another persons opinion. It's also important to realize at these residency fairs every program you talk to is going to tell you that their program is the best and that is where you should go. You have to gather as much info as you can and then decide what is best for you.

jonwill

02-09-2007, 09:33 PM

I guess I kind of figured that this went without saying. Obviously you should always consider the source and realize that all of the info you get is opinion. I don't think I ever implied that someone should chose a residency based on another persons opinion. It's also important to realize at these residency fairs every program you talk to is going to tell you that their program is the best and that is where you should go. You have to gather as much info as you can and then decide what is best for you.

I have honestly never seen a bad residency program presentation. Every program has a way of making it sound like the greatest program on the planet! Then students visit the program and wonder where the program in the presentation went :laugh:

discusdan

02-10-2007, 07:49 AM

jonwill

02-10-2007, 10:15 AM

I have heard of students being ranked or interviewed by places they only visited for a day or so. How does the program know you well enough after such a short visit to invest a ranking and potentially a spot to that student?

Yes, it does happen. Students in my class visited a few programs for a day or two and then applied and were granted interviews. I'd have to say more often than not, a student that does a full rotation there is going to have a better shot. For instance, one guy in my class visited a program for a few days and really liked it. He was granted an interview and ended up being ranked #2 (he is a smart cookie). The reason: They liked both him and #1 but he spent a few days there and the other person did a full month.

So generally speaking (there are always acceptions), students that do a full rotation are going to be ranked higher than those that don't.

dpmgrad

03-01-2007, 10:16 PM

Hello all, I'm pretty new to the forum, but maybe I'll meet some of you out on externship in the next 18 months. 4th years, good luck on interviews the next several weeks. This is what I got confirmed to extern at:

Jan.'07- West Penn
Mar/April- Penn Presby
April/May- Graduate Hospital
May/June- CCF
July/Aug.- UMDNJ
Jan.'08- U of FL.?

Just wanted to update you on Graduate Hospital. Graduate Hospital is officially closed as of March 1, 2007. I would recommend you touching base with Graduate about your externship. Since you are probably already in the Philly area and at Penn Presby, you probably already know this since some of the Graduate residents have transferred over to Penn Presby to finish out their residency training.