ATSU-SOMA ~CHC Thread~

[sethman33]

Since ATSU-SOMA is such a different school with a different curriculum and it is fairly new; not much is really known about exactly what students are getting themselves into when they sign on.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, you do your first year in Mesa and years 2-4 based at one of 11 Community Health Centers (CHC's) around the country.

"The Pioneers" (class of 2011) will start at their respective CHC's very soon. I want this thread to be mostly new information about how the programs work at their site as well as any info they can share to prospectives.

Please limit comments solely to CHC discussion, there are several other threads to talk about SOMA, living arrangements, interviews, etc.

To start it off, let's try to get all the CHC websites posted in one location. I've scoured the SDN and found the following, please add until they are full. Hopefully this can happen before "The Pioneers" start in a couple weeks so people will have a basis.

ATSU-SOMA CHC Websites:

Ohio:
Phoenix:
Flagstaff:
Brooklyn: http://www.lmcmc.com/
South Carolina: http://www.bjhchs.com/index.html
Seattle:
Alabama:
Tucson:
California:
Oregon: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health/
Hawaii:

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[MLT2MT2DO]

I'm confused about the CHC, is it that you can pick only one of those 11? We have a CHC here in Idaho but I'm guessing it isn't approved for years 2-4, is this how it works? Not attempting to hijack your thread, figured this was a decent question for the thread.

 

[EastWestN2grt]

I'm confused about the CHC, is it that you can pick only one of those 11? We have a CHC here in Idaho but I'm guessing it isn't approved for years 2-4, is this how it works? Not attempting to hijack your thread, figured this was a decent question for the thread.

There are about three thousand CHCs throughout the country. While it would be ideal to be able to go to any CHC for yrs 2-4, right now its only the "Chosen 11". There was an extensive process of deciding the 11 CHCs and there were thousands of applications. These 11 were the most ideal for a medical-learning environment. So choose wisely.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

There are about three thousand CHCs throughout the country. While it would be ideal to be able to go to any CHC for yrs 2-4, right now its only the "Chosen 11". There was an extensive process of deciding the 11 CHCs and there were thousands of applications. These 11 were the most ideal for a medical-learning environment. So choose wisely.

That is what I figured (heck if we have one in Idaho that means every other state has at least 3) I just wasn't 100% on it. Thank you for the answer.

 

[GreenShirt]

ATSU-SOMA CHC Websites:

Ohio: http://www.hsohclinical.com/home/index.php
Phoenix:
Flagstaff:
Brooklyn: http://www.lmcmc.com/
South Carolina: http://www.bjhchs.com/index.html
Seattle:
Alabama:
Tucson:
California:
Oregon: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health/
Hawaii:

 

[GreenShirt]

I think most people select their CHC based on location and preference for urban vs. rural environments...at least that was the deciding factor for me. A second important factor seems to be the populations served at each CHC (ie. If you really want to work with Spanish-speaking populations, or work with Native Americans you may choose Tuscon or Phoenix respectively). The education provided at each CHC should be similar. It's impossible to say which CHC is "the best" since selection really depends largely on personal preference.

 

[SJonathan]

Thanks for all the info on CHC's that has been posted. I just came from their website and let me get this straight- after one year in Mesa, you take off for 3 years at some primary care facility??? I'm married and will soon have a kid on the way. I assume they come too, right? Does this program focus strictly on primary care??

 

[DrMattOglesby]

(added Hawaii)

Ohio: http://www.hsohclinical.com/home/index.php
Phoenix:
Flagstaff:
Brooklyn: http://www.lmcmc.com/
South Carolina: http://www.bjhchs.com/index.html
Seattle:
Alabama:
Tucson:
California:
Oregon: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health/
Hawaii: http://www.wcchc.com/

 

[GreenShirt]

Thanks for all the info on CHC's that has been posted. I just came from their website and let me get this straight- after one year in Mesa, you take off for 3 years at some primary care facility??? I'm married and will soon have a kid on the way. I assume they come too, right? Does this program focus strictly on primary care??

You're correct on the first part: One year in Mesa followed by three years at a pre-determined CHC loaction (This is actually a pretty good deal for families in comparison to many DO schools which will require you to relocate every 6-12 months for clinicals--with SOMA you get 3 yrs in one spot and they let you know where that is when you're accepted).

As for the primary car part: SOMA, like many other DO schools, strives to produce "primary care" physicians (although not everyone will end up in this capacity). The CHC facilities themselves range from primary to tertiary care facilities. Those that are primary care are affiliated with a hospital network in their area. While the CHC is the home base, students still complete all the traditional medical school rotations, including hospital-based ones such as surgery and EM.

 

[spicey]

Does anyone have a link to the Alabama CHC?

 

[sethman33]

Does anyone have a link to the Alabama CHC?

We're also looking for five others...

 

[dseattle]

Ohio: http://www.hsohclinical.com
Phoenix: http://www.ihs.gov
Flagstaff: http://www.northcountrychc.org
Brooklyn: http://www.lmcmc.com
South Carolina: http://www.bjhchs.com
Seattle: http://www.chckc.org
Alabama: http://www.amec.uwa.edu
Tucson: http://www.elrio.org
California: http://www.fhcn.org
Oregon: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health, http://www.nwrpca.org
Hawaii: http://www.wcchc.com/

National Association of Community Health Centers: http://www.nachc.com/

from what i understand, almost all the chc sites are in consortium/collaboration with multiple clinics in the area so rotations at multiple clinics are likely. what they told us so far is that we will spend 3 days in "class" and 2 days in "clinic" (class/clinic may be in the same clinic). years 3 and 4 are tbd, but for the most part are within the current network, and possibilities to be at other ATSU-SOMA affiliated CHCs, or other non SOMA CHCs. normally 4th year electives are set up on your own, so anywhere i guess (with the intention of where you want your residency).

 

[sethman33]

Ohio: http://www.hsohclinical.com
Phoenix: http://www.ihs.gov
Flagstaff: http://www.northcountrychc.org
Brooklyn: http://www.lmcmc.com
South Carolina: http://www.bjhchs.com
Seattle: http://www.chckc.org
Alabama: http://www.amec.uwa.edu
Tucson: http://www.elrio.org
California: http://www.fhcn.org
Oregon: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health
Hawaii: http://www.wcchc.com/

National Association of Community Health Centers: http://www.nachc.com/

from what i understand, almost all the chc sites are in consortium/collaboration with multiple clinics in the area so rotations at multiple clinics are likely. what they told us so far is that we will spend 3 days in "class" and 2 days in "clinic" (class/clinic may be in the same clinic). years 3 and 4 are tbd, but for the most part are within the current network, and possibilities to be at other ATSU-SOMA affiliated CHCs, or other non SOMA CHCs. normally 4th year electives are set up on your own, so anywhere i guess (with the intention of where you want your residency).

Thanks dseattle! You rock! Now we just need to start comparing/contrasting the CHC's to help prospective students chose the one to best suit them.

I would like it if current students (like yourself) would do this b/c you yourself or someone you know will have access to the actual program. Primary and secondary sources only, if you will.

and you WILL...

 

[dseattle]

ill do what i can!

for now, this is what we based our program on from Harvard, except we are doing it 2nd year.

http://www.cha.harvard.edu/academics/integrated_clerkship.shtml
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17414198

 

[primadonna22274]

Anybody know anything about the Alabama CHC program? I checked the website and it seems to be one of the few that actually has info on the medical students/preceptorships etc. Multnomah County's CHC (Oregon) really doesn't tell me a damn thing. Of course I'm an Oregonian but I hate to sacrifice my medical education (not to mention an expensive one at that) for proximity to friends & family.

L.

 

[sethman33]

Thanks for this as well... Good to know they're modeling it after a prestigious (sp?) program... Looks like a good idea... Any more about the individual CHC's? Any other ATSU students want to chime in about the demographics or uniqueness of your particular program?

 

[GreenShirt]

I can chime in what I know about Ohio. This CHC serves the rural Southern Ohio region. The patient base includes the farming, Amish, and Appalachian communities of the region. There's actually a hitching post for horses for the Amish at one of the clinics. I think this might be the most rural CHC. One of the pluses of being in Ohio though is that it is a big medical school state and it has the second largest number of DO residencies (after Michigan) in the country, so it will put you in proximity to a lot programs.

Here's the little tidbits I know about some of the other CHCs:
Carlifornia: rural, farming community
Seattle: Immigrant and urban poor populations
Brooklyn: Immigrant and urban poor populations, teriary care center
Tuscon: Tertiary care center, large Spanish-speaking population (knowledge of Spanish is recommended for this site)
Phoenix: Native American Hospital (Native American ties recommended for this site)

http://www.wcchc.com/

 

[UniDemo]

Is anyone going to the Beaufort, SC CHC? I just applied to SOMA and currently live in Beaufort County. Their website was a big let down in regards to discussing info for students. I am also interested in how exactly we will be taught at the CHC. How are the semesters, weeks, days scheduled and how is it compared to a classical medical education?

 

[GreenShirt]

Is anyone going to the Beaufort, SC CHC? I just applied to SOMA and currently live in Beaufort County. Their website was a big let down in regards to discussing info for students. I am also interested in how exactly we will be taught at the CHC. How are the semesters, weeks, days scheduled and how is it compared to a classical medical education?

Year two: Clinical and basic science courses will continue as in the first year, however, they will be done via internet (podcasts, power points, video confrencing, etc.) in addition to traditional classroom lectures. We will cover six systems (ie there will be six main courses). Clinical education (involving patients) will also begin. The idea is to split the time 50/50 between classroom and clinic.

Year 3+4: Integrated clerkships. Please see the post by dseattle above for links to descriptions of this type of clerkship developed by Harvard University. Essentially, we cover all the traditional medical clerkships on an ongoing rather than separate basis as is done traditionally.

In a nut shell: difference from classic medical education is the integrated clerkships and the "distance learning" in the second year.

 

[aliDO]

Anybody know anything about the Alabama CHC program? I checked the website and it seems to be one of the few that actually has info on the medical students/preceptorships etc. Multnomah County's CHC (Oregon) really doesn't tell me a damn thing. Of course I'm an Oregonian but I hate to sacrifice my medical education (not to mention an expensive one at that) for proximity to friends & family.

L.

It is at Cooper Green in Birimgham. Are you an Alabama native too? Where all are you applying?

 

[primadonna22274]

No, I'm in SC. I'm actually a transplanted Oregonian hence the interest in the Oregon CHC. (Most of my family and friends are still there.)
I have a sister in Tucson and grandparents in Casa Grande, AZ. I own a house and have a husband with a job he likes in SC, but the Beaufort one didn't impress me much. Curious about Alabama because I have some extended family that way too, and I like the south.
Ultimately my first choices are tied for MUSC & USC-Columbia since I'm now a SC resident and in-state tuition is relatively cheap. OHSU is on my radar but I doubt they'll consider me and then I would have to pay OOS unless they want me bad enough to swing a deal (I DID pay Oregon tax for the past 20 years and served as a PA in an underserved community for six years...might be worth something). Also my baby sis is likely going to OHSU so that would be cool to be in school together. Wonder if the school would think so??
DO programs: in addition to ATSU-Mesa for the concept and other reasons, I'm applying to PCOM-GA (family in Gwinnett County GA also) and UNE (just like the area) and the LECOMs.
L.

It is at Cooper Green in Birimgham. Are you an Alabama native too? Where all are you applying?

 

[gildas]

Year two: Clinical and basic science courses will continue as in the first year, however, they will be done via internet (podcasts, power points, video confrencing, etc.) in addition to traditional classroom lectures. We will cover six systems (ie there will be six main courses). Clinical education (involving patients) will also begin. The idea is to split the time 50/50 between classroom and clinic.

Year 3+4: Integrated clerkships. Please see the post by dseattle above for links to descriptions of this type of clerkship developed by Harvard University. Essentially, we cover all the traditional medical clerkships on an ongoing rather than separate basis as is done traditionally.

In a nut shell: difference from classic medical education is the integrated clerkships and the "distance learning" in the second year.

GreenShirt, I always find your posts informative, especially for incoming students and those interested in the school. However I think your previous post is little bit incorrect. After talking to Dr Wood, my understanding is that the Integraded Clerships (ICE) will be in 2nd year, when students will have to follow a panel of patients throughout the course of their care. For now, 3rd and 4th years will be just like in any other med school with traditional rotations. That might change in subsequent years depending on how well the ICE curriculum works out.

 

[GreenShirt]

GreenShirt, I always find your posts informative, especially for incoming students and those interested in the school. However I think your previous post is little bit incorrect. After talking to Dr Wood, my understanding is that the Integraded Clerships (ICE) will be in 2nd year, when students will have to follow a panel of patients throughout the course of their care. For now, 3rd and 4th years will be just like in any other med school with traditional rotations. That might change in subsequent years depending on how well the ICE curriculum works out.

Hmmm, that's interesting. I was under the impression that the plan was to do ICE all three years with 5 of the clerkships and traditional ones for the rest. I guess I misunderstood. It makes sense that they might want to build that type of curriculum up slowly. Hopefully, we'll get more answers for everyone after our second year orientation next week. Thanks for the correction!

 

[sethman33]

Bump

*** Any feedback from current students yet? You guys are on site now, correct?

 

[Jenny10]

We don't start until September 2nd for orientation. The following week we will start classes, so I'm sorry but I don't think you will get much feedback for about 6 weeks. A lot of people are moving right now and enjoying a vacation!!!!

Hmm, I was under the impression ICE would be for all three years too. That's why Harvard was so excited because we would be following patients for three years as opposed to the two years they do at their campus.

 

[UniDemo]

Year two: Clinical and basic science courses will continue as in the first year, however, they will be done via internet (podcasts, power points, video confrencing, etc.) in addition to traditional classroom lectures. We will cover six systems (ie there will be six main courses). Clinical education (involving patients) will also begin. The idea is to split the time 50/50 between classroom and clinic.

Year 3+4: Integrated clerkships. Please see the post by dseattle above for links to descriptions of this type of clerkship developed by Harvard University. Essentially, we cover all the traditional medical clerkships on an ongoing rather than separate basis as is done traditionally.

In a nut shell: difference from classic medical education is the integrated clerkships and the "distance learning" in the second year.

Thanks so much for the response. I went today and checked out the CHC. Everyone is really nice, I am all about serving the underserved and I feel I blended well but, I can't get pass one thing. If I go to MUSC, (which was the 10th med school established in the country, they trained the surgeons for the civil war, way prestigious and allopathic) it cost 22,000 a year to get a premier education at a trauma one that has a couple hospitals in the coolest city ever. With Mesa, I believe more in the program,will have a saner life but am still paying 35,000 a year to learn via satellite at an old clinic where I am destine to be family practice (though I am not against it). That is tough for me. Any thoughts??????

 

[primadonna22274]

I'm with you all the way UniDemo. For me, a definite consideration in moving to SC from Oregon was the opportunity to gain state residency and thus in-state tuition and have the option of 2 very good medical schools that highly favor residents (honestly, OHSU doesn't). Sure I'm homesick but SC is a lovely place and not too hard to hop on a plane and go home for a while, as I'm doing tomorrow. Also both the SC med schools are much cheaper than OHSU. Now, if I were really smart I would have moved to Texas or Florida (ick).
IMO the biggest drawback of DO schools for me is the high tuition. I already owe $100k for PA school/undergrad a decade ago. I need to keep the debt under control as much as possible.
L.

Thanks so much for the response. I went today and checked out the CHC. Everyone is really nice, I am all about serving the underserved and I feel I blended well but, I can't get pass one thing. If I go to MUSC, (which was the 10th med school established in the country, they trained the surgeons for the civil war, way prestigious and allopathic) it cost 22,000 a year to get a premier education at a trauma one that has a couple hospitals in the coolest city ever. With Mesa, I believe more in the program,will have a saner life but am still paying 35,000 a year to learn via satellite at an old clinic where I am destine to be family practice (though I am not against it). That is tough for me. Any thoughts??????

 

[GreenShirt]

Thanks so much for the response. I went today and checked out the CHC. Everyone is really nice, I am all about serving the underserved and I feel I blended well but, I can't get pass one thing. If I go to MUSC, (which was the 10th med school established in the country, they trained the surgeons for the civil war, way prestigious and allopathic) it cost 22,000 a year to get a premier education at a trauma one that has a couple hospitals in the coolest city ever. With Mesa, I believe more in the program,will have a saner life but am still paying 35,000 a year to learn via satellite at an old clinic where I am destine to be family practice (though I am not against it). That is tough for me. Any thoughts??????

If working with under-served populations is the only reason you're considering SOMA but aren't crazy about the rest of the program, I think you would be fine going to MUSC. You'll still be able to work with those communities later on in your career if you wish.

As for the concerns about distance learning; the internet based learning will only be for the basic sciences in the second year, everything else is taught by on-site faculty. If you're like many med students, you'll thank your lucky stars that you don't have to waste time sitting in lecture (although lectures will still be available by podcast). There's nothing really fancy about the basic science you learn for boards. There's just a heck of a lot of it. IMHO it's just easier to sit down and memorize the stuff from power points and books then to spend 4-8hrs in a classroom listening to someone read it to me. We'll be spending our time seeing how the info we learn actually applies to real people in the 2nd year...much better than lectures.

Regarding the predestination to FP....not necessarily true. The school is primary care oriented (FP, IM, Peds, Ob/Gyn) and most the class is interested in these fields but not all. For the rest, I suppose it remains to be seen after the first class matches how well the program worked for them. In your third and fourth year you're still required to complete all the rotations every med student in the country is required to do. If that route gets students in the US into specialties, then there's no reason students from our school won't be able to as well.

Go where your heart takes you!

 

[UniDemo]

Thanks so much for the reply. I am taking it all in to consideration. The podcasts are a definite bonus, I used them heavily in my undergrad and found it to be the best way for me. Really it depends on where I get in. Just looking for some food for thought. Please keep us posted on how life and learning at the CHC goes once you all get started.

 

[sethman33]

(Bump)

*I know you 2nd-year students will be moving to your new CHC sites very soon, if you're not already there. Tell us a little about the people, location, the clinic itself, costs, and any other information you feel might be relevant to prospective and 1st-year SOMA students.

 

[GreenShirt]

(Bump)

*I know you 2nd-year students will be moving to your new CHC sites very soon, if you're not already there. Tell us a little about the people, location, the clinic itself, costs, and any other information you feel might be relevant to prospective and 1st-year SOMA students.

We start classes Sept. 3rd. You'll probably hear more then. In terms of costs: New York, Hawaii, Seattle>>>>>>all other sites. Those cities maybe hot spots, but the cost of living is 2-4 times greater than the "less exciting" cities. Something to consider since everybody gets the same amount of loans. I'll leave talk of people, location, and clinic to students experiencing specific sites.

 

[primadonna22274]

Hi again folks,

I just looked at the Flagstaff CHC. Very interested I must say. I didn't really notice it until now. I think my rankings have just moved from 1) Flagstaff, 2) Tucson (sister & nieces in Oro Valley) and 3) Oregon (the rest of my family).

Does anybody have any contact info for somebody at the Flagstaff CHC? I may email the medical director there but I'd like to hear from a current student if possible.

Really I'm just intrigued by the revolutionary concept of medical education that's happening at ATSU. I think so much of what we accept as the status quo of medical education in the US is just that--status quo. It's exciting to me to think of doing it another way (of course, hoping that it works out well and we all pass boards and get residencies).

Thanks again

Lisa in SC

 

[EastWestN2grt]

Hi again folks,

I just looked at the Flagstaff CHC. Very interested I must say. I didn't really notice it until now. I think my rankings have just moved from 1) Flagstaff, 2) Tucson (sister & nieces in Oro Valley) and 3) Oregon (the rest of my family).

Does anybody have any contact info for somebody at the Flagstaff CHC? I may email the medical director there but I'd like to hear from a current student if possible.

Really I'm just intrigued by the revolutionary concept of medical education that's happening at ATSU. I think so much of what we accept as the status quo of medical education in the US is just that--status quo. It's exciting to me to think of doing it another way (of course, hoping that it works out well and we all pass boards and get residencies).

Thanks again

Lisa in SC

Primadonna,

Our first week at SOMA last year was a learning field trip. We went all over AZ including Flagstaff since the CHC was having a Grand opening ceremony for the new location. A BEAUTIFUL center, brand new, environmentally friendly, and just very nice. Most impressive to me though were the people, especially the medical director, Andrew Saal. He was fantastic, completely dedicated to the underserved, and just passionate about his work. I also loved it and was so jealous of my classmates going to Flagstaff. On top of this of course is the fantastic outdoor, hiking, camping, mtn biking, skiing, etc, etc, that Flagstaff is famous for. I can tell you i was so close to switching CHCs after my trip, I contemplated it for weeks. It would be a great choice...but then so is Tucson(based on my experience with the people there, and visiting the sites), and im sure Oregon as well. Its such a hard decision isint it?

 

[primadonna22274]

Thank you EastWest. very reassuring.
Still I wonder, when you interview at ATSU-SOMA, do you get a rundown of the nuts & bolts of each CHC, or does each student pick their top 3 based on where they THINK they'd like to be with no real objective data?
Thank goodness for this forum, but I wonder about all those who don't visit these pages.
thanks again
Lisa

Primadonna,

Our first week at SOMA last year was a learning field trip. We went all over AZ including Flagstaff since the CHC was having a Grand opening ceremony for the new location. A BEAUTIFUL center, brand new, environmentally friendly, and just very nice. Most impressive to me though were the people, especially the medical director, Andrew Saal. He was fantastic, completely dedicated to the underserved, and just passionate about his work. I also loved it and was so jealous of my classmates going to Flagstaff. On top of this of course is the fantastic outdoor, hiking, camping, mtn biking, skiing, etc, etc, that Flagstaff is famous for. I can tell you i was so close to switching CHCs after my trip, I contemplated it for weeks. It would be a great choice...but then so is Tucson(based on my experience with the people there, and visiting the sites), and im sure Oregon as well. Its such a hard decision isint it?

 

[GreenShirt]

Thank you EastWest. very reassuring.
Still I wonder, when you interview at ATSU-SOMA, do you get a rundown of the nuts & bolts of each CHC, or does each student pick their top 3 based on where they THINK they'd like to be with no real objective data?
Thank goodness for this forum, but I wonder about all those who don't visit these pages.
thanks again
Lisa

You'll receive a brief presentation on the demographics and location of each CHC. Tuscon and Phoenix are the only "exclusive" CHCs that require a certain background to attend (Spanish-speaking and Native American heritage, respectively). The demographics of the other CHCs are fairly accesible to anyone with a few unique populations here and there (the Amish of Ohio, the native Hawiians of Hawaii, etc.).

I think that most individuals end up picking their CHC by location and a few by demographics. In terms of education, I think the goal is to keep the program homogenous across all the CHCs so that one group isn't learning something that another isn't. At this stage of the school's development, I don't think that you're going to get much more data than that. How well each CHC will do remains to be seen and it's probably a good idea to keep an ear open to the gossip that unfolds throughout this year about respective CHCs.

 

[GreenShirt]

Primadonna,

Our first week at SOMA last year was a learning field trip. We went all over AZ including Flagstaff since the CHC was having a Grand opening ceremony for the new location. A BEAUTIFUL center, brand new, environmentally friendly, and just very nice. Most impressive to me though were the people, especially the medical director, Andrew Saal. He was fantastic, completely dedicated to the underserved, and just passionate about his work. I also loved it and was so jealous of my classmates going to Flagstaff. On top of this of course is the fantastic outdoor, hiking, camping, mtn biking, skiing, etc, etc, that Flagstaff is famous for. I can tell you i was so close to switching CHCs after my trip, I contemplated it for weeks. It would be a great choice...but then so is Tucson(based on my experience with the people there, and visiting the sites), and im sure Oregon as well. Its such a hard decision isint it?

The mere mention of Dr. Saal makes me swoon (*sigh*).....I'm going to steel that man for my own CHC!

 

[primadonna22274]

Haha, yes, I saw his picture when I was looking at the North Country CHC website... (I'm married but not dead.)

Thanks for the info on the presentation of different CHCs. I did sort of gather that about Phoenix and Tucson. I speak very little Spanish but it would be worth learning...also my sister is in Tucson (Oro Valley) and just started her Ph.D. Nursing at Uof A. It would be interesting to think of collaborating on a project together...all kinds of ideas rolling around in my head now.

I've almost got my secondary app ready. I don't have to wait for an invite to send a secondary do I? Just need to get my thoughts together to answer the "osteopathic philosophy" question. Truly none of the DOs I've worked with ever seemed to operate from that "osteopathic philosophy"...they've all been pretty indistinguishable from other MDs I've known. sigh....

Thanks again guys

L.

The mere mention of Dr. Saal makes me swoon (*sigh*).....I'm going to steel that man for my own CHC!

 

[GreenShirt]

Haha, yes, I saw his picture when I was looking at the North Country CHC website... (I'm married but not dead.)

Thanks for the info on the presentation of different CHCs. I did sort of gather that about Phoenix and Tucson. I speak very little Spanish but it would be worth learning...also my sister is in Tucson (Oro Valley) and just started her Ph.D. Nursing at Uof A. It would be interesting to think of collaborating on a project together...all kinds of ideas rolling around in my head now.

I've almost got my secondary app ready. I don't have to wait for an invite to send a secondary do I? Just need to get my thoughts together to answer the "osteopathic philosophy" question. Truly none of the DOs I've worked with ever seemed to operate from that "osteopathic philosophy"...they've all been pretty indistinguishable from other MDs I've known. sigh....

Thanks again guys

L.

LOL, I love Dr. Saal b/c he is a very moving speaker and believes in what he's doing.

Many schools prefer that you wait for an invite to send a secondary. If I remember correctly, you actually submit your SOMA secondary online with a password they give you.

There isn't a hard written rule for speaking Spanish to go to Tuscon, but the school feels it's helpful to know b/c of the large Spanish speaking population.

 

[oskibear]

Greetings from Portland! I know some of you have been asking for impressions now that we're at our CHCs - and I have to say the St. Johns CHC in Portland is 100x nicer than I expected. It occupies an entire city block, is very new and well equipped.

We just received our orientation schedule for next week which includes lunches, a cruise down the Willamette, a reception, transportation to and guided tours of all 5 CHCs we will be working in. Pretty exciting!!

They plan to split us up into pairs - ten students at 5 CHCs. We're going to rank our choices after the visits so we will not be arbitrarily assigned to a CHC. We will be at our home base CHC (St Johns) for 3 days out of the week, and do our ICE time the other two days. Some student's ICE CHC will be the St Johns (I hope mine, because there are lots of Hispanics here!).

The weather is gorgeous and I've been biking every day since I got here. It's blackberry season and they are EVERYWHERE! Cost of living is quite a bit lower than I'm used to - I laughed aloud when I saw my apartment's interior. I am renting a 2br for 715$ in St Johns. Something comparable would have run me 1200$ back in Berkeley!

More to come as orientation starts next week...

 

[primadonna22274]

Oskibear,

Welcome to Portland!!

Make sure you try some marionberries. They are unique to the Willamette Valley and my favorite thing since I was a kid. They really do not exist outside of the I-5 corridor. They are tart but make a marvelous pie, milkshake, berry tart, and lovely with yogurt or ice cream.

I'd like to know which other CHCs? I haven't visited St Johns at all. Of course I miss home. I just haven't been able to glean much info from the Multnomah Co website.

Be sure to sample the local microbrews and wine. You've landed in foodie territory. (Of course if you're from Berkeley it seems probably pretty droll.)

Good luck

LIsa

Greetings from Portland! I know some of you have been asking for impressions now that we're at our CHCs - and I have to say the St. Johns CHC in Portland is 100x nicer than I expected. It occupies an entire city block, is very new and well equipped.

We just received our orientation schedule for next week which includes lunches, a cruise down the Willamette, a reception, transportation to and guided tours of all 5 CHCs we will be working in. Pretty exciting!!

They plan to split us up into pairs - ten students at 5 CHCs. We're going to rank our choices after the visits so we will not be arbitrarily assigned to a CHC. We will be at our home base CHC (St Johns) for 3 days out of the week, and do our ICE time the other two days. Some student's ICE CHC will be the St Johns (I hope mine, because there are lots of Hispanics here!).

The weather is gorgeous and I've been biking every day since I got here. It's blackberry season and they are EVERYWHERE! Cost of living is quite a bit lower than I'm used to - I laughed aloud when I saw my apartment's interior. I am renting a 2br for 715$ in St Johns. Something comparable would have run me 1200$ back in Berkeley!

More to come as orientation starts next week...

 

[sethman33]

I had a question about the North Country CHC. I'm really interested in this one, but I noticed that they have clinics as far as 175 miles away from the Flagstaff HQ (i.e. Springerville). How often would you have to make that 350 mile round trip in a typical month? Gas is expensive...

Also, if you'd like to comment about the outlying clinics (obviously the main one in Flagstaff is new, eco-friendly, etc. according to previous posts), that would be awesome!

 

[Ukuleleryan]

Hey everyone!
I love the excitement about the CHCs! As part of our C/O 2012 orientation we had an awesome road trip to the Flagstaff CHC and got to meet with their medical directer, Dr. Andrew Saal. Accompanying us on the trip was Dr. Tom Curtain, the Chief Medical Officer for the National Association of Community Health Centers.

While I know the focus of SOMA is primary care, there is no way that any school can tell you what specialty to pick. I truly feel SOMA does a great job of teaching you how to be a great primary physician that will translate into great work as a specialty. When I interviewed last year, they told us the focus wasn't on creating primary care physicians, but "physicians of need." That being said, if you want to be a surgeon to go to a community in need of a surgeon and practice there instead of going to the metro of your choice to make big bucks.

I think the point is recognizing that medicine is more of a true vocation, and the passion I have seen from faculty and facilitators at SOMA is truly inspiring. Our Provost was just named a Health Care Hero by the Phoenix Business Journal check it out! The SOMA Dean, Dr. Wood, is a nephrologist!

My point: Primary care ROCKS. Being a physician for the right reasons and doing your best rocks more. ATSU-SOMA is a place to get the best of both worlds and really make a difference through our nation's CHCs.

And I'm going to Seattle...
Join me!

Best,
Ryan
OMS-I
ATSU-SOMA

 

[Ukuleleryan]

Thanks so much for the response. I went today and checked out the CHC. Everyone is really nice, I am all about serving the underserved and I feel I blended well but, I can't get pass one thing. If I go to MUSC, (which was the 10th med school established in the country, they trained the surgeons for the civil war, way prestigious and allopathic) it cost 22,000 a year to get a premier education at a trauma one that has a couple hospitals in the coolest city ever. With Mesa, I believe more in the program,will have a saner life but am still paying 35,000 a year to learn via satellite at an old clinic where I am destine to be family practice (though I am not against it). That is tough for me. Any thoughts??????

Hey Uni-
I totally understand your thoughts! For me it was between the University of Washington and SOMA. After the interview, I fell in love with the vibe and people at this university. There is a true excitement for the mission of the school, and the passion trumped the prestige. While I can't blame you for looking at other places, I think you should really see where your dreams can take you. I've enjoyed the flight so far...

Best,
Ryan

 

[primadonna22274]

Ryan,

I love Seattle but how could you afford to live there as a poor student? Just sayin'....

But maybe I should look at it more objectively. I'll check it out.

L.

Hey everyone!
I love the excitement about the CHCs! As part of our C/O 2012 orientation we had an awesome road trip to the Flagstaff CHC and got to meet with their medical directer, Dr. Andrew Saal. Accompanying us on the trip was Dr. Tom Curtain, the Chief Medical Officer for the National Association of Community Health Centers.

While I know the focus of SOMA is primary care, there is no way that any school can tell you what specialty to pick. I truly feel SOMA does a great job of teaching you how to be a great primary physician that will translate into great work as a specialty. When I interviewed last year, they told us the focus wasn't on creating primary care physicians, but "physicians of need." That being said, if you want to be a surgeon to go to a community in need of a surgeon and practice there instead of going to the metro of your choice to make big bucks.

I think the point is recognizing that medicine is more of a true vocation, and the passion I have seen from faculty and facilitators at SOMA is truly inspiring. Our Provost was just named a Health Care Hero by the Phoenix Business Journal check it out! The SOMA Dean, Dr. Wood, is a nephrologist!

My point: Primary care ROCKS. Being a physician for the right reasons and doing your best rocks more. ATSU-SOMA is a place to get the best of both worlds and really make a difference through our nation's CHCs.

And I'm going to Seattle...
Join me!

Best,
Ryan
OMS-I
ATSU-SOMA

 

[oskibear]

Hey Primadonna -

We're at a few different CHCs it turns out. A few of us are with private practice docs in Portland, and the rest are at CHCs. I am at the MidCounty Clinic and I LOVE IT. I see refugees every week, it's very diverse and the array of medical issues I'm seeing it quite amazing!!

There's one student at the North Portland Clinic, one at a clinic in Woodland, one at SeaMar in Vancouver, and two at a clinic in Longview. Multnomah County will probably work us all into their existing clinics, but for now this is where we are at.

It's getting cold here. o.o

 

[primadonna22274]

Pfft. When I was a college student at UofO back in the day we could always spot the Californians (affectionately we called anyone who wasn't a native Oregonian) who were shivering and holding umbrellas in 60 degree overcast slightly drizzly days. REAL Oregonians don't carry umbrellas. Suck it up!

Glad you're having a good time

Hey Primadonna -

We're at a few different CHCs it turns out. A few of us are with private practice docs in Portland, and the rest are at CHCs. I am at the MidCounty Clinic and I LOVE IT. I see refugees every week, it's very diverse and the array of medical issues I'm seeing it quite amazing!!

There's one student at the North Portland Clinic, one at a clinic in Woodland, one at SeaMar in Vancouver, and two at a clinic in Longview. Multnomah County will probably work us all into their existing clinics, but for now this is where we are at.

It's getting cold here. o.o

 

[213965]

I am just wondering how it works out financially during the CHC part of the curriculum to afford the tuition/living expenses -- how the loans work out, or if they vary depending on your location, etc. I am only applying to 4 schools this year (ATSU - SOMA being one of them), and while I love the school and curriculum, finances are definitely a factor for me. Thanks!

 

[NORCAL]

The "Total Funds Eligible to Receive" during the CHC part does vary depending on location. Follow this link to view the 2011 Sophomore Budgets.

http://www.atsu.edu/financial_aid/soma/tuition_budget.htm

 

[dseattle]

hey UW, my alma mater! ill give a good post on my experience at the Waianae CHCs eventually.

 

[stonewall22]

Just curious on your thoughts, particularly, those that are already students of SOMA. I REALLY like the idea of mixing clinical and lecture type learning. As a grad student I have always learned the science better when I found a way to apply it to my research. That being said, while I fully believe that this curriculum will likely better prepare students to be physicians and help them be better prepared for their clinical rotations, do you think the students will be adequately prepared for COMLEX (which unfortunately, is a hoop we all have to jump through and, in large part, determines our future)? While SOMA students will be well prepared for rotations, will they be as competitive as students from other schools who have had typical classroom lectures in preparation for the basic science-heavy COMLEX?