Hey ya'll! Congrats on your acceptances!! I haven't been on here in over a year now and seeing a few of the other upper class responses brings back old times (Digitl
)
Anyways, just wanted to chime in on a few things.
First on rotations... even though we have very limited affiliations I have to say it's not too bad, I am only having trouble with one rotation still. The main problem is that LECOM says that they don't believe that it follows the osteopathic principles to pay for rotation slots. Thus, we get whomever is willing to take us on for free. Most other schools pay for their slots, including most osteopathic schools, and we have to compete with USF, and all of the carribean schools that send their students to FL for rotations.
There are a few hospitals that we rotate with that do have residency programs, so you do have the option to audition at a core rotation with those. Manatee Memorial is going to be starting a new residency program that will be overseen by one of our dean's so we will have an in there. However, we also have lost a few important ones, and our affiliate list seems to be chaging pretty regularly. I am planning to go into OB, and we used to be affiliated with Bayfront in St. Pete, which has one of the few OB residency programs in FL. We lost them just recently, and I have been told that they will not allow us to do elective rotations with them even. We flat out do not have enough Peds or OB rotation slots, and I have had a difficult time filling them. In particular, the Peds slot has been dificult because USF has contracts with alot of the Tampa area hospitals and many doctors are affiliated with these hospitals and cannot take us. (I am going to be living in the Tampa area) Just something to keep in mind. Use your first year or two to try to make some connections with local docs. Get involved in the osteopathic med societies outside of school and you will meet docs (I have some good contacts if anyone needs info).
For those of you considering rotating out of state at other hospitals... be aware that alot of hospitals will not take 3rd year students from institutions that they are not involved with. And, some of those will only take 4th years for electives. I'm not talking about small community hospitals, but most hospitals that have any kind of teaching program may follow this.
As for PBL, yes it rocks. For those of you who have never been good with independant study and keeping yourself on a disciplined study schedule, get better quick! There is no time to get adjusted, and just when you think you've figured out the best way to study and organize the two years are over
Ask upper classmen for advice, and whatever else we have to offer
Um, anyone with kids PM me, I can let you know about good areas to live and good schools and day cares (I have 3 little ones).
If you're looking for a 4br house to rent close to school, we're moving out of this one in July and I can give you more info if interested. (We don't own the house, just like it)
If anyone is looking for books, I will probably be selling after boards at the end of May. I don't know what your book list is, but you're likely to use some of what we had.
Also, check on the SGA website if you haven't already. There are usually lots of people looking for roommates, selling books and renting their homes there too.
I'm happy to talk/share/advise if anyone has questions, as are most of the students on here. We just have finals over the next week or two and then board review for us second years.
Best of luck to you all! The first two years goes by so fast, I can't believe it!