Just for anyone who might read this thread in the future, I would like to present a students point of view on whether or not you should consider NYCPM.
As per the previous posts, the administration does have some issues:
- crappy flag out front
- some out dated posters on the walls
- old building
- previous history of "deficiencies in bookkeeping" when it comes to medicaid billing
- treating guest presenters poorly
- students spend too much time "clipping toe nails"
now let me address these briefly before i move on:
- crappy flag and old building
this is NYC, property is RIDICULOUSLY expensive here. while i agree they should take some pride in the facade of the building, i can understand it not being a HUGE, AMAZING complex due to how limited and expensive space is in NYC. While it is expensive, the land is also valuable, and NYCPM has just informed the students that they are in the process of possibly selling the school and clinic buildings and moving to another site in manhattan. the new site would be much newer, bigger, and better than the current buildings we have but that is in the works at the moment. the point is the plan to fix up the building of the place is in the works.
- out dated posters
at NYCPM, research mainly depends on the students. I have a few friends in my class doing current research projects, so if you check back you may see thier posters up on the walls sometime in 2006-2007. but for the most part, students opt to focus on clinical learning and classroom work as opposed to doing research projects. Trust me though, at NYCPM there are plenty of opportunites available if you want to research, regardless of what is hanging on the walls. It just takes a person that WANTS to do it.
- deficient bookkeeping, and treating presenters poorly, clipping too many toe nails
the administration does have problems, miscommunicatons/scheduling problems being 2 of the worst.
the fact that the administration has its problems is not only a bad thing for students. It has actually brought us alot closer together as a class. We have learned how to organize and stick up for ourselves, instead of being spoon-fed everything we need. In many cases we have learned what NOT to do, as well as what should be done.
Clipping toe nails and debriding calluses is actually a fundamental part of footcare for the elderly and diabetic patient. It is ESSENTIAL to be able to do it confidently and accurately. It is done PREVENTATIVELY to avoid ulceration and infection that could lead osteomyelitis and/or loss of limb. anyone who tells you its not important, doesn't know what they are talking about, period. We have 1 rotation that focuses on basic footcare and that rotation lasts 2.5 months. This is HARDLY too much basic foot care because the VAST MAJORITY of podiatrists will NOT have a 100% surgical practice. So if you cant cut toenails fast, and debride calluses quickly and efficiently with out hurting the patient then you are missing one of the fundamental skills of being a podiatrist.
we have 3 other current rotations during our 3rd year:
Surgery/OR
Medicine B - comprised of vascular, woundcare, and radiology
and
Orthopedics/Podopediatrics
all 3 focus on aspects other that clipping toenails
the clinical experience at NYCPM is INVALUABLE and I highly recommend you check it out and compare it to the other schools clinical experience before you write NYCPM off. You would be missing out.
The patient population we see at the clinic come in with all types of problems, because they are coming from all types of society. Wealthy and poor, young, old, white, black, hispanic, etc. etc. are all represented here so you get educated on everything. You basically get to see all of podiatry through the rotations, and get to decide what you like, and what you dont.
I would rather have that, than see the same type of case everyday, and then get out into the real world with my degree and have no idea what do if something crazy comes at me.
One more thing. I had a friend that transfered OUT of NYCPM, and when i asked him how it was going he said, "transferring out was the worst mistake I ever made." his reasons and the school have to be kept confidential so we dont offend those at his new school, so I say this just to illustrate the fact that:
No matter where you go, nothing will be perfect. All schools have their rough spots. One school might have an administration that is mean to presenters, and has an ugly flag, while another school might have NO CLINIC for you to work in, and a student body that hates eachother.
Let me tell you that the student body here at NYCPM is awesome, I couldnt have gotten through my time here with out them. Living these 4 years in NYC has been an invaluable life experience as well.
SO, in conclusion. If you want a school with friendly student body, a good academic education, a clinic that can show you ALL aspects of podiatry, and to live in NYC or the tri-state area for 4 years. NYCPM is a great the place for you.
Oh and dont worry about residencies, there are plenty of residency programs for podiatry students, everyone will get one (one of the benefits of our profession
). Its nice cuz that way you dont have to kiss "Lee C. Rogers, DPM's" butt.
Remember, podiatry school in general "is what you make it"
Good Luck!
