- Joined
- May 7, 2008
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- 53
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I'm an MS3 at UACOM-Phx, and I think that a statement like that from someone either in my class or the class above merits an overwhelming response from the student body because much of the information is harmful and untrue. I believe it was written out of anger.
1. This is a damn good school. Time and time again, our students receive compliments on our professionalism, clinical knowledge, and preparedness. Performance on national exams and shelf exams is absolutely fine. But if you want to go to a med school where they spoon feed you every bit of knowledge you'll need to succeed as a physician, I wouldn't even know where to tell you to go. It's not this school, and that certainly isn't their goal. Med school simply isn't like that, so don't walk in expecting it, and don't continue to be upset when you actually have to work and learn outside of class.
2. The students who attend this school are inspirational. They start charities, gain national leadership awards and positions, organize health fairs and help the underprivileged communities, support each other when times are hard, foster an accepting diverse environment, and still kill their exams and boards. The commitment to community service is so strong, and it is making the Phoenix community healthier and stronger every year.
3. This school has had some growing pains. Accept that before you walk in the door. Your curriculum may be adjusted, some structures may change, and you may experience working with individuals who are early on the learning curve for their job. But that's all okay because for every growing pain there is something incredibly special about being part of something new. And this is an especially great school for students who are motivated leaders and can add to the innovation and growth of this campus.
4. The Deans: are incredible people. Dean Flynn is everything you could ask for in a Dean of a medical school. He's a passionate teacher, he'll chat with you about your future in the middle of the parking lot on a Friday afternoon for a good half hour, and he would be there in a second, literally a second, if one of his students needed him. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Dr Flynn. Dean Pagel is wonderful person who is open-minded, non-judgmental, honest, kind, and 100% there for the students. She will tell you the truth and help you find realistic answers to the issues you face in medical school, whether it be which specialty to apply or how to manage illness of a loved one or yourself and med school. These leaders along with the other Deans and strong faculty are what make this school so special. But what students don't always understand is that just because a student is upset or doesn't get his/her way, this doesn't make these Deans terrible or bad. They are doing their jobs by helping us become doctors, and this doesn't always mean making every person at the school happy. This doesn't mean they will make exceptions to hard-thought decisions just because a student is upset. Med students are super smart, but honestly, sometimes we really don't know what's best for us in the process of becoming doctors.
5. Clerkship years: The learning I have experienced in the first half of my third year has been absolutely exponential. It is the nadir of med school, and it also the hardest part of med school time-wise. The attendings in third year are for the most part excellent. I have never felt my time was wasted in clerkship activities or lectures.
6. Scholarly project: say what you want about structure, organization, and changes, I do not care. Take a long hard look at the NRMP website before you open your mouth to complain. Look at the fact that the vast majority of programs have applicants with publications and research under their belt. This school builds that into their curriculum. Really, you couldn't ask for more. They require you to be competitive.
7. If you actually believe that medical students can be "coached" to say things they don't believe, take another look at what kind of people become med students. Hmmm...yeah I don't think so. Coaching medical students is like trying to herd cats.
Let's face it, not everyone is going to be happy all the time at any school. I am bummed to hear there is someone so unhappy in my class or the class above. However, the majority of us love our school. I have never regretted my decision to attend this school; in fact, I have always felt privileged. No one asked me to write this and they never would ask. It's the same for the other 10 or so responses above this. I'm doing it because I believe other students' voices must be heard now.
Thanks - Dan, MS3
1. This is a damn good school. Time and time again, our students receive compliments on our professionalism, clinical knowledge, and preparedness. Performance on national exams and shelf exams is absolutely fine. But if you want to go to a med school where they spoon feed you every bit of knowledge you'll need to succeed as a physician, I wouldn't even know where to tell you to go. It's not this school, and that certainly isn't their goal. Med school simply isn't like that, so don't walk in expecting it, and don't continue to be upset when you actually have to work and learn outside of class.
2. The students who attend this school are inspirational. They start charities, gain national leadership awards and positions, organize health fairs and help the underprivileged communities, support each other when times are hard, foster an accepting diverse environment, and still kill their exams and boards. The commitment to community service is so strong, and it is making the Phoenix community healthier and stronger every year.
3. This school has had some growing pains. Accept that before you walk in the door. Your curriculum may be adjusted, some structures may change, and you may experience working with individuals who are early on the learning curve for their job. But that's all okay because for every growing pain there is something incredibly special about being part of something new. And this is an especially great school for students who are motivated leaders and can add to the innovation and growth of this campus.
4. The Deans: are incredible people. Dean Flynn is everything you could ask for in a Dean of a medical school. He's a passionate teacher, he'll chat with you about your future in the middle of the parking lot on a Friday afternoon for a good half hour, and he would be there in a second, literally a second, if one of his students needed him. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Dr Flynn. Dean Pagel is wonderful person who is open-minded, non-judgmental, honest, kind, and 100% there for the students. She will tell you the truth and help you find realistic answers to the issues you face in medical school, whether it be which specialty to apply or how to manage illness of a loved one or yourself and med school. These leaders along with the other Deans and strong faculty are what make this school so special. But what students don't always understand is that just because a student is upset or doesn't get his/her way, this doesn't make these Deans terrible or bad. They are doing their jobs by helping us become doctors, and this doesn't always mean making every person at the school happy. This doesn't mean they will make exceptions to hard-thought decisions just because a student is upset. Med students are super smart, but honestly, sometimes we really don't know what's best for us in the process of becoming doctors.
5. Clerkship years: The learning I have experienced in the first half of my third year has been absolutely exponential. It is the nadir of med school, and it also the hardest part of med school time-wise. The attendings in third year are for the most part excellent. I have never felt my time was wasted in clerkship activities or lectures.
6. Scholarly project: say what you want about structure, organization, and changes, I do not care. Take a long hard look at the NRMP website before you open your mouth to complain. Look at the fact that the vast majority of programs have applicants with publications and research under their belt. This school builds that into their curriculum. Really, you couldn't ask for more. They require you to be competitive.
7. If you actually believe that medical students can be "coached" to say things they don't believe, take another look at what kind of people become med students. Hmmm...yeah I don't think so. Coaching medical students is like trying to herd cats.
Let's face it, not everyone is going to be happy all the time at any school. I am bummed to hear there is someone so unhappy in my class or the class above. However, the majority of us love our school. I have never regretted my decision to attend this school; in fact, I have always felt privileged. No one asked me to write this and they never would ask. It's the same for the other 10 or so responses above this. I'm doing it because I believe other students' voices must be heard now.
Thanks - Dan, MS3
