Awesome, thanks for all the insight Limetime. Totally answered my question, too.
I've got a few more if you don't mind
🙂
1) Is the Medical School Research Program generally the avenue that med students use to initially arrange research opportunities?
http://www.msrp.medicine.arizona.edu/
2) Do you find the societies format useful, a waste of time, or just part of the UofA experience?
3) Are tests computerized or paper form? Do you have any flexibility for when you take exams (as opposed to Phoenix who said you can take most exams when you feel ready, either Fri/Sat/Sun)?
4) I'm a bit concerned about the move to iPads for notes, etc - I know it isn't mandatory to have one, but do you think all the bugs are worked out of the initial rollout and are the iPads well received by students?
Thank you very much!
I am glad I can help out.
1. It is a great avenue, but I cannot say it is how everyone finds their research. Some people just find a clinician or researcher they click with or a project they are interested in and initiate it themselves. There is not a problem finding research projects. Generally, the research distinction track advisor will meet with you, discuss your interests, and find a project that fits well, if you have not found it on your own. Sometimes, she has sent students abroad or to other facilities for some really cool projects. Basically, I am saying there are plenty of resources.
2. I find Societies very useful, in my opinion. First, you have a faculty physician that is your mentor for four years. I love my group and learning H&P in our small group. I think it is something you put off, since it seems that exams always take precedence, but you learn a ton in Societies. I think a lot of it is about attitude and what you put into it. We see real patients in the hospital right away, which is scary and really cool at the same time. By the time you are a 3rd year, you feel comfortable taking an H&P, writing it up, presenting, etc, but also thinking like a clinician, reviewing tests, etc.
3. All of the exams are on computers (except lab practical). There is no flexibility on exam times. I don't think this is really that much of a drawback though. They are pretty good about scheduling midterms on Mondays and finals towards the end of the week to maximize your study time. In all honesty, you feel that you just want to take the test and move on.
4. For iPads, I am one of the few that uses the iPad exclusively. Many people in my class ended up buying the notes in paper form. I don't think it is much about kinks as it is how comfortable you are with the technology. There are also awesome flash card apps, etc. Plus you can always look up a drug or something if you can't remember something. I love reading my notes and highlighting on the iPad, plus, I have everything with me all the time. I listen to podcasts on my laptop just so the slides are bigger, but you can do that on the iPad too. In fairness, I was used to being paperless in previous work/school experiences, so it wasn't such a transition for me. Use whichever tool is best for you. If paper notes work, use them. Like the iPad, use it. I think as the whole hospital progresses with iPads, I imagine it will get even better for clinical years, but that is just my guess.
I hope that helped - let me know if there is anything else.
