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- Dec 4, 2016
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It is worth noting that they have changed their way of doing things between the current OMS IIs and my class of OMS Is in regards to Foundations lab schedules. As Aki the Mew mentions, his class only had lab 3 days a week during the first semester of OMS I year, deemed “Foundations” for us. Our class had lab 4 days a week, with two days of anatomy (for me, M/W) from 1-430ish (coupled typically with a radiology session from 12-1 on W), DPR once a week (T from 2-4 for me), and OMM once a week (R from 1-3 for me). As Aki the Mew also stated, labs are required attendance.
So far for our second semester, deemed “Principles and Practices of Osteopathic Medicine I”, we have lab 4 days a week again - though I believe this was a recent change because initially it was only 2 days. I do not know the reason for this change, only that it occurred.
We begin the semester with neuroanatomy lab in tow, so I have that twice a week (M/W form 12-1). In addition to this DPR remains once a week (T 12-2) and OMM stays as well (R 1-3). Initially our neuroanatomy lab would go with the other labs, resulting in only 2 days of lab a week. That said, neuroanatomy lab only goes for the first block of this semester, so 2 days of lab a week will become the norm. It is also worth noting that we have scheduled virtual clinic sessions more regularly this semester, which would mean no DPR lab that week and our mandatory attendance at a specific time for the virtual clinic session.
Otherwise lecture is not mandatory. At least here in Arkansas we have several mandatory-attendance seminars based around various topics dispersed throughout the weeks. Topics vary from health law to global health and more. These have been more enjoyable than I would have originally guessed.
Your big takeaway is that they have been trying to find the perfect way to schedule our work, so it could very well be the case that your class has a different schedule completely.
As for the general idea of commuting from Memphis....well individuals will have their opinions. Many people study well from home, and many of my classmates are doing well with that plan. First semester saw me at Wilson Hall for lecture at 8 am, with labs in the afternoon with my break going across the sidewalk for lunch, then studying independently at Wilson before dinner, eating dinner with my friends here, then group study until 8 or 11 pm depending on the stage in-block (towards our comps or before Midcomps). Preparation for anatomy practicals can mean long hours here as well outside of all of that, which must be considered. With that in mind I live on-campus and that has been the best fit for me. I work with several students who have full families here that elect to study on campus to stay focused and relish the idea of living closer for that reason. Too much of this is subjective to give you any really great advice - and your personal situation is one that varies from mine so I would not be able to fully understand the toll of either case - but I would venture to guess that everyone would probably give you blanket advice that such a daily commute is not ideal. Might be worth considering that I was an independent studier before coming here and it worked great for me. I even maintained this and did well to start. However, you’ll find, as I have, that you have many intelligent and quality classmates. I have to admit that being able to bounce theory off of them has proven to be invaluable for me thus far.
Again, I want to state that this is purely my opinion - and I am not representative of everyone or qualified to speak to everyone’s individual circumstances.
Also do the peer mentoring program! Love being able to have a second-year student to throw questions at and get advice from.
Regardless of all of that, congratulations! To all who have come so far as to apply to medical school, you have clearly accomplished something great. For those who have been accepted, I remember that liberating feeling. Cherish that, because the work begins now! I do believe it is a privilege to have this work to do! For those that are awaiting results and may even have to try again - keep going! There’s a reason you’re drawn to this path and your hard work will pay off.
Looking forward to having you all on campus in August!
