Baylor College of Medicine Class of 2015

[canjosh]

Welcome to the newest members of the Baylor family! Post your questions here, or on the new Facebook group!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_153564454687132&ap=1

The group already has several current BCM students...they are ready to answer your questions.

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[MIDmonkeyDLE]

thanks for starting this thread!
aside from anatomy lab, IPS and PPS, are there 5 classes during fall I (biochem, genetics, molec bio, physiology, anatomy)?

could someone also talk about exams? i know they happen every 6 weeks, but that's pretty much all I know.

thanks!

 

[canjosh]

thanks for starting this thread!
aside from anatomy lab, IPS and PPS, are there 5 classes during fall I (biochem, genetics, molec bio, physiology, anatomy)?

could someone also talk about exams? i know they happen every 6 weeks, but that's pretty much all I know.

thanks!

Fall 1 is not quite organized into discrete subjects. It is one big Foundations course. Block 1 is Core Concepts. Your lecture topics will include things like cell bio, Biochem, radiology correlations of anatomy, histology, genetics, etc. What's covered each day varies. You might have 2 histology lectures from the legendary Dr. Kretzer, a genetics lecture from the equally legendary Dr. Potocki, and a mitosis lecture from the guy who discovered kinetichores. The next day might have a radiology lecture, a metabolism lecture, etc. It is all integrated together though. It is difficult for some people to see the integration until the end of Block 1, when it starts to become apparent.

Block 2 is CRR; cardiac, respiratory, and renal. It is physiology heavy, but still integrates the other basic sciences...such as histology, genetics, etc. Block 3 is GIMNER; GI, Metabolism, Nutrition, Endocrine, and Reproduction. Again, we're sort of delving into the details of those systems/processes utilizing the basic science core we built in Blocks 1 and 2.

I'll let the MS-2s and beyond answer questions about the curriculum beyond Fall 1.

Exams: approximately every 6 weeks as you mentioned. For Fall 1: big multiple choice/short answer exam, counts for 80% of your block grade. Anatomy practical is 10% and histology practical is 10%. Practicals are done the day after the multiple choice. You get a long weekend before the test, and a nice vacation after the test. Well, I've gotta run to my PPS preceptor session! Congrats on your acceptance, and keep the questions coming!!

 

[RK.md]

For the rest of your MS1 year (January to June), you'll be taking multiple courses each block. For example, you'll have Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Head/Neck Anatomy as four separate courses, each with its own exam, in block 4. One day, you may have two pathology lectures followed by two immunology lectures... another day you might have one lecture for each class, etc. It just depends.

Block 5 - Behavioral Science I, Infectious Disease I, Nervous System I, and Ethics

Block 6 - Behavioral Science II, Infectious Disease II, Nervous System II

Blocks 5 and 6 are two months a piece, so it's quite a marathon, but well worth it! In my opinion, the nervous system course (I and II) is the best taught course at BCM. Keep in mind that you'll still be doing IPS and PPS and have the same PPS preceptor for your entire MS1 year. Also, "gross anatomy" (with the cadaver) is finished at the end of block 4; however, the anatomy lab will be converted to a neuroanatomy lab for blocks 5 and 6 where you'll explore the perfection that is the human brain.

As an MS2, your blocks will be substantially shorter (roughly 3 weeks), but lectures are still in the same format (4 lectures from 8am-noon). You'll have exams for each course at the end of each "mini" block (7a, then exams, 7b, then exams, 8a, then exams, etc.)

Block 7a - cardiology & heme/onc
Block 7b - respiratory & renal
Block 8a - GI & hard/soft tissues
Block 8b - genitourinary/gynecology & endocrine
Block 8c - genetics & age-related topics

This website should help outline everything: BCM preclinical curriculum

The whole point of the last 6 months of basic sciences is to prepare you for clinicals. The material is centered around clinically-relevant pathologies, you'll now be with two of your classmates with a new preceptor somewhere in the medical center, exams have more clinical vignette style questions (patient comes in with x, y, z, what test would you do next?).

Hopefully this clarifies a few of the ambiguities!

 

[TheCatalyst]

Im interviewing on Nov 19th at BCM, and I don't think it's possibly for me to be more hyped haha

But I have a question regarding class presentation: Are students given syllabi/lecture notes for every course? I was curious since UTSW does this, and it seems to work for them. I mean, it makes you lazy, but I'm sure it still helpful.

Also, if not, how do you guys go about studying for each course? Writing your own notes? Diagramming? Straight up read and run? Whatevertheheckelse?

BTW Rishi, since you're apparently a beast, you should blog about how you study for courses at BCM haha

Seriously though, I want to start practicing some methods so I can hit the ground at least jogging come MS1 haha thx guys

 

[canjosh]

Im interviewing on Nov 19th at BCM, and I don't think it's possibly for me to be more hyped haha

But I have a question regarding class presentation: Are students given syllabi/lecture notes for every course? I was curious since UTSW does this, and it seems to work for them. I mean, it makes you lazy, but I'm sure it still helpful.

Also, if not, how do you guys go about studying for each course? Writing your own notes? Diagramming? Straight up read and run? Whatevertheheckelse?

BTW Rishi, since you're apparently a beast, you should blog about how you study for courses at BCM haha

Seriously though, I want to start practicing some methods so I can hit the ground at least jogging come MS1 haha thx guys

We are not given a great big, neatly bound syllabus. Honestly, it would probably be a waste of paper for 80%+ of the class. When you come to Baylor you are given what amounts to a syllabus by the class preceding yours. Basically, external hard drives are passed around, filled with the material that you will need to succeed. That's why we will tell people not to buy any textbooks prior to the start of school--you get so much in terms of old notes, synopses, study guides, practice exams, etc. I've never felt completely lost, or that I don't have the support necessary to guide my studies.

In addition, professors provide learning objectives, notes, powerpoints, reviews, etc. In other words, I can't hold up a hard copy syllabus and say "this is the syllabus for Block 1", but I can tell you that we are given everything we need to know.

As far as study habits, anything goes. Whatever floats your boat. Tactics vary for different subject matter, even with a given student. Diagramming is pretty good for me with Biochem topics. Drawing pictures and making pornographically long lists (inside joke) is useful for Histology. Flashcards for anatomy, etc. Holding review sessions with classmates, where we talk stuff through, is my favorite method. It really depends on you. This is what people are usually talking about when they speak of transitioning/adjusting to medical school. The huge hurdle for many people is just figuring out how they perform the best. The material is not generally difficult, it's just voluminous.

So to prepare for MS1, introspection is actually the best advice I can give. Figure out who you are, and run with whatever works for you. Oh, the other advice would be to go on vacation, and don't 'prestudy' ANYTHING relating to medical school!!!!!

 

[MIDmonkeyDLE]

When do you guys recommend that I start looking for an apartment? and do you know of any good/popular places to live aside from lanesborough and greenbriar?

also, i don't know much about taking out loans. when do you think i should look into that?

thanks for all the in-depth info you've given so far.

 

[canjosh]

I'm renting a house, so I'll defer to somebody else regarding apartments. I do know that those 2 complexes are very popular, and that there are quite a few med students there. There are lots of other places to live as well. It seems a number of my classmates live off of Almeda (The Promenade is one of those complexes I think).

With loans, you should fill out the FAFSA as soon as it's available (should be around Jan 1st I believe). You'll list BCM on the FAFSA in the appropriate section. You'll also get an email from BCM with a link to forms you may or may not need. There will be a financial aid checklist from the school to help you make sure you have all the appropriate paperwork taken care of. My advice would be to get that stuff done as quickly as possible (once it's available). The financial aid office gets busier as school approaches, and it's less stressful if you've got that stuff behind you early.

 

[AH3]

Thanks to everyone answering questions so far- it's always nice to hear from current students. I've got a question about tuition. I'm OOS, but I heard Baylor is very good about working with OOSers to get IS tuition when possible. What are some of the ways to do this? I've heard buying a condo/apartment will do it, but are there any other ways?

 

[MIDmonkeyDLE]

Thanks, canjosh!
I got a scholarship offer from UT-Houston today, and the deadline to accept is December 1. Does Baylor not offer merit scholarships until April/May? That seems really late...makes me a bit nervous.
Also, what do you think of financial aid/merit scholarships from Baylor in general?

 

[MIDmonkeyDLE]

oh, and do you think i should get a credit card so I can build "good credit" by the time i have to take out the loans?

 

[canjosh]

Thanks to everyone answering questions so far- it's always nice to hear from current students. I've got a question about tuition. I'm OOS, but I heard Baylor is very good about working with OOSers to get IS tuition when possible. What are some of the ways to do this? I've heard buying a condo/apartment will do it, but are there any other ways?

There are apparently other ways. I think marrying a Texan that has a job is one way--so start working on this! Go to this webpage to get the contact info: http://www.bcm.edu/registrar/index.cfm?PMID=7434

MIDmonkey:

Congrats on the scholarship! My understanding is that BCM doesn't really award merit scholarships. The reason they told me was that there are too many 4.0/40-type people to decide who gets awards, and then that leaves needy people without scholarships. So they basically award their scholarship funds to the most needy people.

As far as the credit card, I don't think that that's necessary. The vast majority of awards will not be credit-based to the best of my knowledge. If you're taking out supplemental loans for child expenses or something, you might start getting into loan products that require a credit check. Those loan products would tend to be the exception. Bottom line is that medical students are still a good investment for loaners, and the financial aid office will find a way to finance your education. To get additional input, you might want to send an email to the financial aid office. Just ask whether building a credit history should a priority in the year leading up to medical school. I doubt that they say yes, but I could be wrong! [email protected] is their address.

 

[DoctorDreamer]

Okay, I will address several questions here:

As far as the curriculum goes, the responses here are pretty accurate.

Re: syllabi, some professors do give printed syllabi, others don't. Most make either their notes or the PP available, and some recommend books (which most don't read, but some of us knowledge-maniacs actually purchase and occasionally crack open).

Re: places to live, many out-of-staters purchase condos in condoland (Cambridge Court, Cambridge Glen, and One Montreal Place are all very popular), and there are often people renting out their condo or looking for a roommate to share. I think BCM has a page somewhere where they post such offers. I would ask the office of student affairs where to find it.

With loans, just fill out the FAFSA and BCM's other forms as soon as they are available at the beginning of the year. Make sure your parents do their taxes, because regardless of your age, you're supposed to fill out a form with their tax info on it.

About "good credit" - I would talk to someone in finance, but credit cards are rarely a good idea unless you want to get yourself into trouble. And it won't help you with student loans. As for home-owning loans, I don't know, but I would still avoid it.

As far as OOS becoming instate goes, buying property will get you there after a year. That's what I did. I don't know about other options, though. E-mail Stephanie Tefas in the registrar's office for more info.

And Baylor does offer merit scholarships, at least they did my year, the highest being 12K/year, which pretty much covers tuition and fees for instate. I got my offer like a day after my acceptance, but I got a later acceptance, so I don't know if they hold on to them until the Spring... You should ask UT-Houston if you accept if you can withdraw later. I think you can...

Congrats to all those who are accepted, and to those who are still waiting, good luck! Baylor is a great place to call home!

 

[TXangel]

How much do grades from the fall semester matter to BCM? I've been accepted and really want to attend, but I missed sooo much class flying to interviews...and my grades are going to show it. Worst semester yet, by far. Does BCM rescind acceptances?? Should I write a letter of explanation to go with with my updated transcript?

 

[canjosh]

I don't know if anybody here can answer with much authority, so take it for what it's worth.

They actually told me to not send a fall transcript after I was accepted. They said to email my grades to the [email protected] address. So unless something has changed from last year, they might not even want an official one.

If you're talking multiple Cs, or a D or F, it might warrant an email or letter to the Dean of Admissions (Dr. Eddins-Folensbee). If by 'worst semester yet' you mean Bs, I can't imagine it being an issue. Good luck!

 

[nyinjuly]

Are there any married students who can talk about what it's like being married at Baylor? Is it even an issue? I felt that some schools I interviewed at were more non-trad friendly than others, but I didn't really get a vibe either way from Baylor. Do any of the med students have kids? I don't yet, but I'm not ruling it out...

 

[2010houston]

I'm a married MS1, and I know there are some others on here as well, so they'll likely chime in - I have found BCM to be very non trad friendly. Being married is not an issue at all socially, if that's what you're asking. There are not a ton of us, but I think we're all VERY happy with our decision! Everyone is really nice; our classmates - both married and not- are great. The preclinical curriculum is very flexible hours if you do end up having kids in med school at some point. I have kids, someone in our class had one the first semester, and i think there's probably a total of 5-7 students w/ kids in the class (? maybe more, I'm sure someone will correct me here) Feel free to PM me if you like - and come to Baylor, it's awesome!

 

[nyinjuly]

I'm renting a house, so I'll defer to somebody else regarding apartments. I do know that those 2 complexes are very popular, and that there are quite a few med students there. There are lots of other places to live as well. It seems a number of my classmates live off of Almeda (The Promenade is one of those complexes I think).

With loans, you should fill out the FAFSA as soon as it's available (should be around Jan 1st I believe). You'll list BCM on the FAFSA in the appropriate section. You'll also get an email from BCM with a link to forms you may or may not need. There will be a financial aid checklist from the school to help you make sure you have all the appropriate paperwork taken care of. My advice would be to get that stuff done as quickly as possible (once it's available). The financial aid office gets busier as school approaches, and it's less stressful if you've got that stuff behind you early.

I'm hoping to rent a house (my dogs need a backyard!)- any tips on neighborhoods to focus on or, maybe more importantly, to avoid?

 

[nyinjuly]

I'm a married MS1, and I know there are some others on here as well, so they'll likely chime in - I have found BCM to be very non trad friendly. Being married is not an issue at all socially, if that's what you're asking. There are not a ton of us, but I think we're all VERY happy with our decision! Everyone is really nice; our classmates - both married and not- are great. The preclinical curriculum is very flexible hours if you do end up having kids in med school at some point. I have kids, someone in our class had one the first semester, and i think there's probably a total of 5-7 students w/ kids in the class (? maybe more, I'm sure someone will correct me here) Feel free to PM me if you like - and come to Baylor, it's awesome!

Thanks for the thoughts! I'm really leaning toward Baylor =)

 

[2010houston]

Nyinjuly - sent you a pm!

 

[Jolie South]

Are there any married students who can talk about what it's like being married at Baylor? Is it even an issue? I felt that some schools I interviewed at were more non-trad friendly than others, but I didn't really get a vibe either way from Baylor. Do any of the med students have kids? I don't yet, but I'm not ruling it out...

I'm a married MS3. I think everyone finds their niche and everyone is pretty friendly. There aren't very many married people, but I haven't felt weird or left out.

There is a Mormon contingent and they all have kids. One person in my class had twins in second year and another is pregnant right now. I think Baylor is pretty flexible as far as that goes.

 

[TXangel]

I'm hoping to rent a house (my dogs need a backyard!)- any tips on neighborhoods to focus on or, maybe more importantly, to avoid?

Speaking of dogs, do lots of med students have them? I grew up with a dog and couldn't take her to college, so I'd love to bring her to med school. I just want to have enough time to take care of her. Thoughts?

 

[canjosh]

Speaking of dogs, do lots of med students have them? I grew up with a dog and couldn't take her to college, so I'd love to bring her to med school. I just want to have enough time to take care of her. Thoughts?

Well, you're only in class from 8-12...if you even go to class. I guess a lot depends on the dog. I would imagine the clinical years are different, as you will spend more hours away from home.

nyinjuly,
I would say that Baylor is very family friendly. The official class day is short (and video recorded), and being married is socially a non-issue (at least in my class). A healthy number of my classmates actually admire the married people--so I've felt totally accepted. Additionally, the faculty are extremely supportive and concerned with us as individuals. I couldn't be happier with my decision to come to Baylor.

Regarding houses, we are living in West University Place (zip 77005). The housing can be expensive in this area, but there are sometimes deals to be found. Other close-in areas with houses include Southside Place and Southgate. Outside the 610 loop, areas to look at include Pearland (very popular for med students with kids) and Meyerland. Use har.com to search for houses and condos. Don't get discouraged if you have trouble finding affordable places at first. The average rents are pretty high in many of these areas, but if you're patient and a little lucky, you might stumble upon a deal.

 

[mabiew]

Hey everyone, I'm super excited to be going to Baylor next year and to meet all of you! I'm an OOS and I'm looking into buying a condo. Do any current students know an MS4 who wants to sell one? I heard about the link that student affairs sends out in March, but I'm hoping to buy one before then. Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[canjosh]

Hey everyone, I'm super excited to be going to Baylor next year and to meet all of you! I'm an OOS and I'm looking into buying a condo. Do any current students know an MS4 who wants to sell one? I heard about the link that student affairs sends out in March, but I'm hoping to buy one before then. Any info would be much appreciated.

I don't know of any yet...you probably won't see much from MS4s until later, after Match Day. Upperclassmen posted condos on the Facebook class page last year, and I'd imagine that'll happen this year too. If you need a suggestion for a realtor, send me a private message.

Congrats on your acceptance!

 

[mabiew]

thanks canjosh!

 

[canjosh]

thanks canjosh!

A 4th year just posted info on selling/renting 2 condos near the med center on the class Facebook page. If you're not in the FB group, either join it or send me a private message and I'll forward you his contact info.

 

[viennamd]

Hi,

What are the best medical courses should I take before medical college so that the transition is less stressful. I have taken Physiology class already. I am planning to take Biochemistry, Anatomy, Genetics and Molecular Biology. I hope this will give me a head start. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[DermViser]

Hi,

What are the best medical courses should I take before medical college so that the transition is less stressful. I have taken Physiology class already. I am planning to take Biochemistry, Anatomy, Genetics and Molecular Biology. I hope this will give me a head start. Any suggestions? Thanks

Yes, improve your English .

 

[jturkel]

why was this the thread chosen to be bumped after 3 yrs lol. so random

 

[ynot89125]

Hi,

What are the best medical courses should I take before medical college so that the transition is less stressful. I have taken Physiology class already. I am planning to take Biochemistry, Anatomy, Genetics and Molecular Biology. I hope this will give me a head start. Any suggestions? Thanks

These are the 12 classes you should take.
Renal Physiology
GI Physiology
Respiratory Physiology
Cardiac Physiology
Embryology
Human musculoskeletal anatomy
Human thoracic/abdominal anatomy
Human reproductive/pelvic anatomy
Metabolism
Pharmacology
Nutrition
Histology

You should be set after this.