The comlex scores across the nation dropped. they used to be around 90-92% pass rate, and they fell to 87.5% passrate. Why? The boards shifted to more clinical. Lots of x-rays, MRIs, little bacteria pictures, etc.
CCOM had a lower than expected drop to 84% pass rate. We had always been above 90%. There are many reasons for this, namely, our class size is huge. We have about 180 students per class. Further, our class was accepted at the time when med school apps were at their lowest. Further, our class, for teh first time in history started clinical rotations 2 weeks before comlex, while most other schools get 2 weeks or a month off before comlex. This was an oversight, and the policy has changed.
In order to remedy the situation, we now give students a huge break between teh end of classes and comlex. Rotations now begin after comlex.
Further, we have begun a radiology/imaging/diagnostics course that is an integral part of the curriculum. (most schools have also added this) Why? Because images are so crucial now. And comlex has two full booklets (almost 200 questions each) that use images. Way more then before. So the images are incorporated into the standard basic science classes, as well as this new course.
Further, the comlex shifted to a more clinical approach. Questions now are more like Step 2 questions. Hence, our curriculum committee reacted quickly and all departments now have their exams in clinical vignette format.
Personally, I love CCOM. The staff is great. They always try to improve and get tons of student feedback. I would much rather go to a school that recognizes weaknesses and adjusts than to one that doesn't. The dean and staff all have open door policies and they come talk to you before you fail out, they don't wait for you to fail the entire course.
Besides our state of the art campus, we have awesome clinical rotations. You will be rotating side by side with students from rush, Loyola, Northwestern, UIC, and in many areas of the city that they don't even get to see. Our sites are unbelieveable. You will see the most undersevred and uninsured, all teh way to the highest priced blue Cross and cash paying burgeoise that just want OMT or someone to talk to. Since we use hospitals all over the city, you get an awesome variety. You will rotate with poor doctors that are barely scrapping, to guys that are making millions and buying ferraris and lamborghinis every other day.
You will learn OMT from the very best DOs and will have a confidence and understanding unlike anything else. We simply have the best OMM lab in the country with the top technology. All digital recording and editing and all available on DVD. We wrote the book on OMM. Our DVDs go out to all the other DO schools. They are awesome.
But in the end, med school is med school. You get what you put in. I have friends at Rush, MSUCOM, OUCOM, Loyola, Northwestern, Wayne State, Michigan, Ohio State and lots of other med schools. We always talk and compare notes. How does your school teach that, what did they do about this, what is your curriculum like, how are rotations, how do they start? etc etce etc
From all my talking and seeing my friends and what they go through and their stories, let me just say, if you come to CCOM, you will get a damn good medical education. Probably one of the best medical educations in the country.
The students talking about missing class were probably not bragging. It's just reality. At every med school in America, very few students attend class. Most of us are so overwhelmed by teh amount of studying needed that we just stay home and read, read, read. You can't afford the time sitting in class, not actually studying. But for some students, the class thing works. So it may work for you.
In the end, you need to pick a program that you feel comfortable with. Choose a school with a nice friendly atmosphere, good rotations, friendly campus, and strong tradition. We're going on to 103 years.
If you have any questions for me, I also interview applicants. I am a third year medical student now.
Enjoy!!
