current/former NSUCOM students, please vote!

[mcrib]

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Preface: I'm not trying to start a flame war, and I'm not looking for any replies to this thread. I've scoured enough of the old threads on the subject, and am merely getting a quantitative representation of the answers to my question. It's a private poll. Thanks.

 

[Fin-Nor]

admin sucks. they hold deans meeting and half the time the dean doesnt show up.

when he's asked questions regarding the school, board score avg, and other info, they laugh it off and beat around the bush.

get your degree and get out. never going to give anything back to nova.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

admin sucks. they hold deans meeting and half the time the dean doesnt show up.

when he's asked questions regarding the school, board score avg, and other info, they laugh it off and beat around the bush.

get your degree and get out. never going to give anything back to nova.

That's interesting because NSU's promotional material really pumped up the dean and talked about how great he was. They made it seem like he showed up and made huge improvements in the school. They're the only school that seemed to talk that much about their dean in their literature.

 

[Doc 2b]

admin sucks. they hold deans meeting and half the time the dean doesnt show up.

when he's asked questions regarding the school, board score avg, and other info, they laugh it off and beat around the bush.

get your degree and get out. never going to give anything back to nova.

I agree, out admin SUCKS. They say there "here for you" that's BS this is the most self rightous bunch of bastards I have ever come across. They are nothing but big brother to the students and spend an unbelievable amount of time just trying to make you life more miserable.

 

[CatsandCradles]

I am not an NSU student, it seems you guys have a fairly good OPTI program. Wide variety of stuff you know.

 

[mcrib]

Well, I realize that only 7 people have responded, but I'm somewhat troubled by the distribution that I see. For someone like myself, whose only options (because of rejections elsewhere) are NSUCOM or one of the better-known Caribbean schools, it's definitely making me reassess which option I should choose. I've exhausted the whole "MD/DO" debate, and the only thing that really matters to me is which road would be the smoothest as far as the residency process (interviews, competitive specialties, etc) goes between a Caribbean MD graduate and a DO graduate. It generally seems that the advantage of going to a DO school here would be better opportunities in the clinical years and easier ability to do audition rotations in 4th year. (But then again, even Caribbean MD students can do the same as well in 4th year). The ability to apply to competitive DO residency specialties is an advantage as well (although the # of slots are rather low in each specialty).

Basically, like anyone else who is trying to do their homework, I'm just trying to figure out what the best option will be. I don't want to look back down the road like other current students whose stories I've read here on SDN and other forums, and say that another option would have been the most beneficial for me.

 

[Kuba]

Well, I realize that only 7 people have responded, but I'm somewhat troubled by the distribution that I see. For someone like myself, whose only options (because of rejections elsewhere) are NSUCOM or one of the better-known Caribbean schools, it's definitely making me reassess which option I should choose. I've exhausted the whole "MD/DO" debate, and the only thing that really matters to me is which road would be the smoothest as far as the residency process (interviews, competitive specialties, etc) goes between a Caribbean MD graduate and a DO graduate. It generally seems that the advantage of going to a DO school here would be better opportunities in the clinical years and easier ability to do audition rotations in 4th year. (But then again, even Caribbean MD students can do the same as well in 4th year). The ability to apply to competitive DO residency specialties is an advantage as well (although the # of slots are rather low in each specialty).

Basically, like anyone else who is trying to do their homework, I'm just trying to figure out what the best option will be. I don't want to look back down the road like other current students whose stories I've read here on SDN and other forums, and say that another option would have been the most beneficial for me.

In terms of residency placement:

MD>DO>>island MD

 

[Quakkilla]

this is the most self rightous bunch of bastards I have ever come across. They are nothing but big brother to the students and spend an unbelievable amount of time just trying to make you life more miserable.

admin sucks. they hold deans meeting and half the time the dean doesnt show up.

when he's asked questions regarding the school, board score avg, and other info, they laugh it off and beat around the bush.

get your degree and get out. never going to give anything back to nova.

First of all you go where you get in. Preferably in the states, and going to a DO school give you options to play on booth fields. You are going to have some problems at Carribean schools too, no place is infallible.

That said I am at NSU-2009, and I will tell you straight up our admin sucks!!! They don't give two ****s about their students, and act as "we got oyur money so F$#K off. This seems to be a comon theme among others schools..ie KCUMB.

The deans hour stuff is a freaking joke, they get all the deans together and give each other awards. I will pat you back if you pat mine type BS. That is if they show up. We actually have the AOA pres here today for the deans hour, It should be a great clas on politics!

I can't wait till they send me an alumni donations letter, I am going to wipe my A$$ with it and mail it back. They wonder why they can't keep alumni here, because everyone hates this place when they leave!

Moral, if you get in somewhere else in the states go there. If not you can make the best of it, just stay in the shadows and don't make a stink.

 

[Quakkilla]

I am not an NSU student, it seems you guys have a fairly good OPTI program. Wide variety of stuff you know.

What is OPTI, I am a second year at NSU never heard of it. You talking about manipulative medicine? If so, then yeah we have some real winners.🙄

 

[Quakkilla]

That's interesting because NSU's promotional material really pumped up the dean and talked about how great he was. They made it seem like he showed up and made huge improvements in the school. They're the only school that seemed to talk that much about their dean in their literature.

Yeah I would guess he wrote the ad. They are really humble around here. To hear them talk you would think collectively they cured cancer, AIDS, and probably on the verge of curing Diabetes. They are the biggest bunch of self rightous blow holes you will ever see.

 

[mcrib]

Hm, I guess I really will need some responses then.

So some of you have outlined your disdain for administrational behavior.

My question to those of you that have done so...do you feel that your education has been compromised due to this; ie - unfair grading policies, clinical rotation issues, obtaining letters of rec, anything else I'm unaware of?

Or, do you feel that as long as one just ignores the admin. issues, that you can get the education you need and not be at a disadvantage during the residency process?

Past threads have intimated unfair exam questions/grading policies, as well as a sentiment that NSUCOM students outside of the Florida area are generally not looked at very favorably when applying to out of state allopathic residencies.

I agree with the general trend that Kuba indicated, but if I'm going to be over 200k in debt at a DO school, and not have a marginally better chance at more competitive residencies than going to a Ross/Saba in the Caribbean, with less debt, then it's something I'd have to seriously consider.

 

[Kuba]

Hm, I guess I really will need some responses then.

So some of you have outlined your disdain for administrational behavior.

My question to those of you that have done so...do you feel that your education has been compromised due to this; ie - unfair grading policies, clinical rotation issues, obtaining letters of rec, anything else I'm unaware of?

Or, do you feel that as long as one just ignores the admin. issues, that you can get the education you need and not be at a disadvantage during the residency process?

Past threads have intimated unfair exam questions/grading policies, as well as a sentiment that NSUCOM students outside of the Florida area are generally not looked at very favorably when applying to out of state allopathic residencies.

I agree with the general trend that Kuba indicated, but if I'm going to be over 200k in debt at a DO school, and not have a marginally better chance at more competitive residencies than going to a Ross/Saba in the Caribbean, with less debt, then it's something I'd have to seriously consider.

Look at the match lists. To me there is no comparison.

 

[misery]

Hm, I guess I really will need some responses then.

So some of you have outlined your disdain for administrational behavior.

My question to those of you that have done so...do you feel that your education has been compromised due to this; ie - unfair grading policies, clinical rotation issues, obtaining letters of rec, anything else I'm unaware of?

Or, do you feel that as long as one just ignores the admin. issues, that you can get the education you need and not be at a disadvantage during the residency process?

Past threads have intimated unfair exam questions/grading policies, as well as a sentiment that NSUCOM students outside of the Florida area are generally not looked at very favorably when applying to out of state allopathic residencies.

I agree with the general trend that Kuba indicated, but if I'm going to be over 200k in debt at a DO school, and not have a marginally better chance at more competitive residencies than going to a Ross/Saba in the Caribbean, with less debt, then it's something I'd have to seriously consider.

While the admin here does suck, but you get a good education. I'll agree with eveything in this post. But, remember, your going to hate medical school, it in itself sucks. Your only going to have to deal with them for a couple of years, and as long as you keep your nose clean you won't have any worries. You'll hear about issues but just try not to get involved. Overall, it's a good education, but like any school it has it's problems, more political than anything. The match list is impressive I think, and yes you can get out of florida.

 

[Quakkilla]

Hm, I guess I really will need some responses then.

So some of you have outlined your disdain for administrational behavior.

My question to those of you that have done so...do you feel that your education has been compromised due to this; ie - unfair grading policies, clinical rotation issues, obtaining letters of rec, anything else I'm unaware of?

Or, do you feel that as long as one just ignores the admin. issues, that you can get the education you need and not be at a disadvantage during the residency process?

Past threads have intimated unfair exam questions/grading policies, as well as a sentiment that NSUCOM students outside of the Florida area are generally not looked at very favorably when applying to out of state allopathic residencies.

I agree with the general trend that Kuba indicated, but if I'm going to be over 200k in debt at a DO school, and not have a marginally better chance at more competitive residencies than going to a Ross/Saba in the Caribbean, with less debt, then it's something I'd have to seriously consider.

The education you get here is good, and I feel I have been preparer for what ever lies ahead. The rotations here all depends on where you get. Some are great, others marginal, but a lot is dependent on the student. If you come here you will be able to go anywhere you want. You will just have to put up with a ton of BS. Grading policies are fair except for the test reviews, they don't give your tests back, so you really never know what you missed. Hence you don't ever figure out what you don't know. I find this completely asinine. Just another example of how much our admin cares about the student body. The fact is the admin does not listen to the students, they feel they know what is best (which is what ever has been done before). No matter what we say!

 

[Kuba]

While the admin here does suck, but you get a good education. I'll agree with eveything in this post. But, remember, your going to hate medical school, it in itself sucks. Your only going to have to deal with them for a couple of years, and as long as you keep your nose clean you won't have any worries. You'll hear about issues but just try not to get involved. Overall, it's a good education, but like any school it has it's problems, more political than anything. The match list is impressive I think, and yes you can get out of florida.

but why would you want to?!😎

 

[Quakkilla]

but why would you want to?!😎

Because south Florida sucks!

 

[DrQuinn]

I graduated from NSUCOM in 2003, and even back then students were griping about the administration. I personally never really noticed teh administration doing anything bad or shameful, in fact, I never had an issue with them.

And NO, I was never in the SGA, or was butt-buddies with the administration. In fact, I dont' think I ever talked to any of them, ever.

I am happy with my education. I got my #1 residency spot, at a competitive program, in a competitive specialty. And now I am faculty at a very competitive academic EM program.

So, I have no complaints. had I gone somewhere else, I wouldn't know if I would be where I am (or driving the car I am!).

Q

 

[Kuba]

I graduated from NSUCOM in 2003, and even back then students were griping about the administration. I personally never really noticed teh administration doing anything bad or shameful, in fact, I never had an issue with them.

And NO, I was never in the SGA, or was butt-buddies with the administration. In fact, I dont' think I ever talked to any of them, ever.

I am happy with my education. I got my #1 residency spot, at a competitive program, in a competitive specialty. And now I am faculty at a very competitive academic EM program.

So, I have no complaints. had I gone somewhere else, I wouldn't know if I would be where I am (or driving the car I am!).

Q

I'm hoping to follow in your footsteps with the academic EM. I never thought about academic medicine before this year, but I realized I love to teach and that it is possible to combine the two. I think I would want to teach in the hospital only and not lecture though... I'm assuming that's possible?

 

[Kuba]

Because south Florida sucks!

really? That's a big + for NSU in my decision process.

 

[Ossari]

really? That's a big + for NSU in my decision process.

YOU KNOW IT BABY!!!!!!!

 

[DrQuinn]

I'm hoping to follow in your footsteps with the academic EM. I never thought about academic medicine before this year, but I realized I love to teach and that it is possible to combine the two. I think I would want to teach in the hospital only and not lecture though... I'm assuming that's possible?

Yeah. I do both teaching and lecturing, although I'm not that into research, so I don't do much of that. My job is absolutely perfect. But once you get going in your education, you may realize that you might like to lecture. I never liked it much as a student, but as a resident really learned to like coming up with lectures and speaking. There's no better way to learn a topic than to teach it!

Q

 

[Quakkilla]

I graduated from NSUCOM in 2003, and even back then students were griping about the administration. I personally never really noticed teh administration doing anything bad or shameful, in fact, I never had an issue with them.

The latest thing is that they (Admin) took away 12 slots at the most popular rotation site. This was done without notifying the students, and well after we filled out our match forms for the rotation lottery. It completely changed the dynamics of the match and had the students known their selections may have been different. It greatly reduced the size of the most popula site, and to most everyone was very misleading. The fact is we should have known before it was said and done. I myself am happy with my rotation but it has caused great concern with the student body about the chracter of the higher ups. It is all politics and I know this but right now I have a foul taste in my mouth as well as a good part of my class.

The education here is good, with good faculty and clinicians. Don't get me wrong I am happy I am here. I feel privledged to be here. From here you can do anything and you get the education you need.

 

[DrQuinn]

The latest thing is that they (Admin) took away 12 slots at the most popular rotation site. This was done without notifying the students, and well after we filled out our match forms for the rotation lottery. .

Do you think it was the administration that pulled the spots from the rotation site, or the hospitals/GME/rotation sites themselves? I cannot imagine ANY medical school volunteering to remove any spots at all. I would almost be willing to bet money it has to do with the hospital setting, the GME office, or something else, not just NSU deciding it wanted to cut down on its educational opportunities.

Q

 

[jafri91]

I graduated from NSUCOM in 2003, and even back then students were griping about the administration. I personally never really noticed teh administration doing anything bad or shameful, in fact, I never had an issue with them.

And NO, I was never in the SGA, or was butt-buddies with the administration. In fact, I dont' think I ever talked to any of them, ever.

I am happy with my education. I got my #1 residency spot, at a competitive program, in a competitive specialty. And now I am faculty at a very competitive academic EM program.

So, I have no complaints. had I gone somewhere else, I wouldn't know if I would be where I am (or driving the car I am!).

Q

I have to know, what car do you drive? Haha I'm a car guy, just curious

 

[toothless rufus]

Grading policies are fair except for the test reviews, they don't give your tests back, so you really never know what you missed. Hence you don't ever figure out what you don't know.

Seriously, you don't get to know what questions you missed, or why you missed them?! That would make your entire exam suspect, and make you second guess everything you thought you knew. 😕

 

[bravotwozero]

I think it's safe to say that as a general rule, the more prestigious/established the institution, the more snotty/inflexible the administration becomes. I did my undergrad at the University of Toronto, and they have some of the stupidest policies, combined with a totally inflexible administration. Trying to get something simple done, like get a letter from a registrar, was like pulling teeth. Frankly, I actually don't know of too many places where the students absolutely loved their admin.

That said, newer places, like TUCOM Nv, have awesome admin (Roger Corbman is a very helpful guy), but have the tradeoff being that they're new, and will still have kinks to sort out.

 

[Quakkilla]

Do you think it was the administration that pulled the spots from the rotation site, or the hospitals/GME/rotation sites themselves? I cannot imagine ANY medical school volunteering to remove any spots at all. I would almost be willing to bet money it has to do with the hospital setting, the GME office, or something else, not just NSU deciding it wanted to cut down on its educational opportunities.

Q

Well the story we got, and I am sure it is true, was the DME asked to pull them. There is a new IM residency starting there and I am sure that had something to do with it. That is not the problem though. The issue lies with the fact they never let the students know. The student body was told by the Admin that there were 58 available spots then when the match sheet came out with our placements there were only 46 students there.😕 So there has been a big stink over it, and it was just handled very poorly by the admin. They don't seem to give a $hit about us or why we are mad about it. It had been very disheartening.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Honestly - how many people have great things to say about the administration at their school?? It's administration! By definition, they are a pain in the butt! Where were you for undergrad?!

It's much more rare to find a large body of students that uniformly agree they are HAPPY with their administration.

A small sampling on this forum won't give you a good representation, anyway.
My point is, it doesn't really make sense to make your decision based on this alone.

 

[Sirius Black]

Grading policies are fair except for the test reviews, they don't give your tests back, so you really never know what you missed. Hence you don't ever figure out what you don't know. I find this completely asinine.

Come on now, it's not that bad. We actually do get to look over the entire test with the correct answers during the relook sessions, which are usually 2 days after the exam. You're right, we don't get our own tests back, but it's not that hard to remember what your answer choices were for a test that was only a few days beforehand. But they really should implement a way for us to contest the questions in writing, like they did last year.

What happened with the reduction in rotation slots really does suck, and they should have notified us without us having to poke and prod them about it. What sucks worse is that the reason we have such a high # of students in the class is because we have a high # of rotation sites, but some rotation sites are of higher quality others. So the school still gets more money, but not all students are getting the same quality of clinical education. Thankfully this is only for 3rd year. With 1st and 2nd year I'm pretty satisfied with the quality of education I've received so far.

 

[Quakkilla]

I think the way they do the test reviews is nothing but a waste of time. You can't learn anything from them so why go? I think they need to do it the way PCOM (I think) does it. They have an hour review over the test where the question writers come in and go through the test and you are able to learn why you missed stuff. That system seems much more productive.

 

[toothless rufus]

It is absolutely unacceptably beyond belief that you don't get your own tests back!! Why the *&^% not? Hmmm, I kinda like to look at what I got wrong on my own exam! Sorta helps me learn a little, or at least know what the %$#% is up. That is sincerely without sense. For 32,000/year, I should get to keep my tests, or do whatever I want with them. They can just make new exams up.

 

[Kuba]

It is absolutely unacceptably beyond belief that you don't get your own tests back!! Why the *&^% not? Hmmm, I kinda like to look at what I got wrong on my own exam! Sorta helps me learn a little, or at least know what the %$#% is up. That is sincerely without sense. For 32,000/year, I should get to keep my tests, or do whatever I want with them. They can just make new exams up.

really? this is common in some of my science courses. I always just remember what I chose and so I don't feel the need to have the test back.

 

[indynshrty]

Part of my Master's Degree is taking two classes with medical students at the University of Cincinnati. In biochem, we don't get to keep our tests, but we get to look at them b/c we have a cummulative final at the end of the course. In physiology, we can't look at the tests afterwards to see where we messed up.
"Closed" exams is pretty common in most medical schools b/c they want to use some similar, if not the same questions on the tests.
Don't get me wrong, we have practice exams, but these are from around 1999-2002. So nothing too current.
Cheers 🙂

 

[toothless rufus]

really? this is common in some of my science courses. I always just remember what I chose and so I don't feel the need to have the test back.

Yeah, I realize the practice is widespread; for the test writers convienience. I just think it would be very helpful if we got to keep our exams, or at the very least, get our own exams back to look over.

 

[Quakkilla]

Yeah, I realize the practice is widespread; for the test writers convienience. I just think it would be very helpful if we got to keep our exams, or at the very least, get our own exams back to look over.

Yeah it would be nice to learn from our mistakes, but nooooo we have to go on never knowing why we were incorrect.

 

[Fin-Nor]

to answer the dude's question. i wouldnt base your decision on DO vs island b/c of admin. school will prepare you for clinical years. that is what it's all about.

ignoring them is all you have to do.

get your degree and get out. easy as that.

 

[mcrib]

For any of you current/former NSUCOMers: Does the 4th year schedule allow for ample time to do away rotations? I ask this because I'm aware of the 2 (or 3?) month rural rotation for one of the core rotations you have to do 4th year, and I wonder if based on the way the schedule works, you still have enough time to schedule a few away rotations of your choice while STILL having enough time to submit your ERAS application on time (in August of that year).

If I'm not mistaken, I've read in past threads where this might come as a problem, and since (like many) I'd be interested in scheduling away rotations my 4th year, I'd like to know what sort of scheduling conflicts this may pose (if any) with completing rotations and the residency application process.

 

[Doc 2b]

For any of you current/former NSUCOMers: Does the 4th year schedule allow for ample time to do away rotations? I ask this because I'm aware of the 2 (or 3?) month rural rotation for one of the core rotations you have to do 4th year, and I wonder if based on the way the schedule works, you still have enough time to schedule a few away rotations of your choice while STILL having enough time to submit your ERAS application on time (in August of that year).

If I'm not mistaken, I've read in past threads where this might come as a problem, and since (like many) I'd be interested in scheduling away rotations my 4th year, I'd like to know what sort of scheduling conflicts this may pose (if any) with completing rotations and the residency application process.

Yeah that can be problematic, esp if your Rurals are during prime rotating season. As long as you get them after January your fine, if they all stack up before january your pretty much screwed. You won't find out what your schedule is until late in your second year, and supposedly this schedule is fixed. But!!!!! You can trade your rural months around, so say someone wants to do no away rotations then you can switch with them if they have a good schedule. This does happen if people are willing, now if your not so nice to your classmates and draw a bad schedule and your interested in say urology where you HAVE to do sub i's, then you may get bent over the table. I only say this because, I've heard of a fourth year that basically got the shaft for a schedule and no one would switch with him, because he's an ass. Basically, go where they have the most freedom your fourth year, get the best education the first and second, is the cheapest, and where you can live for that time. You don't want to move somewhere for four years where you'll be unhappy, it's a long time, believe me.

 

[DOEYEGUY]

More than halfway through my internship at a hospital that serves as the base for 4 different DO schools, my alma mater NSUCOM not included, I have a slightly different perspective on this whole topic. Everyone complains about their school. Everyone. If you find someone who absolutely loves their school, they are either 1. On high doses of Effexor 2. An incredble Uber Nerd or 3. Both.

Having gone to NSU, I don't deny that the administration are a bunch of self gratifying, political ladder climbing, egomaniacs. What does this matter to an MS1 taking anatomy??? Don't get caught up in the politics of everything. Of course your education can be better. Of course there are things that need to change. Do the work, bust your ass on rotations and get a good residency. Medical school is a means to an end. I'm just happy that i had a solid class, a great group of friends, and went to medical school in a place where people aren't married to their sisters, which is where the "trendy" new DO schools seem to be opening up.

We all need to bitch and complain. I did a ton of it while i was going to school there, but you know what, I read, did my work, got a solid rotation site in West Palm beach (which is the most important part of med school). And all in all, things have worked out pretty well for me.

Every school has touches of gray in their silver linings. Michigan State (the parent institution of my hospital i'm interning and doing my residency at) loves to tout itself as the 4th best primary care medical school in the country, whatever the hell that means... Did you know that they make their students do 6 months of outpatient medicine during their 3rd and 4th year rotations???? That is ridiculous. I didn't do 6 days of outpatient medicine during my 3rd and 4th years.

Some schools have lousy professors in certain areas... take Nova's physiology department for example.... but I heard a bunch of kansas city students complaining about their professors today.

Listen, there is good and bad about every school. Anatomy is Anatomy, whether you learn it in Ft. Lauderdale, Philadelphia, or Somewhere in the middle of Tennessee. The burden for your education lies on you. This is the DO way. It's a good thing. It makes you tougher, it makes you a better leader, better doctor, and better for your patients. If you want to be spoon fed everything and have your hand held, go to an allopathic program.
The key is to find the place where you are going to be happiest.🙂 🙂 🙂 It's your life... I don't think there is ever a reason not to be happy or to be enjoying yourself. You can always pay back loan money... you can never pay back 4 years of your life.

I can honestly say that even though med school comes with stress and works you to the bone, I had a blast at NSUCOM. Sorry for the bluntness, but I believe there is some good advice in here. Do with it what you will.

 

[bravotwozero]

They hold your hand and spoon feed you information at allo schools? That's news to me.

 

[FizbanZymogen]

DOEYEGUY, some things you said are relevant but it sounds like someone's a little bitter towards allopaths. You either didn't get into an MD school and have a chip on your shoulder or you are just ignorant.

 

[DOEYEGUY]

Yea, looking back at what I wrote, it might have been a little off base. But in comparing the osteopathic and allopathic places I've rotated, the allopathic places seemed a little more methodical... with greater structure and support. I guess this does not necessarily a bad thing nor does it mean they are spoon fed so I apologize if that offended anyone. I honestly could care less where anyone went to school as you can read in my original post... I do, however, believe that there is a lot of benefit afforded by the DO programs that give the resident a lot of autonomy and responsibility from day one. It is scary as hell at the beginning, but i think it toughens you up, and if you're motivated to read as well, will be an excellent doctor for it.

 

[fusefanjay]

Well, I realize that only 7 people have responded, but I'm somewhat troubled by the distribution that I see. For someone like myself, whose only options (because of rejections elsewhere) are NSUCOM or one of the better-known Caribbean schools, it's definitely making me reassess which option I should choose. I've exhausted the whole "MD/DO" debate, and the only thing that really matters to me is which road would be the smoothest as far as the residency process (interviews, competitive specialties, etc) goes between a Caribbean MD graduate and a DO graduate. It generally seems that the advantage of going to a DO school here would be better opportunities in the clinical years and easier ability to do audition rotations in 4th year. (But then again, even Caribbean MD students can do the same as well in 4th year). The ability to apply to competitive DO residency specialties is an advantage as well (although the # of slots are rather low in each specialty).

Basically, like anyone else who is trying to do their homework, I'm just trying to figure out what the best option will be. I don't want to look back down the road like other current students whose stories I've read here on SDN and other forums, and say that another option would have been the most beneficial for me.

I just wanted to save you some hardship here. Any US medical school (MD or DO) is a better option than attending a Caribbean program. US DOs are the equivalent of US MDs, and I've had many private conversations with MDs who feel this way. That is not true of all foreign medical graduate, particularly those from the Caribbean schools. The Caribbean schools have poor support services, make you move all over the country for your clinical years, and have a VERY high attrition rate. You are not guaranteed to graduate, and you are not guaranteed a residency. If you graduate from a US DO school, you WILL get a residency somewhere, that may not be the case from a Caribbean school. One of the better known Caribbean medical schools, Ross, takes in about 500 people three times a year (look at DeVry fiscal statements). Ross has been around for over 30 years, yet they have about 5000 graduates???

 

[toothless rufus]

You can do your fourth year 3 months of rurals anywhere you want to (as in out of state), as long as its designated as a rural/urban location, correct?

 

[Orthodoc40]

You can do your 3 months of rurals anywhere you want to (as in out of state), as long as its designated as a rural/urban location, correct?

Yah, find a quiet street corner, set up a little booth with a sign that says, "The doctor is in: 5 cents" and you're good to go!

 

[toothless rufus]

Yah, find a quiet street corner, set up a little booth with a sign that says, "The doctor is in: 5 cents" and you're good to go!

YES!! 😀

 

[Faraaz23]

I'm an M1... and sure there's a lot of things I wish were diff, but IMO nothing big enough to tell someone not to come here. We could be A LOT worse off. I don't want to start a flame war, but there's another DO school out there that wants to ban all exam question challenges among MANY other really ridiculous policies. I actually think our match list is fine. Medical school is what YOU put into it and looking from our previous match list, students have gotten some very high calibur allopathic residencies coming from here. In fact, what school out there thats actually ESTABLISHED has an admin that people are 100% happy with? I imagine things are trickier if you're involved in SGA and are always butting heads, but I think for the average student you can just go through 4 years here putting up with a similar amount of BS you'd find at any school.

Also, I agree... for residency placement, being a DO is going to be better than being a caribbean grad in the eyes of many program directors (not saying they don't get a good education either, some PD's are still very prejudice though).

 

[kaikai128]

The latest thing is that they (Admin) took away 12 slots at the most popular rotation site. This was done without notifying the students, and well after we filled out our match forms for the rotation lottery. It completely changed the dynamics of the match and had the students known their selections may have been different. It greatly reduced the size of the most popula site, and to most everyone was very misleading. The fact is we should have known before it was said and done. I myself am happy with my rotation but it has caused great concern with the student body about the chracter of the higher ups. It is all politics and I know this but right now I have a foul taste in my mouth as well as a good part of my class.

The education here is good, with good faculty and clinicians. Don't get me wrong I am happy I am here. I feel privledged to be here. From here you can do anything and you get the education you need.

From what I know of this situation, NSU administration had nothing to do with this--it was the hospital. Correct me if I am wrong, but from beginning to end this is what I have always known from this situiation. Q-are you an M2?

 

[kaikai128]

You can do your fourth year 3 months of rurals anywhere you want to (as in out of state), as long as its designated as a rural/urban location, correct?

NO, two of the three months have to be in the state of Florida at a location that you will be assigned at by the school (I believe). The third month is your choice. One of my good friends is going to be going internationally for his third rotation.

 

[Quakkilla]

From what I know of this situation, NSU administration had nothing to do with this--it was the hospital. Correct me if I am wrong, but from beginning to end this is what I have always known from this situiation. Q-are you an M2?

Yes I am a M2, and yes you are correct in that it was the hospital that requested the change. BUT the way that is was mishandeled is what is troubles me. If the Admin had known about such a large change, a change that was going to drastically change the outcome of the match, they hsould have let the student body know about it. It is our education, our money, our lives they are dealing with. For them to dismiss it as a minor glitch is mind boggling to me. I am frustrated, with the way the Admin totaly discounts the students bodies opinion, but I am over it. Nothing is ever going to change and I am gone next year anyway, someone else's problem now. I am done!!!