Current western students input needed

[dogsNcats]

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I am having the hardest decision deciding schools. Could current students talk/give info about their experiences. Do you feel like you are learning mostly on your own ( i know will be helpful in the long run) but is it frustrating at all???

Also, besides looking online at the schedule----could someone talk about what classes are really like----what happens during the week outside of pbl??? I know there is "2 hours" designated to clinics---what do you do? How is anatomy structured???


Thank you sooo much! I am dying here!

 

[zxz130]

Sorry, since this doesn't answer your question, but what schools are you deciding between?

 

[dogsNcats]

Western and University of Illinois. I live in CA---so both schools will cost me the same. I am aware there is a similar thread but I am looking for more info on what Western's daily curriculum is like.. I know it is PBL ---but would love to hear from current students.

 

[twelvetigers]

I'm curious too, but I dunno if LLIPPY or midnightdnc are around to respond (and I can't tink of any other current students, though Chris graduated from there in ~2007).

 

[Marsala]

I am curious as well...BUMP!

 

[mdnghtdnc]

Sorry guys.. we are all prepping for finals! PBL is very frustrating until you get the hang of it, and yes you are primarily learning the information on your own. You MUST have the drive to go home or find a place to study and read the information and do your research. The facilitators are there to guide you with questions but you are expected to try and find the answers to your questions first. PBL is two hours three days a week, MCB is two hours one day a week, Vet Issues is two hours once a week, anatomy lab is two hours twice a week, and ancillary lab is two hours twice a week... rotations are not every week only when your group is scheduled and depending on which one you have can go from two hours to four hours... On rotations you will learn physical exams, restraint, blood draws, lab techniques, etc. second year students have done two surgical procedures either shared with another student or solo (with a doctor closely mointoring), rectal palpations, etc.
Anatomy labs are set up so you work in your PBL with a dog or a cat to dissect. The anatomist will help you out if you ask them questions. They will give you an overview of what to focus on for the week but again won't tell you what you need to know. For example... if have a cardio case they will instruct you to focus on structures in the thoracic cavity.
Ancillary activities are supplemental to learning.. and range from parasitology labs, pathology labs, nutrition etc. These all very so it is hard to describe the structure.
MCB is a class where you are given a reading assignment and are asked to wright a paper on that assignment (basically reviewing the paper), then you discuss it during the lecture. Vet Issues is an ethics course that covers a range of topics and is the most traditional class as far as teaching goes.
If you have any other questions just let me know. I hope this helped a little.

 

[chris03333]

I'm curious too, but I dunno if LLIPPY or midnightdnc are around to respond (and I can't tink of any other current students, though Chris graduated from there in ~2007).

I already answered this in the "similar" thread the OP refers to, and you are correct '07 grad, not current student.

 

[dogsNcats]

Sorry guys.. we are all prepping for finals! PBL is very frustrating until you get the hang of it, and yes you are primarily learning the information on your own. You MUST have the drive to go home or find a place to study and read the information and do your research. The facilitators are there to guide you with questions but you are expected to try and find the answers to your questions first. PBL is two hours three days a week, MCB is two hours one day a week, Vet Issues is two hours once a week, anatomy lab is two hours twice a week, and ancillary lab is two hours twice a week... rotations are not every week only when your group is scheduled and depending on which one you have can go from two hours to four hours... On rotations you will learn physical exams, restraint, blood draws, lab techniques, etc. second year students have done two surgical procedures either shared with another student or solo (with a doctor closely mointoring), rectal palpations, etc.
Anatomy labs are set up so you work in your PBL with a dog or a cat to dissect. The anatomist will help you out if you ask them questions. They will give you an overview of what to focus on for the week but again won't tell you what you need to know. For example... if have a cardio case they will instruct you to focus on structures in the thoracic cavity.
Ancillary activities are supplemental to learning.. and range from parasitology labs, pathology labs, nutrition etc. These all very so it is hard to describe the structure.
MCB is a class where you are given a reading assignment and are asked to wright a paper on that assignment (basically reviewing the paper), then you discuss it during the lecture. Vet Issues is an ethics course that covers a range of topics and is the most traditional class as far as teaching goes.
If you have any other questions just let me know. I hope this helped a little.

Thanks for the input----greatly appreciated!