GA-PCOM Accreditation...

[GAdoc]

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For those of you who attend, are going to attend, or know anything about the process....


....so far Ga-PCOM is the only school I'm accepted at so far. Do any of you know if accreditation has been acted upon thus far? When will you know? Will that present any problems when it comes time to figure out residencies?

Also, how is the network of 3rd year clerkships coming? The web-site doesn't indicate that all the plans are firm at this point. Anyone know anything about that?

 

[samdwi]

For those of you who attend, are going to attend, or know anything about the process....


....so far Ga-PCOM is the only school I'm accepted at so far. Do any of you know if accreditation has been acted upon thus far? When will you know? Will that present any problems when it comes time to figure out residencies?

Also, how is the network of 3rd year clerkships coming? The web-site doesn't indicate that all the plans are firm at this point. Anyone know anything about that?

I'm a first year student at GA-PCOM. The COCA (accrediting body) people were here for their inspection in the middle of Feb. They will give their official decision in April. Unofficially, they've told us that everything was just fine and we would get accrediation in April without problem. They had no recommendations for us, which is a good thing - it means everything was up to snuff and we needed to make no changes - we're proud of that because that has never happened at any other school seeking accreditation before us.

Bottom line, we'll be accredited by April/May of this year and in that respect we will be equal to any other accredited DO school.

 

[bracehead]

what about the second part of the question have any clinical sites been finalized yet. This is a very important question for me because I do not want to move around to much for clinicals.

Secondly, I have heard their are alot guest lectures at the school. Do you feel this is a problem or a postive.

Bracehead

 

[samdwi]

what about the second part of the question have any clinical sites been finalized yet. This is a very important question for me because I do not want to move around to much for clinicals.

Secondly, I have heard their are alot guest lectures at the school. Do you feel this is a problem or a postive.

Bracehead

Most clinical sites are in Georgia, with a few in atlanta or withing driving distance (45 minutes to an hour and half)). There are many spread out over the South though. TN, AL, SC, NC etc.

You will be moving around, but how much depends a lot an several variables - your groups of students, your lottery position, your interests, luck etc. I'm still not sure on how exactly it will work out, we are still a year and half away from that time and details are changing often. Core locations are set, as are many other hospitals and practices, but more are being added/finalized/changed etc.

We do have guest lectureres, they have mostly been good with a couple exceptions (my opinion; view may differ depending on who you ask). Many of these lectureres are trying to get faculty positions here, so we are in essence testing them out, and they are testing us out. The courses where visiting lectureres are used is overseen and coordinated by our own full-time faculty members, so it is organized and fits well.

At this stage of the school, I feel it is good we have a few visiting professors, that way we are not stuck with any sucky faculty. Within a couple years however, we will probably have a large majority of our faculty permanent. One negative with some vsiting professors is that they may not be available in an office when you need them, so you have to communicate via phone or email - but I haven't heard that this is a big issue.

For example right now we are in our third term of the first year. It consists of a mix of biochem, immuno, micobio, patho ("integrated curriculum"). Four of our professors are full-timers who are always here, and another three are visiting (two of the three are married to each other, so they are a package deal). Further, our full-time faculty have worked with the visiting faculty previously, so they know each other and we can easily get a hold of them when needed.

 

[GAdoc]

Most clinical sites are in Georgia, with a few in atlanta or withing driving distance (45 minutes to an hour and half)). There are many spread out over the South though. TN, AL, SC, NC etc.

You will be moving around, but how much depends a lot an several variables - your groups of students, your lottery position, your interests, luck etc. I'm still not sure on how exactly it will work out, we are still a year and half away from that time and details are changing often. Core locations are set, as are many other hospitals and practices, but more are being added/finalized/changed etc.

We do have guest lectureres, they have mostly been good with a couple exceptions (my opinion; view may differ depending on who you ask). Many of these lectureres are trying to get faculty positions here, so we are in essence testing them out, and they are testing us out. The courses where visiting lectureres are used is overseen and coordinated by our own full-time faculty members, so it is organized and fits well.

At this stage of the school, I feel it is good we have a few visiting professors, that way we are not stuck with any sucky faculty. Within a couple years however, we will probably have a large majority of our faculty permanent. One negative with some vsiting professors is that they may not be available in an office when you need them, so you have to communicate via phone or email - but I haven't heard that this is a big issue.

For example right now we are in our third term of the first year. It consists of a mix of biochem, immuno, micobio, patho ("integrated curriculum"). Four of our professors are full-timers who are always here, and another three are visiting (two of the three are married to each other, so they are a package deal). Further, our full-time faculty have worked with the visiting faculty previously, so they know each other and we can easily get a hold of them when needed.

OK....lottery? From what I've seen on GA-PCOM's website, core clinical clerkship sites have been established in several states and in Columbus, Albany, Warner Robins, etc. in Georgia. Those three locations (the only ones specifically mentioned on GA-PCOM's site) are all probably 2-4 hours from Atlanta. What do you do if you have a family? Yall may be a year and a half away, but the problem's probably not going away. Atlanta has plenty of hospitals, but the teaching hospitals are alrady innundated with medical students (Emory and Morehouse). GA-PCOM doesn't seem to mention much about Atlanta hospitals.

I'm not attacking the school-its the only one I've been accepted to...but what if my wife has a job in Gwinnett?

 

[GAdoc]

OK....lottery? From what I've seen on GA-PCOM's website, core clinical clerkship sites have been established in several states and in Columbus, Albany, Warner Robins, etc. in Georgia. Those three locations (the only ones specifically mentioned on GA-PCOM's site) are all probably 2-4 hours from Atlanta. What do you do if you have a family? Yall may be a year and a half away, but the problem's probably not going away. Atlanta has plenty of hospitals, but the teaching hospitals are alrady innundated with medical students (Emory and Morehouse). GA-PCOM doesn't seem to mention much about Atlanta hospitals.

I'm not attacking the school-its the only one I've been accepted to...but what if my wife has a job in Gwinnett?

Bump

 

[samdwi]

OK....lottery? From what I've seen on GA-PCOM's website, core clinical clerkship sites have been established in several states and in Columbus, Albany, Warner Robins, etc. in Georgia. Those three locations (the only ones specifically mentioned on GA-PCOM's site) are all probably 2-4 hours from Atlanta. What do you do if you have a family? Yall may be a year and a half away, but the problem's probably not going away. Atlanta has plenty of hospitals, but the teaching hospitals are alrady innundated with medical students (Emory and Morehouse). GA-PCOM doesn't seem to mention much about Atlanta hospitals.

I'm not attacking the school-its the only one I've been accepted to...but what if my wife has a job in Gwinnett?

Oh...don't go by the website - hasn't been updated for several months. Many of those sites sound correct, but many changes have happened from my understanding, and will continue to happen e.g. I believe we also have Atlanta Medical Center as well now, along with something in Rome and Athens. Like I said, you will be moving around, married or not. We have several students who are married, many with kids (I'm not one of 'em, so it doesn't bother me much) -and they will most likley be moving around as well (I don't know if special arangements are being made for people with children etc.).

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depepending on your situation, the first couple classes at GA-PCOM will be rotating around GA and the South. The administration is trying to stay in and around Atlanta when possible , but we are a new school, so there are compromises (not in quality, but location).

Bottom Line: DO NOT EXPECT TO BE CLOSE TO ATLANTA AT ALL TIMES. You will surely have stretches where you will be close to home, but definitely not always.

BMW19 is married and his wife works in Atlanta - he may have more info that I don't know about, PM him.

 

[BMW19]

As Sam said already, we are not going to candy coat this. You will have to move around a bit. But as Sam already stated as well, I am married with a wife who lives in Atl. She understands that I will be moving around a little. This truly the first of many sacrifices that you will have to make as a Dr. including working on holidays, weekends and during your kids softball games! Your family may as well get used to it now. If you want to go to a school where you do all of your cores in one hosptial and do not get a diverse exposure to different hospitals and clinics then you may want to consider another program. Personally I see it as plus to get a diverse mix of hospitals and locations ( I say that now anyway). Plus I have been told that there are some rotations that are pretty lax (i.e. Psych, outpatient FP) in this case you can prob. drive home on weekends and nights if necessary. You will have some vacation as well. I don't think you will be traveling the whole time, most certainly you will do a few rotations in ATL as well. Hope this helps a little, but as Sam said we have not gone thru it yet either. Besides if this is the only school you get into, you pretty much have to deal with it so don't stress over it now!!

BMW-

OK....lottery? From what I've seen on GA-PCOM's website, core clinical clerkship sites have been established in several states and in Columbus, Albany, Warner Robins, etc. in Georgia. Those three locations (the only ones specifically mentioned on GA-PCOM's site) are all probably 2-4 hours from Atlanta. What do you do if you have a family? Yall may be a year and a half away, but the problem's probably not going away. Atlanta has plenty of hospitals, but the teaching hospitals are alrady innundated with medical students (Emory and Morehouse). GA-PCOM doesn't seem to mention much about Atlanta hospitals.

I'm not attacking the school-its the only one I've been accepted to...but what if my wife has a job in Gwinnett?

 

[GAdoc]

As Sam said already, we are not going to candy coat this. You will have to move around a bit. But as Sam already stated as well, I am married with a wife who lives in Atl. She understands that I will be moving around a little. This truly the first of many sacrifices that you will have to make as a Dr. including working on holidays, weekends and during your kids softball games! Your family may as well get used to it now. If you want to go to a school where you do all of your cores in one hosptial and do not get a diverse exposure to different hospitals and clinics then you may want to consider another program. Personally I see it as plus to get a diverse mix of hospitals and locations ( I say that now anyway). Plus I have been told that there are some rotations that are pretty lax (i.e. Psych, outpatient FP) in this case you can prob. drive home on weekends and nights if necessary. You will have some vacation as well. I don't think you will be traveling the whole time, most certainly you will do a few rotations in ATL as well. Hope this helps a little, but as Sam said we have not gone thru it yet either. Besides if this is the only school you get into, you pretty much have to deal with it so don't stress over it now!!

BMW-

Please don't take this offensively, but I wouldn't even be applying to medical school if I hadn't counted the cost of attending (and I'm not referring to the financial cost). In fact, this is not my first year to apply, but my second. Last year all the U.S. allopathic programs I applied to rejected me. Unfortunately, I didn't apply to any osteo. programs. I did, however, get accepted to Ross and SGU (both Carib. schools). Believe me, that was five months of World War III between my, then, fiance and me! We were married in June. I studied for the MCAT all summer and pulled my scores up. My border-line obsessive-compulsive study habits was her first glimpse to the years ahead. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed at each of the five schools to which I applied this year. My wife attended two of those interviews. Hearing the lectures about what to expect gave her a good idea of what I already knew.

Studying is an investment in your future just like the $150,000 loan you take out. You can't be faulted for that (or you shouldn't be). But I have several married friends who are medical students at Mercer. Here is their mistake: they study from 7am to 7pm and then go out with friends. Or they go hunting on the weekend or play golf. My point is that marriage is a commitment. It may have to take second place to that huge gross exam occasionally, but it should never be second when it doesn't have to be. Now, I'm sure my wife and I could make my constant travelling work, but that's one sacrifice I'd prefer to not have to make.

By the way, you might want to ask a couple Morehouse or Emory students if they feel they're being limited in the scope of what they see doing their rotations at Grady. I can pretty much guarantee that if it exists, you'll see it at that hospital! Personally, I know I want to practice in Georgia. So its probably less important that I see how health care is given in Alabama than it is for me to understand how to care for anything I could come accross as a physician.

Anyway, I think you have the right attitude towards the rotations. I commend you for being part of a class that will be pioneering many aspects of your education. As for me, the vote is not in. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that GA-PCOM is a wonderful school that would help me become a first rate physician. But I have more to think about than me. If I didn't....well, "I'd be sittin in a hot-tub somewhere soakin it up with my soul-mate" on the Carib. island of Grenada. Good luck to you.

 

[Zerosixjt]

GAdoc,

I am going to make this sound as nice as possible, but I know it won't. Marriage take sacrifice, so get over it. If you want to have all the time in the world to spend with your wife and not move or miss a lot of time with her, don't go to medical school. I know, I have been married for 7 years to an soldier in the army. So we moved frequently, and when you add up all the time he has been away from home, it is more than half of the marriage. It has taken a lot of work and sacrifice to get me through my BA, and if I get accepted this year to med school, it will take even more. Marriages CAN survive distance. It is hard and lonely sometimes, but if you are going to take this path in life you have to accept the good with the bad. Most importantly, make sure that you sit down and go over the pros and cons of the decision, so that there are as few surprises as possible.

Now, as far a GA-PCOM goes, if you look at the 05-06 catalog online, you can see that many of the rotations are not that long, so you may not be away from home as much as you think. Also, more hospitals are being added to the rotation list every day, so it is a little early to get all worked up about how much time you will be away from your family, when the first class hasn't even started rotating, and there is no info to base it on. If you REALLY want to practice medicine in GA, and GA-PCOM is the only acceptance that you received, take it. IF you are not sure about the time commitment, look into PA programs.

In the end, it is a very difficult and personal decision, especially when there are two people involved. My best advise is to sit down and find out what would make you both satisfied and happy, and take the path that gets you there with the least amount of pain.

Good Luck!

 

[GAdoc]

GAdoc,

I am going to make this sound as nice as possible, but I know it won't. Marriage take sacrifice, so get over it. If you want to have all the time in the world to spend with your wife and not move or miss a lot of time with her, don't go to medical school. I know, I have been married for 7 years to an soldier in the army. So we moved frequently, and when you add up all the time he has been away from home, it is more than half of the marriage. It has taken a lot of work and sacrifice to get me through my BA, and if I get accepted this year to med school, it will take even more. Marriages CAN survive distance. It is hard and lonely sometimes, but if you are going to take this path in life you have to accept the good with the bad. Most importantly, make sure that you sit down and go over the pros and cons of the decision, so that there are as few surprises as possible.

Now, as far a GA-PCOM goes, if you look at the 05-06 catalog online, you can see that many of the rotations are not that long, so you may not be away from home as much as you think. Also, more hospitals are being added to the rotation list every day, so it is a little early to get all worked up about how much time you will be away from your family, when the first class hasn't even started rotating, and there is no info to base it on. If you REALLY want to practice medicine in GA, and GA-PCOM is the only acceptance that you received, take it. IF you are not sure about the time commitment, look into PA programs.

In the end, it is a very difficult and personal decision, especially when there are two people involved. My best advise is to sit down and find out what would make you both satisfied and happy, and take the path that gets you there with the least amount of pain.

Good Luck!

Thank you for the advice. I don't take it offensively, but I would submit that now IS the time to get worked up over 3rd year clerkships. After I sign the loan I'm pretty much committing myself to four years at that school. So year two is probably not the time to start thinking I made a mistake. Transferring is tough and I'd rather not look at it as an option for any school. I want to know as much about GA-PCOM as I can before I committ to it, because once i'm there its all or nothing. Just because its the only school I've been accepted to thus far, doesn't mean I just rush in and do it. It's just like you said, I have to sit down and weigh the pros and cons. Honestly, there have not been many cons. GA-PCOM has a lot to boast about. My wife and I both have realistic expectations for my life in med school and as a doctor. And we have a strong marriage. And distance relationships can definately work. But these are factors that must be considered. Medical school is one of those committments that sort of defines the next 40 years of your life. So it is something I definately take seriously. By the way, I've been wait-listed at the Uniformed Service University (USUHS), so my wife and I have definately counted the cost of being apart. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Zerosixjt]

I saw your posts about USUHS as well, and there was a lot of bashing military docs, so let me give you some info as someone whose health care is primarily provided by military physicians. I am not going to bash military medicine, there are good and bad docs in military and civilian life, it all depends on the individual person, training, and location.

The amount of time that you will spend away from your family greatly depends on what branch of service you commit too and what specialty you are interested in. DC obviously has great rotation sites, but there are military hospitals all over the country(world) that you may have to rotate through, and many times these are not accompanied by family members.

The military in general (and medicine specifically) takes a certain kind of personality to thrive. The time commitment is more that what is listed on the info, because you don't just go to work, but you live your work. It can be very rewarding, if it is really what you want to do. If you are close to, or can travel to a local military base. Call the medical corp and set up and appointment where you can tour the facilities, see the lifestyle and ask the staff some questions.

If you, or you wife, have specific questions, click on my name and ask away.

 

[GAdoc]

I saw your posts about USUHS as well, and there was a lot of bashing military docs, so let me give you some info as someone whose healthcare is primaraly provided by military physicians. I am not going to bash military medicine, there are good and bad docs in military and civilian life, it all depends on the individual person, training, and location.

The amount of time that you will spend away from your family greatly depends on what branch of service you comitt too and what specialty you are interested in. DC obviously has great rotation sites, but there are military hospitals all over the country(world) that you may have to rotate through, and many times these are not occompanied by family members.

The miltary in general (and medicine specifically) takes a certain kind of personality to thrive. The time comitment is more that what is listed on the info, because you don't just go to work, but you live your work. It can be very rewarding, if it is really what you want to do. If you are close to, or can travel to a local military base. Call the medical corp and set up and appointment where you can tour the facilities, see the lifestyle and ask the staff some questions.

If you, or you wife, have specific questions, click on my name and ask away.

Thank you for the offer. I wish I had spoken to you back before I interviewed. None of the negative military doctors caused me to waiver in my resolve to be a doctor...or even a military doctor. At this point, I doubt I'll end up being accepted to USUHS. I'd love to be a military doctor, but my heart and passion lies in this state. Both my family and my wife's family is here. We want to raise kids here. I don't have any illusions of being some famous neurosurgeon or CT surgeon, etc. I want to find a good balance between being a good husband/father and being a good doctor. And that's not impossible. Sure there will be compromises regardless of specialty. And 3rd year clerkships are probably a drop in the bucket compared to residency and practice. But for someone still considering schools...it is a consideration. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Zerosixjt]

If you really want to be a military doc, look into the military scholarship program. There are multiple bases in Georgia for the different branches. The time commitment is less that USUHS (1 year funding = 1 Year commitment, minimum of 2 years) with some smart negotiations you could probably work staying in GA into your contract. Also, you can join the medical corp after you finish school, or work at the military clinic as a civilian with many of the same pay benefits. So, GA-PCOM could still lead to a career in military medicine.

 

[doctorjoy]

GAdoc

I hope you find what you are looking for. 🙂 Everyone has special situations that they have to consider. I will be attending PCOM-Ga in the fall and will not be able to bring my family with me (4 boys (one iam married to )).
WE had to consider what is good for the family as a whole. Granted they will only be 3 hour drive away so they come see me anytime they want. Summer and holidays will have to do. I am saying this now I already know that my phone bill will be high and my pillows will be tear-stained. But in the end everything will workout how it is suppose to be. Good luck

 

[GAdoc]

GAdoc

I hope you find what you are looking for. 🙂 Everyone has special situations that they have to consider. I will be attending PCOM-Ga in the fall and will not be able to bring my family with me (4 boys (one iam married to )).
WE had to consider what is good for the family as a whole. Granted they will only be 3 hour drive away so they come see me anytime they want. Summer and holidays will have to do. I am saying this now I already know that my phone bill will be high and my pillows will be tear-stained. But in the end everything will workout how it is suppose to be. Good luck

This is a very personal thing that varys widely from family to family. I commend your courage and the support of you family. I know it will be tough, but I also know it will be worth it for you. There was a period in my life when my father lost his job. He had to move five hours away to a new job. My mom was left to take care of us. He commuted every weekend. But he and my mother were at a different place in their marriage than my wife and I are now. We have not even been married a year. That demands some extra consideration!

What an individual family decides will work for them is great. Tough...but great. Nothing like this comes without sacrifice. I'm not even trying to debate that. I just want to make a well-though out decision. I'm sure you all understand.

 

[doctorjoy]

You are still in your honeymoon phase I understand completely. I am knocking on the door of 5 years.

 

[BMW19]

We all have the same concerns, but just remember it is really only a year of your life maybe a little more.

3rd year- Some travel, some local (maybe 7-8 months traveling more than 2 hrs.) Factor in vacation, local rotations, and rotations 1-2 hours away you could prob. come home every few days.

4th year- Lots of electives, go where you want. Some travel

Residency- Go where you want.

Not terrible when you break it down.

BMW-

This is a very personal thing that varys widely from family to family. I commend your courage and the support of you family. I know it will be tough, but I also know it will be worth it for you. There was a period in my life when my father lost his job. He had to move five hours away to a new job. My mom was left to take care of us. He commuted every weekend. But he and my mother were at a different place in their marriage than my wife and I are now. We have not even been married a year. That demands some extra consideration!

What an individual family decides will work for them is great. Tough...but great. Nothing like this comes without sacrifice. I'm not even trying to debate that. I just want to make a well-though out decision. I'm sure you all understand.

 

[samdwi]

This is a very personal thing that varys widely from family to family. I commend your courage and the support of you family. I know it will be tough, but I also know it will be worth it for you. There was a period in my life when my father lost his job. He had to move five hours away to a new job. My mom was left to take care of us. He commuted every weekend. But he and my mother were at a different place in their marriage than my wife and I are now. We have not even been married a year. That demands some extra consideration!

What an individual family decides will work for them is great. Tough...but great. Nothing like this comes without sacrifice. I'm not even trying to debate that. I just want to make a well-though out decision. I'm sure you all understand.

Yeah, was in a similiar situation with my parents as well when I was younger, My mom, my sister and I were in FL while my dad was working in CA for a few years, so we'd see him maybe 3-4 times a year. So I can definitely see your hesitation/concern. However, and I'm probably just stating the the obvious, but the sacrifice will be worth it. And this is for any med-school you will attend. And, in this case, your wife and you are making this decision, it hasn't been forced upon you (like having to move for a job when you gotta put food on the table) so atleast you haven't been blind-sided, and you can plan and prepare for the times you will be away.

 

[Amy B]

I'm a first year student at GA-PCOM. The COCA (accrediting body) people were here for their inspection in the middle of Feb. They will give their official decision in April. Unofficially, they've told us that everything was just fine and we would get accrediation in April without problem. They had no recommendations for us, which is a good thing - it means everything was up to snuff and we needed to make no changes - we're proud of that because that has never happened at any other school seeking accreditation before us.

Bottom line, we'll be accredited by April/May of this year and in that respect we will be equal to any other accredited DO school.

Ok, I am confused I guess. So How long has GA-PCOM been open? They arent graduating their first class this year, are they?

We have been told you do not get "official" acceditation until your first class graduates and then it is fully accredited. So our first class will graduate at the very sec we become offical at VCOM.

Is it because GA-PCOM is part of an existing school if they havent been open a full 4 years, that they would get accedited before their first class graduates?

 

[samdwi]

Ok, I am confused I guess. So How long has GA-PCOM been open? They arent graduating their first class this year, are they?

We have been told you do not get "official" acceditation until your first class graduates and then it is fully accredited. So our first class will graduate at the very sec we become offical at VCOM.

Is it because GA-PCOM is part of an existing school if they havent been open a full 4 years, that they would get accedited before their first class graduates?

Yes, we will be accredited by April/May of this year. We opened in August 2005, so we are only the first class and will graduate in 2009. We are getting accreditation because we are branch of an established COM.

 

[box29]

Yes, we will be accredited by April/May of this year. We opened in August 2005, so we are only the first class and will graduate in 2009. We are getting accreditation because we are branch of an established COM.

I'm now confused. Touro Nevada is a branch of an established COM and we will not be fully accredited until we, the class of 2008, graduate. Hmmm, maybe I should look into this more...I'll ask my dean.

Please explain what COCA relayed to you at the last visit.

 

[samdwi]

I'm now confused. Touro Nevada is a branch of an established COM and we will not be fully accredited until we, the class of 2008, graduate. Hmmm, maybe I should look into this more...I'll ask my dean.

Please explain what COCA relayed to you at the last visit.

Interesting.

So here'e what happened (or my understanding of it):

We had COCA inspection in Feb 2006. COCA met with faculty, administration, top-dudes from Philly, students, our Student Govt. They spent a few days going over everything - facilities, curriculum (which is in most ways adapted from Philly), student concerns, our tests, so on and so forth.

Then they left, and later we heard from our Dean that COCA said we would get accreditation because everything was fine. We would have a follow up visit in early april from the Middle States Commissioner on Higher Eductaion (which is next week), and following that, we would recieve formal accreditation (not provisional, or temporary, but the same as PCOM or LECOM, or NYCOM, you get the idea).

In short, we would be accredited just like any other DO school. Mainly because we have our curriculum etc straight from Philly, so they knew what they were working with. Now I also learned that this is the last year any new DO school (branch of existing school or not) will receive full accreditation before graduating its first class. From now on, all new DO colleges have to graduate a class before full accreditation is given, even if, say, PCOM were to create a PCOM-Florida campus, it would have to now graduate a class to qualify for accreditation. We beat the clock essentially.

I don't know the details about Touro, unfortunately, but definitely speak to your Dean about it.

After every such COCA visit, depending on its impression, COCA gives a list of recommendations to the school which it thinks the school should adopt before recieving accrediation - we received no such recommendations (i.e. we don't have to change/modify/add anything according to COCA), however COCA made the suggestion we should have a "counselor" avaialbale to students - but our accreditation doesn't depend on it.

Of course, IMO, there are things our school can improve upon, but they are minor and students and faculty are working together to make changes where appropriate.

I'll fill you in after the Commissioner visits next week.

 

[box29]

...I'll fill you in after the Commissioner visits next week.

Thanks... 🙂

 

[samdwi]

Thanks... 🙂

Follow up on GA-PCOM accreditation process...

She came, she saw, WE conquered. It seemed like COCA had already made up its mind to accreditate us, and the visit from the commissioner was more a formality to make sure we hadn't packed up and left overnight.

She asked questions mainly to ascertain if any glaring problems existed - she found none. We told her about any problems we think we have or may soon have, but nothing set her "DO NOT ACCREDITATE" radar off, so we're good to go.

Heck, some of us got a free lunch out of it...

Also, DO NOT RENT AT STERLING RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS...but if you do, mention my name so we can split the referral fee ($250 or so) 😀

 

[UltimateDO]

Thank you for the offer. I wish I had spoken to you back before I interviewed. None of the negative military doctors caused me to waiver in my resolve to be a doctor...or even a military doctor. At this point, I doubt I'll end up being accepted to USUHS. I'd love to be a military doctor, but my heart and passion lies in this state. Both my family and my wife's family is here. We want to raise kids here. I don't have any illusions of being some famous neurosurgeon or CT surgeon, etc. I want to find a good balance between being a good husband/father and being a good doctor. And that's not impossible. Sure there will be compromises regardless of specialty. And 3rd year clerkships are probably a drop in the bucket compared to residency and practice. But for someone still considering schools...it is a consideration. Thanks for your thoughts!

If you are concerned about spending time away from your family for rotations then military medicine is probably not for you. Basically assume that you will be deployed for 9 months every 3-4 years after residency. With the turnover in mil med right now that is going to at best stay the same in the foreseeable future. Also the commitment for HPSP is minimum 1year for each year of funding, there are many exceptions to the rule depending on your residency. PM me if you have any questions, my fiancee is an Army OB resident at Tripler right now too.

 

[ndspider]

I am a medical student in the Atlanta region.

MD

Class of 2008

As far as your clinical rotations. Which hospitals in Atlanta will you be rotating through. I look foward to working with some DO's cause I am curious on how you apply your way of medicine.
We do some weekly practicals in Grady and I have to say, excellent place to learn.... will you guys be downtown to join in on the fun?

Just a curious future md.

 

[GAdoc]

I am a medical student in the Atlanta region.

MD

Class of 2008

As far as your clinical rotations. Which hospitals in Atlanta will you be rotating through. I look foward to working with some DO's cause I am curious on how you apply your way of medicine.
We do some weekly practicals in Grady and I have to say, excellent place to learn.... will you guys be downtown to join in on the fun?

Just a curious future md.

Yeah, I heard somewhere that Grady was tired of Emory and Morehouse students and had decided to only let DO's rotate because they liked "our way of medicine better".....I'm totally kidding (a friendly little jab at an md buddy).

Actually, I don't think Grady is on the slate of hospitals for GA-PCOM students to rotate through. I regret this. I am currently on the wait list at Morehouse, and to be honest, Grady would be one of my biggest reasons to go there. What an awesome opportunity! Since GA-PCOM is the only place I've been accepted thus far, I'll probably miss out, but if Morehouse gives me a call, we'll have to see. PM me about where you go to school, I'd be interested in asking you about it.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Is there a list of clinical sites for the school? I have been trying to find one for awhile with no luck.

 

[GAdoc]

Is there a list of clinical sites for the school? I have been trying to find one for awhile with no luck.

I went to the open house this past Friday. According to BMW19 (who I spoke to at the school) the rotations are 98% nailed down. They are being careful what they list on their web-site in case something falls through. But they still have a year to square things away.

 

[bracehead]

GADOC,
If the rotations are 98% finalized then what are the names or locations of some of those sites that BMW19 was able to tell you.

 

[GAdoc]

GADOC,
If the rotations are 98% finalized then what are the names or locations of some of those sites that BMW19 was able to tell you.

He mentioned Houston Medical Center for Psychiatry (in Warner Robins). He also mentioned one of the hospitals in Rome and Columbus. He wasn't very specific with me, but it was just a conversation, not an interogation. Trust, me, if you look back at some of my previous posts you can see how concerned I am about this issue. I mean, third year clerkships is what turns a person with two years of theoretical knowledge into a doctor. My sense of it is that all of the rotations will be good...just a lot of traveling. Unfortunately, I can't find out from anyone which rotations will be at which locations. If anyone else knows, please share.

 

[DD214_DOC]

During the interview, I was told they had secured locations in GA, SC, AL, FL, and some further up north. I was particularly interested in their affiliation with MCG. Did all of this fall through or something?

 

[ndspider]

Make sure you get good exposure during your Third and fourth year. Cause that is the most fun.
I am almost done with my 2nd year... just 3 more shelf exams and the Step 1 and then we hit the floor running, over cockroaches. (I have seen them in the hallway in grady no kidding)
I will be tracking GaPComm to see what happens since I am curious 🙂
.Nd

 

[samdwi]

FYI everyobody. We are now officially accredited just like any other DO college.

 

[GAdoc]

FYI everyobody. We are now officially accredited just like any other DO college.

AWESOME

 

[samdwi]

AWESOME

AWESOME indeed!

 

[samdwi]

AWESOME indeed!

Thought I'd bump this thread in case a few incoming students had a few schools to choose from and wanted to know our accreditation status...

 

[Tallulah]

does anyone know exactly what hospitals that GAPCOM students will be rotating through?

 

[samdwi]

does anyone know exactly what hospitals that GAPCOM students will be rotating through?

some updates have been posted to the website which state:

"...GA-PCOM has affiliations with many hospitals and clinics in Georgia and the surrounding states, offering a full spectrum of clinical learning opportunities for our third and fourth year medical students. Clerkships begin in June 2007. A number of opportunities for students are in the metro Atlanta area. Others Georgia sites include hospitals and clinics in Columbus, Augusta, Warner Robins, Athens, Rome, Savannah, and Thomasville. We are also actively working with sites in Anderson, SC; Huntsville, AL; Chattanooga, TN; and in West Palm Beach and Orlando, FL. Our clinical education network will expand even more in the future..."


It would be hard to say exclty where we'll be going at this point, but should be clearer after summer. Although, we've been told that all our core sites have been finalized.

 

[Packamylase]

some updates have been posted to the website which state:

"...GA-PCOM has affiliations with many hospitals and clinics in Georgia and the surrounding states, offering a full spectrum of clinical learning opportunities for our third and fourth year medical students. Clerkships begin in June 2007. A number of opportunities for students are in the metro Atlanta area. Others Georgia sites include hospitals and clinics in Columbus, Augusta, Warner Robins, Athens, Rome, Savannah, and Thomasville. We are also actively working with sites in Anderson, SC; Huntsville, AL; Chattanooga, TN; and in West Palm Beach and Orlando, FL. Our clinical education network will expand even more in the future..."


It would be hard to say exclty where we'll be going at this point, but should be clearer after summer. Although, we've been told that all our core sites have been finalized.

How does housing work while you are away on a rotation? Do you have to find an apt at each place? Is there a "safe house" for fellow Ga-PCOM'ers? Would you have to pay rent for your place in Augusta, for example, and for your place in Duluth?

Curious.

 

[samdwi]

How does housing work while you are away on a rotation? Do you have to find an apt at each place? Is there a "safe house" for fellow Ga-PCOM'ers? Would you have to pay rent for your place in Augusta, for example, and for your place in Duluth?

Curious.

Some places housing will be arranged with nominal fees. Some places, especially for electives you decide to do elesewhere, you would be responsible for housing. As for maintinaing two rents, I'll worry about that when I get to that point - too early to say anything for sure. OIS is doing their best to get us housing at core rotation sites though.

 

[BMW19]

They will have a set criteria in terms of distance in miles and/or time that will decide this. For example, if the hospital is within 45 mins of your apt. in Duluth you may have to suck it up and drive so no housing will be provided to you. But if they are making you rotate in Anderson, SC I would assume that housing will be provided in some fashion. Although, assuming has gotten me in trouble in the past (you know the saying). Anyway, you guys are in a good position in that we are the guinea pigs! We shall see what the future holds..

BMW-

How does housing work while you are away on a rotation? Do you have to find an apt at each place? Is there a "safe house" for fellow Ga-PCOM'ers? Would you have to pay rent for your place in Augusta, for example, and for your place in Duluth?

Curious.