How to compare clinical training?

[eldarion3141]

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Hello,

I know that there are different ways to compare the academic curriculum of medical schools, but how does one compare the different ways that DO schools train you for clinical rotations in year 3 and 4?


I was also confused on this part of the academic curriculum
KCUMB = Genesis curriculum (somewhat like PBL??)
LECOM = Has CODA and OPEP for clinical training, what is this exatcly?

 

[Assembler]

I don't know about LECOM's CODA or OPEP program, but I do know about KCUMB's Genesis curriculum; it is systems-based and incorporates the basic and clinical sciences into a mode of instruction that is typical during rounds, or basically "clinical presentations." This allows you to cover the anatomy, biochem, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and all other traditional science courses as it relates to each system, as well as the types of diseases you would encounter in healthcare settings that relate to that system in particular. This type of training occurs during the first two years and is more representative (apparently) of what you see on the boards. They implemented the curriculum in 2000, and since then the board rates have kept increasing each year, the last being a 98% passing rate on COMLEX I.

KCUMB also has standardized patient assessment labs, but this is becoming more typical of a lot of schools now. It allows you to interact with trained actors, perform medical histories, physical exams, various types of scenarios you would deal with (ie. ethics comes into mind), and is videotaped, so that you can receive feedback on your communication skills later. The students also participate in a Score One program which offers screening to elementary children throughout the surrounding community. KCUMB also offers early clinical experiences beginning the first year, which allows you to shadow a preceptor in whatever specialty you designate (all the way from family medicine to forensic pathology).

I think the training during the 3rd and 4th years at any school is pretty standard; you complete your core clerkships + electives, generally at a teaching hospital.

 

[doc05]

don't worry too much about clincal training, as you'll learn everything you need during residency. most important is the school's reputation and match lists, since you want the best shot at the residency of your choice. good luck

 

[Doctortobee]

OPEP is the MS1 H&P course. They learn how to do a basic H&P, spend time in preceptors offices, become certified in CPR, and work with standardized patients

CODA is the MS2 continuation of OPEP. In this year long course we do SOAP notes, admit orders, progress notes, more standardized patients, male/female exams, complete dilated opth exams, rx writing, injections, venipuncture, suturing, scrubbing, more clinical office work, and way too much other stuff to list.


CODA and OPEP are for the lecture and isp kids. Pblers do their own thing, but participate in some of our sessions.

 

[heech]

My understanding is... yes, certainly the reputation of the medical school plays a factor in getting residency. But really, your 3rd/4th clinical rotations years are in effect an on-going interview. The recommendations and attention that you get during those two years will play a huge factor in the ultimate match.

It makes sense, doesn't it?

Imagine two candidates for your residency program. Candidate A (graduated from school A) is basically an unknown to you, albeit he seems to have average grades. Candidate B, regardless of grades, has just worked in your program for two months, and he carries letters of recommendations from 3 impressive doctors within your hospital network.

Who would you choose? I think the clinical rotations you can get in your 3rd/4th years should be an important consideration.

 

[mocheese]

All you need to know is CCOM has the best rotations hands down. Followed possibly by WVCOM and NYCOM. 👍

 

[babyruth]

How would you know if you haven't done your clinical rotations yet?

 

[eldarion3141]

How do you really assess the different clinical programs at the different med schools, this is what i am really trying to ask.

what questions do you ask on interview day to get a good picture of the clinical training that the school offers?

1.) What is the range of rotation sites - what areas across the country?
2.) What different types of medical facilities do you have- large to small?
3.) What else?

please help!

 

[EMTLizzy]

How do you really assess the different clinical programs at the different med schools, this is what i am really trying to ask.

what questions do you ask on interview day to get a good picture of the clinical training that the school offers?

1.) What is the range of rotation sites - what areas across the country?
2.) What different types of medical facilities do you have- large to small?
3.) What else?

please help!

If you're heading in to this with your heart set on a particular specialty, you may want to ask how many elective rotations the school allows and what the restrictions are on finding your own rotations (if any). If you really, really, really, want to be toetransplantologist then you'll want to make sure you can get an elective at the best toetransplantology hospital.

Or if a relative is a doc somewhere, you may want to find out if you can rotate there and guarantee yourself at least one stellar review!

Even if you don't really know what kind of doctor you want to be when you grow up, you still may want to know how many options you have for electives and what the required ones are so you know you will have lots of exposure to make an informed decision when the time comes. 👍

 

[FutureDocDO]

All you need to know is CCOM has the best rotations hands down. Followed possibly by WVCOM and NYCOM. 👍

How true is this?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

How true is this?

i'm sort of skeptical because i've never heard anything about wvsom having partiucularly great rotations. i'm not saying they have bad rotations, but you never hear anyone say that it's the best. whereas, you do hear it a lot with ccom and nycom. the latter allow you to do all your rotations in a major city at big hospitals alongside md students, so they're probably solid. i had a list of wvsom clinical sites, and some seemed really good (camc, especially), but others are really in the middle of nowhere in small hospitals.

 

[FutureDocDO]

i'm sort of skeptical because i've never heard anything about wvsom having partiucularly great rotations. i'm not saying they have bad rotations, but you never hear anyone say that it's the best. whereas, you do hear it a lot with ccom and nycom. the latter allow you to do all your rotations in a major city at big hospitals alongside md students, so they're probably solid. i had a list of wvsom clinical sites, and some seemed really good (camc, especially), but others are really in the middle of nowhere in small hospitals.

That's what I thought regarding WVSOM clinical rotation sites. Thanks a lot for the information.

 

[Canuck99]

All you need to know is CCOM has the best rotations hands down. Followed possibly by WVCOM and NYCOM. 👍

Good to hear that you think WVSOM has top rotations. What information do have that makes you say so? I will be attending there next year if I do not get into my state school, any insight is appreciated.

 

[FutureDocDO]

Can anyone make a educated comparison about clinical rotation sites for LECOM-PA vs. WVSOM? Which school has better clinical rotation sites? Thank you.

 

[Canuck99]

Good to hear that you think WVSOM has top rotations. What information do have that makes you say so? I will be attending there next year if I do not get into my state school, any insight is appreciated.

This thread lost steam. Is anyone able to back up the statements made about WVSOM?

 

[FutureDocDO]

bump