Smokin Joe-
I'm just finishing my first semester at Nova. I love it.
In my opinion here are the strengths of Nova (not in any particular order)
1.) Facilities. The classrooms, labs, and everything else is brand-spankin' new. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but trust me, having a well ventilated Anatomy Lab is nice. They also have a "Harvey" simulator (a cardiac patient simulator) which is pretty cool, and a brand new library
2.) Clinical Program. We learn the fundementals of physical diagnosis from the beginning. Literally 4 weeks after school started, I was looking into patients eyes and ears. Granted, at that point it isn't really much more than "OK" or "something's wrong" (I have no idea *what*) but I think patient exposure as early as possible is important. Every other Friday PM, you go to a doctor's office and shadow him/her. As an M1, you're really not expected to *do* anything per se, but face it: learning a procedure or memorizing the signs of a disease is straightforward. It's learning and practicing how to relate with the patient that is challenging. I love being given the opportunity to start this right away.
3.) OPP (Osteopathic Principles and Practice). Dr. Wallace and Dr. Patterson have come to Nova from Kansas City (Which had a superb OPP program) and have ramped up Nova's. Dr. Wallace is one of the best teachers I have ever had...she's awesome. I'm still not a fanatical OPP'er, but I've been very impressed.
4.) Attitude. There are a few exceptions (as anywhere) but the attitude of my class is awesome. Hardly a day that goes by that a fellow M1 or an M2 sends out a study aid via email, or arranges a tutoring/review session. So far, everybody has been *really* working together to see that we *all* make it through.
Here are some things about Nova that I think could be improved (again, in no particular order)
1.) Facilities: For having an undergrad college here, the athletic facilities suck. The rumor mill has it that they're going to build a new multi-million dollar athletic complex, but we'll see. (I went to Notre Dame undergrad, so maybe I'm spoiled)
2.) Basic Sciences (specifically Biochemistry) I was generally disappointed in the biochemistry. I didn't feel like I learned that much, and I struggled to learn what I did. (I felt the lecturers and subjects were mainly poorly organized and detail oriented rather than concept and pathway oriented). I have heard before that Nova has weak basic sciences, and I think this is one of the examples.
Not so for Anatomy. The cadre of anatomy professors are awesome. This was an outstanding class.
3.) Location. Most people love Ft. Lauderdale. I, however, miss the mountains. South Florida is pretty nice, but the traffic sucks, it's hot in the summer, etc. etc. Of course, come February, I *will* be calling all my friends buried under snow in the Northeast to taunt them. Just so you know my biases: I grew up in the NE, went to undergrad in the Midwest, spent 10 years in the Navy in San Diego and Nevada. I like the West coast best.
Here's the thing, though. The only person who can decide if a school is right for you is *you*. Please take these comments with a grain of salt, and I would also caution you against the advice of fellow applicants. Most don't know any more than you do. The only thing you can do is to solicit as many opinions as you can, actually visit the places you're interested in, and try to make the best decision you can.
When you make it in, and start school, then you have to throw yourself into it and get the most out of it. My experience is that I have RARELY found anyone who has been disappointed with their choice...most seem to love the school that they're at.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
-sb
