The attitude of the first two years has changed dramatically over the past several years at NYCOM. The upper administration has just undergone an overhaul and the new Deans are incredible, real student advocates. The change over to the block system of classes and exams happened 3 years ago, and the kinks are finally worked out. They revamped the second year curriculum this year, reducing class hours by about 20% by eliminating redundancy and you get 6 weeks off to study for the boards now too. They're even giving the entire second year class a week off to go to the AOA Convention in Vegas and they're paying for rooms for about 150 people I think! Supposedly the first and second year classes are getting palm pilots "free of charge" as well, but it's still in the planning stage. The third and fourth years seem pretty strong. Hospital affiliations number in the mid 20's and include some of the best hospitals in NY. One of the main clinical campuses, the North Shore University Hospital system, was named the best overall hospital system in America by the AARP, the largest and probably the most powerful lobbying group in the country. As far as psychiatry, it shouldnt be a problem. Psych is supposedly one of the less competitive specialties, no matter where you go.
Hope this helps.
