OCPM 5-Year

[Carbon13]

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I noticed that OCPM offers an "extended curriculum" program. Basically delaying upper & lower anatomy until the second year. Thus, creating a lighter workload throughout the time at school.

Would this be a good route to go in order to increase chance of success at the school ?

Any potential problems ?



Any opinions please....

 

[Paulywog]

If you dont think you can handle the full load then do it. Going the extra year of school means (1 more year of debt + one year later to earn a doctors salary = a lot of money). Depends on your situation, it could be good or bad. I thought about doing the 5 year program since my wife was 8 months pregnant w/ our 2nd child going into my 1st year of POD school. I didn't think I could do it, but it is manageable. I want to get through schooling as soon as possible. Also, I am graduating in 2012 and the 1st Western POD school graduates will be applying for residency in 2013. So if I extended to graduate in 2013, it would be more competitive that year. Just look at all of the pros and cons and whatever weighs out, you have your answer.

 

[mildoc2016]

I noticed that OCPM offers an "extended curriculum" program. Basically delaying upper & lower anatomy until the second year. Thus, creating a lighter workload throughout the time at school.

Would this be a good route to go in order to increase chance of success at the school ?

Any potential problems ?



Any opinions please....

depends on your living situation/ lifestyle

yes the new school will have grads out in 2013

i have noticed some communication issue for the 5 years students, when it comes to major announcments/ schedule changes ie it doesnt go as smoothly for them, but the load is lighter etc

 

[scrlet52]

If you have a family and time is difficult to manage that is one thing, but if you do the 5 year program because you think you cant handle the workload then you shouldnt be going to med school. What do you think is going to happen of your interviews for residency? Directors are going to ask you why you took 5 years to graduate when all the other students interviewing only needed four. Think about it....

 

[whiskers]

If you have a family and time is difficult to manage that is one thing, but if you do the 5 year program because you think you cant handle the workload then you shouldnt be going to med school. What do you think is going to happen of your interviews for residency? Directors are going to ask you why you took 5 years to graduate when all the other students interviewing only needed four. Think about it....

Is that what you think or is that what you know? I highly doubt that is makes much of a difference so long as you are not repeating classes.

I mean it's the best thing that has happened to weak students with low GPAs that get accpeted. I mean it basically ensures them a middle middle class job for life instead of a lower middle class lifestyle.

They will be fine.

 

[handoverfist77]

An extra year in Cleveland, OH? No thanks!

It's more expensive, plus the regular program is more than manageable.

 

[scrlet52]

Is that what you think or is that what you know? I highly doubt that is makes much of a difference so long as you are not repeating classes.

I mean it's the best thing that has happened to weak students with low GPAs that get accpeted. I mean it basically ensures them a middle middle class job for life instead of a lower middle class lifestyle.

They will be fine.

You're right, maybe we should have 8 year programs and just take 2 classes per semester..

 

[jonwill]

Besides financial consequences, the 5 year program won't destroy your chances for a good residency but it does put you at a disadvantage when being compared to your peers. Especially in this climate with the student to residency ratio being what it is, I wouldn't take the chance.

It is my opinion that the 5 year program should be in place for extenuating circumstances and should not be an option right out of the gates (which is the case at many of the schools).

 

[whiskers]

You're right, maybe we should have 8 year programs and just take 2 classes per semester..

It probably would take 8 yrs for some if their old tests were taken away. In fact, I bet many wouldn't even make it through let alone be the valedictorian\!

 

[MIkeNB]

Hi I am a student at OCPM right now and if you can handle the load, i would recommend taking the 4 year program. You'll transition through your courses more smoothly if there are any changes in the program, you will be with your peers all 4 years, and most importantly...Being a 5 year student is boring. I know some students who regret being in the 5 year program because they have too much time on their first year.

 

[prettypod]

yeah 5 year students have way too much time on their hands and then are disappointed when they get further along in training and get separated from their peers and lumped in with the younger class. And when it comes time for boards 1, the material is not as fresh as it is 3 years away from your first classes as compared to the other students who only have to remember stuff from 2 years ago.