Prospective Students

[whiskers]

I wanted to write a few ideas to help prospective students decide on a school that fits them best.

1. How many full time faculty?
Don't over look this one. I don't care where else all of them teach! If they have 3 other jobs, they have lots going on!!!!! Don't kid yourself, lots of students are paying for the professor's time too!

2. How many people drop out the first semester for non-academic reasons?
Big one here, red lights!!!!! If others had a problem that couldn't be resolved, what makes you think you are different?
How many fail each class every year (hint, if the number seems to be a percentage of the class each year, ask about how the curves are set!)

3. Grading scale.
Are the tests made up prior to the class, or do they change the difficulty of Q's for any reason.

4. Do they hire mostly their own graduates to teach?
Uh-oh, are all their grads just so super-duper???

5. Ask the students how their profs and the administration treat them.
Well, you are suppose to be a professional, do they address you like one? Or since you are in debt to them, do they take advantage of that.

6. Class size and resources. Do they rely heavily on upper classmen to teach/tutor? If so, WHY? Can one class replace a Ph.D. etc? Lol!

7. Old tests. Ask!!!! You really.... really don't want to be the only one without them!!!!!! Ask if their professors periodically change the test questions...... If they have 3 other jobs, ask how that is possible!!!! Maybe you could bottle it and sell it to other profs and make a fortune!!!

8. Ask the school how they measure student contentment. I mean, shouldn't that matter? We do if for inmates.

9. Safety! Ask about crime in the neighborhood! If you drive through it, it's essential!

10. Student cohesion. Face it, if the students can't get along with each other, there probably is a reason.

11. Ask how the school is helping their neighborhood to improve.

12. How their students do on the boards and if they have to take a pre board type test and pass in order to take the boards. 99% means nothing if a good portion of the class never made it that far!

13. How are they improving the TEACHING and the PROFESSION.



These are just a few ideas how your young fresh minds should be operating when selecting a school.

Things I'd ignore..

1. Research (it's great to want to cure aids and all, but you have to be able to pass the classes first) focus on what's most important first. If research is #1, then go be a researcher.
2. School reputation (they all brag), plus it's podiatry school. That's the reality of it. Learn to live with it right now. You are entering podiatry school, it's not equal to MD/DO and at times you will be acutely aware of that. Enough said.
3. Facilities whooohooo, so what, you got a building to teach in.
4. Instructor's credentials, particularly where else they teach. Come on, what good is that going to do for you if they have 3 other jobs and you can't adapt to their teaching style? NONE? Don't rely solely on brand recognition.
5. Affiliations. Yawn.... Ownership is key in my opinion.
6. Year school was founded. Yeah, ok. I guess that's the way to rate schools. (roll my eyes)

Things I'm not too sure of how they should impact your school selection:
1. Do you sit with real live MD/DO students for your classes?
Seems kind of safe to me.
2. If they have a sincere and decent mission statement. If it has more cheese than a 5 cheese pizza, ask them WHY!!!!

In conclusion, I suggest every candidate to very carefully consider every option available to them. Do not make your decision out of desperation or fancy sales pitches. Don't be afraid to ask tough Q's of the schools. If they get offended, don't be afraid to consider other schools, b/c if they can't even put on a good show during your interview, imagine a 4 yr show of the same.

I don't advise anyone to follow his or her heart, Use your HEAD!

P.S. if they bash another school, watch out that’s NOT professional in my opinion, I’d waltz away and tell the other school!

---

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[IlizaRob]

Wow, a lot of negative and pessimistic questions. What about asking about positive things?

1. Research (it's great to want to cure aids and all, but you have to be able to pass the classes first) focus on what's most important first. If research is #1, then go be a researcher.

This is a little ridiculous. Research plays an important role in all aspects of medicine.

You are entering podiatry school, it's not equal to MD/DO and at times you will be acutely aware of that. Enough said.

Quite the generalization. Im willing to bet that you have experience with just one school. If this is true, then the DO program at my school is not equal to all MD/DO schools. Because there is little distinction between the two programs.

However, I agree that if you are interested in Podiatry, make sure that it is what you want to do because changing your mind can be costly, just as it is for dentists and optometrists. If not, you may end up like our friend Whiskers here.

 

[jonwill]

It's obvious by "whiskers" posts that this person has ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what they are talking about. I'd be weary of most of the advice! To any prospective students, simply disregard it. As a rule of thumb, only take advice from those that are successful in what YOU are trying to do! This person is apparently not (and conveniently, it is somebody elses fault).

 

[doclm]

It's obvious by "whiskers" posts that this person has ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what they are talking about. I'd be weary of most of the advice! To any prospective students, simply disregard it. As a rule of thumb, only take advice from those that are successful in what YOU are trying to do! This person is apparently not (and conveniently, it is somebody elses fault).

Yeah,

Whiskers has a very negative attitude about POD schools.

The only questions that come to my mind is why all this negativity. Possibly this person failed out, "because everyone else had the answer keys to the old tests and he/she didn't." Heck, talking about being a professional, Whiskers is NOT acting professionally about the field of Podiatric Medicine. My opinion is if Whiskers doesn't feel good about Podiatry, go find another field you like!!!

Also, WHO ARE YOU and WHAT SCHOOL HAVE YOU BEEN TO?

 

[jonwill]

Whiskers, I'm not trying to be mean or confrontational. I just really don't see where you are coming from. I've been very involved with podiatric medicine, both on the local and national level, before even beginning school. I feel that I am quite knowledeable on the profession.

My day consists of getting up at 5:15 and arriving at the hospital at 6:00. I round on my patients, all of which I am treating medically and have admitted. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, I head to the ortho/podiatry clinic (it's the same department, fathom that) from 8-5 or 6. Wednesday and Thursday are surgery days. I take call every 5th day.

I am a student doctor who is specializing in the foot and ankle. In the real world, you are treated, act as, and are a physician. Nobody cares what initials follow your name, where you went to school, or what you scored on a test (that some people apparently already have the answers to). And I can't figure out for the life of me how any of your above complaints have anything to do with what I'm doing now. Take your own advice. You are right, we aren't in high school anymore. Get over this degree sensitivity that you seem to have (varsity/junior varsity syndrome). If you truly think that DPM's are inferior, read Micheal Pinzur's (MD) article in Foot and Ankle International (July 2003) on the less than adequate training orthopods receive in foot and ankle surgery. If we aren't truly the foot and ankle specialists of medicine, than please tell me who is!!!!!!

 

[runnersfeet]

Who are you and what gave you the idea that anyone wants, much less needs, your advice? Who starts a thread themselves by answering a question that nobody asked them? Whiskers, you are random and way too negative for this site - can you not take a hint by the responses that you generate? Please tell me that you are not out there in the world giving health advice!

I wanted to write a few ideas to help prospective students decide on a school that fits them best.

1. How many full time faculty?
Don't over look this one. I don't care where else all of them teach! If they have 3 other jobs, they have lots going on!!!!! Don't kid yourself, lots of students are paying for the professor's time too!

2. How many people drop out the first semester for non-academic reasons?
Big one here, red lights!!!!! If others had a problem that couldn't be resolved, what makes you think you are different?
How many fail each class every year (hint, if the number seems to be a percentage of the class each year, ask about how the curves are set!)

3. Grading scale.
Are the tests made up prior to the class, or do they change the difficulty of Q's for any reason.

4. Do they hire mostly their own graduates to teach?
Uh-oh, are all their grads just so super-duper???

5. Ask the students how their profs and the administration treat them.
Well, you are suppose to be a professional, do they address you like one? Or since you are in debt to them, do they take advantage of that.

6. Class size and resources. Do they rely heavily on upper classmen to teach/tutor? If so, WHY? Can one class replace a Ph.D. etc? Lol!

7. Old tests. Ask!!!! You really.... really don't want to be the only one without them!!!!!! Ask if their professors periodically change the test questions...... If they have 3 other jobs, ask how that is possible!!!! Maybe you could bottle it and sell it to other profs and make a fortune!!!

8. Ask the school how they measure student contentment. I mean, shouldn't that matter? We do if for inmates.

9. Safety! Ask about crime in the neighborhood! If you drive through it, it's essential!

10. Student cohesion. Face it, if the students can't get along with each other, there probably is a reason.

11. Ask how the school is helping their neighborhood to improve.

12. How their students do on the boards and if they have to take a pre board type test and pass in order to take the boards. 99% means nothing if a good portion of the class never made it that far!

13. How are they improving the TEACHING and the PROFESSION.



These are just a few ideas how your young fresh minds should be operating when selecting a school.

Things I'd ignore..

1. Research (it's great to want to cure aids and all, but you have to be able to pass the classes first) focus on what's most important first. If research is #1, then go be a researcher.
2. School reputation (they all brag), plus it's podiatry school. That's the reality of it. Learn to live with it right now. You are entering podiatry school, it's not equal to MD/DO and at times you will be acutely aware of that. Enough said.
3. Facilities whooohooo, so what, you got a building to teach in.
4. Instructor's credentials, particularly where else they teach. Come on, what good is that going to do for you if they have 3 other jobs and you can't adapt to their teaching style? NONE? Don't rely solely on brand recognition.
5. Affiliations. Yawn.... Ownership is key in my opinion.
6. Year school was founded. Yeah, ok. I guess that's the way to rate schools. (roll my eyes)

Things I'm not too sure of how they should impact your school selection:
1. Do you sit with real live MD/DO students for your classes?
Seems kind of safe to me.
2. If they have a sincere and decent mission statement. If it has more cheese than a 5 cheese pizza, ask them WHY!!!!

In conclusion, I suggest every candidate to very carefully consider every option available to them. Do not make your decision out of desperation or fancy sales pitches. Don't be afraid to ask tough Q's of the schools. If they get offended, don't be afraid to consider other schools, b/c if they can't even put on a good show during your interview, imagine a 4 yr show of the same.

I don't advise anyone to follow his or her heart, Use your HEAD!

P.S. if they bash another school, watch out that’s NOT professional in my opinion, I’d waltz away and tell the other school!

 

[scpod]

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

 

[doclm]

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

Hey that was good

 

[IlizaRob]

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

I second this motion

 

[drbeesh]

I think Whiskers comments carry alot of assumptions here...

research not important? Any school that downplays the value of research is not fitted to be labelled as "medical" school...

Also, for future reference, podiatry schools, dental schools, MD schools, optometry schools, DO schools, etc. are what you make out of them...meaning every school will offer you the material and it is upto you to learn as much as you can. Every school in the world has exams rotating from year to year...every school in the world has flaws but at this level of education and this level of maturity, it is upto the student to learn as much as they want. Students invest the money into the schools to be given the opportunity to learn, and it is ultimately upto the student to actively take the initiative and learn...

Similarily, the same can be said about residency - residency is what you make it to be - meaning, it is upto the resident to learn as many techniques or procedures that they can - you have to put the efforts - no one is going to "baby" you step by step.

Bottom line: Doesn't matter which school you go to or what profession you choose - even if it is outside of healthcare completely, it is your investment so make the most out of it because the best investment you can make is in yourself...

my 2 cents.

 

[IlizaRob]

I think Whiskers comments carry alot of assumptions here...

research not important? Any school that downplays the value of research is not fitted to be labelled as "medical" school...

Also, for future reference, podiatry schools, dental schools, MD schools, optometry schools, DO schools, etc. are what you make out of them...meaning every school will offer you the material and it is upto you to learn as much as you can. Every school in the world has exams rotating from year to year...every school in the world has flaws but at this level of education and this level of maturity, it is upto the student to learn as much as they want. Students invest the money into the schools to be given the opportunity to learn, and it is ultimately upto the student to actively take the initiative and learn...

Similarily, the same can be said about residency - residency is what you make it to be - meaning, it is upto the resident to learn as many techniques or procedures that they can - you have to put the efforts - no one is going to "baby" you step by step.

Bottom line: Doesn't matter which school you go to or what profession you choose - even if it is outside of healthcare completely, it is your investment so make the most out of it because the best investment you can make is in yourself...

my 2 cents.

Well said

 

[runnersfeet]

hilarious

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

 

[krabmas]

Hey Wiskers,

If schools do not do research where do they get money (grants) from? Institutions that do research tend to have the latest and greatest health care technologies. (I still think it is important to learn old school stuff too)

So your education depends on the dollars that the school gets thru research grants.

 

[aphistis]

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

Post of the month.

 

[whiskers]

O.K. so here is the deal, we should all sit around the camp fire and tell wonderful stories about podiatry to the pre-pods on this forum so that we can polish that seemingly mixed reputation as health care providers....

Let's not mention relatively lax admission standards, exam policies, open enrollment, ? national boards, or clipping toe nails (yes podiatrists do that too). It's not all rear foot surgery folks....

let's all pretend that we are 150% happy with our selected profession or we are somehow failures to those who seemingly do nothing but cheer, cheer and cheer some more.

Instead of openly discussing basic educational integrity... Let's flood our discussion boards with visions of research, and surgical conquests and how wonderful we are as a profession.

Then, at the end of the day, maybe we can all be proud in knowing that we haven't changed a bit?

 

[runnersfeet]

You must be really disappointed in your lack of life accomplishments/success...as you seem incredibly bitter and ignorant. Nobody cares about your thoughts, opinions, or advice.

O.K. so here is the deal, we should all sit around the camp fire and tell wonderful stories about podiatry to the pre-pods on this forum so that we can polish that seemingly mixed reputation as health care providers....

Let's not mention relatively lax admission standards, exam policies, open enrollment, ? national boards, or clipping toe nails (yes podiatrists do that too). It's not all rear foot surgery folks....

let's all pretend that we are 150% happy with our selected profession or we are somehow failures to those who seemingly do nothing but cheer, cheer and cheer some more.

Instead of openly discussing basic educational integrity... Let's flood our discussion boards with visions of research, and surgical conquests and how wonderful we are as a profession.

Then, at the end of the day, maybe we can all be proud in knowing that we haven't changed a bit?

 

[whiskers]

Actually, I was kind of hinting towards my personal disappointment in the podiatry profession.

It's unfortunate that you translated that into something more personal....

Although I will cordially agree that I had higher expectations.


Regards

 

[runnersfeet]

Than that is your issue, not that of others on this forum. Your own mistakes are not those of people on this forum - people on this forum on motivated and positive and you do nothing good for the site. Go sulk elsewhere and deal with your disappointment and bitterness by being productive. You obviously are not meant to deal with people and thus it should not be a surprise that the health profession is not for you!

Actually, I was kind of hinting towards my personal disappointment in the podiatry profession.

It's unfortunate that you translated that into something more personal....

Although I will cordially agree that I had higher expectations.


Regards

 

[businessguy]

Let's not mention relatively lax admission standards, exam policies, open enrollment, ? national boards, or clipping toe nails (yes podiatrists do that too). It's not all rear foot surgery folks....

I am not taking any sides here. I am sure many people realize that there is more to podiatry than surgery. I would argue that most, if not all pre-pods realize what the podiatry profession is about. If you are not happy with the fundamentals of the profession, why are you using admission standards, exam policies as a source of disappointment?

 

[whiskers]

Well, what can I really say, if you have almost entire tests word-for-word, answer-for-answer repeats of previous exams and some students have those exams and most don't.... and everything in between, who do you think is going to have the "academic" advantage?

Who should care if a prof has 3 or 4 jobs and seemingly doesn't write many new questions, year to year?????

BTW, what can be said when "A" students seem to sit together or come in clusters, like grapes on a vine...
"I guess that really smart people think alike?" Lol!

Who would have the 1 "up" on residency placement? Who would get the scholarships? Who would be considered the brightest student and the gold standard for the profession? And furthermore, who would most likely be the biggest academic embarrassment and the one who makes the rest of us look like a bunch of idiots?

 

[businessguy]

Well, what can I really say, if you have almost entire tests word-for-word, answer-for-answer repeats of previous exams and some students have those exams and most don't....

It's up to YOU to get those exams. This is the way it works at every school.

Who should care if a prof has 3 or 4 jobs and seemingly doesn't write many new questions, year to year?????

These types of profs aren't only at Pod schools.

 

[scpod]

students have those exams and most don't.... and everything in between, who do you think is going to have the "academic" advantage...Who would have the 1 "up" on residency placement? Who would get the scholarships? Who would be considered the brightest student and the gold standard for the profession? And furthermore, who would most likely be the biggest academic embarrassment and the one who makes the rest of us look like a bunch of idiots?

If I wanted "whine, whine, whine" I'd go to the liquor store and buy myself three bottles. Does your therapist know you are off of the ward again?

 

[runnersfeet]

It doesn't sound like you need anyone to make you look like the idiot...you do that well enough on your own. You really dont belong on this forum - you apparently failed miserably at your career...or maybe you didnt even make it past the education part. I know many many many Podiatrists who are incredibly successful - both happy in what they do and making great money. Some of them do clinical work - yes, clipping toe nails is some of that....removing warts, treating blisters, making orthotics, etc. Some really enjoy that and do really well - again, happy and making a good living. Others that I know are making great money and working great hours doing all surgery and post surgery care. So, you can do what you want with this profession. You have to be resourceful and intelligent to succeed and I would imagine that these qualities are not inherent to you - as you are clearly bitter and unhappy, and thus must have failed in the field of Podiatry. Please find another forum to use as therapy because you are tainting this one.

Well, what can I really say, if you have almost entire tests word-for-word, answer-for-answer repeats of previous exams and some students have those exams and most don't.... and everything in between, who do you think is going to have the "academic" advantage?

Who should care if a prof has 3 or 4 jobs and seemingly doesn't write many new questions, year to year?????

BTW, what can be said when "A" students seem to sit together or come in clusters, like grapes on a vine...
"I guess that really smart people think alike?" Lol!

Who would have the 1 "up" on residency placement? Who would get the scholarships? Who would be considered the brightest student and the gold standard for the profession? And furthermore, who would most likely be the biggest academic embarrassment and the one who makes the rest of us look like a bunch of idiots?

 

[IlizaRob]

Well, what can I really say, if you have almost entire tests word-for-word, answer-for-answer repeats of previous exams and some students have those exams and most don't.... and everything in between, who do you think is going to have the "academic" advantage?

Who should care if a prof has 3 or 4 jobs and seemingly doesn't write many new questions, year to year?????

BTW, what can be said when "A" students seem to sit together or come in clusters, like grapes on a vine...
"I guess that really smart people think alike?" Lol!

Who would have the 1 "up" on residency placement? Who would get the scholarships? Who would be considered the brightest student and the gold standard for the profession? And furthermore, who would most likely be the biggest academic embarrassment and the one who makes the rest of us look like a bunch of idiots?

The first thing you need to do is start taking responsibility for your own life and stop blaming the world. Maybe after then you will find success.

 

[jsh]

Whiskier,

Pretty much everyone is anonymous on this forum. Why don't you give us a hint as to what you do for a living, your stats, etc....information about yourself that will convince us that you're a credible advice giver. From some posts, I thought you were a Pod student, other posts, you seem like a bitter unsuccessful podiatrist, and others you seem like you're not either. Look, I'm not telling you to give us your name, your cell phone #, address, or even what school you attended (if that's the case).

Why am I curious?...because maybe I won't fully reject your comments/opinions if I knew you to be a reliable source, a person who has actual experience with this profession versus hearsay.

 

[whiskers]

Let's keep chatting!

Let the other hard-working medical students and pre meds/pods/dents and maybe even a few politicians too, see us for who some of us really are!

I mean, take my posts for example.... How dare I suggest that medical students take fair exams!!! I come of as a disgruntled failure for even hinting at that!!!! Read on Dr. Orthopod(M.D.)!!!!! I'm a looser!

I mean nothing beats heart felt posts that reflect high moral character and personal integrity and professional aspirations! It speaks to the hearts and minds of like-minded people!

I think it is important that every potential podiatry student and clinician/future clinician know exactly the type of profession podiatry is... I mean we do want to be well-known, right?

I think it's great we have so many on this forum that think that the profession should have such high standards!

It speaks volumes and the funny thing is.... some don't realize what they are really saying!

As I said, let's keep chatting!

 

[doclm]

Let's keep chatting!

Let the other hard-working medical students and pre meds/pods/dents and maybe even a few politicians too, see us for who some of us really are!

I mean, take my posts for example.... How dare I suggest that medical students take fair exams!!! I come of as a disgruntled failure for even hinting at that!!!! Read on Dr. Orthopod(M.D.)!!!!! I'm a looser!

I mean nothing beats heart felt posts that reflect high moral character and personal integrity and professional aspirations! It speaks to the hearts and minds of like-minded people!

I think it is important that every potential podiatry student and clinician/future clinician know exactly the type of profession podiatry is... I mean we do want to be well-known, right?

I think it's great we have so many on this forum that think that the profession should have such high standards!

It speaks volumes and the funny thing is.... some don't realize what they are really saying!

As I said, let's keep chatting!

Yeah, "lets keep chatting."

Who are you?
Why are you so negative towards podiatry?

This is obviously what we are chatting about when we keep seeing your lame posts about tests and underlining reasons why you failed.

If you are so confident in your responses why don't you reveal some sort of validity about yourself. For all we know you have never attended a single POD school and are just trying to discourage us confident student doctors.

Give us some reason to believe you.

 

[jonwill]

I think it is important that every potential podiatry student and clinician/future clinician know exactly the type of profession podiatry is... I mean we do want to be well-known, right?
QUOTE]

You mean the type of profession podiatry is in your eyes. And I gather from most of the posts that others don't see the profession the way you do (myself included). I am in my third year of schooling at DMU and have been very impressed with the profession as a whole. Keep in mind that, at this early stage of my career, I have already dealt with the profession on a national level. I feel that I am well qualified to say that you are dead wrong. It's very obvious from your posts that you are quite unfamiliar with the profession so your opinions hold absolutely no weight. I'm sorry if you've had a bad experience but don't blame your failures on a great medical specialty. Come clean! What are you so upset about? Where did you go to school?

 

[ariel winter]

There once was a troll on the forum,
Who lacked any kind of decorum.
At least once a week,
of "Old Tests" did he speak.
Oh please people, let's just ignore 'im.

 

[JustMyLuck]

Well, what can I really say, if you have almost entire tests word-for-word, answer-for-answer repeats of previous exams and some students have those exams and most don't.... and everything in between, who do you think is going to have the "academic" advantage?

Who should care if a prof has 3 or 4 jobs and seemingly doesn't write many new questions, year to year?????

BTW, what can be said when "A" students seem to sit together or come in clusters, like grapes on a vine...
"I guess that really smart people think alike?" Lol!

Who would have the 1 "up" on residency placement? Who would get the scholarships? Who would be considered the brightest student and the gold standard for the profession? And furthermore, who would most likely be the biggest academic embarrassment and the one who makes the rest of us look like a bunch of idiots?

Where I go to school (SCPM) there are a few old tests available, but old test questions are never recycled. I'm not sure where you're getting your information from.