The 5-year program

[KarateGirl]

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When I visited Einstein, the tour guide mentioned that Einstein allows people an extra year to graduate at no cost if they need it. Is that a common thing? Do a lot of schools do that? And, would you have to have a good reason, like a pregnancy or other personal situation, or could you take extra time "just because"? It makes me wonder if an extra year to study might not be a good thing for anyone who finds the traditional curriculum overwhelming. (As a non-trad, it seems like it could be a way to balance work and family, for those of us who have one.)

 

[DrJ2B]

Actually, I have heard that quite a few schools (most notably Stanford) allow students to extend their medical education to 5 years;however, I have heard it is more to explore other interests such as research and work abroad. Many schools allow students to take a year off to explore other interests in between the preclinical and clinical years as well. I am not sure if these programs are geared towards an easier class load for people who have families, but I am no expert on the matter. Anyone know otherwise?

 

[jlee9531]

yeah there are a good number of programs that have 5 year programs for people who want to slow down the courseload or who want to pursue an MPH or something or that nature...

but what i havent heard of which you posted was teh fact that AE lets you have a year "for free." if thats true thats pretty sweet.

 

[ice_23]

I believe Yale does this sort of thing as well.

-Ice

 

[Neuronix]

I think in this case they're referring to those students who need extra time in the cirriculum to get through medical school. Situations where you need a year off wouldn't be counted in this five years. If you can't keep up, most of schools will allow you to retake a year or whatever you need, many of these are free of charge.

Believe me, I'm sure this sort of thing is frowned upon by the administration and you wouldn't want to do it. Med school is crappy enough as it is without trying to make it even longer.

 

[Dr. Kermit]

Yes, Einstein does give you the option completing school in 5 years for the price of 4. There are various reasons why people choose to do that route. A couple of my classmates "decelerated" their first year. A few chose to do so because they found that doing 2 years of school work was a bit rigorous, so they will be doing 2 years of work in 3. One classmate took maternity leave. I also had a couple of classmates enter this year that had started and then came back. I don't know what their reasons were.

Einstein also permits students to take time off afer their second or third year to either pursue an MPH or to do independent research. I'm not sure how many students are considering the research option because I haven't finished my second year.

I know personally, I was considering a MPH. But, quite frankly, med school is already a long haul and another 4 years of residency. It requires many sacrifices emotionally, personally, and financially that it's hard for me to know if I want to postpone graduation, even if it's only for a year.

But to dispel the myth of the wonderul 5 for 4 (and this goes for anywhere that you would do 5 years of med school in 4.) The caveate is that you do end up paying the "student fee," ~$2000, for each year. And, don't forget that even if you take an extra year, you'll be paying interest on loans you've already borrowed which could amount to $3,000-4,000. And, you still have to borrow money to live tht extra year you take off which is another $10,000-12,000. So, all in all, you're still paying $18,000 by the time you're done with that 5th year.l

 

[bubbajones]

UT-Houston has a 5 year program its calle dthe gateway program I believe.

 

[periodic]

The student fee at Yale for the extra year is apparently $300. But living expenses apply. I'm not sure about loans - if you're still a registered student, do you still have to pay for loans that defer interest while you're in school?

You can spend it doing research or to extend the curriculum for familial/exploratory reasons. A girl I met spread out her 4th year rotations to a 5th year and is considering a 6th because of her pregnancy and doing clinical work on Indian reservations and foreign countries. I imagine she's a bit on the extreme end of things, though.

It seems like you could also spend it taking classes at another school and/or working towards another degree (MPH, MBA, JD) - but if you want the degree, you have to fork over tuition for that school.

I think Harvard, along with Yale/Stanford/AE, may also allow this sort of stuff.

 

[Dr. Zorders]

You can choose to take an extra year, fail a class and be forced to, take a whole year off, or even take 6yrs. Schools are reluctant to kick you out.

Having said that you will definitely and substantially decrease your chances of matching for residency-- having almost no chance in a competitive one. And even if you dont have to pay an extra year tuition, you are sacrificing a $100-300k of (first year) salary. And you have to take another year of loans. At my school its the $30k mistake.

And having said that, if mom or dad are dying then you may have no choice. Babies-- save them till 4th year.

 

[ixitixl]

UIC has a "decompressed" program that basically stretches the entire 4 year curruclum over 5 or 6 years...I can't remember. Same material, more time.

 

[surge]

Just to clear things up, as far as Yale is concerned, the optional (and tuition free) 5th year is not meant for 'catch up' work in terms of pre-clinical curriculum.

Yale, as few other schools, requires all MD students to do research and do a thesis, and this is what the majority of the people that take a 5th year end up doing (in which case you actually get a $20,000 annual stipend).
A good number also decides to get a second degree (most notably MPH or MBA).

Depending on timing, it's certainly possible to spread some of the clinical rotations into this '5th' year (which actually typically occurs between MS2 & MS3).

But there is no way you can be working on the pre-clinical curriculum for 3 years, unless you are having some major issues and work out some special arrangement.

 

[doctorcynical]

The five-year program also gives free transportation on the short-bus. I mean come on. No more silly threads. 😴