The Republic of Texas XXXI: Everything's not just bigger, it's more awesome too

[Silence Dogood]

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Tmc ftw.

 

[bollywoodlover]

I think that's def a pro of Uthscsa. Big city with less traffic! Prob going to end up here. I think the school has a lot of potential for growth and everything has been fixed due to last yrs probation.

 

[DrHa]

Haha seriously, I hated the traffic in Houston. Took me half an hour to drive 6 miles locally.

 

[annonymous819]

If you go into UTHSCSA's thread one of the current students posted a great break down of their curriculum and what their days look like.

 

[TXLS11]

Ok found it...thanks

 

[TXLS11]

Here's the post from the UTHSCSA thread:

This should get you started: http://som.uthscsa.edu/ume/preclinical.asp



Right now we are about to start the 4th week of immunology (Attack & Defense), alongside anatomy and clinical skills. Before that we had what they called "molecules to med" which is basically genetics/biochem etc all rolled into one. In between each module they have a week of ethics which they call "Medicine, Behavior and Society".



Typically Mon/Thurs are the dissection days, so class goes from 8am-2pm and the dissection is from 2-whenever you finish. Tuesday/Wednesday we finish class by noon. Friday we finish by 11-12. But clinical skills labs/classes are sprinkled throughout so it can vary a little bit week-by-week.



It doesn't seem like too much but as I type this I feel like I'm pretty far behind. Best of luck to you all, this is a great school. The curriculum has some wrinkles that we (current MS1's and faculty) are ironing out. It will only get better. Add to that a brand new hospital opening in a year and this is a great place to be. Plus the people are amazing; it is very cooperative and people seem to go out of their way to help you if you need it.

 

[TheTruckGuy]

I think the Med Center would be pretty awesome to be around, but I live in Houston and just this evening I was stuck in traffic for 2 hours to go about 10 miles on I-10. And I don't even know why it was like that, I was expecting to see an accident or something, but it all just magically cleared up at one point. There was no sign of an accident at all, no police, nothing. Just all of a sudden after one I-45 merged with I-10 (you'd think more cars coming onto I-10 would mean more traffic), it suddenly cleared. There is no figuring out Houston traffic. If you think you'll leave 10 minutes early for work because of traffic, you'll end up missing all of it and arrive at work 30 minutes early. If you leave on time you'll arrive 30 minutes late.

 

[bollywoodlover]

How's everyone's rankings coming along? I was prematched to San Antonio this week. Interviewed after the prematch at utmb (no prematch). I think I'm leaning towards San Antonio over Galveston and Tcom. How about y'all? Anyone else ranking San Antonio in there top two? Any possible future classmates?

 

[Silence Dogood]

I think the Med Center would be pretty awesome to be around, but I live in Houston and just this evening I was stuck in traffic for 2 hours to go about 10 miles on I-10. And I don't even know why it was like that, I was expecting to see an accident or something, but it all just magically cleared up at one point. There was no sign of an accident at all, no police, nothing. Just all of a sudden after one I-45 merged with I-10 (you'd think more cars coming onto I-10 would mean more traffic), it suddenly cleared. There is no figuring out Houston traffic. If you think you'll leave 10 minutes early for work because of traffic, you'll end up missing all of it and arrive at work 30 minutes early. If you leave on time you'll arrive 30 minutes late.

This is why I will live really close to TMC or at least the rail.

 

[annonymous819]

How's everyone's rankings coming along? I was prematched to San Antonio this week. Interviewed after the prematch at utmb (no prematch). I think I'm leaning towards San Antonio over Galveston and Tcom. How about y'all? Anyone else ranking San Antonio in there top two? Any possible future classmates?

Wife was offered a job in SA this week, 99.9% sure I will be there.

 

[bollywoodlover]

Awesome! Decided I am going to rank Sa number one also ! 🙂

 

[REPTAR013]

I think the Med Center would be pretty awesome to be around, but I live in Houston and just this evening I was stuck in traffic for 2 hours to go about 10 miles on I-10. And I don't even know why it was like that, I was expecting to see an accident or something, but it all just magically cleared up at one point. There was no sign of an accident at all, no police, nothing. Just all of a sudden after one I-45 merged with I-10 (you'd think more cars coming onto I-10 would mean more traffic), it suddenly cleared. There is no figuring out Houston traffic. If you think you'll leave 10 minutes early for work because of traffic, you'll end up missing all of it and arrive at work 30 minutes early. If you leave on time you'll arrive 30 minutes late.

This is why I will live really close to TMC or at least the rail.

Yup, hopefully I'll be able to get in on the UTH housing (although their waitlist seems ridiculous) However if not I plan to spend the extra money to live close to the rail.

 

[William Hart]

I'm having a terrible time trying to rank my schools.

I pretty much think A&M holds no particular advantage over my other 3 interviews so I think I'll withdraw from there in Jan even though I really liked both campuses.

Then I have to put El Paso up against (Houston vs Southwestern)

How do people compare Houston with Southwestern? I haven't yet interviewed at Southwestern but they seem to be fairly similar.

Then El Paso is just so different with its own advantages and disadvantages that I'm not sure if I want to put it first (already pre matched) or 3rd.

El Paso did send me a New Years email tho

Liking all the schools is a good thing but it makes this process that much more stressful!

 

[sliceofbread136]

I'm having a terrible time trying to rank my schools.

I pretty much think A&M holds no particular advantage over my other 3 interviews so I think I'll withdraw from there in Jan even though I really liked both campuses.

Then I have to put El Paso up against (Houston vs Southwestern)

How do people compare Houston with Southwestern? I haven't yet interviewed at Southwestern but they seem to be fairly similar.

Then El Paso is just so different with its own advantages and disadvantages that I'm not sure if I want to put it first (already pre matched) or 3rd.

El Paso did send me a New Years email tho

Liking all the schools is a good thing but it makes this process that much more stressful!

I for one did not like UTH at all.... I thought their test schedule was stupid and I get an underwhelming vibe from pretty much everything. Students weren't enthusiastic, faculty seemed to outright ignore me, and everything was just meh. (this only represents my personal experience, please don't feel insulted future UTHers)

On the other hand I loved UTSW. everyone seemed very friendly and enthusiastic. The facilities were great and they will get even better with the new hospitals. The research opportunities are equally amazing. Only thing I didn't like was that the scheduling seemed alittle rigid with regards to your step and fourth year interviews.

In the end it is mostly about how you felt about the school, the opportunities they offer, and how happy you will be in that location. Good luck in your decision.

 

[MD2017done]

.

 

[tn4596]

My tentative list

1. Utsw
2. Baylor
3. Lubbock (prematch w/ unknown amount of scholarship, might move up to #2 depend on amount)
4. UTMB
5. El Paso

 

[KTD]

I Only thing I didn't like was that the scheduling seemed alittle rigid with regards to your step and fourth year interviews.

Just as an FYI, during 4th year you only have 7 required rotations (including electives) out of 11 months so you can take up to 4 months off. That means if you were really worried about it you could have no rotations at all for the entire interview season. Most people will take 1 or 2 months off during interview season. Some people take 1 month to study for step 2 and others just study during a light rotation. Then people use the their last 2-3 months off at the end of the year. There should be plenty of flexibility to interview.


For step 1 you get 6 weeks to study and take the test whenever you want during that period and you can take vacation for the rest. If you don't feel prepared at the end of that time, you have the option to take another month off and start 3rd year late.

Let me know if you guys have any questions about UTSW!

 

[sliceofbread136]

Just as an FYI, during 4th year you only have 7 required rotations (including electives) out of 11 months so you can take up to 4 months off. That means if you were really worried about it you could have no rotations at all for the entire interview season. Most people will take 1 or 2 months off during interview season. Some people take 1 month to study for step 2 and others just study during a light rotation. Then people use the their last 2-3 months off at the end of the year. There should be plenty of flexibility to interview.


For step 1 you get 6 weeks to study and take the test whenever you want during that period and you can take vacation for the rest. If you don't feel prepared at the end of that time, you have the option to take another month off and start 3rd year late.

Let me know if you guys have any questions about UTSW!

I remember a fourth year complaining about something UTSW does to interfere with interviews. I remembered it being some sort of rotation, but according to you that is not the case. Any idea at all what the fourth year was complaining about?

 

[sliceofbread136]

.

 

[KTD]

I remember a fourth year complaining about something UTSW does to interfere with interviews. I remembered it being some sort of rotation, but according to you that is not the case. Any idea at all what the fourth year was complaining about?

If you are on a rotation, you are only allowed to take 4 days off during that month. I think before you could kind of miss as many days as you wanted on certain rotations but they are cracking down more this year on attendance. You can still take the month off though, people just try to schedule interviews during rotations so they can have more time off later.

 

[KTD]

I remember a fourth year complaining about something UTSW does to interfere with interviews. I remembered it being some sort of rotation, but according to you that is not the case. Any idea at all what the fourth year was complaining about?

Also, I'm a 3rd year so maybe there is something else they were complaining about that I'm not getting, but that's my understanding of how the scheduling works from grilling the 4th years about it.

 

[TheTruckGuy]

A&M vs Paul L Foster? Which would you rank higher and why?

I like everything I saw at A&M, it's relatively close to home, and it sounded like they were making some good changes towards their curriculum. Facilities are nice and new as well.

I also liked everything I saw at PLF. It's farther from home, but I really liked their curriculum, they've got a level 1 right down the street, and it sounds like their med students get some good hands on experience during rotations.

 

[bollywoodlover]

The one you felt you fit at more. The school you'd be happiest at. I'd personally choose the school closer to home. I'd also consider if you have any special interest in rural or border healthcare. Plf would be a great choice if you had a strong interest in learning to serve the Hispanic population (you'll be pretty exposed to spanish and the culture). A&M would be a great choice if you are interested in rural medicine. You can also consider whether you'd be doing research and which school would give you better opportunities.. Prob A&M?

I didn't interview at either, but I think I'd be inclined to rank A&M higher because of Scott and white and the school has been around longer.

I have heard a lot of people rave about PLF and praise their curriculum lately on Sdn, yet not many people seem to rank it as their top choice unless that's the only place they interviewed at in Texas.

Overall, I think any school in Texas would give you the tools and resources to be successful on the boards and a great clinician. It all comes down to what school is more tailored to your needs, how you fit with the student body, and where you'd be happiest at.

 

[William Hart]

The one you felt you fit at more. The school you'd be happiest at. I'd personally choose the school closer to home. I'd also consider if you have any special interest in rural or border healthcare. Plf would be a great choice if you had a strong interest in learning to serve the Hispanic population (you'll be pretty exposed to spanish and the culture). A&M would be a great choice if you are interested in rural medicine.

I didn't interview at either, but I think I'd be inclined to rank A&M higher because of Scott and white and the school has been around longer.

I have heard a lot of people rave about PLF and praise their curriculum lately on Sdn, yet not many people seem to rank it as their top choice unless that's the only place they interviewed at in Texas.

I am ranking PLF above A&M because I cannot come up with any specific advantage A&M has over PLF besides multiple rotation sites (which if you want to move around/try out different hospitals could be a huge advantage). PLF has held 3/4th year rotations for something like 40 years so I am not worried about the clinical education.

My ranking is a bit more complex because if I did not interview at Houston then A&M would be closest to home and that factor might be weighed in my decision.

I am having trouble figuring out if I would prefer PLF's curriculum or a less integrated curriculum like at Houston. I can see advantages to each approach. Having never been to med school its a bit difficult to say which one would work better for me.

 

[def1]

Made my rankings

UTSW
UTH
TTEP
UTMB


UTSW and UTH are a tie for me but since UTSW almost never matches anyone, I put them 1st just in case I end up getting off their waitlist. I really loved both schools though.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

A&M vs Paul L Foster? Which would you rank higher and why?

I would probably rank Foster higher even though I prefer College Station to El Paso (and CS is about 8 hours closer to where I live now!). My main reasoning, however, is due to pre-clinical lectures. I am a lecture person, and I don't think the teleconferenced lectures would be good for me. I know a lot of people don't care.

I definitely think Foster's pre-clinical curriculum is tops, but as everyone mentioned, there are so many things to consider....

 

[TheTruckGuy]

My main concern about A&M is that I won't know whether I'll be spending all 4 years in College Station, Temple, or splitting my years between them or even Dallas. But PLF is so far away from everything.

I dunno, still got a couple weeks to figure it out.

 

[REPTAR013]

Ugh I'm having the hardest time trying to decide between UTH and UTHSCSA right now. As a San Antonio native living back in SA wouldn't be that bad for me. However when making this decision I'm trying to take out the location aspect of things since I've already decided that I like SA more than Houston. School-wise SA and UTH seem to be almost equal.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

UTSW and UTH are a tie for me but since UTSW almost never matches anyone, I put them 1st just in case I end up getting off their waitlist. I really loved both schools though.

That's ballsy. If you do happen to match, UTH will be dropped...which is perfect if it's your first choice, but it sounds like you haven't decided yet.

I'm going to make my final decisions prior to making my list, just in case everyone loves me and wants me. In truth though, the match system does make it so you have to assume you'll be accepted at all in order to rank.

Ugh I'm having the hardest time trying to decide between UTH and UTHSCSA right now. As a San Antonio native living back in SA wouldn't be that bad for me. However when making this decision I'm trying to take out the location aspect of things since I've already decided that I like SA more than Houston. School-wise SA and UTH seem to be almost equal.

I would think if you deem the schools equal, location is a good next decision-maker.

Good luck! This is really difficult!

 

[def1]

That's ballsy. If you do happen to match, UTH will be dropped...which is perfect if it's your first choice, but it sounds like you haven't decided yet.

Yeah I've considered that. I still have til Jan. 21st to reconsider and put UTH as #1.
Its just been so hard to decide and the admission staff at UTSW pretty much told us that they virtually never match anyone.
But I got some more thinking to do for sure.

 

[stolen_biscuit]

Yeah I've considered that. I still have til Jan. 21st to reconsider and put UTH as #1.
Its just been so hard to decide and the admission staff at UTSW pretty much told us that they virtually never match anyone.
But I got some more thinking to do for sure.

Agreed. It seems crazy to rank schools when you don't know where you stand with them, but on the upside, it's nice to be done with our part so early. The rest of the US is only about halfway through!

Good luck with your decisions.

 

[DrBarbie08]

Am I the only person that absolutely hated TT-El Paso?

 

[tn4596]

Am I the only person that absolutely hated TT-El Paso?

Nah you are not

 

[def1]

Am I the only person that absolutely hated TT-El Paso?

I think TTEP had my favorite curriculum but I felt like there wasn't going to be enough subspecialty options for 3rd and 4th year. For example, I really want to be able to do a neurosurgery rotation and El Paso doesn't have one.

That is really my only problem with it. I actually think El Paso is a fun place to live but I guess Im biased. I definitely am ready to move to a bigger city tho.

 

[TheTruckGuy]

Am I the only person that absolutely hated TT-El Paso?

What were your reasons? I'm trying to decide between ranking A&M vs El Paso. Going back and forth on the two.


Oh, and everyone should definitely rank the places on where they want to be! Do not rank it based off anything else, or use any fancy strategy to give you more options if you get accepted somewhere later, etc.

 

[DrBarbie08]

I think TTEP had my favorite curriculum but I felt like there wasn't going to be enough subspecialty options for 3rd and 4th year. For example, I really want to be able to do a neurosurgery rotation and El Paso doesn't have one.

That is really my only problem with it. I actually think El Paso is a fun place to live but I guess Im biased. I definitely am ready to move to a bigger city tho.

What was it you liked so much about the curriculum? I actually liked El Paso just fine. I really loved the anatomy lab on the top floor.

What were your reasons? I'm trying to decide between ranking A&M vs El Paso. Going back and forth on the two.


Oh, and everyone should definitely rank the places on where they want to be! Do not rank it based off anything else, or use any fancy strategy to give you more options if you get accepted somewhere later, etc.

I don't know that I can verbalize it, it was just a feeling. I did have a horrible interviewer who lectured me (note, not interviewed me) on his personal political views and how he hates George Bush. But that was just one interview. I loved the guy that gave the tour, but I couldn't wait to leave.

I asked that question because everyone else on here seems so impressed with the school and I feel like I must have missed something.

 

[sliceofbread136]

What was it you liked so much about the curriculum? I actually liked El Paso just fine. I really loved the anatomy lab on the top floor.



I don't know that I can verbalize it, it was just a feeling. I did have a horrible interviewer who lectured me (note, not interviewed me) on his personal political views and how he hates George Bush. But that was just one interview. I loved the guy that gave the tour, but I couldn't wait to leave.

I asked that question because everyone else on here seems so impressed with the school and I feel like I must have missed something.

I had an a pretty awful interviewer at El Paso as well. He was some hunched over PHD who was very quiet. I'm pretty sure I was the first person he actually talked to in a long time, and he was completely socially inept. All he did was quiz me on current healthcare discoveries. Was kinda tempted to just walk out of the interview.

Other than that I thought the school was fine. They had nice facilities and I thought the overall atmosphere was positive. I think alot of people interview at the school not expecting much, and end up surprised because it's actually not a bad place.

 

[tyu]

Am I the only person that absolutely hated TT-El Paso?

No. I loved El Paso, but my experience at the school itself left a very bad taste in my mouth.

What was it you liked so much about the curriculum?

One thing TTEP has going for it is that it is the only unranked P/F school in the state (Baylor is internally ranked) and the only P/F public school. The way they mock test before the real tests sounds conducive to a more relaxed learning environment as well. That being said I think the schools systems-based curriculum may not be the best preparation for boards due to the lack of a solid basic science background. I had the chance to speak to a couple of MS2 friends at other institutions with similar curriculum designs they said they felt this was a real disadvantage of systems based curriculums. YMMV.

I think TTEP had my favorite curriculum but I felt like there wasn't going to be enough subspecialty options for 3rd and 4th year. For example, I really want to be able to do a neurosurgery rotation and El Paso doesn't have one.

I think this is a non-issue. That's what away rotations and VSAS are for, and that way you could do your elective at an institution you might want to apply to for residency.

I asked that question because everyone else on here seems so impressed with the school and I feel like I must have missed something.

There is a SDN interview feedback response worth checking out from this cycle that mentions the same feeling.

 

[armybound]

I think that not having the ability to make connections in your own institution can really hinder your chances at matching in a very competitive specialty.

It's not impossible, but it will make it more difficult if you don't have those LORs and research background that most applicants will have.

And curriculum is completely arbitrary. It won't make a bit of difference.

 

[def1]

What was it you liked so much about the curriculum? I actually liked El Paso just fine. I really loved the anatomy lab on the top floor.

Im not sure. I just liked the way that each week you had a case with all the lessons integrated into it. It just seemed like a good way to learn.

 

[TheTruckGuy]

And curriculum is completely arbitrary. It won't make a bit of difference.

Are you familiar at all with TTU-EP's curriculum? Their 'completely integrated' approach. You don't have an anatomy course, biochem, etc, but you have systems that you cover where you learn all the relevant anatomy, microbio, biochem, etc at that time, along with the clinical presentations and medical decision making. Tests are mostly clinical vignettes, and not usually discrete questions from 1 class. There are also weekly quizzes that aren't for a grade, but supposed to be good at getting you ready for the tests that count. From your UTH (?) experience, what are your thoughts?

Im not sure. I just liked the way that each week you had a case with all the lessons integrated into it. It just seemed like a good way to learn.

Yeah, it seemed like practical application of what you're learning would help you learn the important things and keep it relevant in your mind. As opposed to learning a bunch of random things at different times and then going back and trying to figure out what's clinically relevant.

 

[armybound]

From your UTH (?) experience, what are your thoughts?

My firm belief is that you'll learn the material however it's presented to you... or however you learn on your own, since you'll do a lot of your studying on your own. I would probably be annoyed by having to do extra stuff that doesn't impact my grade like extra quizzes, but if you're the kind of person who wants or needs that extra stuff, I'm sure it won't bother you.

What I mean is that I wouldn't choose a school based on how they set up their curriculum. You really will learn all material despite how they set their curriculum up. Pre-meds love to think about curriculum, but I haven't met a med student yet who said they thought the key to their success was the curriculum style of the school. You tend to just work with whatever you have.

 

[tyu]

I forgot one serious downside to TT-EPs curriculum design for me was the fact that anatomy lab ran from MS1 through most of MS2. I'm sure there are benefits to this especially for some students, but the thought of anatomy lab for 2 years is very unappealing. Any benefits I assume can be gained at any another school by attending anatomy lab sessions as a MS2 or 2nd semester MS1.

 

[briton]

My firm belief is that you'll learn the material however it's presented to you... or however you learn on your own, since you'll do a lot of your studying on your own. I would probably be annoyed by having to do extra stuff that doesn't impact my grade like extra quizzes, but if you're the kind of person who wants or needs that extra stuff, I'm sure it won't bother you.

What I mean is that I wouldn't choose a school based on how they set up their curriculum. You really will learn all material despite how they set their curriculum up. Pre-meds love to think about curriculum, but I haven't met a med student yet who said they thought the key to their success was the curriculum style of the school. You tend to just work with whatever you have.

I'd echo this. It's mind-blowing the amount of thought that gets put in by pre-meds to choosing a school based on things like curriculum. Looking back, I can honestly say it didn't matter one bit in the long run. Pick a school based on whether you think you'll be happy there. That's the only thing that I think makes any difference.

 

[Translation]

I don't know that I can verbalize it, it was just a feeling. I did have a horrible interviewer who lectured me (note, not interviewed me) on his personal political views and how he hates George Bush. But that was just one interview. I loved the guy that gave the tour, but I couldn't wait to leave.

I asked that question because everyone else on here seems so impressed with the school and I feel like I must have missed something.

Interviewers really influence if you hate the school or not... that's what happened to me at UTH with one of my interviews (loved the other one tho).

El paso is more democratic (less republican) than the rest of the state (central texas), just FYI, still doesn't mean interview time should be spent on rants. 😳

 

[DrBarbie08]

tyu: So what is the advantage of P/F? That's the other thing I see people talk about everywhere and I'm not really sure why that is such a great thing.

Im not sure. I just liked the way that each week you had a case with all the lessons integrated into it. It just seemed like a good way to learn.

I agree I think that's great! Although I feel like every interview I went to said they do the same thing. Am I wrong? I though this is what they meant by "problem based learning".

 

[sliceofbread136]

tyu: So what is the advantage of P/F? That's the other thing I see people talk about everywhere and I'm not really sure why that is such a great thing.




I agree I think that's great! Although I feel like every interview I went to said they do the same thing. Am I wrong? I though this is what they meant by "problem based learning".

Some people like pass/fail because they feel less pressure during the preclinical years. Others don't really care about it. Sounds like it doesn't matter to you, so don't consider it when choosing a school 👍

 

[DrBarbie08]

Some people like pass/fail because they feel less pressure during the preclinical years. Others don't really care about it. Sounds like it doesn't matter to you, so don't consider it when choosing a school 👍

Gotchya, thanks!

 

[Translation]

I was thinking about this too... P/F no pressure. But A/B/C/D can be P/F too if you just focus on passing lol.

But it seems preclinical P/F is the future of medical education, seeing as step1, clinical rotation grades, and research are key factors for residency

 

[bollywoodlover]

It's all the same to me honestly. You are
Going to be ranked regardless if its p/f. P/f might actually make me work not as hard.