I was wondering if Touro has any patient simulation courses, like with actors who come in, or (I don't think they do but..) access to robotic patients like Harvey.
Oh, we definitely have standardized patient actors. You will come to know them very well. There's a course both first and second year organized around taking a history and physical from a patient.
Also, is there a set program in place to help prepare students for the boards, or time off to prep for them.
Yes. The school gives every second year free access to an online Qbank with board questions and explanations. Then in the spring of second year, a Kaplan board review course is offered on campus once regular classes have ended.
When I had my interview I had barely any interaction with the students except for my tour guide, who wasn't too helpful.
A lot of people feel this way, including myself when I interviewed. I think the problem is that so many people ride to the school from the Quality Inn on that shuttle they have, which leaves the moment that Dr. Haight is through with the applicants. Those people who drive themselves have the opportunity to "hang out" after their interview and talk with students.
If you happen to be at Touro, don't be afraid to wander a bit and talk to students. Just come sit down in one of the lecture halls, people are always happy to talk to you on breaks (or during lecture for that matter.)
Also, what types of things do most students do when they do have time off? My boyfriend and I are pretty active... are there any outdoors activities that are near by?
Are you kidding? This is the bay area & Northern California. There's nature everywhere. Like, good nature. Day hiking on Mt Tam, Surfing at Stinson Beach, trekking through the old growth redwoods of Muir Woods (all about 35min away), lots of biking trails in the East Bay.
Lastly, my tour guide made it sound like all the students lived a ways away from the school, and weren't super close knit, but from the forums I've heard the opposite.... so what is the atmosphere there between students?
Students live all over. Some (like me) live very close to school, though my first year I lived in San Francisco. We are very close knit, but I mean, there's 120 of us, its not like we all spend every week-end together.
Don't worry, everyone is very friendly. Touro has a reputation for having a active, vocal student body that has a supportive culture helping each other out, not killing each other over competition for grades (not that we don't have a few of those too.)
And what made everyone choose Touro over other schools?
Location is certainly number one. People want to live in the Bay Area, close to SF, close to skiing in Tahoe, close to hiking in the Sierras. Nor Cal is famous for hippies and a relaxed but intellectual culture. Touro is slowly making a name for itself, so the reputation is building in a very positive direction. It's a bit smaller, as far as med school goes, so there's a opportunity to get some extra attention, be in a leadership role, etc.
Hope this helps.
Bryan,
second year (soon to be third HELL YEAH!) Touro-CA student
