Just returned yesterday from an unexpected 6 day stay in the city, due to the lovely ice storm that happened on my interview day, Feb 14. My flight out on Thursday was cancelled, and all flights were booked until Sunday. So I just took advantage of the unexpected 'vacation' to explore.
For those fellow Californians, or others from much warmer climates, let me first say the cold was bitter! Cold that sunk deep into the bone cold. I lived in Colorado in the past, so I knew how to prepare but it was still COLD! But it was a good reality check to see what a winter can be like in NYC.
Any new updateds from the interview:
It was reiterated during the presentation by the Dr(MD), heading up the research department (cant remember his name--its a russian name) that while medical school is hard--because so many people, organizations etc. have such high expectations, the school is going to be scrutinized in so many ways that the first class will be expected to perform even more so than other medical schools. I also had him during my interview, and he again reiterated the extra level of difficulty Tourocom will be laying on its first class(es). They want to make sure we pass the board exams in 2 years. He asked me straight up, "Are you willing to not have a social life for two years?"
As far as living arrangements--the only new info was a possibility of using Columbia dorms, as well as the Y dorms--but it still seems there is no specific certainties about where we will be living. They do have a 'broker' which will be helping students find living arrangements, and I think those details will be more clear as the months go by.
I asked Obed about interviews, and he said they have interviews scheduled twice a week(Tues, Wed), every week for the next few months. On the 14th we had 12 interviewees, so there is a possibility that they will be increasing the amount of interviewees per day to cover all interviewees. So 12 interviewees x 2 days = 24 per week, or 96 per 4 weeks/month. In 4 months they would have interviewed about 384 people.
The 4th or 5th floor of the building is going to be solely dedicated as research labs/depts. The above mentioned russian MD/faculty will be heading it up, and he mentioned the schools interest in being a major research college, with the eventual offering of a DO/PhD and a DO/MPH, and possibly others.
All in all, I have been very impressed. This trip has solidly strengthened my excitement about the 'potential' of this school. It is now my first choice school (If only I get the acceptance letter--PLEEEASSSE!!!!).
I do think that any of you who may not be comfortable(and not very flexible)about attending a school not established, which will require flexibility from its first class(es) should probably think hard wheter or not this school is a right fit. But I prefer the unknown, and I like the possibility of being a 'pioneer', even with the risks it entails--according to the Russian MD--.."pioneers are the ones who take the arrows".😉
Hope this helps anyone...
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