Trouble at KansasCom

[notEinstein]

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This is true, but it's not officially 60 yet. Our cohort started with 137, we were down to 103 before all the SPC meetings for COMLEX. However, 3 students are from the class above ours that had to repeat. So we're technically down to 100. 24 students are already confirmed to repeat the year, 16 students had SPC meetings this past week and are pending decision. But basically if you have a SPC meeting, you are repeating. So it brings total to 40 students repeating the year. Some of my friends still don't have a SPC meeting date as of now, so there's actually going to be even more repeaters. So at most, there will be 60 students out of 137 heading to M3.

Ahh - so 60 is the number it will be if all SPC meetings go as they have been thus far?

 

[RandomPerson19]

Ahh - so 60 is the number it will be if all SPC meetings go as they have been thus far?

Yes, so right now, it's officially 74 out of 137 remaining, but it will most likely be 50-60 left because the school only gives student the option to either take COMLEX or repeat the year, and there’s no opportunity to delay rotations or take a LOA.

 

[ForgottenSeraph]

I’m glad the dirty laundry of KansasCOM is finally being aired out. We’ve exhausted every internal avenue before speaking out online. For months, we’ve raised concerns through the proper channels — emails, meetings, COCA reports (hell, we’ve even called them directly!) — and gotten nowhere. We’ve been screaming into oblivion, just hoping someone would hear us.
There is a complete lack of leadership. Our Dean, Dr. Ninan, lives in California, takes paid leave during the most critical times of stress and transition, and is essentially unreachable when students need leadership the most. I don’t think anyone in my cohort has ever actually spoken to him, nor are we allowed to email him! He serves more of an “on paper” role, if anything. Meanwhile, Dr. Winslow, the head of Student Affairs, acts as pseudo-dean, provides vague, carefully worded responses that lack any real transparency or direction — conveniently without the accountability that comes with the actual title of being a Dean.

We’re treated like second-class citizens — left in the dark, talked around, and dismissed. Going public wasn’t our first choice. But after being ignored, deflected, and misled for so long, it felt like the only way to be heard.

 

[Goro]

Gawd, Almighty! What a ****show!!!
I feel so sorry for the poor students who have been victimized by this Mass display of incompetency.

Read your student handbook and mark off where policy has been ignored or changed at the last minute.

Have a very good paper trail on everything Administration has been doing.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Might be frowned upon here to post a link to a competing med forum.

Thats only reason I didnt post these.

Just for clarity, it's perfectly fine to post links to other sites. This isn't a competition, this site is not being run for the big bucks. The mods are all volunteers. It's not a competition. Personally Reddit and X/Twitter drive me nuts trying to read threads - but I'm old.

The only links that get moderated are those that point to needlessly inflammatory, conspiracy, doxxing, libel, or similar content. Which basically is everything on Twitter. But Reddit is fine. Mostly.

^
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That was a joke there, in case that wasn't clear.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Damn, no dirty laundry here:

Report on Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Attrition 2019-20 - 2021-22

The attrition summary report provides data on the percentage of first- through fourth-year osteopathic medical students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from their medical school.

www.aacom.org

Did anyone reach out to the Kansas Board of Regents? (I'm presuming yes.) I'm sure the state politicians aren't helpful. Note that the current political environment won't help the complainants.

First graduating class happens in May 2026. Countdown to a COCA decision continues...

https://kansascom.kansashsu.org/about/accreditation/

I haven't seen anything regarding the Paramedics Initiative or anything else similar to nurses aside from the Reddit post. Clearly if they have an alternate pathway for entry to medical school, it must be approved by COCA before it is allowed to be promoted (you know, admissions standards compliance). I would also presume it would require Kansas Regents approval, though I'd like to hear more.

The website has a number of announcements about 3+4 programs and articulations, but nothing specifically for nurses or paramedics.

 

[ETKL]

Your guys' response and sentiment is appreciated; students have lost hope in any action that can be taken to better their situation and are actively looking for a way out, fearing for their future. Maybe some more ideas/thoughts can be presented about this situation or what can be done; most cannot afford a lawyer. The supposed best lawyer group for this in the area has stated a "conflict of interest" in regards to this. COCA has been flooded with complaints. People have considered the Office of Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form and FAFSA's Borrower's Defense Loan Discharge. People have suggested to contact other groups governing medical education or schools specifically for the area, as well as news coverage. Many are trying to find ways to transfer out, and they know it can't be done (even a third year who had a perfect record is being asked to repeat third year). A number of people have been withdrawing and presenting their case to other schools who have taken them into their SMP linkages. Others who have been dismissed have: given up and faded away, switched to nursing/PA/research or other career, are looking at re-re-entry after MCAT retake and/or SMP linkage. If anyone wants to know the schools that have been receptive to this, DM me. Whoever is reading and is in such situation, I hope I saved you some time and gave you ideas. I don't think I have to point out how people have been left with hundreds of thousands of loan dollars with a mark on their academic record and no solid future direction.

 

[Goro]

I suggest students, especially those who are KS residents, complain to the media and the KS state legislature.

Also try to whatever senior Regional accrediting body might have some oversight.

A bright light needs to be shined upon this travesty of a medical school.

 

[notEinstein]

I understand the fear all these posts bring, however, one must use accurate numbers. Only 19 second years are not moving on and need to repeat. Still a large number, but not as large as you are implying. Please don't spread misinformation. You are better than that.

A current student posted the following, two posts above yours:

"right now, it's officially 74 out of 137 remaining, but it will most likely be 50-60 left because the school only gives student the option to either take COMLEX or repeat the year, and there’s no opportunity to delay rotations or take a LOA."

Are you stating that this student is lying?

Considering that you just joined today in order to post in this thread, I have to say I am a bit leery that you may be affiliated with the school.

 

[ForgottenSeraph]

A current student posted the following two post above yours:

"right now, it's officially 74 out of 137 remaining, but it will most likely be 50-60 left because the school only gives student the option to either take COMLEX or repeat the year, and there’s no opportunity to delay rotations or take a LOA."

Are you stating that this student is lying?

Considering that you just joined today in order to post in this thread, I have to say I am a bit leery that you may be affiliated with the school.

This person is most definitely either a troll or some member of KansasCOM admin. They commented on the initial Reddit posts regarding the school stating that students are lying and over-exaggerating what is going on with the school, then deleted their account. The numbers don’t lie. It’s wild to see them infiltrate SDN and try to spread positive misinformation regarding the program. Be very cautious of this person.

 

[notEinstein]

Yes, I am saying they are lying. Because currently 19 students have moved from CO2027 to CO2028, with 20 students awaiting SPC decisions. Which, at the most would amount to 39 students, which, as I said above, is still a crap ton

Quite a confusing situation. Hard to know what to believe when so many have posted a different story than what you are presenting. The poster above is not the first person to give the "60" number. Many many many students have given it.

Either way, I think you should state your affiliation with the school. Also, I think the school should toss out the SPC decisions and re-do them. I cant imagine why anyone would want to attend this school with the way decisions are being made. I know I decided not to apply.

I also recently saw a post from someone who works for a residency (not sure if PD or assist PD or what) and they stated that reading all that has been said has made them want to not rank any KansasCOM students. That is a super yikes.

 

[dochopeful2025]

I am a student? I think it's kinda odd that non students are complaining about a school they don't go to. If you are truly interested, I can screenshot and edit to hide the names of the students to show you I am not lying. I def think the MCAT needs to include math if students can do basic addition...

Would you recommend applying/attending this school?

 

[TUWEST_509]

I am a student? I think it's kinda odd that non students are complaining about a school they don't go to. If you are truly interested, I can screenshot and edit to hide the names of the students to show you I am not lying. I def think the MCAT needs to include math if students can do basic addition...

Put simply, students need to look at the actual data before believing rumors.

Please do. I think that would finally put this conversation to rest.

 

[wysdoc]

Quite a confusing situation. Hard to know what to believe when so many have posted a different story than what you are presenting. The poster above is not the first person to give the "60" number. Many many many students have given it.

Either way, I think you should state your affiliation with the school. Also, I think the school should toss out the SPC decisions and re-do them. I cant imagine why anyone would want to attend this school with the way decisions are being made. I know I decided not to apply.

I also recently saw a post from someone who works for a residency (not sure if PD or assist PD or what) and they stated that reading all that has been said has made them want to not rank any KansasCOM students. That is a super yikes.

@notEinstein, what is your dog in this fight?

 

[ForgottenSeraph]

Please do. I think that would finally put this conversation to rest.

Please note, faculty will also have access to the student lists as well. I am suspicious that this person is a member of either the admissions or upper admin of KansasCOM.

 

[Goro]

Please note, faculty will also have access to the student lists as well. I am suspicious that this person is a member of either the admissions or upper admin of KansasCOM.

I immediately thought it's a dean of admissions.

Let me start off by asking these questions
Does the dean at kansascom only come to campus 2 to 3 days a week, and live in california?

Is it a professionalism violation to email the dean?

Did the school change its policy on being allowed to take comlex based upon a practice exam score? Was the permitted score changed very close to the day the students were allowed to take the practice exam?

 

[notEinstein]

@notEinstein, what is your dog in this fight?

Hmm, good question. I really don't have one (aside from doing research that led me to not pick this school for the reasons stated in this thread). Perhaps I should bow out of the conversation.

 

[RandomPerson19]

I am a student? I think it's kinda odd that non students are complaining about a school they don't go to. If you are truly interested, I can screenshot and edit to hide the names of the students to show you I am not lying. I def think the MCAT needs to include math if students can do basic addition...

Put simply, students need to look at the actual data before believing rumors.

If you like looking at data, you mentioned that at most, it would be 39 students. Our cohort started with 137 students. We were down to 100 even before the SPC meetings. So let’s assume all 20 students with pending decisions are told to repeat, that would bring the cohort down to 61 out of 137. That’s all the data you need. There’s at least one more round of SPC meetings, because one of my friends still hasn’t had his SPC meeting, and it’s going to be July tomorrow. Also, students on this forum have been saying there will be around 60 students heading into M3, which matches the number you mentioned in your own comment. So I’m not sure what exactly you’re trying to defend.

 

[ForgottenSeraph]

Kid. 106 going into the OMS III orientation BEFORE 19 were moved to CO2028. So, still bad, but it is really is 86 students left in CO2027 (given that all are made to repeat). Maybe you need to look into math courses to supplement your learning here at KansasCOM.

I hope you answer Goro’s questions. Let’s see if you are going to be honest.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Kid. 106 going into the OMS III orientation BEFORE 19 were moved to CO2028. So, still bad, but it is really is 86 students left in CO2027 (given that all are made to repeat). Maybe you need to look into math courses to supplement your learning here at KansasCOM.

You’re counting the students from the previous class that are repeating. Nice one. But I still don’t understand why you’re arguing. Let’s use your 106 students because you want to include students from the previous class. If you have 106 students and 19 students are already confirmed to repeat, that puts you at 87 with 20 students pending decision. Now let’s move along and say all 20 are repeating. That puts you at 67 students. And there’s still at least 1 more round of SPC meeting. Remember, cohort started with 137, even if you want to include the students from the previous class, 67/137 is a 49% graduation rate heading into clinicals. I’ll do you a favor. Let’s say only 19 of the confirmed students are repeating and all 20 of the students pending decision can sit for boards now. That puts you at 87/137, which still gives you a 63.5% graduation rate heading to clinicals assuming everyone passes level 1. You’re here telling me a 63% graduation rate heading to clinicals is good? Be for real. I’m not here trying to belittle the school, I’m just stating facts. You don’t need to tell me to learn math. If I do, you should be telling admin to include it in the curriculum, because clearly, students like me need help.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Yes, I am saying they are lying. Because currently 19 students have moved from CO2027 to CO2028, with 20 students awaiting SPC decisions. Which, at the most would amount to 39 students, which, as I said above, is still a crap ton, but not as high as students are saying on this forum. If you do not believe me, look on Campus Groups please, we all have access to it.

I am not saying that students should not be complaining, because that is how schools get better, however, just be honest. Like its sad to see these posts disgruntled second and current first years are sending to the upcoming CO2029. Would you like to start med school with posts like these? I know I certainly would've been scared ****less.

You know the only reason students are making these posts is because of how bad the school actually is, right? If there were a supportive system here, students wouldn’t need to be making all these posts.

 

[Dral]

Update from a current student: The class started with 137 people. Only 60 of those 137 are moving on to M3.

Good for those 60. They're going to get tons of attention as third year students on wards/clinical rotations (unless there are a bunch from the prior class also joining them). But what follows is at some point, unless the school kicks a bunch of people out at the same time, there is going to be a glut of students going through third year clinical rotations. Unfortunately, unless the school can pivot and account for that, there will be compromises in clinical education at that point.

 

[Goro]

You’re counting the students from the previous class that are repeating. Nice one. But I still don’t understand why you’re arguing. Let’s use your 106 students because you want to include students from the previous class. If you have 106 students and 19 students are already confirmed to repeat, that puts you at 87 with 20 students pending decision. Now let’s move along and say all 20 are repeating. That puts you at 67 students. And there’s still at least 1 more round of SPC meeting. Remember, cohort started with 137, even if you want to include the students from the previous class, 67/137 is a 49% graduation rate heading into clinicals. I’ll do you a favor. Let’s say only 19 of the confirmed students are repeating and all 20 of the students pending decision can sit for boards now. That puts you at 87/137, which still gives you a 63.5% graduation rate heading to clinicals assuming everyone passes level 1. You’re here telling me a 63% graduation rate heading to clinicals is good? Be for real. I’m not here trying to belittle the school, I’m just stating facts. You don’t need to tell me to learn math. If I do, you should be telling admin to include it in the curriculum, because clearly, students like me need help.

This is Carib level attrition!

Let's add some more questions from the so-called student at KSCOM:

Do you have a student counseling center, for those with mental health issues?

Do you have a Learning Center to help those who have issues with time management, test taking skills, or finding their best study methods?

Why is there a nearly lethal bar to take comlex, when other schools will allow for extended study time, at the expense of an elective?

Why we're such at-risk students admitted in the first place?

 

[Goro]

Why is it that anyone who defends their school is an admin? I’m genuinely curious. Also I will add, a 20th percentile is not a “lethal bar”. If students are not reaching a mere 20th percentile then they are at a high risk of failing boards, which is not something a student can explain away like they can when they repeat a year. You can’t be that drunk off the koolaid Goro, you know this better than most of us.

I note that you haven't answered any of my questions.

BTW, if so many students are failing to get to a 20th %ile on a practice exam, that's on the schools faulty, not the students.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Why is it that anyone who defends their school is an admin? I’m genuinely curious. Also I will add, a 20th percentile is not a “lethal bar”. If students are not reaching a mere 20th percentile then they are at a high risk of failing boards, which is not something a student can explain away like they can when they repeat a year. You can’t be that drunk off the koolaid Goro, you know this better than most of us.

How about giving students the option to delay rotations or take a leave of absence so they don’t have to explain failing boards or repeating the year? How do you explain repeating the year when you passed every class except the made-up course “Clinical On Ramp”? We have a 95% in the course but were assigned a grade of F. It's kinda funny looking at it lol.

 

[RandomPerson19]

I can assure you the school’s faculty is not to blame. If I had to point fingers, it would be admitting sub 500 MCATs, as the MCAT has a direct link to student performance on boards. Which, is something the school is actively investigating the link with the CO2028. They are linking practice exam scores with MCATs. So, by the CO2030, KansasCOM as a whole should have higher caliber students. Also, to answer your other questions, please contact a member of administration at KansasCOM if you are interested. Have a great day!

They accepted students with 480s and 490s in the incoming class… did you know that?

 

[RandomPerson19]

We have 2 rotation coordinators. Two. Do you really think they can handle two classes, plus random students delaying rotations? You are repeating the year since you are not ready for boards. It isn’t that hard to understand. Talk to any residency director and you will get a similar response.

That sounds like an issue with the school. Why are students being penalized for their mistakes? Kinda hard to understand when every other school let students delay rotation or take a LOA.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Why can’t students study for boards during dedicated?

They gave students a five-week dedicated study period but administered the final COMSAE just two weeks into that period, on May 16th, even though many students were originally scheduled to take it at the end of June. And yet, here you are asking me why students can’t study for boards during dedicated. Lol.

 

[Goro]

I can assure you the school’s faculty is not to blame. If I had to point fingers, it would be admitting sub 500 MCATs, as the MCAT has a direct link to student performance on boards. Which, is something the school is actively investigating the link with the CO2028. They are linking practice exam scores with MCATs. So, by the CO2030, KansasCOM as a whole should have higher caliber students. Also, to answer your other questions, please contact a member of administration at KansasCOM if you are interested. Have a great day!

You honestly don't know if your school has learning or counseling centers???
Really.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Yes. Because we haven’t seen the clear link between MCAT scores and practice tests. Is reading comprehension hard for you? Please practice it, as it is a critical skill for boards!

You seem upset, please don’t be. We’re just here to have a discussion. There’s no need for all the degrading comments; they don’t make you sound any more impressive. Also, how would you know that if you're a student? I only know because I personally know students who got accepted with that score.

 

[Goro]

Learning, yes we do. Both employed tutors and student tutors. Counseling, yes we do. Both outside services and a new in school counselor starting this upcoming year. This school is not as bad as you are making it out to be. You’ve been in the game Goro. This is how new DO schools work out the kinks.

A tutor is not the same as a learning expert.

RE: the bolded: I've never seen it this bad.

And your Dean? Flies in from CA for 2-3 days a week? And contacting him is a professionalism issue? True or False?

 

[RandomPerson19]

And how many COMSAEs were you given before this final one? Exactly 6. How did none of your failures prompt you to study? Please don’t blame the school for your own actions.

If you want to count the TrueLearn assessments as a COMSAE, sure, lol. Also, I’ve never blamed the school for my own actions. Everyone in this situation is frustrated with the policies, not trying to avoid personal accountability. We all understand that if we were performing well, we wouldn’t be in this position. But the reality is, not everyone will excel — and that’s exactly when support from the school matters most. You mentioned in a comment yesterday that students who are excelling are not speaking out. Well, I’ve spoken to many of those top students, and they all agree, the school is a mess.

 

[RandomPerson19]

A tutor is not the same as a learning expert.

RE: the bolded: I've never seen it this bad.

And your Dean? Flies in from CA for 2-3 days a week? And contacting him is a professionalism issue? True or FalT

The dean is actually only here about once every month or two. I have classmates who are at the school every day from opening to closing, and they’ve said they’ve seen the dean maybe once or twice.

 

[Goro]

Well, we call them the same. Sorry for the lack of similar terminology. Maybe? He has promised to show up to campus more, but to my knowledge that hasn’t occurred. For example, he was not there for the most recent regional research conference the school hosted. And true, for the second question. We have been taught to go through proper channels, which reaching out to the dean directly is not a proper way.

This alone is a reason why people should avoid KSCOM. Running a med school is NOT a part-time job. Clearly, your Dean has interests that are more important to him than his students.

 

[RandomPerson19]

Well, you are an outsider then. According to the countless Reddit threads, most of the repeating students want to blame the school for their failures instead of taking personal responsibility for their actions. I apologize for assuming you were the same. You will likely bounce back from this setback, unlike your peers.

I’m one of the Redditors 🙂 You do realize a lot of students are affected by this, right? Even within your friend groups, there’s probably at least one person impacted. So if you’re both a student and a friend, how can you say all this when your FRIEND is the one being affected?

 

[RandomPerson19]

How much effect does a dean have on the school goro? I’m interested in your opinion. Schools are not built by their deans, rather, they are built by the faculty. A good faculty will lead to a good school, regardless of a present dean. I’m honestly doubting your faculty title at the moment, since you seem very ignorant to how medical schools are ran.

Straight from ChatGPT:

The dean of a medical school is extremely important — arguably one of the most influential individuals in the institution. Their leadership directly affects the school's culture, policies, student success, and even the school's accreditation status.

1. Sets the Vision & Culture:
   The dean defines the school's mission, values, and long-term direction. They influence whether the environment is supportive, student-focused, or rigid and punitive.
2. Academic & Administrative Oversight:
   The dean is responsible for ensuring the curriculum, faculty, and resources meet accreditation standards (e.g., COCA, LCME). Poor leadership can lead to accreditation problems that directly affect students.
3. Student Advocacy & Support:
   A good dean listens to student concerns, works to improve mental health services, fairness in academic policies, and overall student well-being. An absent or disconnected dean often means students' issues go unheard.
4. Accreditation Accountability:
   The dean is the face of the school during site visits and reviews by accreditors. If students raise major concerns, the dean is expected to address them and demonstrate the school meets required standards.
5. Decision-Making Power:
   Whether it's about progression policies, handling student appeals, or responding to grievances, the dean often has the final say or significant influence.

When a Dean is Rarely Present:​

If a dean is absent or disengaged, it signals poor leadership and often correlates with:

• Low student morale
• Poor communication
• Inconsistent or unclear policies
• Mental health and academic support gaps
• Accreditation risks

Bottom Line:​

The dean's presence, accessibility, and leadership style can make or break the student experience at a medical school. Their involvement isn't just symbolic — it has real consequences for academic success, mental health, and the school's reputation.

What Chat described about what happens when a dean is rarely present is the perfect representation of KansasCOM.

 

[Goro]

How much effect does a dean have on the school goro? I’m interested in your opinion. Schools are not built by their deans, rather, they are built by the faculty. A good faculty will lead to a good school, regardless of a present dean. I’m honestly doubting your faculty title at the moment, since you seem very ignorant to how medical schools are ran.

Nice try, Dr. Winslow.

Deans, at least those with vision, start med schools, and then other lead them, by building upon what what started. They make medical schools.

I'm getting a whiff of something.....

 

[ForgottenSeraph]

How much effect does a dean have on the school goro? I’m interested in your opinion. Schools are not built by their deans, rather, they are built by the faculty. A good faculty will lead to a good school, regardless of a present dean. I’m honestly doubting your faculty title at the moment, since you seem very ignorant to how medical schools are ran.

This level of gaslighting is unreal

 

[amoxicillin_resistant]

Nice try, Dr. Winslow.

Deans, at least those with vision, start med schools, and then other lead them, by building upon what what started. They make medical schools.

I'm getting a whiff of something.....
View attachment 405904

 

[kirtar]

Nice try, Dr. Winslow.

View attachment 405904

Off the top of my head the username was either the same as one of the reddit burner accounts or something that one of the deleted reddit accounts ended a post with at some point.

 

[Goro]

Off the top of my head the username was either the same as one of the reddit burner accounts or something that one of the deleted reddit accounts ended a post with at some point.

Someone sent me a copy of those posts. Gee, I wonder why he deleted them??

 

[RichardDickWinslow]

Made an account not to troll (maybe a bit with the username). Just wanted to answer the questions that Goro has been asking as I'm one of the 42 students that is currently involved in this situation

Do you have a student counseling center, for those with mental health issues?
Yes we do. We had a full time counselor on campus who left to start their own practice back in October of 2024. We were offered 6 free appointments with them after they had left. From October (can't remember the exact date Amanda Root left) to June 22nd, the student counseling center located within KansasCOM was closed, as we had no counselor. The school did provide online mental health care support resources during this time, but there was no counselor on campus that we could go speak with.

Do you have a Learning Center to help those who have issues with time management, test taking skills, or finding their best study methods?
Yes we do! Travis Pike recently obtained his doctorate and he's one of the learning specialists.

Why is there a nearly lethal bar to take comlex, when other schools will allow for extended study time, at the expense of an elective?
This answer includes facts but ultimately is based on opinion...The class of 2026 obtained a first-time pass rate of 74%, which is god awful. KansasCOM has to pump that pass rate up with the class of 2027. So let's put these big benchmarks in place and tell them the night before they take their first COMSAE exam and put the fear of god into them. And to drive the point home, let's put meeting these benchmarks as a requirement for passing the Clinical On-Ramp course. The May 16th COMSAE (COMSAE #4...the last one that was offered by KansasCOM) occurred, KansasCOM realizes that the majority of the class has failed to achieve the benchmarks and will now fail Clinical On-Ramp. KansasCOM then makes the last minute decision to modify the benchmark requirements and the criteria for passing Clinical On-Ramp. Benchmark is then changed to a score of 450 or higher (some students who scored lower but close to this were still passed and given permission for COMLEX). And with that, we've created a group of 42 students who will be forced to repeat. They did this because a portion of the class of 2026, who have been preparing for COMLEX Level 2, have also failed to meet benchmarks for obtaining permission for COMLEX Level 2. Now it would be awesome if we could organize extended study time for all of these students and put them all on delayed rotation schedules, but we only have 2 clinical rotations coordinators for the entire student body. That would be a nightmare amount of work for them to do. So, rather than do that, they've forced all of us to repeat a year at full tuition. I imagine the affected OMS3s will be given the rotation schedules of affected OMS2s, as that seems like a quick and easy solution for the 2 clinical rotations coordinators that are employed.

And in doing all of this, KansasCOM has completely ignored its own policies and procedures detailed in the student handbook and violated several COCA Pre-Accreditation requirements.

 

[DO2015CA]

I can assure you the school’s faculty is not to blame. If I had to point fingers, it would be admitting sub 500 MCATs, as the MCAT has a direct link to student performance on boards. Which, is something the school is actively investigating the link with the CO2028. They are linking practice exam scores with MCATs. So, by the CO2030, KansasCOM as a whole should have higher caliber students. Also, to answer your other questions, please contact a member of administration at KansasCOM if you are interested. Have a great day!

Not a single satisfactory answer to the question. Dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dodge.

Confirmed admin. Pulling the same responses as mine did when I was in school.

 

[RichardDickWinslow]

And if anyone wants anymore insider details, feel free to shoot me a DM. I get to witness this nightmare unfold each and every day at this point. SPC meetings are still occurring, SPC decisions are still waiting to be received by many students and will likely be delayed even further due to the July 4th holiday. COCA is still waiting for Dean Ninan's response to several formal complaints that were received. Not sure if the man is back from Hawaii yet.

 

[DO2015CA]

How much effect does a dean have on the school goro? I’m interested in your opinion. Schools are not built by their deans, rather, they are built by the faculty. A good faculty will lead to a good school, regardless of a present dean. I’m honestly doubting your faculty title at the moment, since you seem very ignorant to how medical schools are ran.

I’m doubting your understanding of just how much your dean does. Yes not in day to day student operations that they would see but strategic planning, meetings with key stakeholders in the community, meetings with faculty to help troubleshoot these struggling students, etc. it is no way a part time job

 

[Goro]

Made an account not to troll (maybe a bit with the username). Just wanted to answer the questions that Goro has been asking as I'm one of the 42 students that is currently involved in this situation

Do you have a student counseling center, for those with mental health issues?
Yes we do. We had a full time counselor on campus who left to start their own practice back in October of 2024. We were offered 6 free appointments with them after they had left. From October (can't remember the exact date Amanda Root left) to June 22nd, the student counseling center located within KansasCOM was closed, as we had no counselor. The school did provide online mental health care support resources during this time, but there was no counselor on campus that we could go speak with.

Do you have a Learning Center to help those who have issues with time management, test taking skills, or finding their best study methods?
Yes we do! Travis Pike recently obtained his doctorate and he's one of the learning specialists.

Why is there a nearly lethal bar to take comlex, when other schools will allow for extended study time, at the expense of an elective?
This answer includes facts but ultimately is based on opinion...The class of 2026 obtained a first-time pass rate of 74%, which is god awful. KansasCOM has to pump that pass rate up with the class of 2027. So let's put these big benchmarks in place and tell them the night before they take their first COMSAE exam and put the fear of god into them. And to drive the point home, let's put meeting these benchmarks as a requirement for passing the Clinical On-Ramp course. The May 16th COMSAE (COMSAE #4...the last one that was offered by KansasCOM) occurred, KansasCOM realizes that the majority of the class has failed to achieve the benchmarks and will now fail Clinical On-Ramp. KansasCOM then makes the last minute decision to modify the benchmark requirements and the criteria for passing Clinical On-Ramp. Benchmark is then changed to a score of 450 or higher (some students who scored lower but close to this were still passed and given permission for COMLEX). And with that, we've created a group of 42 students who will be forced to repeat. They did this because a portion of the class of 2026, who have been preparing for COMLEX Level 2, have also failed to meet benchmarks for obtaining permission for COMLEX Level 2. Now it would be awesome if we could organize extended study time for all of these students and put them all on delayed rotation schedules, but we only have 2 clinical rotations coordinators for the entire student body. That would be a nightmare amount of work for them to do. So, rather than do that, they've forced all of us to repeat a year at full tuition. I imagine the affected OMS3s will be given the rotation schedules of affected OMS2s, as that seems like a quick and easy solution for the 2 clinical rotations coordinators that are employed.

And in doing all of this, KansasCOM has completely ignored its own policies and procedures detailed in the student handbook and violated several COCA Pre-Accreditation requirements.

Dr Winslow and the AWOL Dean had better be prepared to be sued into the next century, because I firmly believe the school has been behaving in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

Go get them, students!

 

[Goro]

Very professional of a “faculty” member huh?

As professional as a Dean of Student Affairs who screams at students if not actually curses at them, much less one who arbitrarily changes the policies at the last minute, and blames the students for everything bad that happens to them.

Perhaps you should be working on your teachout plan, instead of trolling on SDN.

 

[wysdoc]

I'm going to ask for cooler heads in this discussion thread, please.
It's interesting to some of us on the sidelines to watch the jousting, but the current students who are brave enough to tell their story might suffer consequences for speaking out if identified by their administration.

If we can read about the events without making personal attacks, we can keep this story going.

 

[baby_shark]

If $500k of student tuition is going toward Dean Ninan’s salary, then it shouldn’t matter how “big” or “small” his role is—he needs to be physically present on campus, supporting students, staff, and faculty. Students are paying for an in-person dean, not a remote figurehead who shows up when it’s convenient for him.

What kind of example does this set for future physicians? That it’s okay to collect a massive paycheck while staying disengaged from the people you're supposed to lead and support? If students are constantly lectured about professionalism, accountability, and being present, then leadership should be held to the same standard. Let’s not talk about professionalism if the model from the top down is this disconnected.

 

[dllock713]

I’m an outsider now but I was recently accepted into this school in May but turned it down.

The thing is that while this is a new school is the faculty new to education as well? I don’t have any ground to stand on as I’m going to another medical school in 3 weeks but where is the grace for the students. While yes they are adults but no matter the 480/490/500 MCAT I still believe this school, whether the faculty wants to admit to it or not, is still in the experimental phase.

Y’all just opened up in the 2022 and think every weakness will go away in 2026? More like 2030+ when you actually have obtained a great curriculum that can help students and your professors. Also by that time you can get more coordinators to help with 3rd year rotations. It’s in your best interests to understand know your students better than they know themselves and actually listen because the class of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 are the leaders you need in your respective communities.

No one else is coming to help out if your turn these people into disgruntled students. These are the same classes that will be alumni and you will be asking them for donations back to the school, asking them to help mentor the students, putting them in faculty positions, etc. I would like to see future classes speak more positively about this school on SDN and Reddit as this might be the only shot for some students.

My 2 cents.