VCU: Anatomy or Physio?

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Thundercat9

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hey guys,

i'm deciding between either the certificate program in physio or anatomy...anybody have any experience or suggestions on the stronger program? also, i'm looking for a roommate down in richmond, so if there are any other students definitely enrolling at VCU in the fall and in search of a male roommate, please let me know.
 
From what I've heard looking at previous posts, especial by instatewaitlister, the histology course required by the anatomy program is pretty intense on an already demanding schedule. It supposedly makes med school histology look easy.
 
yeah, the general consensus is that anatomy is more rigorous which mean it takes time away from the core classes. However, anatomy looks better if you are able to pull off good grades, otherwise it's not worth it (according to what i've gathered)
 
but if you do well in the anatomy program, your chance of getting into mcv for med school is GREAT
 
Thundercat9 said:
hey guys,

i'm deciding between either the certificate program in physio or anatomy...anybody have any experience or suggestions on the stronger program? also, i'm looking for a roommate down in richmond, so if there are any other students definitely enrolling at VCU in the fall and in search of a male roommate, please let me know.
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I did the MCV/VCU certificate program back in 2001. The previous poster is right, the anatomy program REQUIRES you to take histology as your 3rd class. The physio program gives you the option of picking from a long list of classes, most of which are definitely easier than taking histo.

Back in '01, I was the only person (fool) in the physio program that decided to take histo my 1st semester (against Dr. Polands advice, the previous course director). I had to study my BUTT off! Remember that histo is lecture AND lab, so it's actually like taking 2 classes. I basically studied non-stop 7 days/week. Looking back, so unnecessary if I had just taken an easy 3rd class my first semester.

I'll be very honest with you. MCV's admissions committee only cares about your GPA, not what program you're. Go with the physio program and take the easiest class possible as your 3rd class (used to be a class called "Drug Dependance" back in my days). Do WHATEVER it takes to get an "A" in Physio and an "A" in your 3rd class. If you can also pull an "A" in Biochem as well then you're golden. Although a 4.0 is not a gaurantee for admissions to MCV, it will look infinitely better than doing the anatomy program and ending up with a 3.4 b/c you had the "harder" schedule.

G'luck!
 
thanks for the advice - it sounds to me like the physio program would be more logical choice. i know i need to work hard, but doing well is certainly more important than choosing a virtually impossible courseload. i've also heard that b/c there are less students in the anatomy program that the advisors are much more accessible and can really help students get into MCV. is any of that true? also, i know ppl say that if you do well in the program then getting into MCV is much easier - what about if you're out of state as i am?
 
DOCTORSAIB said:
I did the MCV/VCU certificate program back in 2001. The previous poster is right, the anatomy program REQUIRES you to take histology as your 3rd class. The physio program gives you the option of picking from a long list of classes, most of which are definitely easier than taking histo.

Back in '01, I was the only person (fool) in the physio program that decided to take histo my 1st semester (against Dr. Polands advice, the previous course director). I had to study my BUTT off! Remember that histo is lecture AND lab, so it's actually like taking 2 classes. I basically studied non-stop 7 days/week. Looking back, so unnecessary if I had just taken an easy 3rd class my first semester.

I'll be very honest with you. MCV's admissions committee only cares about your GPA, not what program you're. Go with the physio program and take the easiest class possible as your 3rd class (used to be a class called "Drug Dependance" back in my days). Do WHATEVER it takes to get an "A" in Physio and an "A" in your 3rd class. If you can also pull an "A" in Biochem as well then you're golden. Although a 4.0 is not a gaurantee for admissions to MCV, it will look infinitely better than doing the anatomy program and ending up with a 3.4 b/c you had the "harder" schedule.

G'luck!
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I would like to echo everything that drsaib said.
Of all the offered first semester courses in the graduate school, histo is probably the hardest. And, since most schools are moving toward a digital histology you really dont need it unless you are going to be a pathologist. Your primary concern in this program is to get good grades, especially in phys and biochem. So the phys program is probably easier to do this in.

Thundercat9 said:
thanks for the advice - it sounds to me like the physio program would be more logical choice. i know i need to work hard, but doing well is certainly more important than choosing a virtually impossible courseload. i've also heard that b/c there are less students in the anatomy program that the advisors are much more accessible and can really help students get into MCV. is any of that true? also, i know ppl say that if you do well in the program then getting into MCV is much easier - what about if you're out of state as i am?
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The director of the anatomy program is a really nice guy. If you get on his good side he will help you through the process and even talk to the admissions committee for you. You will get much more advice and help through the anatomy program. Histo is hard though, so really it is a toss up between phys and anatomy.

My year anatomy had 6 people get in while phys only had 1 and they were roughly the same size. Most of that is because anatomy really recruited to students but it is also because Dr Leichnitz can be a major ally to have on your side.

If you get a 4.0 in any of the programs, unless you are a total prick in your interview, it will be difficult for the adcom to say that you dont belong.
 
hey , im gonna be in the phys starting fall 07 and i have abt 20 days left and i still havent found a place to live.. let me know if u wud be willing to buddy up....










Thundercat9 said:
hey guys,

i'm deciding between either the certificate program in physio or anatomy...anybody have any experience or suggestions on the stronger program? also, i'm looking for a roommate down in richmond, so if there are any other students definitely enrolling at VCU in the fall and in search of a male roommate, please let me know.
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I still haven't decided between the two programs!

Basically I'm weighing the fact that while the anatomy program apparently is much harder based on what you guys have said, the guidance/advising would be much better. Also, instatewaiter said anatomy sent 6 ppl to MCV while physio only sent 1. I would think that it would be easier to get a 4.0 in physio, so it's odd that only 1 ended up at MCV (I don't know how many were accepted).

Basically my question is - do you really think it's true that if I can pull all A's in physio that I would have a great shot at MCV?

It just seems to me that having Dr. Leichnetz (the anatomy head) as a resource to convince adcoms might outweigh the easier courseload.

Is it really virtually impossible to get a 4.0 in the anatomy program? What kind of curves do they have?
 
Thundercat9 said:
I still haven't decided between the two programs!

Basically I'm weighing the fact that while the anatomy program apparently is much harder based on what you guys have said, the guidance/advising would be much better. Also, instatewaiter said anatomy sent 6 ppl to MCV while physio only sent 1. I would think that it would be easier to get a 4.0 in physio, so it's odd that only 1 ended up at MCV (I don't know how many were accepted).

Basically my question is - do you really think it's true that if I can pull all A's in physio that I would have a great shot at MCV?

It just seems to me that having Dr. Leichnetz (the anatomy head) as a resource to convince adcoms might outweigh the easier courseload.

Is it really virtually impossible to get a 4.0 in the anatomy program? What kind of curves do they have?
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I don't have a dog in this fight, but your "logic" makes my head hurt...you have been given INCREDIBLE advice from 2 former students in this program, telling you EXACTLY which program to choose, and you still do not know what to pick?

Jeez...the people on SDN blow my mind sometimes...
 
relax there buddy - nobody said you had to read my post or reply to it. if you don't have some helpful to say then your opinion isn't welcome.
 
Thundercat9 said:
nded up at MCV (I don't know how many were accepted).

Basically my question is - do you really think it's true that if I can pull all A's in physio that I would have a great shot at MCV?

It just seems to me that having Dr. Leichnetz (the anatomy head) as a resource to convince adcoms might outweigh the easier courseload.

Is it really virtually impossible to get a 4.0 in the anatomy program? What kind of curves do they have?
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Grades are the deciding factor in your admissions. So while Dr Leichnitz can push you over the edge in terms of getting in, if you dont make the grades he just wont endorse you at all.

The traditional hierarchy has been Anatomy> Phys > Biochem in terms of prestige and difficulty in getting into the program.

It doesn't matter what program you come from as long as you pull the grades. That said, if you dont pull an A in both the mammalian phys course and the biochem course, you probably arent going to get in regardless of which program you choose.

So while I think that anatomy is really a great program, I have seen a lot of my friends get swallowed by histo. If you can hack the graduate histo, you can definitely tackle medical school
 
I'm going into the anatomy program this fall, and I have been corresponding with Dr. Leichnetz for awhile. He really is a great advisor and although classes haven't started, I feel very comfortable with the leadership of the program. This is his last year advising, and in fact, he is only advising the certificate students. Another professor has already assumed responsibilities for the masters and phd students. Based on previous posts about the histology course, I am little worried about it, but I think it will be manageable if former students of the anatomy program are getting into MCV. Best wishes in your decision, Thundercat9. See all you newcomers next month.
 
Thundercat9 said:
relax there buddy - nobody said you had to read my post or reply to it. if you don't have some helpful to say then your opinion isn't welcome.
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Well buddy, I did have "some (sic) helpful to say," but evidently you have poor reading comprehension skills...
 
Anyone at all interested in forming a study group since all of us are probably gonna be taking mamalian physio and biochem in the fall!!...if so, lets get crackin and be ahead of the game!!...
 
no doubt, I'm in as well...if you guys are registered already and interested, the biochem syllabus is posted on blackboard...login using myVCU and click on blackboard...it looks very fast pace!
 
Sanger hall
8th floor has couches, study carrels and private rooms
6th floor has many carrels and is for quiet study only
B3 and 8th floor have computer labs
Any class room is also fair game unless there is a class

The library is open till 11
First floor has computers, desks and is for quiet talking or quiet group study etc
Basement has carrels and is quiet
2nd floor- group study and another computer lab. Also has rooms for group study
Stacks- like any normal stacks

Hunton Hall is also a good place to study
Group study, computer lab, a few rooms and a cafe
 
jsoh432000 said:
Are there any libraries or other good places on campus to study?
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I used to do my thing in the undergrad library (Cabel, sp?), 3rd floor (I think) all the way in the back in the left hand corner.

Sanger Hall is a bit cramped and that 6th floor study room with cubicles is full of anxious certificate students curious to see if they're the only ones 10 lectures behind schedule...:laugh:

To the guy still deciding b/w Physio vs. Anatomny- please realize that you will be applying to SEVERAL med schools and that your GPA in the certificate program will be your ultimate advocate, not Dr. Leichtnez. I know this sounds cliche but don't put all your eggs in one basket!

G'luck.
 
i decided to go with anatomy - i think it'll be interesting and the histo sounds interesting. anyways, i'm still looking for apartment suggestions, and i could really use some advice. what are some apartments that are close to MCV and in (relatively) safe neighborhoods? is there a list anywhere?
 
Thundercat9 said:
i decided to go with anatomy - i think it'll be interesting and the histo sounds interesting.
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Ha

Thundercat9 said:
anyways, i'm still looking for apartment suggestions, and i could really use some advice. what are some apartments that are close to MCV and in (relatively) safe neighborhoods? is there a list anywhere?
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double ha

But look into Tobacco row (expensive), the bottom and the south side of church hill.
 
instatewaiter - i know you said six students got into mcv out of the anatomy class and 1 got in from the physio ... how many students are there in each of the programs?
 
There were 20 in the anatomy program not so sure about physiology but probably between 15-30. I think normally the phys program does better than my year. 1 seems kinda low so I feel like i am forgetting somone that got in. So there probably were 2 but I just cant think of that other person.

Traditionally Anatomy and then physiology were the most well regarded programs but my year Biochem had 2 students get in out of around 10 total.
 
Instatewaiter said:
There were 20 in the anatomy program not so sure about physiology but probably between 15-30. I think normally the phys program does better than my year. 1 seems kinda low so I feel like i am forgetting somone that got in. So there probably were 2 but I just cant think of that other person.

Traditionally Anatomy and then physiology were the most well regarded programs but my year Biochem had 2 students get in out of around 10 total.
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So out of those people in the programs, how many were applying to medical school that year, and did any students get accepted to other med schools?
 
I would say that around 60-75 from the program applied. There were some in the program that applied to dental school or another health care related field. Around 11 people from the program got in my year but that does include people who finished a masters (did a second year).

I know a few people got into EVMS and Meharry. I am sure there were others but I didnt know half of the people in the program so I can't say for sure. I know of one person in the biochem program that applied DO but I dont know for sure how that ended up. I imagine he got in. As I have said in some other posts about the VCU program, it usually draws instate students. So mainly people go to Virginia schools from the program.
 
Thundercat9 said:
i decided to go with anatomy - i think it'll be interesting and the histo sounds interesting. anyways, i'm still looking for apartment suggestions, and i could really use some advice. what are some apartments that are close to MCV and in (relatively) safe neighborhoods? is there a list anywhere?
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This guy didn't take our advice and decided to do the anatomy program.

Anyone know how he ended up doing?

(Reading this thread gives me flashbacks to 2001. 😱 )
 
Nev mind. He went to Drexels program and then med school at LECOM. Another success story. 👍
 
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