I completely agree. Are there things that are difficult here? Of course. Do all of us agree with every single thing that happens here? Absolutely not. But here's the thing, we're in medical school. It's stressful. No matter where you go to receive training. Griping about how bad the school is doesn't do anything, especially because WCUCOM is a great school. I love the faculty; they all seem to really want to help the students. My classmates are great, too.
It was made clear to us in the interviews that our class and the OMS II class are pioneers for this school. The class following us will also be in that same position. However, instead of looking at the negatives, it is best to look at how exciting and wonderful an opportunity we have here. The community has been nothing but happy for us to be here; and this school is going to make a wonderful and huge impact in the surrounding areas. I trust that the faculty, who have a lot more experience in this world than I do, that's for sure. I've got enough to worry about with classes and the rest of the responsibilities with medical school than to complain about how bad it is. I'm excited; I get to wake up every day and learn about the human body. Even better, I'm going to be a physician soon. And that makes any bumps a new school is going through worth it.
Well, to address the thread from "Baldi" and others I must agree on a couple things. First, I agree that this is a school surrounded with excellent faculty and staff and I also believe that it has a lot of potential in the years to come. Second, this forum or "thread" rather was designed to promote conversation, GOOD OR BAD, about the school. Inhibiting free speech was not my goal. My goal was to allow everyone to speak their opinions and let the truth stand for itself. I have found that over the years if something is legitimate and worthy, it needn't a defense. Yes, we are the pioneers. Yes, we should focus on the positives. And yes, no school is perfect. But just like pioneers, when we see a problem we need to address it. Things cannot be fixed unless they are criticized; and good doesn't become great unless it is challenged. Criticism can be likened to great sports stars and athletes. Athletes are good at what they do because they strive for perfection, not "good" or "good enough."
Now, to Baldi's comments:
1) Yes, most schools do have some form of an attendance policy. I completely agree. I AM NOT an advocate of revoking or abolishing the attendance policy. I don't think anyone else is, either. I AM an advocate for revising the attendance policy and/ or testing schedule. I feel (in addition to a majority of the class) that this is a reasonable and legitimate request. I would love to see the research, by the way. I have found research that links attendance and higher GPA's; but this is not for professional school equivalent to medical school and it is certainly not for medical school. I have also found research that says required attendance has little if any effect on GPA. But again, it is not supportive of the medical school arena. The research just is not there. If it is there, please share it with the rest of us.
2) My comment was directed at tuition and getting your money's worth i.e. for the price, are the services there. Let me explain this in a different way: the more money one pays, the more one should get, right? Thus, tuition is not the complaint rather the services afforded to us through the tuition. The data may be right, but let's put it in context. Is everything perfect? No. Will it be? No, not even in the perfect world. I understand this concept. But I think we have a right to ask for basic things such as more transparency and communication involving a plethora of matters. People have circumvented the proper process involving several matters. It is evident there is a disconnect somewhere.
3) Can't really debate anything on this issue. I agree but I must ask: If you look for a course, when are you going to take it? During the small summer break during which you will have very little time to prepare (we are out around June but must relocate to rotation sites and study all within a month and a half) or during the semester that goes until June with 80% attendance for all classes and having a test or two every week for six months?
4) I agree once more. However, it has been stated by many professors in class and out of class that their hands are tied by the university's policy not necessarily the COM's. To paraphrase/quote a particular person: "we took our version of the attendance policy to the University and they rejected it. We were just as surprised as you guys. You're going to have to take it up with the University." Is the SGA prepared to petition the University on behalf of a Majority of the COM students? If so, I think we are all willing to use the proper process and SGA.
I will say that I enjoy the people that surround me. The faculty is great and so are the students. I have never trusted a group of people more than the people at WCUCOM. I do hope that these issues are addressed and WCUCOM becomes the flaghsip for all DO schools.