What DO Schools Have Block Schedules?

[MightyMoose]

So, I feel that I can learn better taking one class at a time, without being scattered by multiple courses. Do you know what schools have block class schedules?

I was looking at KCUMB and it looks like they have block courses, but most of the other DO schools don't list their schedules. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

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[PunkmedGirl]

So, I feel that I can learn better taking one class at a time, without being scattered by multiple courses. Do you know what schools have block class schedules?

I was looking at KCUMB and it looks like they have block courses, but most of the other DO schools don't list their schedules. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

The only other school that I have heard that had block schedules was VCOM.

 

[cbrons]

This is a stupid question but what are block schedules? I never understood that. Don't they all have classes in blocks? In other words, x number of weeks in such and such then next quarter is x number of weeks in this-or-that. What is the difference?

 

[MightyMoose]

This is a stupid question but what are block schedules? I never understood that. Don't they all have classes in blocks? In other words, x number of weeks in such and such then next quarter is x number of weeks in this-or-that. What is the difference?

It's not a dumb question at all. I think the phrasing is often difficult to interpret, because it seems inconsistent. Some schools have "Blocks", but those blocks representing body structures/organ systems, so you might have 5 classes simultaneously for a longer period of time covering just those regions of the body or physiological systems, which is called a block. The block system I'm referring to is one where you would have an underlying "clinical foundations" or "OMM" course for the entire year, then you would only have 1 course for a shorter period of time.

For instance:
Anatomy 8 weeks
Immunology 2 weeks
lymphatic 3 weeks, etc. (I just made up those numbers btw.)

Or something like that.

 

[MightyMoose]

The only other school that I have heard that had block schedules was VCOM.

Making me wish I applied to VCOM... I don't know why more DO schools don't implement this type of curriculum. It's nice, because you can just focus on one subject, then move on to the next, etc.. I'm sure both are good, but I guess it's just good to know our preferences.

 

[slick27]

DMU is not like that. I think I would of done better in this system than, the traditional style DMU used. I found the balancing of subjects to be the toughest part of medical school. I wasted more time determining what subject to study rather than actual learning. To me more time to focus should equal more time to learn.

It's not a dumb question at all. I think the phrasing is often difficult to interpret, because it seems inconsistent. Some schools have "Blocks", but those blocks representing body structures/organ systems, so you might have 5 classes simultaneously for a longer period of time covering just those regions of the body or physiological systems, which is called a block. The block system I'm referring to is one where you would have an underlying "clinical foundations" or "OMM" course for the entire year, then you would only have 1 course for a shorter period of time.

For instance:
Anatomy 8 weeks
Immunology 2 weeks
lymphatic 3 weeks, etc. (I just made up those numbers btw.)

Or something like that.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

What exactly is traditional? Is that like block??

 

[slick27]

What exactly is traditional? Is that like block??

At DMU at least, it was just like undergrad. We took several different classes at the same time, with no real intergration of material or singular focus.

That and I think the systems or block style will allow me to "leap frog" as it was termed at DMU.

 

[MightyMoose]

DMU is not like that. I think I would of done better in this system than, the traditional style DMU used. I found the balancing of subjects to be the toughest part of medical school. I wasted more time determining what subject to study rather than actual learning. To me more time to focus should equal more time to learn.

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who prefers the block style. I wish DMU did have a block curriculum, which would make it easily one of my top choices.

What exactly is traditional? Is that like block??

Traditional is multiple classes all at the same time. CCOM also has a very traditional curriculum.

I'm still unsure about NOVA, TUCOM-CA (NV has a more traditional style), Western, etc.. I seem to recall hearing that RVU just began a block system, but I haven't been able to verify that yet.

 

[slick27]

At least first year at DMU is traditional, I never made it to second year.

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who prefers the block style. I wish DMU did have a block curriculum, which would make it easily one of my top choices.



Traditional is multiple classes all at the same time. CCOM also has a very traditional curriculum.

I'm still unsure about NOVA, TUCOM-CA (NV has a more traditional style), Western, etc.. I seem to recall hearing that RVU just began a block system, but I haven't been able to verify that yet.

 

[MightyMoose]

At least first year at DMU is traditional, I never made it to second year.

🙁

I'm sorry to hear about that, man. BonesDO has a nice success story for second timers, if you haven't followed it, it might be worth checking out.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who prefers the block style. I wish DMU did have a block curriculum, which would make it easily one of my top choices.



Traditional is multiple classes all at the same time. CCOM also has a very traditional curriculum.

I'm still unsure about NOVA, TUCOM-CA (NV has a more traditional style), Western, etc.. I seem to recall hearing that RVU just began a block system, but I haven't been able to verify that yet.

I don't think I will like this traditional style cirriculum....Geeze NV is traditional...damnit...

 

[Limvostov]

So at PNWU us first year students have this schedule

Cell Science (biochem)
Micro
Anatomy (with embryology)
Anatomy Lab
Clinical Skills
Epidemiology
OPP (Osteopathic Principles and Practice) --- Are you down?
Physiology
Histology

They try to match up the classes as best they can. So for the first four weeks we studied the back muscles in all the subjects where the back could be studied (in courses like biochem it was business as usual because it's hard to lecture on "biochem of the back") and then we were tested in all classes in a block test. This set of four weeks is over the upper extremity and on Friday we have our second block test. We do 5 block tests with a cumulative exam over all 5 at the end of the term. All exams are taken all in one test block in what ever order you choose to take them. The nice thing is that even though it's very stressful, it makes learning all the material as related as possible with a lot of cross material in each course, and you're done with everything so after that test is over you get a very relaxed 2.5 day weekend.

 

[MightyMoose]

I don't think I will like this traditional style cirriculum....Geeze NV is traditional...damnit...

I'm pretty sure. I don't remember my source, but I seem to recall hearing that somewhere.

This is all their website provides:

DO Curriculum

The four-year curriculum for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program is outlined below.
First Year
• Human Gross Anatomy and Embryology
• Basic Science Foundations I
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Tissues
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 1
• Physical Diagnosis 1
• Introduction to Humanistic Medicine
• Basic Science Foundations 2
• Infection and Immunity
• Neuroscience
• Problem-Based Learning
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 2
• Principles of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• Medical Jurisprudence
• Physical Diagnosis 2
Second Year
• Medical Microbiology & Immunology
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 3
• Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry 1
• Clinical Systems 1
• Primary Care Skills
• Pathology 1
• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Medical Microbiology & Immunology
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 4
• Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry 2
• Clinical Systems 2
• OSCE Skills
• Pathology 2
• Pharmacology 2
• Lab Diagnosis in Family Practice
• Orientation to Clinical Rotations

 

[MightyMoose]

So at PNWU us first year students have this schedule

Cell Science (biochem)
Micro
Anatomy
Anatomy Lab
Clinical Skills
Epidemiology
OPP (Osteopathic Principles and Practice) --- Are you down?
Physiology
Histology

They try to match up the classes as best they can. So for the first four weeks we studied the back muscles in all the subjects where the back could be studied (in courses like biochem it was business as usual because it's hard to lecture on "biochem of the back") and then we were tested in all classes in a block test. This set of four weeks is over the upper extremity and on Friday we have our second block test. We do 5 block tests with a cumulative exam over all 5 at the end of the term. All exams are taken all in one test block in what ever order you choose to take them. The nice thing is that even though it's very stressful, it makes learning all the material a related as possible with a lot of cross material in each course, and you are done with everything so after that test is over you get a very relaxed 2.5 day weekend.

That is nice. I like the way they integrate each class like that.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I'm pretty sure. I don't remember my source, but I seem to recall hearing that somewhere.

This is all their website provides:

DO Curriculum

The four-year curriculum for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program is outlined below.
First Year
• Human Gross Anatomy and Embryology
• Basic Science Foundations I
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Tissues
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 1
• Physical Diagnosis 1
• Introduction to Humanistic Medicine
• Basic Science Foundations 2
• Infection and Immunity
• Neuroscience
• Problem-Based Learning
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 2
• Principles of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• Medical Jurisprudence
• Physical Diagnosis 2
Second Year
• Medical Microbiology & Immunology
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 3
• Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry 1
• Clinical Systems 1
• Primary Care Skills
• Pathology 1
• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Medical Microbiology & Immunology
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 4
• Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry 2
• Clinical Systems 2
• OSCE Skills
• Pathology 2
• Pharmacology 2
• Lab Diagnosis in Family Practice
• Orientation to Clinical Rotations

EEwwww... that's nasty. I never really looked into their curriculum because I was going back an forth on applying there. The only benefit is that the school is literally five mins from me and you get to stay in town for rotations. Urghh... I have until next year to make a decision.

 

[cbrons]

EEwwww... that's nasty. I never really looked into their curriculum because I was going back an forth on applying there. The only benefit is that the school is literally five mins from me and you get to stay in town for rotations. Urghh... I have until next year to make a decision.

Is that TUCOM-NV?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Is that TUCOM-NV?

Yes.

 

[cbrons]

Yes.

I'll be interviewing there this month. Do you know any students there? Youre in that area, right?

 

[CastiDO128]

I'm a second year at Nova and we have blocks in second year. For example, right now we're finishing up our first block which consists of musculoskeletal, integumentary, and hematology/lymphatics systems. Our OPP and clinical practicum courses lasts the entire semester. Once we're done w/ finals for these first 3 systems which are this week, then we'll move on to 3 more systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, and GI).

First year, however, the basic foundation courses last through the whole semester. So first semester you take Anatomy, Physiology I, Biochemistry I, and Histology along with OPP and Clinical Practicum. Second semester, you have Neuroanatomy, Biochemistry II, Physiology II, and Microbiology along with OPP and CP again.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions! If you have any questions regarding Nova, feel free to send me a message.

 

[MightyMoose]

I'm a second year at Nova and we have blocks in second year. For example, right now we're finishing up our first block which consists of musculoskeletal, integumentary, and hematology/lymphatics systems. Our OPP and clinical practicum courses lasts the entire semester. Once we're done w/ finals for these first 3 systems which are this week, then we'll move on to 3 more systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, and GI).

First year, however, the basic foundation courses last through the whole semester. So first semester you take Anatomy, Physiology I, Biochemistry I, and Histology along with OPP and Clinical Practicum. Second semester, you have Neuroanatomy, Biochemistry II, Physiology II, and Microbiology along with OPP and CP again.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions! If you have any questions regarding Nova, feel free to send me a message.

Nice! Thanks! I was actually curious about Nova, as it's one of my top choice schools.

 

[Everglide]

I'm a second year at Nova and we have blocks in second year. For example, right now we're finishing up our first block which consists of musculoskeletal, integumentary, and hematology/lymphatics systems. Our OPP and clinical practicum courses lasts the entire semester. Once we're done w/ finals for these first 3 systems which are this week, then we'll move on to 3 more systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, and GI).

First year, however, the basic foundation courses last through the whole semester. So first semester you take Anatomy, Physiology I, Biochemistry I, and Histology along with OPP and Clinical Practicum. Second semester, you have Neuroanatomy, Biochemistry II, Physiology II, and Microbiology along with OPP and CP again.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions! If you have any questions regarding Nova, feel free to send me a message.

That's traditional systems style, not really blocks. Blocks would be one system at a time.

 

[MightyMoose]

That's traditional systems style, not really blocks. Blocks would be one system at a time.

Tis true. I'm starting to believe that only KCUMB and VCOM have true block schedules... 🙁

Don't get me wrong, I like KCUMB, but I was hoping I would have more options.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

LMU-DCOM has block schedules are you all are describing (although i did skim all these posts so don't hold it against me if I'm misreading!)

First semester first year it's more normal style- we take Anatomy (w/histo integrated), OPP I, FMHC (foundations of modern healthcare, which does biostats, epidemiology, random health care issues), EPC I (essentials of patient care- the real doctor stuff), and MFM I (this is somewhat block driven though because it encompasses almost all of your basic sciences in units- we have done molecular stuff, genetics, cancer etc so far- next is some pharm basics). In the spring, we finish up MFM, with the immuno/viro/micro portion, then we just into systems. With the MFM stuff, it's basically all foundational material to build on in the systems...they give us LOTS of clinical stuff all along the way though.

The systems then go on to incorporate the path, pharm, phys, etc for each body system. Our order goes a little something like this: behavioral neuroscience and musculskeletal in OMS I spring (they are LONG!), fall of OMS II is cardio, respiratory, renal and maybe another? Then spring wraps up with shorter systems- derm, geriatrics, reproductive, etc. I really like the set up here and I think they do an excellent job even in the first semester of making sure everything lines up topic wise, to the best of their ability.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

I'll be interviewing there this month. Do you know any students there? Youre in that area, right?

No, I don't know any students there and yes I am in the area.

 

[christina30]

NYCOM has block scheduling, but the curriculum is systems-based, so you don't have separate courses for biochem, genetics, etc. It's all integrated in a given block for whatever system you're working on.

The first block as an MS1 is called Intro, where you're doing all the basic/intro sciences plus anatomy and OMM. It's kind of rough, but at least it's only until early October. It gets way better after that.

 

[Siggy]

Western University does a psuedo block system. We have one major course at a time (for example, first semester of second year is endocrine followed by cardiovascular followed by renal, followed by respiratory). In addition to the major course, we have a few courses that meet once a week over the course of the semester (OMM, Essentials of Clinical Medicine [physical exam course], Physician and Society [medical jurisprudence and ethics, etc].

Link to the official Google Calendar.
http://tinyurl.com/nwb4mh


A note of the curriclum, it's Systems Based presented through cases, so for cardio we get 4-5 cases that we answer using primers and Harrisons in small groups then come togther for 3 hour large group lecture which includes a quiz. Hence the small group sessions and large group sessions.

 

[lawyerdoc2b]

At PCOM GA the academic year is divided into three 12-13 week terms.

Term 1 (in it right now) classes are: "SPOM" Structural Principles of Osteopathic Medicine (anatomy, histology, embryology & radiology combined); OPP (manipulative medicine); Primary Care Skills; and, Community Based Medicine (public health & statistics, etc.),

We finish the SPOM course in six weeks and then begin term 2. In term 2 we have Biochemistry instead of SPOM so we will be done with our cadavers and dissection (thank God!). The other courses continue all year. Third term we have neuroanatomy instead of Biochemistry.

We have block testing. We get tested in every class every three weeks. Today was our second block test day. We started at 8 a.m. and finished about 3:30 p.m. - one test following the other. Why you might ask? Because the Board exams are all day tests on everything. Block testing prepares you for this.

To put this in perspective, my summaries and notes of three weeks worth of classes and labs took up an entire three ring binder three inches thick. I am expected to know everything - it is all fair game. Test day is grueling. The pace of instruction is insane. 8 hours in school and 6 hours every night. This isn't enough time to learn it all so we catch up on weekends.

The classes are integrated. When you are dissecting back muscles in anatomy lab you are learning about structural and surface anatomy in OPP and how to examine backs in Primary Care skills. When you dissect the heart and lungs your are learning to listen to the heart and lungs in Primary Care skills.

I like this because it helps you learn and see real world relevance to what you are doing.

 

[skatertudoroga]

Please don't confuse block schedule with something that is complete different: taking 5 classes at the same time and having 5 different exams on the same day. Block exam is when you have for example 50 lectures to a block and if it's a cardiovascular system then you might have some questions on embryo, some on histor, some on physio. But the idea is that you study for 50lectures. Not 250. You are in class 9-12(unless you have lab on that day), not 9-15. You have about 4 labs per block, i.e. chest dissection, the rest of the time you are 9-12. It seems of the schools listed NYCOM and Western fit this idea?

As an unrelated question, could someone provide input on how PBL curricula work? How are they tested? Schools like Erie-Bradenton? What textbooks are they responsible for during M1? What are the professors responsible for? I.e. does he just tell them "read this chapter and read about disease x" or does he provide them with some notes, i.e. some type of 10page/lecture summary of the material?