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WVSOM Discussion Thread 2007-2008
Started by mshheaddoc
Ok. So I've been really busy finishing my degree before moving onto medical school and have been not posted in some time. Recently I began reading these posts again and notice the shear panic as to the low board scores, possible loss of accredidation, and the school being run like a business and should be run by a D.O.
First of all, lets tackle the last point. While each degree (Ph.D. and M.D./D.O.) and the people that hold repsective degrees are very territorial and feel that a D.O. or M.D. should be running a medical school and the Ph.D. should not, seems to be based solely on the fact they have no clue what medical school entails is ridiculous. Please take notice that it is the Ph.D. which holds the terminal degree and they do a majority of the teaching not only in an undergraduate and graduate institution but also in the beginning of medical school in a lot (not all) of cases. However, one degree (medical and doctorate) is not superior to the other. They are very different and perform different roles in education, science, and society as a whole. Running an institution is not necessarily dependent on what degree you hold but the amount of academic experience you have. Take for instance the recent problems associated with the hiring of Mike Garrison at West Virginia University. He has had no higher education/academic experience other than obtaining a J.D. This hire has resulted in issues that have made national news and brought about votes of no confidence and calls for resignation of President Garrison. It is not that he was ever dis-liked for being himself but for the fact that he has no academic experience in running an institution which has led to these problems. As for the issue that the school is being run like a business goes to the fact that those not involved in an academic setting have no clue. ALL schools are run like a business, right or wrong. The business model has gained favor and allowed schools to increase enrollment and is not a by product of someone with a particular degree running the institution.
Secondly, while I am not at the school currently and am not familiar with that particular class I can say that based on intimate dealings with correlating standardized exams and class grades that generally, the lower the grades are in the class setting the greater the chance of higher failure rates on standardize tests. Although MCATs might predict future success on other standardize tests one must not completely blame the institution for the low scores. Yes they train you but they expect you to be a RESPONSIBLE ADULT and study and prepare for the tests yourself.
Thirdly, I have spoken with numerous people involved in accredidation process. They have indicated that is extremely unlikely that an institution will loose accredidation based on a single year of poor exams. There are numerous factors which go into the accredidation review and it would take several years of poor scores for accredidation to be in jeopardy. They indicated the worst thing the accredidation board would do is place the school on probation. I am sure I will incur the wrath of the medical gods on this site for saying some of these things. The fact is, if you are that worried and disturbed by not receiving the match list, MCAT class scores, and other information the why the HELL did you apply in the first place. If it was out of shear desparation because you did not get in anywhere else then you might want to re-think your career path if you feel the quality of the education will be below your standards. I understand wanting to hedge your bets and make the best choice for yourself, future and family (current or future) but don't dwell on the things you have no control of.
First of all, lets tackle the last point. While each degree (Ph.D. and M.D./D.O.) and the people that hold repsective degrees are very territorial and feel that a D.O. or M.D. should be running a medical school and the Ph.D. should not, seems to be based solely on the fact they have no clue what medical school entails is ridiculous. Please take notice that it is the Ph.D. which holds the terminal degree and they do a majority of the teaching not only in an undergraduate and graduate institution but also in the beginning of medical school in a lot (not all) of cases. However, one degree (medical and doctorate) is not superior to the other. They are very different and perform different roles in education, science, and society as a whole. Running an institution is not necessarily dependent on what degree you hold but the amount of academic experience you have. Take for instance the recent problems associated with the hiring of Mike Garrison at West Virginia University. He has had no higher education/academic experience other than obtaining a J.D. This hire has resulted in issues that have made national news and brought about votes of no confidence and calls for resignation of President Garrison. It is not that he was ever dis-liked for being himself but for the fact that he has no academic experience in running an institution which has led to these problems. As for the issue that the school is being run like a business goes to the fact that those not involved in an academic setting have no clue. ALL schools are run like a business, right or wrong. The business model has gained favor and allowed schools to increase enrollment and is not a by product of someone with a particular degree running the institution.
Secondly, while I am not at the school currently and am not familiar with that particular class I can say that based on intimate dealings with correlating standardized exams and class grades that generally, the lower the grades are in the class setting the greater the chance of higher failure rates on standardize tests. Although MCATs might predict future success on other standardize tests one must not completely blame the institution for the low scores. Yes they train you but they expect you to be a RESPONSIBLE ADULT and study and prepare for the tests yourself.
Thirdly, I have spoken with numerous people involved in accredidation process. They have indicated that is extremely unlikely that an institution will loose accredidation based on a single year of poor exams. There are numerous factors which go into the accredidation review and it would take several years of poor scores for accredidation to be in jeopardy. They indicated the worst thing the accredidation board would do is place the school on probation. I am sure I will incur the wrath of the medical gods on this site for saying some of these things. The fact is, if you are that worried and disturbed by not receiving the match list, MCAT class scores, and other information the why the HELL did you apply in the first place. If it was out of shear desparation because you did not get in anywhere else then you might want to re-think your career path if you feel the quality of the education will be below your standards. I understand wanting to hedge your bets and make the best choice for yourself, future and family (current or future) but don't dwell on the things you have no control of.
I used T.H.E. (Northstar.org). My total debt load at graduation will be approximately 300k. The financial aid people will take care of most of the legwork for you.
300k in debt? And the helpful financial aid people will ensure the school gets its money? Sign me up!!!
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