CAUTION to all Users

[getrealyall]

Listen folks, take everything posted on this website with a HUGE grain of salt.

Remember, the advice people give are based on who they are and unless you are just like them, there is a really good chance their advice might not apply to you.

I know bothand neither of them are on the "Top 10" list as the most liked people at Saba University. Both of them run home right after class. Never socialize with other students and make not effort to. They never go to any of the school functions/events or student parties. So unless you are a bookworm like they are......... don't put a whole lot of weight behind their advice. Think about it, if these guys have so much time to list hundreds of postings on this website, what kind of life do they have?

Just use some common sense and everything will be fine.;)

[md2be123]

Beacuase clearly...getting onto the "Top 10 Most Liked List" while in medical school is something to strive for.

While these guys blow the USMLE away, where will you be?

[rdecastro]

Listen folks, take everything posted on this website with a HUGE grain of salt.

Remember, the advice people give are based on who they are and unless you are just like them, there is a really good chance their advice might not apply to you.

I know both ducman and wolfgang22 and neither of them are on the "Top 10" list as the most liked people at Saba University. Both of them run home right after class. Never socialize with other students and make not effort to. They never go to any of the school functions/events or student parties. So unless you are a bookworm like they are......... don't put a whole lot of weight behind their advice. Think about it, if these guys have so much time to list hundreds of postings on this website, what kind of life do they have?

Just use some common sense and everything will be fine.;)



Including this post

[teratos]

So, don't take their advice on which parties to go to?

[miasma]

this has got to be one of the stranger posts i've come across in a while.

[Nate-MD]

Get real. Both those guys had families while on the island. I'm glad they ran home and spent time with them. Being in med school is very stressfull and I can't even imagine maintaining a sane relationship while trying to pass. Kudos to both of you guys. I can't even believe this post.

I post alot on here, and I go to alot of the parties and whatnot. Look what happened to me, I'm in my 6th semester because I didn't listen to guys like wolfgang22 and ducman.

[utorontograd]

This thread doesn't make sense. It should be wiped from the face of the Earth.

[opnr2k2]

This thread doesn't make sense. It should be wiped from the face of the Earth.

I would say Galaxy!:p

[DRDRWMD]

Beacuase clearly...getting onto the "Top 10 Most Liked List" while in medical school is something to strive for.

While these guys blow the USMLE away, where will you be?
I think it is great to go to functions and find out that so and so is really so and so from valuemd. It takes strangers to new levels of recognition. I am definitely not on the most popular list for AUC (probably the same world as Saba; small), but half the people on the most popular list are people who I would rather not invest my time creating polite small talk when I would rather be studying or enjoying a book on the beach. With any news or source, it should be taken with grains of salt; only on valuemd, I think salt is more of a preservative. It keeps the posts from getting stale and moldy.

[ResearchingGuy]

Please, no grains of salt. They're bad for my pressure. :wheelcha:

I also had a family while on the island but was known as a tremendous Socialist or socializer or whatever and was twice named to the "Top 100 Best Dressed in Kakhi Shorts, T-Shirt and Flip Flops" List. You can also ask pretty much any of my classmates and they will tell you that I am not a mental giant. Still, I've passed Step 1 and Step 2CK (waiting to hear from Step 2CS)

It's nice to know the naysayers are still out there. It means we must be doing something right. Give duc and wolf a break.

Meanwhile, I have 18 more weeks of clinicals and have my applications out. I'll let you know where I end up.

Sorry I haven't spoken to y'all in a while, but I've been busy.:drinkbud: Keep up the good work Duc and Go Jackets!

Best of Luck!

-RG

[SunDevilDoc]

I don't know the identities of either of these guys. Who cares? Yes, there are a variety of opinions and perspectives expressed on the forum. Isn't a diversity of opinions a GOOD thing?

[wolfvgang22]

Meanwhile, I have 18 more weeks of clinicals and have my applications out. I'll let you know where I end up.

Good luck, and thanks for the update! Very soon you will be Dr. ResearchingGuy! :)

[ducman]

Per the Terms of Service, no user is allowed to flame other users on this forum.

I was not planning on responding to this post, but I do have to state the following:

I would have to wholeheartedly agree... I do not have much of a social life. My life's passions are my wife and medicine. I am fortunate to be married to my soulmate and was very vocal on Saba in giving my wife credit for my success on the island. I shall always run home to her, every opportunity I get.

[ducman]

RG,

Where have you been?! Good to hear from you - congrats on almost finishing up.

-Mickey

[Boulderunner]

I didnt know getting on the top ten list of liked people was a priority for med students. If it is they are also on the top ten list of students most likely to fail out. Im on a few top ten lists: Most likely to drink too much coffe, most likely to watch dr.strangelove over and over, most likely to weird you out, most likely to put annoying people in an armlock, or choke hold....I would rather be considered a geek and have no friends and kill the usmle than be liked and be a mediocre student.

[playarf]

^nice life story.

[navevan]

As someone who is going to the island alone in January while my wife stays here in Canada to finish her PhD, I must say I am envious of Ducman and Wolf... I probably will have some form of social life on the island to stop me from jumping off side of it, but I would trade that in a heartbeat to be with my wife every day. Plus, what does them not being "popular" have to do with their opinions? Just my 2 cents.

[ChanceCount]

I didnt know getting on the top ten list of liked people was a priority for med students. If it is they are also on the top ten list of students most likely to fail out. Im on a few top ten lists: Most likely to drink too much coffe, most likely to watch dr.strangelove over and over, most likely to weird you out, most likely to put annoying people in an armlock, or choke hold....I would rather be considered a geek and have no friends and kill the usmle than be liked and be a mediocre student.


I'll never understand why it is that people always have to mention having a social life in medical school in the same sentence as failing out. Not everyone fits into the same category you would like to put them in. There are a fair number of students who still spend a significant amount of time outside of the books that are still doing very well.



In any event, the OP could have made his/her point without using anybodies name. If he had a specific problem with the advice these individuals give, he could have addressed it in the appropriate thread.

[eljefe]

just to let you all know, there are only a few spots open, nine to be precise, hurry up and come join........:bored: I am tired, better go to sleep. is there really such a top ten thing here in this small island? where have i been all this time.......

[Boulderunner]

I'll never understand why it is that people always have to mention having a social life in medical school in the same sentence as failing out. Not everyone fits into the same category you would like to put them in. There are a fair number of students who still spend a significant amount of time outside of the books that are still doing very well.



In any event, the OP could have made his/her point without using anybodies name. If he had a specific problem with the advice these individuals give, he could have addressed it in the appropriate thread.

Dont put words into my mouth. I never said that having a social life in med school and failing out correlated. I do however think that if your priority is "being liked" you're in trouble. And somehow suggesting that wolfie and the others advice is somehow less valuable because they arent popular is just ridiculous. Im going to med school to become a doctor, not a shmoozer. I would take the advice of those two over some "real cool party guy' 10 times out of 10

[ChanceCount]

Dont put words into my mouth. I never said that having a social life in med school and failing out correlated. I do however think that if your priority is "being liked" you're in trouble.

So tell me, what's the difference? Is there anybody here that you believe honestly came to medical school in the Caribbean to "be liked?" Did you think before you wrote this?

And somehow suggesting that wolfie and the others advice is somehow less valuable because they arent popular is just ridiculous. Im going to med school to become a doctor, not a shmoozer.

I didn't mention "Wolfie and others" because I don't know them personally. All I can say is that I think he once had a Cowboys avatar and that makes him a standup guy in my book. In any event, if you are the hermit doctor that nobody likes, I imagine your patients will like you a lot as well.


I would take the advice of those two over some "real cool party guy' 10 times out of 10

Now I don't even know who you are talking about. Please fill me in, as I originally mentioned that the OP could have resolved his differences without mentioning names.

[Boulderunner]

So tell me, what's the difference? Is there anybody here that you believe honestly came to medical school in the Caribbean to "be liked?" Did you think before you wrote this?

The difference is in where your priorities lie. I do believe that some people come to the carib. thinking that its going to be this big party with med school on the side.Perhaps you should read, and then re-read (and then have someone explain it to you) the entire thread before you respond.

[miasma]

hahaha, big party with med school on the side. more like med school all the time with a little bit more of med school on the side.

[DRDRWMD]

After having spent some time exploring Saba from the Bottom to the peak, I do have to say that there is really not much one can do to be "social" in that thriving metropolis. It is like a redneck village with a few well exercised cows. A great place to study for those who get distracted by the exciting night life that comes with living in a place with a population of greater than a few thousand. It is a great place for families, since going home is more exciting than just about anything else going on on the island. Get a few families together and you have a rolling club.
Remember, salt production was one of the major industries in the Caribbean for centuries, so in a sense; the grains of salt are engrained in all of us.

[Experienced]

Listen folks, take everything posted on this website with a HUGE grain of salt.

Remember, the advice people give are based on who they are and unless you are just like them, there is a really good chance their advice might not apply to you.

I know both and neither of them are on the "Top 10" list as the most liked people at Saba University. Both of them run home right after class. Never socialize with other students and make not effort to. They never go to any of the school functions/events or student parties. So unless you are a bookworm like they are......... don't put a whole lot of weight behind their advice. Think about it, if these guys have so much time to list hundreds of postings on this website, what kind of life do they have?

Just use some common sense and everything will be fine.;)



You know, they still do random drug testing here.

[swimguy23]

this thread cracks me up.....so basically we can narrow this whole thing down to take everything people tell you with a grain of salt.....ok happy, everyone move on.....:)

[microphage]

last i checked, valuemding was part of AUC's school curriculum.

[wolfvgang22]

this thread cracks me up.....so basically we can narrow this whole thing down to take everything people tell you with a grain of salt.....ok happy, everyone move on.....:)
by popular request we now offer opinions and commentary with:
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/5117/s7ssk9.jpg
for those of you on a salt-reduced diet. :D

[ducman]

Wolfy,

I'm confused... I thought we are too bland and must be taken with large quantities of salt.

I better figure out what happens as I have got an electrolyte balance lecture by our nephro attending tomorrow! :confused:

[swimguy23]

last i checked, valuemding was part of AUC's school curriculum.

only for those who want to do awesome in school.....

[Gigi25]

VERY MEAN!!!! Was this thread helpful to ANYONE?????????? Medical school is not a popularity contest. Who cares about who is social and who is not. That type of attitude is what makes the island feel like highschool at times and one of the things I disliked. Very negative :(

[wolfvgang22]

Perhaps the pressure and competitive atmosphere brings out the worst in many students.

Indeed, I have often heard many people say that going to medical school here is in many ways like a bad re-run of high school, not academically, but socially. Maybe it's that way at most medical schools, I don't know.

Unfortunately, there is no MCAT for maturity and compassion. Be prepared to deal with that fact.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

i would like to say that Saba really is like high school, except that in high school, when I left the building, i left the people as well. Here, you leave and then you see them on the road, in the store, in the restaurants, everywhere. There is no escape, ever, unless you go to another island, and then even then there is the chance that you will run into someone.
It almost seems like everyweekend, somebody is having some kind of party, and if you dont attend it than you are somehow antisocial, or people take offense to it, even though in the real world, most poeple dont ever really say anything when you dont show up. They understand that this is med school, and the purpose is to become something. I can say, that the people who party the hardest are either people who already have degrees in many of the classes that we are taking, andhave no need to study, or they simply arent here anymore.
The funny thing is.....how many of these "friends" will you really keep in contact with when you get back to reality? How many of them really, are just "friends" due to circumstances? Probably more than you are willing to admit

[rdecastro]

So?

Are you upset because you aren't invited? Or because you're worried that if you don't go, you won't be 'cool'?

What exactly are you here for? To become a physician, or be a social butterfly? You may be happier once you make that decision.

[stephew]

ok no pm's just this warning: insults/flamming are against tos. if you dont edit violations you will get warnings. simple as that.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

Its funny how sometimes the loudest most outspoken people in your class, the ones who always seem to have an answer ready for the teacher ( as long as it is provided by stemans medical dictionary ) are the ones who are at the bottom of the class. Well to you people, I say, thank you for providing me with the curve.

[miasma]

wow, it's amazing the aggression some people have inside of them. yes, i would definitely agree that saba feels like highschool in that there are many people here that don't act their age at all. there is really no reason to degrade anyone, especially here on an internet forum. i just wish certain people would show some class and write their posts like adults and future physicians. that's just me though. btw, rdecastro, that pda lecture you gave was very cool.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

I apologize, I just dont like it when people try and stop me from sharing an opinon. Just becuse someone gives an opinion that other people dont like doesnt make them a "whiner".

[rdecastro]

wow, it's amazing the aggression some people have inside of them. yes, i would definitely agree that saba feels like highschool in that there are many people here that don't act their age at all. there is really no reason to degrade anyone, especially here on an internet forum. i just wish certain people would show some class and write their posts like adults and future physicians. that's just me though. btw, rdecastro, that pda lecture you gave was very cool.

Thanks, I enjoy doing it

[amyames]

of course, you know I was striving to be the most popular girl in my class from day one. Why do you think I posted on valuemd so often before I started? :p'

I have to agree that these posts have been childhish. Sure, I've often commented to friends back in the States that attending Saba is like going back to highschool., however, I'm a more mature student now, and I understand that some people's behavior just can't be helped-at all. Therefore, I just mind my own business by studying and hanging out with the friends I do like...it's not that hard to do :) And yes, I've also commented that rumors spread faster than STD's here on the island as well, but again, I ignore the rumors and mind my own business. I'm here to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor, not here to be part of gossip central. Just work hard, play hard, mind your own business and before you know it, you'll be outta of 5th semester and kicking butt on step 1!

but if being popular is what you are after, or even just having people know who you are by first and last name...may I suggest streaking in the library? I'm trying to get through phsyiology here and I need something over the top to get my mind off the impending doom that is blocks tomorrow.

[wolfvgang22]

I apologize, I just dont like it when people try and stop me from sharing an opinon. Just becuse someone gives an opinion that other people dont like doesnt make them a "whiner".
Your not alone, Tellilngitlikeitis. I think many of us have the same feelings, at least I do much of the time. This does not make you a whiner, as you are simply telling it like it is. How we handle this life challenge by working hard and excelling anyway is what will show who we are as people! I heard one wise person ( a student!) say last week that "The best revenge is living well."

What follows is a mini-rant on how students with little self-identity or maturity get by, as an example of one of medical school's many obstacles.
Feel free to skip it if you want. Note that I am not mentioning anyone in particular, and I know that many students are not like this at all. But, if you are particularly offended, maybe I am talking about you. :lol:
Here it is:

1.) Be quick to pass judgement and put down or joke about anyone who does not look like they stepped out of the Abercrombie catalogue. (You, of course, avoid this yourself by wearing pants with "Abercrombie" printed prominently on your chest or butt.) Particularly poke fun at older students, or ANY students who might get a better mark than you one particular day, or anyone else who does not compliment you regularly.
People now know you as a funny, witty adult. But you gotta watch your back, now, too.

2.) Still hung over from last night, and a little bummed that you didn't impress that hot guy with the scooter, you really must have the approval of anyone who might be in authority. Otherwise you are worth nothing. So you go to class and read the answers out of stedman's dictionary to the professor whenever he asks a question. Maybe that's cheating a little, but hey, screw those other people in class! They're not as good as you anyway. They need to learn how to run with the big dogs! Follow this up by asking the professor many questions after class about stuff you will later confide to other students you could care less about. The important thing is that you got your strokes from the prof.

3.) You feel a little guilty for being such a jackass. So now you work extra hard at contributing to the community to show you are a good guy. Join all the clubs, chat around about nothing. Of course, this will look great on your CV. You design a special community service program all by yourself and carry it out with your two best friends, even though no one particularly wanted the 500 cans of strained green beans you collected. You never asked what the community really needed, but you gave them what YOU think they needed (and was easy for you to do). They should be grateful. Make sure everyone knows how good and social you've been by casually mentioning your success every 5 minutes. Especially around faculty. You may eventually win the "community service" award, and you think "Yeeessssss...that will get the good clinicals and then residency!". Maybe you're right. Maybe then you can make it with Izzie in the closet at that fictional Seatle hospital you watch every night on T.V.

Ok, that's just the tip of the iceberg and I'm tired of typing (or "whining", for those of you who are offended or bored). I'm sure somebody else could have put it much more succinctly.
Gotta go study...where did I put that damn Abercrombie shirt??

[playarf]

^I think the correct word for that is 'poser', and its quite easy to figure out who they are. Now dont get me wrong, I think being witty and funny is a very healthy quality, but one must also stay within limits and know when to shut up in order to be sensitive when needed.
Besides, I believe the biggest competition is WITHIN one self; so it doesnt matter how 'cool' you try to be to impress others, because more often than not these people are losing the crucial battle of fighting their own fears and insecurity and have very low self esteem.

[Gigi25]

That's all sooooo funny because a lot of it is really true!! But don't we all act like dorks every once in a while?? I know I do!! I dont know about the whole stedman's thing and impressing the profs because frankly that's pointless!! But I know I have been hungover, I have tried to impress the guys on the scooter, and I have wore the abercrombie stuff... :p

[hello.new.brunswick]

It almost seems like everyweekend, somebody is having some kind of party, and if you dont attend it than you are somehow antisocial, or people take offense to it, even though in the real world, most poeple dont ever really say anything when you dont show up.
Could be wrong

[wolfvgang22]

^I think the correct word for that is 'poser', and its quite easy to figure out who they are. Now dont get me wrong, I think being witty and funny is a very healthy quality, but one must also stay within limits and know when to shut up in order to be sensitive when needed.
Besides, I believe the biggest competition is WITHIN one self; so it doesnt matter how 'cool' you try to be to impress others, because more often than not these people are losing the crucial battle of fighting their own fears and insecurity and have very low self esteem.
Well, there ya go...playarf sums up in a few words what took me several paragraphs to get across. :lol:

I guess sometimes we get a little stir-crazy on the island. I keep the T.V. on with the volume muted while I cram...ahem, uh...study for exams, to keep me company. I looked over at one point today and saw an old episode of M*A*S*H was on. I noticed how the characters on the show were also far from home, missing some conveniences, getting on each others nerves, and getting a little jaded. It's not quite that rough here, but there are some parallels for us students, especially near the end.

Only 59 more days! Wah wah wee wah! :D :cool:

[FutureStudent]

Your not alone, Tellilngitlikeitis. I think many of us have the same feelings, at least I do much of the time. This does not make you a whiner, as you are simply telling it like it is. How we handle this life challenge by working hard and excelling anyway is what will show who we are as people! I heard one wise person ( a student!) say last week that "The best revenge is living well."

What follows is a mini-rant on how students with little self-identity or maturity get by, as an example of one of medical school's many obstacles.
Feel free to skip it if you want. Note that I am not mentioning anyone in particular, and I know that many students are not like this at all. But, if you are particularly offended, maybe I am talking about you. :lol:
Here it is:

1.) Be quick to pass judgement and put down or joke about anyone who does not look like they stepped out of the Abercrombie catalogue. (You, of course, avoid this yourself by wearing pants with "Abercrombie" printed prominently on your chest or butt.) Particularly poke fun at older students, or ANY students who might get a better mark than you one particular day, or anyone else who does not compliment you regularly.
People now know you as a funny, witty adult. But you gotta watch your back, now, too.

2.) Still hung over from last night, and a little bummed that you didn't impress that hot guy with the scooter, you really must have the approval of anyone who might be in authority. Otherwise you are worth nothing. So you go to class and read the answers out of stedman's dictionary to the professor whenever he asks a question. Maybe that's cheating a little, but hey, screw those other people in class! They're not as good as you anyway. They need to learn how to run with the big dogs! Follow this up by asking the professor many questions after class about stuff you will later confide to other students you could care less about. The important thing is that you got your strokes from the prof.

3.) You feel a little guilty for being such a jackass. So now you work extra hard at contributing to the community to show you are a good guy. Join all the clubs, chat around about nothing. Of course, this will look great on your CV. You design a special community service program all by yourself and carry it out with your two best friends, even though no one particularly wanted the 500 cans of strained green beans you collected. You never asked what the community really needed, but you gave them what YOU think they needed (and was easy for you to do). They should be grateful. Make sure everyone knows how good and social you've been by casually mentioning your success every 5 minutes. Especially around faculty. You may eventually win the "community service" award, and you think "Yeeessssss...that will get the good clinicals and then residency!". Maybe you're right. Maybe then you can make it with Izzie in the closet at that fictional Seatle hospital you watch every night on T.V.

Ok, that's just the tip of the iceberg and I'm tired of typing (or "whining", for those of you who are offended or bored). I'm sure somebody else could have put it much more succinctly.
Gotta go study...where did I put that damn Abercrombie shirt??

That's funny. And you are SO on the mark! This is the most realistic, intelligent, mature sounding person I have come across in these silly everyone-bashing forums. I want to apply to this school just so I can meet you! Keep up your studying, hard work and great attitude. I can tell that you are a winner and you will pass the boards and finish the race!

[Gigi25]

Just had to edit the message :-)

[Dru]

Good expression of opinions, but I need to caution users within this thread to stay within the limits of the Terms of Service (ie no name calling or rudeness directed to individual posters)

[getrealyall]

You 'all are missing the POINT - and you are going to make me spell it out.





By the way, for all of you that think that being "liked" is not important, you are fooling yourselves. Medicine is a "team" sport - you will not only have to get along with your collegues, but you will need to have the skills to motivate your support staff to want to help you. Believe me, a bad or even non-existant relationship with the nurses can make you life a living hell. So, without social skills you are not being the "best doctor" you can be.

So go ahead and "CRUSH" the USMLE, but this will not make you a "good doctor".

So once again............ becareful of what you read. You should even take my posting with a grain of salt. But think about it............. why would I take the time to list this posting if there wasn't some truth in what I am saying.

By the way, this will be my last posting. I'm sure the powers that be will close my account. And anyways, I said all that needs to be said. I'm not stressed out or frustrated with school, it's just a huge joke that the people who list the most postings and who give the most advice on ValueMD are people that you would probably never talk to if you met them personally.

Take care.

[germany]

getrealyall has got to be just the cutest little poster i've seen. like a teeny tiny little elf posting paragraphs and paragraphs of gibberish. so, so cute.

[wolfvgang22]

You 'all are missing the POINT - and you are going to make me spell it out.
Take care.
Why the throw-away username? Everybody on campus, including you, knows who I am, including school staff and faculty. I have nothing to be ashamed of. Why are you hiding? Why the desperation?

Clearly, I do have some friends - as you have seen previously in this thread it is not necessary for me to defend myself here. Yet I will, and at the end of this post you will see why:
1. You don't know me that well. If you did, you would know that my family has been here for half of first semester, all of third, and all of fourth. We also stayed on island during the breaks. So my family has been here on the island at least 1/2 the time. I seriously doubt you even know how many kids I have, what their ages are, their genders, or what my wife's name is. PM me if you do, I will be suprised.
2. Another reason you don't know ducman or myself that well is that if you did, you would know that you couldn't be talking about two people who were any more different from one another. We differ in opinions, backgrounds, life situation, and world view. Yet we don't flame each other - we try to respect one another though we often disagree. Ask ducman, it's true.
3. Listening to music or having Sportscenteron the T.V. while you study is not sad, lots of people do that. What should I do, go out and drink instead? Chase skirts? Worse, chase goats? :lol: I got that stuff out of my system several years ago. I know I look young, but I'm too old... I gotta go to bed early to keep up with you younger guys.

So here's why I spent a minute of my time to reply, and most people will say I'm a fool for saying this:
I would be happy to find out what I have done to offend you, if anything, and if possible make amends. Maybe I can buy you a soda. I promise not to hurt you - I'm a physician in training. When you really get to know me, you'll find out I'm none of the things you think I am, though I do okay on exams. At best, perhaps we can be friends. At worst, you'll find out my real faults you can criticize, 'cause I have plenty of them.
I'm easy to find. :wink:

[germany]

wolfgang, why even waste your time responding to that piece of sh!t?

seriously, if you want to make yourself useful, go over to that *cricket chirp* thread and give us a rundown on your plans for the weekend. now that's some info us n00bs-to-be would like to have.

btw, wolf, you're a good guy and i look forward to meeting you in January.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

saba still sucks!

[germany]

i assume everyone here, except the moderators of course, realize that Tellingitlikeitis and getrealyall are one and the same. both seem to have it out for rick and wolf (http://www.valuemd.com/saba-university-school-medicine/120992-what-saba-really-about.html#post503578).

school account and home account? come on mods, do your job. get this guy back on his leash.

just pointing out the obvious. i hate it when i'm right.

[ducman]

The moderators are closely monitoring this thread.

Since I am the moderator of this forum, as well as one of the targets of this person's bad experiences on Saba, I am allowing other moderators to scrutinize the thread content as I do not want to take any action and then be labeled as biased.

Actually, with the amount of views, this should probably become a sticky!! :D

Cheers all - to the newbies, make the most of Saba - the school, the island, the locals. You shall have a great experience; but always remember that you shall only get out what you put in.

And to all of you - who help maintain the positive atmosphere on this forum, a thank you from not only me, but other Basic Sciences alumni. We are making strides in the clinicals so that you have many more doors open to you.

Regards,

[Tellingitlikeitis]

Just wanted to say, that there can only be one tellingitlikeitis, and only one. And for the record, I only say bad things to those who insult me first. I dont know who ducman or wolf are. The only point I ever want to make on this site, is that optimism is good to get you through and off this rotten island, but dont let it blind you to the obvious realities which are, the education is subpar, you get what you pay for, and that you are alone here, and the administration will never help you. And god forbid that you should ever, ever, say anything, like writing get your frustrations in a letter to administration, because they will remeber you, and get revenge on you. If you do come to this school, the best advice any real person here can give you is to lay low. Keep your head under the radar, and if you do want to vent, you can always anonymously post here on valuemd.
Remember, those who can do, those who cant, teach. And those who cant teach in the US because of sexual harrasement, or an inability to speak inteligible english, teach on saba

[Experienced]

I shutter to think someone like this may become a doctor. The only consolation I have is that most people with personality disorders are weeded out in the rigorous process. I'll be surprised if this one makes it through Basic Sciences but there's no chance this one will get through Clinicals. Won't happen. :)

Nice weekend, all!

E.

[Gigi25]

Just wanted to say, that there can only be one tellingitlikeitis, and only one. And for the record, I only say bad things to those who insult me first. I dont know who ducman or wolf are. The only point I ever want to make on this site, is that optimism is good to get you through and off this rotten island, but dont let it blind you to the obvious realities which are, the education is subpar, you get what you pay for, and that you are alone here, and the administration will never help you. And god forbid that you should ever, ever, say anything, like writing get your frustrations in a letter to administration, because they will remeber you, and get revenge on you. If you do come to this school, the best advice any real person here can give you is to lay low. Keep your head under the radar, and if you do want to vent, you can always anonymously post here on valuemd.
Remember, those who can do, those who cant, teach. And those who cant teach in the US because of sexual harrasement, or an inability to speak inteligible english, teach on saba


If I wasn't incredibly bored I probably would not even bother replying to something like this.. BUT I am pretty bored!! I think it is highly unfair for you to categorize teachers. If it wasn't for teachers I would NOT be on my way to becoming an MD. I find your comment extremely insulting to those who chose to teach. I am especially grateful to the instructors that teach at Saba, since I felt that I recieved an AWESOME education. You get what you put in, even in US med schools. If you sit there and expect to be spoon fed, well then you probably won't do well on Saba, on rotations, or frankly anywhere in life!!! As far as the admin, I don't know anything about that. You only have to be there for 5 semesters, I'm sure most people can handle that without having to complain to the admin about everything.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

everybody here is entitled to their own opinion

[wolfvgang22]

As a former teacher, I've thought a little about why MDs or Phds choose to teach here. It may be true that some are here because of harassment, or because it is difficult to get a visa for oneself and family in the U.S. Maybe a few aren't "good enough" to teach at a U.S. medical school, lacking enough experience or research articles or whatever.
But I don't think language skills are necessarily a barrier, because I can understand every professor just fine. I think there are other reasons professors choose to teach here.

First, teaching is fun! It's low stress compared to a lot of other jobs, in my opinion. Professors here teach one or two classes a day, and usually know the material by heart. And I can tell you from experience, standing on the stage and performing, watching the light bulbs come on as people understand is a lot more fun than sitting in a desk worrying about tests, wishing you had a seat cushion. Teaching a classroom brings a sense of accomplishment that one who has never taught may have a hard time understanding.

Second, Professors do not live the exact same life here that the students do. Profs have family members or a significant other with them, and they MAKE a little money instead of spending it hand over fist and eating noodles all the time, and they often own a house here. Those things make a huge difference in how you view the community, and the caribbean as a whole.

Third, though we have the hyperbaric research program here, I don't think Saba University has the "publish or perish" system that makes teaching an afterthought for many U.S. professors. Student contact can be rare at large universities where the professor must teach at the medical school, oversee large undergraduate classes, and still be responsible to make grant money for the program. A lot of the professors here may feel as I do, and would rather teach than do that stuff most days. Writing grant proposals is a pain - I recall getting several rejections for every one grant that would be approved.

Finally, my grandma always said that it's often not so much what you do for a living, but who you do it with that decides your level of happiness . I have seen that some professors are very good friends. Also, many students actually appreciate their teachers efforts a great deal. If you can get that kind of respect for doing a job you like, it is tough to leave, I know.

I'd like to return to teaching one day when I finish practicing medicine. Maybe it's most likely I'll end up at an off-shore medical school someday, since that's where I'm coming from.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

you know, I do expect to be spoon fed slightly, becuse remeber, this is an accelerated course so there is no time at all to look things up. And I am speaking as someone who has no background at all in anything taught here at all, unlike many of my classmates.

[Gigi25]

you know, I do expect to be spoon fed slightly, becuse remeber, this is an accelerated course so there is no time at all to look things up. And I am speaking as someone who has no background at all in anything taught here at all, unlike many of my classmates.

No one is going to spoon feed you when you study for the USMLE!! If you are going to insult professors, I highly doubt that they would even want to help you anyways. But like you said, we are all allowed our own opinions. That's just mine. I had plenty of time to read my textbooks and if I had a problem I asked my instructors. But then again, since you dislike them and think they are incapable why would you want their help anyways???

[Tellingitlikeitis]

bla bla bla bla bla

[teratos]

We should be glad people want to take the time to teach. If it weren't for people willing to share their knowledge, we would all be a bunch of morons sitting around a cave trying to figure out how to start a fire. I like rounding with residents. I don't know if anyone ever learns anything from me, but I hope they do. I think it is part of the tradition of medicine for the attendings to teach on rounds. Those who don't are really missing out on a great experience.

There may be a certain degree of spoonfeeding in med school. As you get on with clinicals it will be to your benefit to do a little leg work. Often, the residents or attendings can tell you what you need to know about a various case. It makes you look much smarter if YOU tell them all they need to know about a topic. Residents and attendings aren't always right.

[Gigi25]

bla bla bla bla bla

oh I see..... now I know never to waste my time again... even if I am extremely bored... LOL

I would LOVE to say what I'm thinking right now, but I enjoy the forum so for now I'll keep my fat mouth shut

:cencsore:

[Tellingitlikeitis]

I like you gigi, can we be friends?

[Gigi25]

I like you gigi, can we be friends? y

just won't honor that with a response.... so bye bye

[Tellingitlikeitis]

no, i cant look anything up, im not smart enough to do that.

[teratos]

Folks, this thread looks like it is beginning to degrade....please review your posts and edit where appropriate. G

[ducman]

As I have stated before, I am not moderating this thread as I was a target of the original post. ValueMD has always promoted the free exchange of ideas, but this is still a private forum where one member cannot be allowed to attack another member. The moderators help to maintain this forum of exchange by making sure users abide by their agreed upon Terms of Service. I do not want to be viewed as biased, and have allowed this thread to continue - but it has crossed the line on several occasions. Please note that this flaming shall not be allowed to continue any further.

Also, I would like to state that it is disappointing to see a flaming thread become the main focus of interest on our forum. We should be promoting our school, including its excellent learning environment, helpful and learned faculty, dedicated students, and the atmosphere of the island.