From The Cmu SGA President

[letsgoMD]

To all value md members,

First, I would like to say thank you for posting. Let me make one thing clear. This is my first post and the reason I posted was because this is pathetic, there is too much bashing going on for no reason. Most of you guys are right that our school is young with an unproven track record. A lot of these guys are young and away from home. Actually, they are excited to go to school for the very first time. Also, sorry for all the posts that lists our rankings because it was overdone and we understand that. However, we will not stop making this video. If anyone was offended by this video I apologize. However, I will not change the video for any reasons what so ever. If you cannot give us support all I'm asking for is your time and patience. When the time comes around and if we've made the mistake then the responsibility will be on us, not you guys. Please I'm asking once again no more bashing on value md. I told all the students to stop posting for just one night and as you see, no one posted any negative comments towards others. Ironically however, the negative comments that are posted were not from the students. You guys are all saying that we made a big mistake but sometimes I feel the same way but I am older than most of you guys and throughout life I realized that if you never take a chance you will be looking behind you and it will always be 20/20. These optimistic students want to make a difference and they are taking their first step. Success or failure you cannot take one thing away from them and that is trying to make it a great success not only for themselves but for the future students of CMU and other Caribbean medical students.

Good luck to everyone on their exams to all the Caribbean medical schools.

Thank you for reading.

SGA President

[rlewkowski]

Thats why Im proud of our students. Excellent Post, Tommy

[stephew]

While I I might debate some points with the post, I respect the original poster.

In fact s/he is an example to other CMU students, non-CMU students, and others involved in the CMU issue.

[gawtti]

sorry to say but its not going to stop the skeptics on here. good luck though!:cool:

[Sree Cheruku]

However, we will not stop making this video. If anyone was offended by this video I apologize. However, I will not change the video for any reasons what so ever.

I don't see why the videos are a problem for anyone. They're funny and they'll probably keep people coming back to your forum. Some of us recommended that you might want to include clips of academic life at CMU in future videos, but that's up to you.


When the time comes around and if we've made the mistake then the responsibility will be on us, not you guys. Please I'm asking once again no more bashing on value md.

We do, however, have a responsibility to prospective students who might be enticed by the CMU website and promotional material. Many of us are wary of new for-profit medical schools and the means by which their administrators solicit new students. So, I think that criticizing the students' decisions to attend CMU is wrong, but the administration, advertising, web site etc. are fair game.

[jaywalk81]

good for you that you are posting up a msg representing your fellow students and institution.

but i am the school and the sga of cmy should address the more prominent matter of the blant plagiarism of website content in regards to the course description word for word from sgu's and the PA clinical rotation possibility.

is it or can it be that cmu might have failed to do its own research regarding to the PA rotations? if it did fail in doing that research, what else might it failed it researching?

i know if i was a possible future applicants to cmu, there are the most important matters at hands, forget the bashing and trash talking.

[letsgoMD]

I want to thank everyone for respecting us. Today there was not as much bashing as usual. To the people that have been slamming us for no reason and there are a few that have been posting on our site, actually ONLY on our site remember this is just a forum and this is not the place to take yor anger or frustration out. Also, there have been posts that have been blamed on us that none of the students have posted. We will try to not bash anyone or put your school down and I hope that you respect us too. The valuemd forum is for asking informaion about the school and not intended to bring the school down. Ross, Saba, SGU, AUA and other established Caribbean medical schools started just like CMU did. We have an unproven track record and an unknown future. All I am asking for is your time and support. One day, real soon we are hoping that CMU will be one of the top caribbean medical schools or for that matter a top medical school.

As you see the people that have been slamming our school have been banned and thus will no longer be tolerated by 'doc'.

I hope everyone is busy studying hard for their first exams at their respected medical school. Good Luck!

Thank you for reading.

SGA President

[letsgoMD]

In the past few days most of the CMU students have not posted on any forums. But, as you can see we are still getting bad posts. The new curriculum is up on the website (CMU | Caribbean Medical University - School of Medicine, Caribbean Medical School (http://www.cmumed.org)). And, we have a rotation with a sports medicine and a general practice clinic. Also, MD 3 and 4 will be going twice a week and MD 1 and 2 go once a week. As far as getting the WHO and ECFMG, we will soon and it will be posted as soon as its done. Thank you worrying about us. Good luck on your exams. If you have any questions then you can leave constructive questions on value md and I will personally answer them. If you like slamming please post it under your university and keep a new thread, but please do not post it on our page because you don't know us personally so just simply avoid any dilemmas. Yes, our website was the same as SGU, so we apologize for that. However, if you really think you won't be able to stop bashing us then we will be a better person and ignore all these posts. Telling us that the school does not have ECFMG and WHO yet has been repeated far too many times and is simply getting annoying. As far as the paperwork being sent to those places, I personally do not know and it is not my responsibility to do so.

Also, tonight the second video will be released by our finest dj, $iva. Please watch it because it will be different.

People have also been asking us to edit and change the videos and we will NOT change it because there is something known as the freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

Thanks

[stephew]

freedom of expression however also means people can expresse their dislike of things, and make such requests.

[rokshana]

But, as you can see we are still getting bad posts.

please define "bad" posts? Do you mean those that bash your school? Because, to be honest, I have yet to really see a post that says "cmu is bad"- but i have seen posts that have asked legitamate questions that would be ask of ANY school, new or established- are you recognized by the bodies that monitor and list foreign schools? What are the specfics of your curriculum? What hospitals do the students do clinical rotations? If your school cannot not answer these simple straightforward questions, then the problem is not with the poster...


The new curriculum is up on the website (CMU | Caribbean Medical University - School of Medicine, Caribbean Medical School (http://www.cmumed.org)).

thats all fine and dandy, but when someone ask for more specfics...nothing.... if this is a new and innovative method of teaching, then the schools should be able to answer the questions about it and back up the reasoning for each part of the new curriculum with evidence that it works or is better than the traditional method of teaching.

As far as getting the WHO and ECFMG, we will soon and it will be posted as soon as its done.

and if time is the issue so be it- but you know that for all the things that the school offical has posted here, he has not been honest about this- just say, we are in the process, but because of lag time it is not yet post- this has NOT come from your school offical, but from students (and not necessarily cmu ones)- not always the most reliable source. Also your school offical has NOT addressed the issue of whether the current students will be eligible to sit for the boards- i would think you as students of this school would be very concerned about this issue.

If you have any questions then you can leave constructive questions on value md and I will personally answer them.

ok- so i'll ask them to you
1. so has the school filed the necessary paperwork for WHO, FAIMER, IMED listing- its not really all that difficult to get this?

2. how will the delay of receiving the above status affect the current students eligiblity to sit for the USMLE?

3. so can you explain this new method of teaching? are all disciplines taught across the board from day one? so say you are studying the respiratory system- do you discuss the the anatomy, physiology, pathophys, pharmacology, etc at the same time from day one? or is it just 1st year topics?

4. do you have more specifics about the clinical hospitals that the students will rotate through? Are you just following a doc? or is there an integtrated program at an ACGME residency program? Green book? Blue book?

Yes, our website was the same as SGU, so we apologize for that.

5. so if the school realizes that the website is at time an exact copy of the sgu website- why has it not be changed? It still, wholesale, looks like sgu's website.

Telling us that the school does not have ECFMG and WHO yet has been repeated far too many times and is simply getting annoying.

it is a VALID question and the reason its asked so many times is that your school offical has pointedly not answered this question.

As far as the paperwork being sent to those places, I personally do not know and it is not my responsibility to do so.

you are correct- so why is your offical not answering this?

Also, tonight the second video will be released by our finest dj, $iva. Please watch it because it will be different.

why do ya'll tout this thing as the end all be all? He was making these kind of videos at sgu and the administration did not make a big deal of it!! And truly if the school for some reason want this to be an advertising tool, why is it not linked to the offical website? Videos made by MTV were linked from the sgu offical website fro a while- it wasn't however screeched about on vmd.

People have also been asking us to edit and change the videos and we will NOT change it because there is something known as the freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

again like steph said- people saying bad things about your program comes under said freedom of speech- just because you don't like it, doesn't mean they can't post it.

Thanks[/quote]

[letsgoMD]

As far as you are inquiring about bad posts, I'm actually talking about naming someone saying that they failed and calling our students names for no particular reason. That is definitely a bad post in my opinion, don't you agree? Also, people are saying that only the students at CMU here have issues but why do you have to talk about particular students ONLY at our school. I dont think this is the right approach at all. Although, you asked about where we see the patients on the islands, however, when you watch the video today you will be able to see the names and see it for yourself. I haven't read all your posts but the only thing that caught my eye so far was what a bad post entails. I feel that a bad post is one where an individual or a group of people bring not only the students but the entire student body. People have made it seem that the only students that come to CMU are those that have no other alternative, however they fail to understand that they do not know us on an individual or personal level and have no right to talk about these issues. I don't know you as an individual and thus I'm not able to talk about you to even say whether you are a good person or bad.


Thanks.

SGA President

[atlanticvioxx]

As far as you are inquiring about bad posts, I'm actually talking about naming someone saying that they failed and calling our students names for no particular reason. That is definitely a bad post in my opinion, don't you agree? Also, people are saying that only the students at CMU here have issues but why do you have to talk about particular students ONLY at our school. I dont think this is the right approach at all. Although, you asked about where we see the patients on the islands, however, when you watch the video today you will be able to see the names and see it for yourself. I haven't read all your posts but the only thing that caught my eye so far was what a bad post entails. I feel that a bad post is one where an individual or a group of people bring not only the students but the entire student body. People have made it seem that the only students that come to CMU are those that have no other alternative, however they fail to understand that they do not know us on an individual or personal level and have no right to talk about these issues. I don't know you as an individual and thus I'm not able to talk about you to even say whether you are a good person or bad.


Thanks.

SGA President


Basically, CMU has invested $$$$ in their school and has some other schools really worried. Especially St Martinus.

[Dru]

Re. "bad posts"...you will need to refresh your memories by re-reading the Terms of Service that you agreed to upon joining. Bashing, flaming, posting inappropriate language, slurs, etc. It's ok to be a cheerleader, but just say it once, otherwise it will be assessed as "flooding" or even spam, and infractions will be issued accordingly.

Every school was new at one time. Some come and stay, and some come and go. Just let it at that and act like the medical professionsals that you profess to one day become.

[letsgoMD]

I was just trying to say lets just get along, but everytime I post something, saying "lets get along", its like you people are showing me, Terms of Service (http://www.valuemd.com/disclaimer.php), and what we are doing is ok...what this implies is that the forum does not discuss medical school issues but instead it is used to target individuals/groups personal issues. I would like to try and encourage everyone to be more professional, if possible that is!!!

Thank You!!!

[letsgoMD]

I will try my best to answer all of your questions, honestly that is. As far as WHO and ECFMG goes we should have it by the end of June by the very latest. The reason I'm saying this is because as of today the paperwork has not been completed.

Most of our students are pre med, md 1s and md 2s. So, most of us have time. I know that classes that you take before this approval is granted does not count but its a gray area on its own. I know a few students who weren't listed under ECFMG and they were able to take the usmle step 1. Back in the early 1970's when Ross just opened up it was up to most of the students to take the board exam on their own.

Yes, we have structured classes four times a week. One day out of the week they have systematic teaching. So, basically, one or two professors integrate all the material that was discussed in the week. Now to be completely honest with you I'm very new to this system so I couldn't tell you how it will work out. But, as of right now its much better.

Md 2's go twice a week and they seek a patient and take their history, diagnose them and help out the primary care physician. In contrast, Md 1's go to the same clinic on Saturdays. Now this clinic is one of the most well developed clinics here on the island and it is located in St. Rosa. The doctor received his training from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Now as far as the website goes the students had no say in it what so ever. If you have any inquiries related to this the best person to approach would be Dr. D and Dr. JP.

Rokshana, some questions that I have answered such as when the approval of the ECFMG and WHO are impossible to tell you exactly when. Although, I'm 100% sure that we will get it. Now as far as the Charter, we are under CIU (Caribbbean International University) which has received permission to have a medical school for a while. There is another school who has been granted permission to open another medical school, UNA (University of Netherlands Antilles), but, as of now they only plan on accepting the people of the ABC islands but have not taken action yet.

I'm not an expert on all the questions you asked me but I most definitely gave you an honest answer as the SGA President.

Thanks.
SGA President

[Scott1981]

UNA, thats really interesting. im assuming they will become a school similar to UWI.

[rokshana]

I will try my best to answer all of your questions, honestly that is. As far as WHO and ECFMG goes we should have it by the end of June by the very latest. The reason I'm saying this is because as of today the paperwork has not been completed.

Most of our students are pre med, md 1s and md 2s. So, most of us have time. I know that classes that you take before this approval is granted does not count but its a gray area on its own. I know a few students who weren't listed under ECFMG and they were able to take the usmle step 1. Back in the early 1970's when Ross just opened up it was up to most of the students to take the board exam on their own.

Yes, we have structured classes four times a week. One day out of the week they have systematic teaching. So, basically, one or two professors integrate all the material that was discussed in the week. Now to be completely honest with you I'm very new to this system so I couldn't tell you how it will work out. But, as of right now its much better.

Md 2's go twice a week and they seek a patient and take their history, diagnose them and help out the primary care physician. In contrast, Md 1's go to the same clinic on Saturdays. Now this clinic is one of the most well developed clinics here on the island and it is located in St. Rosa. The doctor received his training from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Now as far as the website goes the students had no say in it what so ever. If you have any inquiries related to this the best person to approach would be Dr. D and Dr. JP.

Rokshana, some questions that I have answered such as when the approval of the ECFMG and WHO are impossible to tell you exactly when. Although, I'm 100% sure that we will get it. Now as far as the Charter, we are under CIU (Caribbbean International University) which has received permission to have a medical school for a while. There is another school who has been granted permission to open another medical school, UNA (University of Netherlands Antilles), but, as of now they only plan on accepting the people of the ABC islands but have not taken action yet.

I'm not an expert on all the questions you asked me but I most definitely gave you an honest answer as the SGA President.

Thanks.
SGA President


yes you certainly did and i for one appreciate it. Not because I need to know this information - I made my decesion long ago and am not looking for a school- but because you gave information that a prospective who is looking for a school needs to know. Its ok if you don't know the when and where, saying it is the important part- not hemming and hawing around the topic- you did a very nice job.

and while i think its a very good thing that you are getting clinical experience from year 1- i was asking more about the clinical rotations in the US- do you have more info on that?

it is nice to know that someone at cmu has a level head and is realistic- they made a good pick for sga president- good luck.

[dt]

I will try my best to answer all of your questions, honestly that is. As far as WHO and ECFMG goes we should have it by the end of June by the very latest. The reason I'm saying this is because as of today the paperwork has not been completed.

...


Are you sure about end of June??

I asked because of these posts:

http://www.valuemd.com/caribbean-medical-university-cmu/135180-hey-im-first.html#post604918
By the end of May.

http://www.valuemd.com/caribbean-medical-university-cmu/136424-imed.html#post614117
I'll contact them since the documents have been sent already.

http://www.valuemd.com/caribbean-medical-university-cmu/135966-sit-usmle.html#post610393

CMU students can take USMLE, there is no question about it. Due to many requests of students we will put the Government Permit on our website within few days. Regarding WHO and ECFMG we put numerous posts and information that they are combining their databases therefore CMU will be listed once they finish the process.


I also dont see the "Government Permit" on the school website.

[jtu]

For Rokshana,

Well done!!
It is so nice of you to ask candid questions about CMU.School official may like to take his own time to reply.Though,I think it is tough to satisfy you.
However,I personally wonder!!! --Why so many posters are curious to know about CMU?
Why do they worry so much about past,present and future of CMU students?
Every school went through the same kind of official processes for enlisting the school in IMED,ECFMG and getting approval for appearing in USMLE.
Everyone knows very well that CMU is nothing special in that respect and CMU is going through the similar stages and will definitely get enlisted shortly.It is a set protocol of all Governmental agencies.There is no point in making it a popular issue in ValueMD.
There is a good news for CMU and Non-CMU students.I heard that those posts made some move to expedite the process for approval of CMU.Good job done indeed.
I made a brief research about the curriculum followed in CMU.I was amazed to find that CMU students started learning about physical examination of various systems from day-1 and enjoying a lot.They are taking patients history and presenting to the clinician instructors in the local hospitals affiliated to CMU.They are assisting laboratory experts in the affiliated Governmental Medical Laboratory.They made a schedule to attend elderly homes to assit the social workers and nursing staffs.Diabetes foundation of Curacao invited the CMU officials to organize a community health camp with the help of CMU students and physician faculties.US recognized C.P.R training program is likely to start for CMU students under supervision of St Elizabeth Hospital,Curacao experts.
I wonder why do CMU need to copy others and apolozise when CMU can set example for other schools?
CMU SGA President may like to reply to my constructive question.
However,I am satisfied and happy to see successful implementation of a progressive curriculum matching current US and UK med school programs.
Best of luck!!!!

[teratos]

If you don't have WHO recognition now, I hope it is retroactive......

If you do course work at a school while it is unapproved, you won't get a license.....

[dt]

I wonder why do CMU need to copy others and apolozise when CMU can set example for other schools?


What types of examples do you have in mind?

[stephew]

letsgo,

thank you for rising to the occasion. if the whole cmu constituency follows your example of straightfoward honesty and good faith, it will certainly start earning the respect it would like. there are still many practical issues that left unanswered or unaddressed for cmu as of yet. but from the standpoint of community respectability, this is a great way to start. they chose well for sga pres. I will try my best to answer all of your questions, honestly that is. As far as WHO and ECFMG goes we should have it by the end of June by the very latest. The reason I'm saying this is because as of today the paperwork has not been completed.

Most of our students are pre med, md 1s and md 2s. So, most of us have time. I know that classes that you take before this approval is granted does not count but its a gray area on its own. I know a few students who weren't listed under ECFMG and they were able to take the usmle step 1. Back in the early 1970's when Ross just opened up it was up to most of the students to take the board exam on their own.

Yes, we have structured classes four times a week. One day out of the week they have systematic teaching. So, basically, one or two professors integrate all the material that was discussed in the week. Now to be completely honest with you I'm very new to this system so I couldn't tell you how it will work out. But, as of right now its much better.

Md 2's go twice a week and they seek a patient and take their history, diagnose them and help out the primary care physician. In contrast, Md 1's go to the same clinic on Saturdays. Now this clinic is one of the most well developed clinics here on the island and it is located in St. Rosa. The doctor received his training from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Now as far as the website goes the students had no say in it what so ever. If you have any inquiries related to this the best person to approach would be Dr. D and Dr. JP.

Rokshana, some questions that I have answered such as when the approval of the ECFMG and WHO are impossible to tell you exactly when. Although, I'm 100% sure that we will get it. Now as far as the Charter, we are under CIU (Caribbbean International University) which has received permission to have a medical school for a while. There is another school who has been granted permission to open another medical school, UNA (University of Netherlands Antilles), but, as of now they only plan on accepting the people of the ABC islands but have not taken action yet.

I'm not an expert on all the questions you asked me but I most definitely gave you an honest answer as the SGA President.

Thanks.
SGA President

[stateofequilibrium]

I wonder why do CMU need to copy others and apolozise when CMU can set example for other schools?


Because they did and should.

[rlewkowski]

All we ask for is time and patience. CMU just started and it was a very impressive start. There will be always people criticizing everything and everyone but constructive criticism is always welcome at CMU cause everyone makes mistakes. It’s crucial for us to learn from them.

[rokshana]

All we ask for is time and patience. CMU just started and it was a very impressive start. There will be always people criticizing everything and everyone but constructive criticism is always welcome at CMU cause everyone makes mistakes. It’s crucial for us to learn from them.


HOLEY MOLEY !!! could you please just ANSWER A QUESTION!!!!

HOW exactly is it an impressive start? 5 students? with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? What exactly is impressive about that??????

[slevit1]

HOLEY MOLEY !!! could you just possibly, for once, just ANSWER A QUESTION!!!! instead of spouting all these platitudes!!!!

your sga pres is a better representitive for the school than the school "official"!!!!!!

HOW exactly is it an impressive start? 5 students? with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? What exactly is impressive about that??????

I am not a religious man....but AMEN!

[letsgoMD]

You are right to some degree. Since I have been here there have been times that I was uncertain about my decision to come here to a new school. I think when the school is new nothing can be perfect and that includes CMU. We do have 12 students all together including pre meds and md. As I told you before I will answer all the questions truthfully. I am hoping that the school will have all the necessary paperwork to get the WHO and ECFMG approval by the end of June by the very latest. As for the hospital affiliation I have not seen the paperwork so I cannot answer that question, but you can talk to the administrative department to get your answer.

You are utmost right, there is nothing to be impressed about at this particular moment, but hopefully one day everyone will be impressed. We are new and young and only time will tell like I said before. But, the only thing I can tell my fellow classmates is a book that was given in my past hard times and the quote goes like this....

"In the mean time, I suggest we keep our chins up, put our walking shoes on, and follow your heart to the end of your dreams. As you make this journey, always remember each days precious gift. If we can enjoy it for what it is worth and make the most of it, believe it or not there is another extraordinary gift waiting for us....tomorrow"

"When your entire life passes by before your eyes, I really don't think you will care too much about the amount of money you really made, the frequent-flyer miles you accrued, the awards you won, the car you owned, the value of your stock, or the number of times you got your picture in the newspaper. But, what matters is that you followed your dreams, success or failiure you did the best you can."

- Bradley Trevor Greive

Thanks.

SGA President

[rokshana]

You are right to some degree. Since I have been here there have been times that I was uncertain about my decision to come here to a new school. I think when the school is new nothing can be perfect and that includes CMU. We do have 12 students all together including pre meds and md. As I told you before I will answer all the questions truthfully. I am hoping that the school will have all the necessary paperwork to get the WHO and ECFMG approval by the end of June by the very latest. As for the hospital affiliation I have not seen the paperwork so I cannot answer that question, but you can talk to the administrative department to get your answer.

You are utmost right, there is nothing to be impressed about at this particular moment, but hopefully one day everyone will be impressed. We are new and young and only time will tell like I said before. But, the only thing I can tell my fellow classmates is a book that was given in my past hard times and the quote goes like this....

"In the mean time, I suggest we keep our chins up, put our walking shoes on, and follow your heart to the end of your dreams. As you make this journey, always remember each days precious gift. If we can enjoy it for what it is worth and make the most of it, believe it or not there is another extraordinary gift waiting for us....tomorrow"

"When your entire life passes by before your eyes, I really don't think you will care too much about the amount of money you really made, the frequent-flyer miles you accrued, the awards you won, the car you owned, the value of your stock, or the number of times you got your picture in the newspaper. But, what matters is that you followed your dreams, success or failiure you did the best you can."

- Bradley Trevor Greive

Thanks.

SGA President

i'll have to say letsgoMD, you are probably the most impressive thing about CMU- if your brethern are more like you - then I think you will have something to boast about soon enough- i certainly hope that is the case.


thank you for responding- again your reponse was very mature and honest- it is appreciated

[rlewkowski]

i'll have to say letsgoMD, you are probably the most impressive thing about CMU- if your brethern are more like you - then I think you will have something to boast about soon enough- i certainly hope that is the case.


Mrs Rokshana
Please do more research about CMU before posting!!! What school are you in now? Tell us about it's start.
5 students? - CMU started with 12 students, 2 times more than other medical schools!!!
with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? - There is no IMED recognition, WHO and FAIMER is just a matter of weeks. They have to finish merging their databases.
With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? - I can guarantee you that our students will be able to sit for USMLE exams since we work toghether with CIU.
With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? - We currently work with 317 preceptors in 14 states!!!
What exactly is impressive about that?????? - I know the history of caribbean medical schools, please tell me what other school had better start. Some of them after years of operations can dream about our starting position.

I bet if even Harvard opened a school in Caribbean, people like you would complain so please what other school had a better start?

[Scott1981]

With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? - We currently work with 317 preceptors in 14 states!!!


those are not hospitals.

[stephew]

as im sure y ou are probably aware, these are rather rhetoical points. I dont think you need to be in medicine to realize that quoting that " e started with twice as many students...12 of them!) makes for statistical arguements a strawman could break through.

beiong defensive over the *very very pertinant* issues of WHO IMED and FAIMER weakens your position. Why not simply explain the situation rather than try and deflect the issue?

The bottom line is this: Prospective students as of today have other choices that include established schools. Back in 1970-something the case was different. whatever cmu may or may not become, as of this moment, it stands in line behind many many other schools that not only have these registrations, but have a track record of success for their students. Should CMU become a leading force, at that point the recommendations of those who know about offshore med ed would give to prospective students would change and CMU would be leading the list. And you could justifiably feel good about it. but right now that is simply not the case. boasting about a startup of with 317 preceptors for 12 kids who havnt yet made it to clinicals is disingenuous.

if cmu will be as good as you claim there is no need for you to erect a strawman. meanwhile doing so doesnt help jumpstart its reputation. Particularly as so many people have educated themselves about what the issues are with regard to choosing offshore medical education.

Mrs Rokshana
Please do more research about CMU before posting!!! What school are you in now? Tell us about it's start.
5 students? - CMU started with 12 students, 2 times more than other medical schools!!!
with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? - There is no IMED recognition, WHO and FAIMER is just a matter of weeks. They have to finish merging their databases.
With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? - I can guarantee you that our students will be able to sit for USMLE exams since we work toghether with CIU.
With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? - We currently work with 317 preceptors in 14 states!!!
What exactly is impressive about that?????? - I know the history of caribbean medical schools, please tell me what other school had better start. Some of them after years of operations can dream about our starting position.

I bet if even Harvard opened a school in Caribbean, people like you would complain so please what other school had a better start?

[superhumper]

With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? - I can guarantee you that our students will be able to sit for USMLE exams since we work toghether with CIU.

The CIU is Caribbean International University. The CIU is not chartered to teach medicine so affiliation of CMU with CIU does not help students with the USMLE... Or may be RL has some other ideas???

[MYMD]

The CIU is Caribbean International University. The CIU is not chartered to teach medicine so affiliation of CMU with CIU does not help students with the USMLE... Or may be RL has some other ideas???
SInce CMU has premed I think that was the link and that CIU has been around a while.

[slevit1]

5 students? - CMU started with 12 students, 2 times more than other medical schools!!!
The 12 students include pre med students, you do not have 12 med students.
with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? - There is no IMED recognition, WHO and FAIMER is just a matter of weeks. They have to finish merging their databases.
This remains to be seen. In the mean time, you did not have recognition when the students began their education and they will not be eligible to sit for the USMLE.
With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? - I can guarantee you that our students will be able to sit for USMLE exams since we work toghether with CIU.
No, you can't guarantee that at all. As things stand right now, they cannot sit for the steps. CIU is not a medical school, who cares that you're affiliated with another university in Curacao.
With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? - We currently work with 317 preceptors in 14 states!!!
Exactly...no reported clinical affiliated hospitals, just like rokshana said! It doesn't matter if you have 2,000 preceptors in 50 states, Canada, Puerto rico, and the US virgin islands. You still do not have a single ACGME green book affiliated hospital...not one. If your students hope to practice in the US, this should be an absolute deal breaker.
Some of them after years of operations can dream about our starting position.
I doubt they dream about no recognition, no clinical sites, and a half dozen students. You have NOTHING to brag about. And lets not forget that you're school is part of a complex...not all your school at all. You just rented out some space. And, we have yet to see any pictures of your classrooms. So, they may not be very nice at all. Maybe getting the online tour link of your website to work would be nice.

I am not trying to specifically bash your school. It's just that you come on here spreading blatant lies and avoiding the important questions, rather choosing to answer them with some philosophical **. Further, you bash other caribbean schools that are more established than yours. You should follow in the lead of your SGA president and give HONEST answers to prospective students. That way you may have some success, eventually. And for your students, I honestly hope you do.

[rokshana]

Mrs Rokshana
Please do more research about CMU before posting!!! What school are you in now? Tell us about it's start.
5 students? - CMU started with 12 students, 2 times more than other medical schools!!!
with no recognition from WHO, IMED, FAIMER, etc???? - There is no IMED recognition, WHO and FAIMER is just a matter of weeks. They have to finish merging their databases.
With no abilty at this point in time for recognition of its students to sit for the steps????? - I can guarantee you that our students will be able to sit for USMLE exams since we work toghether with CIU.
With no reported clinical affliated hospitals?????? - We currently work with 317 preceptors in 14 states!!!
What exactly is impressive about that?????? - I know the history of caribbean medical schools, please tell me what other school had better start. Some of them after years of operations can dream about our starting position.

I bet if even Harvard opened a school in Caribbean, people like you would complain so please what other school had a better start?

slevit pretty mucch answerd most of your points in the same manner i would have, so really i'm not going to repeat it,

but to answer the point of what other school has had the best start?

Really- who cares??? I mean, yes, it would be great if a school can start out with state of the art facilities (and free direct tv and vonage phones and whatever else..), but big deal if some of the other schools rent?? If they have IMED, FAIMER, and WHO recognition and their students can sit for the steps and be eligible to get a residency in the US, then they can have a med school in a tin roof shack!!

Most people on VMD know I'm a 4th year sgu student. I picked sgu because it has the best reputation and track record of the caribbean med schools that had the best fit for me. 30 years ago (NOTE THIRTY years ago) sgu was teaching out of an old hotel- and if i had been looking at med school 30 years ago(though I would have been doogie howser!!!:eek:) I wouldn't have gone- they were new and unproven- I would have probably gone to UAG - a known and proven school. You are comparing apples to oranges- yes my school had humble beginnigs, but they don't NOW!!!! The campus - and you CAN see this on sgu's website- is the #1 ( i mean if you are gonna tout your capmus- tout BIG!!) offshore campus- ross and auc students alike will say that the sgu campus is very nice (though not gold paint:()- but facilities are NOT the main reason for picking a school- the ability to get an MD degree and practice in the US is- and AUC, Ross, and SGu all do this equally- facilities aside.

again you have not named one, ONE single ACGME affliated clinical site- just name one- not reference the question to the clinical dept.

http://www.sgu.edu/website/sguwebsite.nsf/images/homeswap12.jpg (http://www.sgu.edu/website/sguwebsite.nsf/index.html#)

pretty,huh?

[IMG SURVIVOR]

What is that?
Its that SGU?

[stateofequilibrium]

What is that?
Its that SGU?

Nono, that's the place where the Elves lived in Lord of the Rings :D

[IMG SURVIVOR]

Nono, that's the place where the Elves lived in Lord of the Rings :D

How you dare to make fun of the great and only IMG SURVIVOR:D

So in what room the princess sleep:rolleyes:

[jaywalk81]

thats a shot of sgu library at night.

[Silenthunder]

How you dare to make fun of the great and only IMG SURVIVOR:D

So in what room the princess sleep:rolleyes:

she probably sleeps on the top floor - in the 24 hour study area.

and she's not allowed to have food - or non-water beverages in there (unless she wants to get a ticket from the library police).

and if she's an extra big loser-biotch she'll leave her stuff there in a study cubicle for days at a time - as if she owns the place.

.... if you're planning on rescuing her, make sure that you try to get a magic flower (so you can shoot fireballs), otherwise you'll have to run underneath king koopa and knock out the bridge lever

(I think SGU will sell you a magic flower as part of the 'required' booklist for first term - which includes other useless things like that red medical terminology book)

I should go and sleep (this post was made at 2am - apologies if this was off -topic - I tried to explain a bit about rokshana's picture - but got lost on the way)

Cheers,

Silenthunder

[jameslynton]

...

again you have not named one, ONE single ACGME affliated clinical site- just name one- not reference the question to the clinical dept. Did you want a moon pie with that RC cola? Or was that pie in the sky. I am getting confused by all this.

[MYMD]

Did you want a moon pie with that RC cola? Or was that pie in the sky. I am getting confused by all this.
I'm not confused at all, there is philosophy out there from students at the "Big 4" that all the other schools "Should not exist", I have read posts in the past that have out right said " if you cannot get into one of the Big 4 then you should not be in Medical school " It has not been posted here in this forum but this way of thinking is out there, what escapes me is that the truth is US medical students think that if you cannot get into a US school then you should not be in Medical school, they do not care what Caribbean school, they as do some program directors believe there is no such thing as one Caribbean school being better then another.............................Food for thought.

[Prophet_x]

It says on the website that CMU is recognized in the US as well as Canada. Does that mean there are residency spots available, and are you then able to practice in either Canada or the US? I just finished my 2nd year of university here in Canada, and it would be great to have that option to go back and practice in Canada.

[dt]

It says on the website that CMU is recognized in the US as well as Canada. Does that mean there are residency spots available, and are you then able to practice in either Canada or the US? I just finished my 2nd year of university here in Canada, and it would be great to have that option to go back and practice in Canada.

Not till CMU is listed in IMED or WHO... That should be any day now, right?? :)

[rlewkowski]

You're absolutely right

[Prophet_x]

Well, even though a lot of people in the forum aren't too supportive of CMU given that it's a young school, I think I'm going to try my luck and apply. When are the deadlines for applications? Am I still able to apply for Sept 07 or perhaps Jan 08?

[jtu]

For Prophet X

Hi!!
Friends!!
I enquired from CMU officials for admission in Sept'07 and they told-- you are most welcome there in CMU.
Thay are very much open to accept well motivated ambitious students like you.CMU will be your right destination.Best woishes.

[stephew]

Well, even though a lot of people in the forum aren't too supportive of CMU given that it's a young school, I think I'm going to try my luck and apply. When are the deadlines for applications? Am I still able to apply for Sept 07 or perhaps Jan 08?
your luck wont be an issue applying. its how things will proceed after that. Can you practice in the state (or country) you wish as a grad, are your rotatinos ACGME accredited (ALL of them) and given in a timely way etc.

I do wish you the best with CMU though.

[jtu]

For Rokshana and Scitt1981

Hi!!
Friends!!!
It is surprizing to note your several posts about CMU and all are negative posts.
Did you see any thing good there--Probably NOT .
Come on!! Try to talk about the starting days of your school.Let us know how impressive it was?How many affiliated hospitals your school had? After how many years they received WHO,IMED,ECFMG? Be honest and truthful.

[stephew]

you miss the mark by a mile. the issue is that as of today a new student has plenty of well established options. why reinvent the wheel and start with something untried and will (as of yet) poorly documented clinical rotation info, accredidation info ect. its not 1976 right now. that's the honest truth. and the bottom line.

and btw you dont wait "years" for this accred. YOu can't practice in the us without it.

[dt]

For Rokshana and Scitt1981

Hi!!
Friends!!!
It is surprizing to note your several posts about CMU and all are negative posts.
Did you see any thing good there--Probably NOT .It is your personal problem.
Come on!! Try to talk about the starting days of your school.Let us know how impressive it was?How many affiliated hospitals your school had? After how many years they received WHO,IMED,ECFMG? Be honest and truthful.


Sigh!!

CMU has 0 (zero, zip) affiliated hospitals in the US.

CMU has 317 perceptors?? How did CMU get 300+ perceptors to agree?? That's like 3+ a day signup average for 3 months. And are they getting paid now?

CMU supposedly started with 30 students, but now only has 12. 7 of these are premed with CIU??

CMU was supposed to have listed on IMED by end of May; government permit posted on the school website a week ago. Hasnt happen yet.

I am impress somehow...

[rokshana]

For Rokshana and Scitt1981

Hi!!
Friends!!!
It is surprizing to note your several posts about CMU and all are negative posts.
Did you see any thing good there--Probably NOT .
Come on!! Try to talk about the starting days of your school.Let us know how impressive it was?How many affiliated hospitals your school had? After how many years they received WHO,IMED,ECFMG? Be honest and truthful.

i have actually been quite complimentary to your sga pres, but then he has also shown that he is mature and truthful in his comments.

And that is all i am asking of your "school officical"- and I am still waiting...

Again the STARTING days of my school is not the issue- I have already said that if i had been a student searching for a med school in the mid 70s, sgu probably would have not been my top choice...but then too back then there were maybe, what 3,4 schools to pick from?- NOW i hear tell there are over 70 such schools to choose from.

A person should go to the best school that they can get into- if they can't get into SGU, AUC, Ross, (decidedly the better of the choices, because of longevity of the school, number of practicing graduates, ability for licensure in ALL 50 states, and availablity of stafford loans), Saba (they just don't have the loans and Texas list), then there are still a number of schools that are proving themselves, are building a track record, and building a reputation....please tell me why, why anyone would recommend a school with no recognition from any of body, haven't even seen a charter and THAT should be available form day one!!! (lisiting with what amounts to the BBB does not count- any business can do that!).

RL, noticed you posted on theis forum at 4:54 PM, but you are pointedly NOT posting info about your clinical sites on the other thread, even though you "promised" scott that he would have an answer to his question today?

People, think about it- how is he going to keep the much bigger promises he is making to you as students- promises on IMED listing, promises of FAIMER and WHO recognition, promises of the ability to sit for the Steps, promises of clinical rotations in US hospitals, etc....

today is quickly slipping by, soon it will be tomorrow and i suspect that there will be no answer to scott's question (please!! prove me wrong!!).

[rlewkowski]

and btw you dont wait "years" for this accred. YOu can't practice in the us without it.

I think you don’t really know what the word accreditation means. None of medical schools, established in the last 10 years have any kind of accreditation. They are just listed with WHO and IMED, that’s all. This does not constitute any type of accreditation!!!

[Scott1981]

jtu, i think steph and rok summed it up nicely.

[rokshana]

I think you don’t really know what the word accreditation means. None of medical schools, established in the last 10 years have any kind of accreditation. They are just listed with WHO and IMED, that’s all. This does not constitute any type of accreditation!!!

i think steph knows quite well what accrediation means and has posted that before (as have I) that NONE of the carib schools have the "accrediation" that is important in as far as US is concerned- LCME. It is semantics- recognition is used interchangably with accrediation on this forum, but most everyone knows what is ment...and you still don't have it (i give that things can be on hold because lag time with these bodies).

you have posted the name of preceptors from a list of school..so you did prove me wrong there...but emt brought up a relevant question- do you have agreements with individuals that just have priviledges at these hospitals or with the hoospitals themselves??? Are your rotations ACGME??AOA??? or none of the above (following a doctor, doesn't do it- your students need to be in a program where there are residents).

[rlewkowski]

RL, noticed you posted on theis forum at 4:54 PM, but you are pointedly NOT posting info about your clinical sites on the other thread, even though you "promised" scott that he would have an answer to his question today?



I kept my promise and I will always do.

[stephew]

I think you don’t really know what the word accreditation means.
i beg to differ.

[stephew]

well 12 students to 300(+) is a good student teacher ratio ;)Sigh!!

CMU has 0 (zero, zip) affiliated hospitals in the US.

CMU has 317 perceptors?? How did CMU get 300+ perceptors to agree?? That's like 3+ a day signup average for 3 months. And are they getting paid now?

CMU supposedly started with 30 students, but now only has 12. 7 of these are premed with CIU??

CMU was supposed to have listed on IMED by end of May; government permit posted on the school website a week ago. Hasnt happen yet.

I am impress somehow...

[Prophet_x]

Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months.

[rlewkowski]

"Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months."

Very well put.

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?

[stephew]

why? two reasons. the main one is the come on. If you come on strong to begin with people will challange it. and if you come on strong with little to back yourself up, well dont complain about the repsonce.

the 2nd reason simply has to do with giving good advice to prospective students. I would tell anyone 1) go some place with all the ducks already in a row (accreditations, acgme clinicals) who know what the issues are and are straightforwards about it (the clinicals again- not just a list of preceptors which is near meaningless) and 2) some place that is tried and true. if cmu ultimately shines, great. go there. but i wont tell prospectives to go to a new school so that they can someday make is strong. No. the school is there for the students. If there are better options, they should do that first and if that leaves a new school high and dry, well we didnt need the new school. if it means the new school starts with weaker students so be it; if you succeed then, now you have the track record.

In short we care about making sure students are given the relevant and accurate info to help them make their decisions. its easy for them to not know what questions to ask (like why 300 preceptors alone is absolutely meaningless without acgme info)

Im afraid that many of the comments and questions leveled so far are very fair. You have to be prepared for that. If sometimes people have gotten hostile, well its in part due to them, surely. But its also in part a responcse to a strong come on.

[Scott1981]

most wouldnt care if before the medical school started they:

1. had WHO listing
2. had hospital affiliations

the reason there is so much negative PR in this forum is because the students that you continue to accept and the ones currently in your school are not going to succeed to become practicing physicians in the states not because of their potential lack of good grades and board scores, but because of the medical schools lack of proper structure, namely lacking the 2 above mentioned items.

lastly, with so many better established options out there, there is the no point of a medical student becoming a guinea pig for no reason.

[dt]

"Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months."

Very well put.

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?


It's the over-exaggeration (could one say lies??) that is wrong. The good thing is there are people willing to point these things out.

[slevit1]

"Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months."

Very well put.

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?

I'd be glad to tell you why we keep bothering with the CMU establishment! At least for me, it is in the hopes of preventing any potential student from making the mistake of attending CMU based on the gross misinformation which you and a few other students spew all over this forum. We want them to realize that while you make promises, the school remains with absolutely no recognition from any body that makes any difference. Further, they should know that CMU has not a single ACGME green book rotation (feel free to prove me wrong).

I hope that any student visiting the CMU forum will quickly see that they should apply to almost any other caribbean medical school before choosing to consider CMU. And then, only as an absolute last resort. Because no matter how you may choose to bash any other caribbean school, the fact remains that with very very few exceptions, every other school will at least allow graduates to practice somewhere in the US. As things stand right now, CMU students will not be able to take the USMLE and will not be able to practice in the US.

I honestly do hope that CMU winds up successful. I hope that your students can eventually take the USMLE and get a US license. However, it would really be very foolish to attend CMU right now with absolutely no guarantees of anything, if they have any chance anywhere else. As has been stated many times, the past is irrelevant. All that matters is at the moment, there are plenty of other much better options.

Edit: stephew and a few others beat me to this post, and she may have said it a little nicer, but you get the point.

[mongo18]

"Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months."

Very well put.

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?

Quite simply, this forum is viewed by many prospective students looking for an alternitive school (because they didn't have the stats for a US school). Most people wanting to fulfill their dreams of being a doctor didn't envision going to a caribbean med school. All of a sudden they are faced with the reality that their dream may not come to be. These schools over them a chance to succeed and become doctors.

Looking at these alternitives for the first time may be very confusing...as new unestablished schools keep popping up...so many choices, this forum is the only means of help for many. All of these upstart schools hurt the credibility of those established schools (SGU, ROSS, AUC) that have done everything to crush the stigma about off shore schools. SGU rivals the US in terms of USMLE passing rates, great residencies, and licensed doctors, yet is lumped with schools like CMU and even St. Christopher's. That's why people are angry. You cheapen the value that these well established, great reputation schools have.

So all the b**tching and moaning directed at you is really to those prospective students as a warning. Do your research...ask good questions. Do not base your decision to go to a medical school based on the fact it has new basketball nets.

Thanks should be given to Rokshana, stephew, and the like for being as helpful as they are. Kudos to you all.

[AUCMD2006]

"Well the only way a school can become established is if butts start filling seats in lecture halls and auditoriums. And once CMU acquires the necessary credentials and certifications, it will happen. When it will happen is up to them. We can't criticize a university that's in its first stages, we just have to wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming months."

Very well put.

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?


because at some point years ago we were all ignorant as to what constitutes a 'good' caribbean school. most of us are used to the US where any medical school is ok to attend and at first many of us think that just because a foreign school has a good website and is recognized by someone is good enough. unfortunately that is not true and by far the measure of what to base once decision to attent a school for most people. and we've seen many students end up without a degree and huge debt from attending one of these start ups. i could have been one of them, then found this website, learned about the things that go on in the caribbean and very quickly changed school enrollment.

deciding what school to attend is highly personal but most would agree that going with a proven school involves the least risk. yes schools have to start out somewhere but in the caribbean it seems to follow a pattern of deception and blatant overinflation and claims that all of us regular posters have seen time and time again. so you can thank, st chris, st luke, kigezi, mcl, xavier, st james, aua for making most of us cynics of start up schools and their claims and so far CMU has proved to be no different in start up tactics or marketing strategies by claiming things before they happen, making up clinical sites, and having a cheerleading squad of students.

so yes give cmu time, hopefully it will turen out like aua and smu, but its hard to trust and look past previous schools that started out the exact same way your school is starting. when you mentioned non profit foundation i had flashbacks to 2003 with st chris and the humanitarian mission it had been establsihed to fullfil...both raise the ever popular ** flag as do many other things so as of right now the sewers aren't the only things full of it in curacao...hehe

at least until the documents are on the website and you define the clinical picture as being paid physicians or full contracts with the hospitals themselves then the credibility of the school will grow exponentially and you will get some traction on establishing a track record. then once your students sit for the usmle and graduate that will be the next hall mark quickly followed by your fisrt residents. until then there is no reason why students with other options should choose this school, not a single reason, not one...

[slevit1]

so as of right now the sewers aren't the only things full of it in curacao
lmao
until then there is no reason why students with other options should choose this school, not a single reason, not one...
this is the essence of every post the non-cmu students have made!

[rokshana]

"
I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?

1st it is Rokshana- if its gonna get quoted i'd like it spelled properly...

but why? well, it has been answered quite eloquently in the last few posts, esp mongo's point of one diminishing the rest, so again, i won't try to repeat it all...

but one of the reasons vmd is helpful is that there ARE people in all phases of medicine- prospective students looking at all the different schools and trying to figure out what the differences between them are, brand new 1st term students, discovering that med school is hard!!, clinical students, new residents, both realizing that each step brings new surprises and responsiblities, and attendings, both new and seasoned who can give a real world prespective....

i both give advice about what i have been through and seek advice about what is to come for me. My IM preceptor heard me talking to a new 3rd year at my hospital and said that it is important that senior students mentor the junior ones...i see my role here as just that- i imagine may of those that still post here have the same view.

and you know what??? there are plenty of fora on this site that i have never visited, much less posted on....i generally stick to the sgu, auc, ross, and saba fora, with an occasional trip to the relaxing lounge...but the crazy post that were going on the cmu site made me notice....and now it would be remiss of me not to point out the defeciencies that i see...again it is not for the students to build up a school- they are already sacrificing alot- moving to a foreign country, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, giving up realistic chances at ubercompetitive residencies- all to be able to practice medicine in the US or Canada- they should not have to do this and end up with an MD degree that qualifies them for nothing ...

so now that you have sucessfully gotten our attention, you will now have to live with the consequences...

[letsgoMD]

As most of you have noticed, most of our students have not posted in the past 10 days. We as a group decided to let time decide our faith and journey. No one knows right now if our school is going to be the next St. George or any other Caribbean medical school that never made it. As for the start of school, just like any new school there have been some rocky times. However, at the same time we have had some progress. Most of the students are finally getting used to structured-systematic teaching and most of the students are learning to get along with each other and that is not always an easy thing to do when you have strong- minded medical students living close to each other. I think that for everything there is always a solution. I have read the value md for the past 10 days and I've observed the students not from CMU post on our site. Most of them that have written have put negative comments. This is a good thing because it will help our school know the weaknesses and strengths and will give us the chance to improve and continue to aim to be the best we can be.

We have postphoned our reality show due to unexpected circumstances. We have been using this time towards making our school even better with all the feedback we have received. If there are any questions that has to do with school, for example, class rooms, dormatories and such you are more than welcome to leave a message on the forum and I will make sure that the question is answered honestly and thoroughly. But, if it has to do with administration then I will not be able to answer the question, since you need to get in contact with the administrative department.

All the students that have taken their first exams thus far, I hope that you have excelled.

SGA President

[stephew]

i think postponing your reality show is a good idea from a credibility standpoint. worry about your education and let a good outcome speak for itself. in the meanwhile, dont willfully set yourself up for any embarrassments.

[Prophet_x]

Do you think CMU will have the necessary credentials and requirements by say Jan '08?

[stephew]

in this whole caribbean med school thing, never EVER go on a presumtion (that a place will be approved in a state; get some credential; get a new location to rotate etc etc). if its not ready when you are, you take it as is.

[anencephalic]

I don’t understand why people like roshana bother about CMU establishment? They seem to be happy with their own school so what is the reason to spend so much time on the forum of /based on them/ worthless, no future, pathetic, no grads, no track and no nothing school like CMU? Can someone explain this, please?

Plain and simple. As graduates of caribbean medical schools, we are already considered "less" than US medical students. Those of us who have had the good fortune to attend the Big 3 (or whatever it is now) have a vested interest in caribbean medical schools because our reputations are at stake.

Every time a possible "diploma mill" starts up, we collectively hold our breath, not because we want to see a new venture fail, but because we as a whole want prosepective students to be well informed in their decision to attend (or not to attend) a particular school (Do IUHS, St. Christopher, Xavier, Stewart University ring any bells?), despite the "promises" administrations may make.

Obviously, as has been stated numerous times throughout this thread, there are MANY more established options which are less risky than CMU is at this point and time.

Why do we care? Because as a whole, IMGs are already starting at a disadvantage relative to FMGs and AMGs. There are less risky options which will allow an individual to practice medicine in the US. Until one of your graduates attains an actual license to practice medicine in the US, CMU remains an unproven commodity.

[Prophet_x]

in this whole caribbean med school thing, never EVER go on a presumtion (that a place will be approved in a state; get some credential; get a new location to rotate etc etc). if its not ready when you are, you take it as is.

Well, I'm not planning on going or anything...but I would like to have it as an option. Obviously if it is lacking approval/credentials, there's no way I'm going.

[superhumper]

Obviously if it is lacking approval/credentials, there's no way I'm going.

This is right conclusion

[letsgoMD]

This will be one of my last letters for this semester. I have always been honest and will continue to do so. I have resigned as SGA president starting next semester due to personal reasons. I do believe our next SGA president is fully capable of doing a good job. There has been a lot of speculation and rumors, which I will clarify on August 10th, which will be my final post for this semester. If anyone has questions just post them and I will answer any and all questions on the 10th honestly and to the best of my knowledge. Our main school official told everyone that we are going to be listed in IMED on this date. August 10th. For incoming and transfer students, if there is anything you would like to know, please ask! We are taking our exams this week, so after the exams I will sit with the members of the summer semester SGA, which without I could not have done half the things I have done. and I would like to personally thank them right now for the time and effort they put in, and for supporting me for the semester. anyway, good luck to everyone having exams, and I will talk to you again on the 10th of August answering any questions you might have.

Sincerely,
Summer Semester SGA President

[teratos]

This will be one of my last letters for this semester. I have always been honest and will continue to do so. I have resigned as SGA president starting next semester due to personal reasons. I do believe our next SGA president is fully capable of doing a good job. There has been a lot of speculation and rumors, which I will clarify on August 10th, which will be my final post for this semester. If anyone has questions just post them and I will answer any and all questions on the 10th honestly and to the best of my knowledge. Our main school official told everyone that we are going to be listed in IMED on this date. August 10th. For incoming and transfer students, if there is anything you would like to know, please ask! We are taking our exams this week, so after the exams I will sit with the members of the summer semester SGA, which without I could not have done half the things I have done. and I would like to personally thank them right now for the time and effort they put in, and for supporting me for the semester. anyway, good luck to everyone having exams, and I will talk to you again on the 10th of August answering any questions you might have.

Sincerely,
Summer Semester SGA President

That'll be a good thing once you get IMED listed. Then you are a legit school. The question you should have is what are the implications of attending a school BEFORE it is listed. If the answer is "there is no problem", then good for you. G

[dt]

That'll be a good thing once you get IMED listed. Then you are a legit school. The question you should have is what are the implications of attending a school BEFORE it is listed. If the answer is "there is no problem", then good for you. G


not just with usmle. also consider the state/country licensing boards.

[stateofequilibrium]

This will be one of my last letters for this semester. I have always been honest and will continue to do so. I have resigned as SGA president starting next semester due to personal reasons. I do believe our next SGA president is fully capable of doing a good job. There has been a lot of speculation and rumors, which I will clarify on August 10th, which will be my final post for this semester. If anyone has questions just post them and I will answer any and all questions on the 10th honestly and to the best of my knowledge. Our main school official told everyone that we are going to be listed in IMED on this date. August 10th. For incoming and transfer students, if there is anything you would like to know, please ask! We are taking our exams this week, so after the exams I will sit with the members of the summer semester SGA, which without I could not have done half the things I have done. and I would like to personally thank them right now for the time and effort they put in, and for supporting me for the semester. anyway, good luck to everyone having exams, and I will talk to you again on the 10th of August answering any questions you might have.

Sincerely,
Summer Semester SGA President

Then can you please ask why your school's website advertises that you currently already have full WHO/IMED recognition? The school adminstrator who posts here has been dodging the issue.

Do you also know if the school has informed the incoming class that it does not in fact currently have these recognitions as stated on their website but EXPECTS to obtain it?

[MDbonaire07]

Then can you please ask why St Matthew's advertises on their websites that the USMLE passing rate is currently 93%, which is simply impossible. Do you also know if the school has informed the incoming class that it does not in fact currently have this passing rate as stated on their website but EXPECTS to obtain it within another maybe 30 years?

[DOCplucinski]

Then can you please ask why St Matthew's advertises on their websites that the USMLE passing rate is currently 93%, which is simply impossible. Do you also know if the school has informed the incoming class that it does not in fact currently have this passing rate as stated on their website but EXPECTS to obtain it within another maybe 30 years?
come on, bad analogy. many schools embelish their website and it is hard to really prove a statistic like that as an outside viewer if it is true or false. we ALL know that CMU does not have WHO/IMED listing (and can prove it) yet their website clearly states they do. this of course is wrong.

[stateofequilibrium]

Then can you please ask why St Matthew's advertises on their websites that the USMLE passing rate is currently 93%, which is simply impossible. Do you also know if the school has informed the incoming class that it does not in fact currently have this passing rate as stated on their website but EXPECTS to obtain it within another maybe 30 years?

Nice attempt at deflection, where one has nothing to do with the other. But to answer, the 93% could have been sometime in the past, a compilation of everyone who eventually passes, etc.. <shrug>

But to claim you are in posession of LEGAL documentation and recognition that is absolutely necessary to those who wish to practice in the States is a completely different issue.

[MDbonaire07]

But to answer, the 93% could have been sometime in the past, a compilation of everyone who eventually passes, etc.. <shrug>


Lol, so maybe the WHO and IMED of CMU could have been sometime in the past?

[stateofequilibrium]

Lol, so maybe the WHO and IMED of CMU could have been sometime in the past?

That made absolutely no sense and I have no idea what you're trying to say. But CMU does NOT have WHO/IMED as currently advertised on their website.

[teratos]

Then can you please ask why St Matthew's advertises on their websites that the USMLE passing rate is currently 93%, which is simply impossible. Do you also know if the school has informed the incoming class that it does not in fact currently have this passing rate as stated on their website but EXPECTS to obtain it within another maybe 30 years?

93% is not impossible. It is the average for US med schools. I suspect they had a particularly good year. Note that they say their pass rate is CURRENTLY 93%. Not that they guaruntee that it will be next semester.

[MDbonaire07]

Not that they guaruntee that it will be next semester.

I read somewhere that CMU guaranteed the docs would be next week.

[rokshana]

93% is not impossible. It is the average for US med schools. I suspect they had a particularly good year. Note that they say their pass rate is CURRENTLY 93%. Not that they guaruntee that it will be next semester.

or that that is a first time pass rate- it certainly could be that eventually with all the ones that do pass make up a 93% pass rate

or of the ones that the school certifies to take the usmle, 93% pass (eventually)...

[MDbonaire07]

93% is not impossible.

Sure and 193% is also possible, right? Like St. James's website says 73% and when I was at the school last semester the real rate was not even 30. I'll never believe any carib med schools having more than 70, except for the bit 3.

[teratos]

Sure and 193% is also possible, right? Like St. James's website says 73% and when I was at the school last semester the real rate was not even 30. I'll never believe any carib med schools having more than 70, except for the bit 3.

Ummm.......yeah. Not such a good argument. You might wanna take that one back to the drawing board and come up with something more rational. :rolleyes:

[teratos]

I read somewhere that CMU guaranteed the docs would be next week.

That sounds like a VERY reliable source. Yes, I was wrong to be skeptical.

Of course, the line you respond to was in reference to SMU not guaranteeing that the pass rate would be 93% next semester. G

[MDbonaire07]

or that that is a first time pass rate- it certainly could be that eventually with all the ones that do pass make up a 93% pass rate

or of the ones that the school certifies to take the usmle, 93% pass (eventually)...

Come on, just take a look at the stats (http://www.usmle.org/scores/2006perf.htm). Stop deluding yourself about this passing rate of any med schools in the Caribbean.

[teratos]

Come on, just take a look at the stats (http://www.usmle.org/scores/2006perf.htm). Stop deluding yourself about this passing rate of any med schools in the Caribbean.

This argument has been made before. Do a search. G

[stephew]

absolutely. a weak arguement if you are reasonably well informed.

[rokshana]

Come on, just take a look at the stats (http://www.usmle.org/scores/2006perf.htm). Stop deluding yourself about this passing rate of any med schools in the Caribbean.


my POINT was that you can arrange your stats to say anything you want-'nuff said. However, you can not fudge having or not having IMED listing - you either have it or you don't- and for an OFFICAL med school website to say the HAVE IMED/WHO/FAIMER listing and in reality they DON'T - IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE- pure and simple.

and as far as passing rates go- the only one i gotta worry about is my own- and its a 100% so i'm doin ok.

[studentdoctobe]

Lol, so maybe the WHO and IMED of CMU could have been sometime in the past?
User can't play nice.

[letsgoMD]

;)I am having my finals this week, and my last set of exams are on Wednesday. I will answer all the hard questions about IMED and Charter of the school on Friday. And all other questions that has been asked on Value MD. I will answer them honestly and to best of my knowledge. Our president of CMU told everyone that we are getting the papers so the school will be listed on IMED. I am going to wait until Friday to make sure my post will be correct. I am not trying to avoid anyone at this time, and on Friday I will answer the questions that have been left on this thread. Specially to Rokshana, thank you for your support this semester and as of now I am taking my education one day at a time. To everyone in Caribbean Medical Schools Good Luck on your FINALS!!!!!!

Sincerely

SGA President
Summer Semester of 2007