Accepted student weighing options..Please Help!

[BlackMamba]

Hello everybody. I am new member on the forum and would like to ask the people on this forum for help regarding choosing the right medical school. I have been accepted to the following three medical schools: IAU, Windsor and St James.

I'm sure the members of this forums have the best knowlegde and experience when it comes to comparing the medical schools, which is why I am proposing the question. Obviously, each school comes with pros and cons (tuition, curriculum, basic sciences time period, etc) but when it comes down to the nitty gritty, there is always one school that is a better choice than the others. Please help me in choosing the best school..I would greatly appreciate the help!

Also if it needs to be noted, I am very uncomfortable to speak in front of otheres in terms of doing oral presentations...very uncomfortable...unless im with a group then im ok..so maybe this should be taken into account.

with all these factors, i hope i am able to be helped by you! thank you so much guys

[mellsworth21]

Welcome to ValueMD!

A few questions?

1. What are your stats. This will help to answer your questions concerning the schools.

2. Have you wrote the MCAT?

3. Do you have a degree. Are your Pre Reqs finished?

[BlackMamba]

well i graduated from the university of houston with a bachelors of science degree in biology and minor in chemistry. my overall gpa was 2.8 and my science gpa was around a low 3. i have not taken the mcats and i am currently working in research to pay off some student loans from college...

[mellsworth21]

Sounds like a solid applicant. If I were you I would check out the top 4.

[iaustudent06]

you're already on a good path, take your mcats, potentially increase your options, pay off whatever you need to - things don't get any cheaper.

in terms of public speaking, presentations will be needed throughout your career, IAU gives you a jump start through case studies.

[IAUmed]

I wouldn't say that IAU offers a Jump start to anything. Since the beginning of this semester, the case studies have been severely limited. We used to present a topic every week, and now it's every 3 weeks. Our hands on clinical part has also been cut, we only visit Laborie clinic once, and Vieux Fort clinic once (per semester).

The biggest concern at the moment is the anatomy class. Apparently there was an issue in acquiring a cadaver for the class. We went the whole first month of class with a cadaver that had been used by two previous courses. They also let the Anatomy instructor go, who in my opinion, was the best instructor for that topic.

Is anyone in Dallas ever going to update the Faculty list on the website? Half of the faculty listed is no longer here, or no longer teaching.

I recomend calling the school, or the main office of any campus you are looking at. Ask alot of questions, and make sure you get answers. Also, try to get as much of it in writing as possible. I'm still waiting on a grading policy in writing.....

Good luck.

[mellsworth21]

Wow sounds like things are going down hill fast...

[DOCplucinski]

Sounds like a solid applicant. If I were you I would check out the top 4.
unless you score high on the MCAT, a 2.8 overall and a 3.0 will not get you into SGU, Ross etc

[mellsworth21]

The OP has a 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the sciences. Im willing to say if she does descent on the MCAT Ross will take her.

[IAUmed]

The school is making an effort. It's fairly new, so you have to expect some bumps along the way.

The student body recently had a meeting with the president, Mr. ---. Several issues were brought to his attention during the meeting. Among those issues were the Med-loans program, faculty turnover rate, SGA student fees, Cadaver for the anatomy lab, hookups for internet access, building of the permanent campus, New York accreditation, and the building of another campus on another island.

Mr. --- seemed genuinely receptive and sympathetic to our concerns. He took several notes during the meeting and also gave adequate explanations of the view from Dallas. He made some promises regarding the cadaver, internet, new york, SGA, and the faculty turnover rate.

The cadaver has shown up, and my class has begun using it. There are 20 students using 1 cadaver. It's true, Mr. --- followed through and got us a cadaver, but I fear for the classes behind us. Lets hope they secure new cadavers, and preferably more than 1.

The internet hookups are still cut wires hanging from a hole in the wall. The wireless interent is horrible, and goes out all the time. Mr. --- promised to have all of the network connections fixed within a few weeks, but I have not seen any work being done to correct this as of yet.

The SGA president, and Vice P. met with Nair in a private meeting. I am unaware of what took place, or what was agreed upon. If you would like to know more, please email them. I'm sure they would be happy to explain the SGA to you.

New York.... Thats a tough one. I've heard several rumors, but none have been confirmed. Therefore, I cannot make any statement about it. All I can say is that I was originally told we would know before I ever accepted to come here, august 2007. After arrival, we were told we would know in December 2007. In December, we were told February 2008. We have now been told May 2008. Thats the extent of what I know.

Mr. --- commented on the faculty by saying they are doing everything in their power to secure a stable and competent staff. I disagree with their decision to replace Mr. --- (head and neck surgeon), with a Local E.R. Doctor for our anatomy course. I believe Mr. --- said something to the fact that IAU still has a lower turnover rate than most caribbean schools. While this may be true volume wise, if you look at percentage of instructors the numbers are drastically different. Current teaching faculty includes:
Dr. --- (physiology)
Dr. ---(biochemistry)
Dr. ---(anatomy lab. being replaced next week)
Dr. --- (Case study)
Dr. --- (genetics)
Dr. --- (Pharmacology)
Dr. --- (Histology)
Dr. ---(replacement for previous pathology instructor)
Dr. --- (Physical diagnosis, Neuroanatomy, Case study)
Dr. ---(Mirobiology)
Dr. --- (replacement for previous Anatomy instructor, who is being replaced again next week)
Dr. --- (Doctoring- psychiatry)

That is it. Despite who may be on payroll, these are the only faculty that you will see teaching on a daily basis. Most of them are great instructors, but you still have to do the work. If you want a great education, you have to put in the effort. No school will do it for you. IAU atleast gives you the opportunity to try, but do not think they make it easier.

*I have been asked to edit this post, so the names have been removed. I appologize if I violated any rules. I was unaware.

* Edited for a second. Apparently the president is not a Doctor, so I changed the Title to Mr. ---

[DOCplucinski]

i've already sent one PM....personal names on this forum are not permitted. if you feel the need to use personal names, please abbreviate using initials (e.g. Dr. N)

failure to comply will result in an infraction

[mljackson19]

The school is making an effort. It's fairly new, so you have to expect some bumps along the way.

The student body recently had a meeting with the president, Mr. ---. Several issues were brought to his attention during the meeting. Among those issues were the Med-loans program, faculty turnover rate, SGA student fees, Cadaver for the anatomy lab, hookups for internet access, building of the permanent campus, New York accreditation, and the building of another campus on another island.

Mr. --- seemed genuinely receptive and sympathetic to our concerns. He took several notes during the meeting and also gave adequate explanations of the view from Dallas. He made some promises regarding the cadaver, internet, new york, SGA, and the faculty turnover rate.

The cadaver has shown up, and my class has begun using it. There are 20 students using 1 cadaver. It's true, Mr. --- followed through and got us a cadaver, but I fear for the classes behind us. Lets hope they secure new cadavers, and preferably more than 1.

The internet hookups are still cut wires hanging from a hole in the wall. The wireless interent is horrible, and goes out all the time. Mr. --- promised to have all of the network connections fixed within a few weeks, but I have not seen any work being done to correct this as of yet.

The SGA president, and Vice P. met with Nair in a private meeting. I am unaware of what took place, or what was agreed upon. If you would like to know more, please email them. I'm sure they would be happy to explain the SGA to you.

New York.... Thats a tough one. I've heard several rumors, but none have been confirmed. Therefore, I cannot make any statement about it. All I can say is that I was originally told we would know before I ever accepted to come here, august 2007. After arrival, we were told we would know in December 2007. In December, we were told February 2008. We have now been told May 2008. Thats the extent of what I know.

Mr. --- commented on the faculty by saying they are doing everything in their power to secure a stable and competent staff. I disagree with their decision to replace Mr. --- (head and neck surgeon), with a Local E.R. Doctor for our anatomy course. I believe Mr. --- said something to the fact that IAU still has a lower turnover rate than most caribbean schools. While this may be true volume wise, if you look at percentage of instructors the numbers are drastically different. Current teaching faculty includes:
Dr. --- (physiology)
Dr. ---(biochemistry)
Dr. ---(anatomy lab. being replaced next week)
Dr. --- (Case study)
Dr. --- (genetics)
Dr. --- (Pharmacology)
Dr. --- (Histology)
Dr. ---(replacement for previous pathology instructor)
Dr. --- (Physical diagnosis, Neuroanatomy, Case study)
Dr. ---(Mirobiology)
Dr. --- (replacement for previous Anatomy instructor, who is being replaced again next week)
Dr. --- (Doctoring- psychiatry)

That is it. Despite who may be on payroll, these are the only faculty that you will see teaching on a daily basis. Most of them are great instructors, but you still have to do the work. If you want a great education, you have to put in the effort. No school will do it for you. IAU atleast gives you the opportunity to try, but do not think they make it easier.

*I have been asked to edit this post, so the names have been removed. I appologize if I violated any rules. I was unaware.

* Edited for a second. Apparently the president is not a Doctor, so I changed the Title to Mr. ---

With this information being shared, how do the current students feel about the school they attend? Are there any students eligible for residencies now?

[PSU07]

I'm currently a second semester student at IAU and am satisfied with the school so far. Most of the issues that were raised by the students the president of school have already been resolved. The school has bought new computers for the computer lab and has just finished setting up a new network for the internet. Also, we now have a new executive dean who has both a Ph.D. in Public health and a M.D, who seems very knowledgeable with medical school affairs. We have just been told that the New York Medical Board has scheduled its final visit to the campus in May. (I'll keep you guys updated) Overall, IAU is a great place to come and learn medicine and will prepare you extremely well for Step 1. By the way, if any of the students have issues with the school, they should let the admin know as the admin seems very receptive in resolving any and all issues, we the students may have.

[IAUmed]

... By the way, if any of the students have issues with the school, they should let the admin know as the admin seems very receptive in resolving any and all issues, we the students may have.


I couldn't disagree more. How many times has the student body complained regarding our anatomy course? We were promised 2 instructors would be showing up. One of them has shown up and only teaches on weekends. Our schedule is already packed during the week, with no lunch or breaks between courses. They can't expect us to give up 2 more hours every saturday and sunday. What about the students who are 7th day adventist and cannot attend on saturday? Or students who do not have a ride on the weekends since the buses don't run like they do during the week.

Both the Associate Dean, and one of the CEO's told us the new instructor would be here on Feb. 21st. It is now March and we have no idea if he is even coming. I have my doubts that the school even contacted him. I actually heard that particular professor was going to the US to take the USMLE and had no intentions of coming here. Why would the school tell us he was coming if this were true?


Empty promises, thats all I hear. Getting anything done is like pulling teeth. It's true, the school did supply new computers. The network was being worked on, but its still slow as hell and crashes regularly. There are still bare network cables hanging from the holes in the wall. Only doing half of what was promsied is not good enough for me. Would you settle for half of your baggette from scooby's, or would you complain until they made it right?

As for adequate preperation-
I encourage everyone to inquire to our USMLE pass rate. I have yet to get it in writing. Although, I have heard that it was "alarming" from a source I refuse to name, so don't ask.

the second semester average for anatomy (averaged with anatomy, embryo, histology) is 59%
- according to school policy, that means 50% of the class will fail and get to spend an extra 8 months on the island. If you are less than 60% you won't even be allowed to take the NBME shelf exam.

As for new york coming to visit... I'll believe it when I see it. I've heard "they are scheduled to be here on..." from the admin several times. I have no reason to believe them anymore.

Do I hate the school? The answer is still an astounding NO, but I hate being lied to. We all know the school is new and has some issues, but why won't the school just admit them to us and let us help.

Another thing someone should inquire about is why there is a billboard that says "coming soon - Destiny University School Of Medicine" on the land where our school is allegedly building the permanent campus? Are we going to be next door neighbors, or do we not actually own that land?

[IAUmed]

With this information being shared, how do the current students feel about the school they attend? Are there any students eligible for residencies now?


Everyone has an opinion on what should be public and what shouldnt. People get upset that I'm verbal about it, but the school doesn't respond to students complaining. They make several promises, but do not always follow through on them. When I post things on here, it lets everyone know what is going on. The more people that ask questions, the more likely things are to get done.

The school is like a child in that aspect. You really have to constantly stay on them about certain issues. It's still a business, and they have that business attitude. They want to run things as cheaply as possible. Being a student, I'm a paying customer. If things are not up to my standards, I have to ask "why am I paying for this". I encourage other students to voice their opinions whether they agree with me or not. I think that is the only way to get an accurate portrayal of the school; you need to hear both sides.

I'm doing my best to inform others of what I see, so they can make an informed decision. If I get it wrong, I hope someone points it out to me, and I promise I will not think negatively of them if they do not agree with me. It's not personal, it's a debate.

Unfortunately, some students do not like it, and they have made it clear to others that they are "unhappy" with me. I'm ok with that. Not everyone has to be my best friend. I'd rather have a clear conscience and know I was open and honest than worry about being the popular kid in class. Again, it's nothing personal, its just business. I'm a paying customer, and like any product, I will review it as I see fit.

[PSU07]

IAUMED, you have been telling the rest of your classmates that you will be gone by next semester. I wish you luck in the future. As far you transferring into a big 4 school, gluck, because with your performance thus far, I highly doubt they would want a student of your caliber.

[IAUmed]

IAUMED, you have been telling the rest of your classmates that you will be gone by next semester. I wish you luck in the future. As far you transferring into a big 4 school, gluck, because with your performance thus far, I highly doubt they would want a student of your caliber.


So it has come to this.... Personal attacks are a last ditch effort. As I stated previously, if you don't like my opinion, then post an alternative. I fail to see how attacking me for wanting to leave this school will help the forum. All it does is tell prospective students that IAU has issue keeping their current students here. Would you want to attend a school if you knew students were actively trying to leave? Besides, you do not know my reasons for wanting to transfer, nor do you know what caliber person I am. At least I have my integrity and my morals. If you have a personal problem with me, say it to me.

If you are going to criticize my scores, you are criticizing over half the class. Becuase last time I checked, I'm still scoring above the mean. Am I the only one who has a problem with the class average being so low? You are right. A score of 56% in physiology should be failing and reflect poor caliber, but what does that say for the class when the average is 49%? Where do you rank yourself?

[kibuo]

WOW, I am astounded at the depth individuals will go to in order verbally abuse one another! First of all, personal issues should be left out of the forum. If you have a problem; say it to the individual or do not say anything at all. People squabbling with petty insults and personal vendettas as the last two responses were are unacceptable in any regard. Where ever you are going to school, the end goal is that you are trying to become medical practitioners and pointing fingers at one another is not very professional. If you have some constructive information to post up (either negative or positive) then go ahead…everyone has the freedom of speech. Asks lots of questions but make sure to hear both sides instead of the views of a few.



In regards to the school, yes, there have been many set backs and many issues were unfair and could have definitely been handled better by the school administration and the students. However, this is still a growing school; everyone hits a couple of road bumps. The never ending issues with the anatomy course, such as the cadaver to the teachers has been deplorable but out of all the other courses that junior students are taking in their first two semesters, this was the only problematic course throughout. The anatomy course only went ‘down-hill’ due to issues between with the previous professor and the administration. In the end, the school s’ decision to let our previous anatomy teacher go has cost the school and students severely. Unfortunately, the students that are taking the anatomy class this semester are suffering for it. However, the school did try to recruit new teachers to fill in the void and the students complained that the replacements were not satisfactory. Thus the school has brought in another teacher to help review on the weekends. I know this is an inconvenient time for most of the students but the board semester is rough…stuck it up. Not many schools would go through the lengths of getting a third teacher in order to help their students out! It is now the student’s choice if they are going to use this new resource or not.



We have a very solid teacher for physiology (regardless of the average in the last test, since this only reflects that a lot of the students were either not trying in this course or they still have to work out their own kinks…better now than at USMLE) and a very good teacher for behavioral science. Our biochemistry professor is alright, but that is a subject that you just have to sit down and learn yourself, I can’t see how much spoon feeding can be done with this course. Also most of the senior class lecturers are phenomenal and will hopefully stay that way. Administration is frustrating to work with; even on a good day but they are also learning as the positions and rules of conduct keep changing. Also, I would like to see one administration in the Caribbean or in the states that was not frustrating.



In regards to the clinic, it is true that previous semesters have had more exposure to clinic. However, as the class population exponentially grew, the administration was at a loss of how to accommodate everyone. That is what happens when you go from 10 people going to junior clinic to 32 people this semester. Individuals should still be thankful that we get the opportunity to go to clinic at all before our fourth semester (as is common is almost all other Caribbean Medical schools). Whether you go six times or ten, you are still getting a little bit more exposure than most students coming out of the Caribbean.


Through all the good and bad experiences out here, it all comes part of the package of going to a Caribbean medical school (any of them)! You just have to make the best of it as you can and learn as much as you can in the short time you are in the basic sciences. If you are handed lemons, make lemonade!

[iaustudent06]

Hey guys, keep in mind your ultimate goal.

First off, don't bother about mini averages too much, I've scored from the 30's in my first semester all the way to perfect 100's on my last semester. Just strive to always to better, regardless of how others are doing.

Here's something to make some people feel better about low averages, if you score 240/99 on step one, that means you scored about 68.5% if nothing was dropped, and there's always dropped questions.

So as far as mini exam scores, none of it will transfer anyways, it's just for you. If some one wants to transfer and start over -- let them, that action alone lets administrators know how serious a problem might be. I've seen people leave the same day they flew in and others who turned a 16 month program into a life long career. All these problems were here before, it will happen again.

Issues like missing teachers, too much/little clinicals, bad case studies, retarded internet, questionable food, undependable electricity, rude locals, flying banana's, horrible smells, ugly classmates, loud and obnoxious street humping called "carnival", smelly staff, no johnny walker blue label, and etc have always reared its ugly head throughout time, in yours and mine.

I still remember reading by candlelight the weekend of NBME finals during a hurricane thinking screw everything else, there were doctors before electricity, internet, and even soap. I can't fail because no one will care for any excuse I have anyways.

In the end, no one cares what you didn't have, they only ask how did you finish???... beginning with Step One.

So I'm not saying don't rock the boat a little, just make sure it doesn't flip over.

[mljackson19]

So what will cause someone to remain on the island for more than the 16 months? After the 16 months and you take the step 1, what are you doing after that? I mean are you just hanging out?

[iaustudent06]

Continuous failure of the course(s). Some will admit they failed the class, others will blame the class failed them. Either way it results in the same consequences.

[IAUStudent006]

Alright guys, I understand there are always multiple sides to any issue that is going on with the school. Both of you guys have valid points, and one must applaud both IAUmed and PSU07 (for your honesty and loyalty - respectively) - I know thats its difficult to deal with the issues that are presented when going to IAU.

Look, the administration has said that things will be done - and whether or not they get accomplished or not, you have to look out for your best interests. The school is new (well, relatively anyway) and we do have students that are going through the process of Step1, Step2 etc... when we have a student that obtains a residency - we will be certain to let people know (as long as the students want that information published). Don't deride us because some of our students (however few they may be at times) don't wish for their Step 1/2 scores posted on ValueMD. Its entirely up to them.

As for the issues on the island - no school is perfect, I was down there for 4 semesters and there are certainly things that I wish could have been different - but there were changes made. Did I get a good education, well, I'd like to think so - only time will tell I guess. You have to be willing to deal with issues if you go to IAU, its NOT going to be perfect (as everyone can surely see here).

Guys, arguing over whether things should be posted on here or not, whether someone is being overly negative, personal attacks, etc. is not going to solve anything. If someone wants to post negative/positive things - let them do so. If you feel as though they are wrong, certainly feel free to reply (in a constructive manner - nothings stupid).

In all - I hear positive and negative things about this school all the time - and I try to keep a positive and open mind when listening to all things. I know others are fairly negative b/c of previous experiences with the school - but for me they have been fairly forthright, and for that I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to things that they tell me. If you feel other wise - feel free to disagree with me.