5th Term: Lincoln College (Normal, IL) vs. Statia

[drjds]

Can someone who is either in 5th term or have done 5th term or even will be deciding about 5th term in the near future explain how you decided on which loacation? In other words, can you list how you weighted your pros/cons? But, please do not mention the obvious..."you can only choose one, so you can't speak on the other"...that's why I said how you weighted....

Thanks;).


Example:

I chose (will choose)...b/c....

or

5th Term: Lincoln College (pros) vs Lincoln College (cons)

5th Term: Statia (pros) vs Statia (cons)

or

5th Term: Lincoln College vs Statia

[mikeLE]

Try doing a search, a lot of the 5th termers really like it there in Normal.

Im definately going to be going to Normal, being from Toronto.. I've been way to urbanized lol.

[rdecastro]

I chose Normal, IL for a variety of reasons - about half my class is staying on the island though, so ymmv.

Reasons I'm going (in sort of rank order)



Closer to home
I've had enough of the islands
Closer to my wife and family
Better education in the hospital. It may only be three days experience, but it's in a hospital with all the trappings that we will be working in in rotations and residency. The physicians and hospital here do a terrific job of training as well, probably more actual hands-on procedural stuff, but before you get to do any of it in the states (anywhere) they'll show you again - and I've already delivered 4 babies...
Decent housing availability (a little pricey, but not too bad)
Lots fewer mosquitos


As I said, ymmv. Some reasons my classmates have given me for staying are not moving the family again, they are more interested in the clinical experiences they will get here, they don't want to go to the states, they're happy here. Right now it's about 50/50, with a class of 22 or so.

[Compassion MD]

Going to IL because...


Want to get used to US system [setting, expectation, etc] asap...

Used to be a phlebotomist, not taking any risk with HIV/AIDS down here... [you won't understand unless you had expereice w/ drawing over 10,000 patients and at least 100 had HIV/AIDS and some you don't even know if they have it... I don't even want to think of the risk here...]

Worked in US hospitals for couple years besides being a phlebotomist, EKG Tech, etc and I have been to the clinic down here and boy... its nothing like the US hospitals.

Over certified besides BLS... I have ACLS and PALS and would like to renew them at IL. The last time I checked, looks like IL has ACLS (not 100% sure) Statia.... not anytime soon cus I asked Dr. T and she said the equipments are too expensive... ($20,000)

etc... other reasons but have to get back to studying

[doctor21]

Does the school sponsor your certification in ACLS and PALS during that 5th semester or are you certified before reaching the 5th semester? I was just a little curious?

[mikeLE]

yo CompassionMD, I want ur BP cuff :P

[Compassion MD]

Does the school sponsor your certification in ACLS and PALS during that 5th semester or are you certified before reaching the 5th semester? I was just a little curious?


HAHAHHA!!! If this school certified you for ACLS or PALS... then this school is kicking its level up to the states...

NO, they don't... only Basic Life Support from "American Red Across"

I don't even know why they get it from "American Red Across" they should get the students to be certified from "American Heart Associations"

Don't konw if you are certified in BLS... but ARAcross still uses "1 Mississp... 2. mississ... 3. miss.. etc" someone needs to tell them to update their info.

That is what kinda angers me a little.... :twisted:

MikeLE.... get your own BP cuff... you sick minded.

[rdecastro]

If you want to be certified in BCLS, ACLS, PALS or any of the other merit badges, you can do them online these days...ACLS is $275

[Compassion MD]

If you want to be certified in BCLS, ACLS, PALS or any of the other merit badges, you can do them online these days...ACLS is $275

Can I know who you are? Cus if I ever need an advanced airway or IO injection... I will make sure everyone arounds me knows never let you put a hand on me.

BTW.. its not BCLS its BLS

[rdecastro]

Can I know who you are? Cus if I ever need an advanced airway or IO injection... I will make sure everyone arounds me knows never let you put a hand on me.

BTW.. its not BCLS its BLS

Wow, thanks!

[canadiandr]

spread out your horizon...:)..not because one wants to get out of the island but ones should experience different options..after all you will be working in States..so why not get some experience early on.Well the rest is up to you. After all its your personal decision.

[OasisMan]

some people like the quiet style of the island enough to stay for 5th term
some people are just ready to leave and get back to the conveniences that we take for granted

the educational part is supposed to be the same, it just comes down to personal preference

i know i have never been to normal, illinois....