I am totally beginning this adventure and have multiple ques

[HiShirlee]

I have just found this forum and I don't know where to start.
I am hoping that some of you will be willing to touch base with me?
Shirlee

[WantMD]

Post your questions and you will find that my people will respond to your post and try their best to help you.

Also, most newbie questions have been covered in the past. Most people have the same questions at first. The search tool on this site is a great way to find answers.

Good Luck,

WantMD :-)

[HiShirlee]

Whoa!!! you are my first response and to be truthful I was feeling a little out in left field. Thank you. I am an easily gratified person obviously :-)

I don't want to offend anyone with my comments and I have read a few things where it sounded alike people felt a bit defensive. I'm hoping no questions are not important to the person writing them??

At any rate....I have perused this forum and found many questions and answers. I am actually hoping that there might be some type of mentor sytem already in effect that would prevent recreation of the wheel?

As you mentioned there are a whole lot of issues addressed here that are repetitive...and it takes a very long time to go through the over 200 pages for this site (even if I had tha tkind of time).

I will keep trying ..and do thank you once more. The best in your studies and your dreams. Shirlee

[WantMD]

Hi Shirlee,

Firstly, I have found that when questions/comments are posted in a respectful manner that people will be nice even if they may disagree or not like the question. Don't let this stop you from posting your thoughts and questions just do so in a manner that is considerate of other peoples choices.

Secondly, there is tons of info on this site. This info is usually quick and easy to find with the search tool. I would encourage you to give it a try.

About myself, I start at AUC in three weeks. I considered and applied to many schools and have been researching this questions since last September. My info and opinions are based on what I know at this time. You will find that on the various school forums that the people answering questions are in my situation, or are current students or are graduates of the school. This is a weird thing to say, but I have payed more attention to current students/graduates as these people know what they are talking about.

Don't hesitate to post a laundry list of questions, I will gladly help you and I'm sure many others will. If you have questions that you don't want to post, you can PM people on this site whom you've grown to respect their comments after reading their posts.

*** Whatever you do, don't fall prey to rumours and myths. There are plenty of them flying around.

Good Luck!

WantMD :-)

[HiShirlee]

Want MD,

Once more thank you for responding. I am in full agreement that some simple courtesy goes a very long way...

and I am in absolute agreement that those who are currently students, in medical rotations or residencies with any of these schools have the most credibility. I also realize there is a certain amount of knowledge gained from those most recently trying.

I had thought that you were applying to Saba...but it appears that you are going elsewhere?

May I ask you, did you apply to Saba and have an interview?

Thanks again, Shirlee

[WantMD]

Yes I did apply to Saba. I had an interview and was accepted. Saba was great with me every step of the way. I have nothing but good things to say about Saba. My decision to go to AUC was based on my wife's job which she could keep if we went to St. Maarten. You have to make yourself familiar with the different schools and what their pros and cons are. Talk to people who have/are going there & get a feel for what life will be for you if you attended that school. Only then can you start making up your own mind. There are many great schools, but there is no doubt in my mind that one of them is likely to best suit your needs.

WantD :-)

[azskeptic]

Yes I did apply to Saba. I had an interview and was accepted. Saba was great with me every step of the way. I have nothing but good things to say about Saba. My decision to go to AUC was based on my wife's job which she could keep if we went to St. Maarten. You have to make yourself familiar with the different schools and what their pros and cons are. Talk to people who have/are going there & get a feel for what life will be for you if you attended that school. Only then can you start making up your own mind. There are many great schools, but there is no doubt in my mind that one of them is likely to best suit your needs.

WantD :-)

Having flown all around in that area (back in the early 80's) I remember St. Maarten as a nice place. Sort of exotic and friendly at the same time. How will the cost of living be compared to other islands? It is great your wife can continue her job....congrats!!!!!

[radboy710]

Hi Shirlee,

We just finished our exams yesterday and most of the students are leaving to go home and visit with family and friends. I have chosen to do the opposite and stay and discover the island.

There is actually a mentor program set up at the school, the only thing is, that most of us found out yesterday who our mentees are and so therefore most of the mentors may not of had a chance to contact or may not contact their mentees until they return to the island which more then likely will be on the day you arrive or the day after.

But I can answer any questions you may have, just email me at rbdomingues@yahoo.com.

R

[Chemist]

Quiet Rui!....nobody wants your advice.

This guy is a trouble maker, don`t listen to him.

I`m watching you Rui! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ian

[swinginislanddoc]

Ian,

Just remember - your mentor is watching YOU! :twisted:

~SID

[Chemist]

D`OH!! I think i`m in trouble..... :shock:

oh, almighty Shauna, please refrain from raining down your smite on me, for i bruise easily. :lol: ....well actually, i do. Figures eh? I get the omnipotent mentor, can`t do anything bad. :twisted:

I`m still gonna keep an eye on Rui

Ian

[radboy710]

Hey Ian,

Jon is being changing his pants several times a day... he's all paranoid that he there is a paranormal spirit in your house... I was messing with his head yesterday night, poor guy.

How home? Are going going to bring us a case of coffecrisp of some Tim Horton's coffee?

Damn the break is half over ...

We'll see you in a couple of weeks...

By the way people the CHEMIST is EVIL....

R

[Chemist]

That`s funny. God, i laughed at that for about 5 minutes. Poor John.

Speaking of Timmy`s, i probably should bring back some of their coffee. Good idea, thanks for reminding me.

Ian

[swinginislanddoc]

I don't think anyone else has any clue what we're talking about....

Raddy are you still hanging out on the island? I'm here too - haven't seen you around. Are you hiding, or am I?

~SID

[radboy710]

Hey SID,

Yes i am definitely still on the island, I have done absolutely nothing... for a week, except some hiking with the kids (dogs). The boys don't like to travel, and the get upset if I force them.. they would rather just walk around... and lay around all they... We didn't go anywhere b/c we just wanted to relax. Going home would be a pain... I'd have to see everyone and that is a lot of work, while here I can just chill... haaaa.. I have been home many times and besides my family there is nothing I need from there... and besides... I am living on a Island in the Carib... why would I want to go to the cold... when i can enjoy the weather here more...

R

[swinginislanddoc]

I'm with ya Rui. However I've decided to go home for the 3 week break in August - all of this laying around and eating ("pudging-up" as I like to call it) is starting to get boring. I've hiked and watched movies - I'm starting Scuba training Tuesday, so at least THAT will be something different and fun.

I'm tired of sleeping already.... *sigh*

~SID

[Stitches]

I can only imagine how ridiculous I'd feel when I go back to Toronto for Xmas next year while everyone else goes in the opposite direction for the heat.

[swinginislanddoc]

Stitches,
It does seem kind of silly, but I was happy for the first time in my life to be COLD - I got off of the plane in a t-shirt. Granted this was in the southern US, but it was 11pm and it was still cold.

Just look at it this way - lay out a little before you go home! I had hardly any color on me and everyone kept commenting on my tan. 8)