Hey all,
I was wondering if there was any approximatoin any current students at Dominica or in their clinicals could give on how classes are set up for 1st semester on the island. I'm starting in January 2007, and I was curious if I could get a handle on general class timings through the weekdays. Any info would definitely be appreciated.

Cheers,
Salil

I was also wondering the same thing and how much PBL you really get into in first semester. Is PBL like once a week, or is that more reserved for semesters 3 & 4 when we get into pathology?

The schedule for first semester is really laid back. They did this purposely to allow you to get used to the island life as well as life as a medical school student. I actually really appreciated the way this was set up.

Classes usually start at 8AM (sometimes later) and will end at noon (on short days) or 3 PM (on long days). Anatomy lab is separated into three different groups (Group A,B,C), which rotate on tuesdays and thursdays. So this tues may be group A, this thurs group B, next tues group C, next thurs group A, etc. Lab is allotted for 1-5pm but really depends on how long your group takes to do your dissection (beware that if the groups do a lousy dissection just to get out early, it just makes your lab practicals harder to identify). PBL is once a week for every semester, and last for 2 hours. Your specific time will be assigned to you once you start classes. You will always have a free hour from noon to one for lunch. Peer tutor sessions, if you choice to attend, are usually available any day of your choice (including sat and sun), depending also on your tutor's schedule, lasting 2 hours. Other than that, the other academically related time commitments would be any of the organizations you sign up for.

Minis are usually 4-5 weeks apart and semester one has 3 minis and a final at the end. You'll have 2 anatomy practicals, 2 histology practicals, and 1 DPS practical. Those are all your grades (plus PBL).

I wouldn't worry too much. It's a really nice schedule to introduce you to medical school. Just hone down on your time management skills and try not to fall behind and you should be perfectly fine.

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Keep yo head up ~ 2pac

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Jeremiah 29:11-13 11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."