Thread: Need POSITIVE experience in Windsor!!!

Dear guys!!!

I decided to apply to Windsor for May 2007 and ,thus, have been reading your posts for several days now. Thanks! They are very informative! But now I have really mixed feelings about the school, just like probably anybody else And just thought I would ask you some key questions that bother me and I would highly appreciate your answers!!! (at the same time I am aware of the fact how busy you all are, so the appreciation is even higher in this case
1. Clinicals. School has rotations in US in several locations, correct? As far as I understand, in Carbondale, IL, Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN (I may be wrong of course). So my question is how is it decided that somebody is going to Illimois or Georgia? Or is their a quarantee that you will HAVE your rotations in US after you take your step 1?
I am so concerned as my husband is going to grad school too in US and then later after 16 months of basics on the Caribbean, we really want to be reunited again, that is why it is so important to me. He does not know yet where he is going. Well, then it raises another question: can students transfer to US school and do rotations there? I know a lot of students from Caribbean schools do, but how is it particularly for Windsor?
2. Teaching. You know, I am coming from a developing country myself (to be exact - Kyrgyzstan, post Soviet Union, so to say) and I am so used to all these problems (breaks with electricity, poor housing, lack of some resourses, etc). It would not bother me too much on the island. But all I care for -- how is the teaching? The labs? Are they updated? Do they teach on the stuff that is used these days in hospitals? That is my only concern. I totally understand that A LOT depends on a student, and I am very ready to dedicate myself to crazy long studying but I just what to know if the classes are taught well?

Well, that is all!

Like I said before, guys, I know all prospective students ask you the same set of questions, and you are tired of answering them..(I would be too but if you can just drop me some lines, tips, or your e-mails, I will be so grateful to all of you!!!

Wishing you good luck in becoming good doctors,
Masha
PS: I loved your tips for newcomers, list of thing to bring, considerations, etc!!! So very helpful!

Mashochek,

Wells you have a long post...so I will do my best to answer your questions. First and fore most i want to tell you that I have had a positive experience at Windsor so far. Currently I'm a Med 2 and have had a great time on the island.

1. Yes currently we have clinical sites you mentioned. But, that may change by the time you have taken your boards. If you take and pass the step one with an average score not too low you will have your pick of clinical rotations in the US either in IL or GA or TN.
As far as transferring is concerned to a US school it may be very difficult for most IMG’s; but can be done depending on your academic background and contacts within the school you are transferring to.

2. Teaching is at par with other Caribbean schools...we have professors that are as qualified as professors from other Caribbean schools. (PhD's ect...) The labs are ok...and they do teach "stuff" that is practiced in hospitals today. I and another student are working on getting a PD class started in the next semester or two here on the island rather than in Carbondale. You have some excellent professors and some that are ok. But over all you have to be on the ball from day one. Other wise when finals roll around you will have to repeat classes. As far as the finals go they are tough and account for 70% of your grade. But, if I can do it so can you.

Just remember the new campus is still under construction and will not be done until after the World Cup in the summer. Stay positive and come down here with a strong will to succeed.

What a lovely reply, MDIN2009 (so you just have 2 years left !!!

Thank you so much for your letter and explanations!

It did help me out tons!!! Final decision -- I am applying to Windsor!!!

Your issues and discussions on the Forum really make a difference and is such a must-read for any prospective student.

Best of luck to you!

Mashochek