International Quotations

Since I started working in the medical field, one of the greatest impediments I have noticed is a lack of communication. That means communication from provider to patient, patient to nurse, nurse to provider, and then reverse that triangle and go the other way as well. After today's clusterf*%k in my program, I can see that it's obviously a problem in medical schools as well.
We were discussing possibilities and trying to get info on international rotations for next year. One teacher happens to mention a Central American rotation that is really close to being okay'd and available for next year. Everyone is elated, this is the type of rotations we were hoping for. Cue the group *sigh* of content and happiness.
However, a student then emails the clinical team to find out more and get some details about this rotation. The clinical team responds with shock, stating that this rotation is far from solid, and will not be considered for the rotations in the immediate future.

W-T-F?

I consider myself a pretty laid back guy, and I usually would let this stuff wash over me and not give a shit (I actually have no desire for an international rotation). However, this is simply another example of this program's inability to get their shit together and speak in one voice. It's the same when we do physical exams, decide on treatments, and look at course objectives. It seems nobody is communicating with each other. The guest lecturer has no idea about the objectives, so he presents whatever he can make a PowerPoint for. The slide shows are a hodge-podge of information. I feel like "All the Kings Horses, and All the Kings Men", putting a damn lecture together again." It's messed up.
And you had better believe that the least amount of communication is going to the students. After repeated class meetings I think everyone in the class can agree that one thing we want is DISCLOSURE. Even if it's bad news...hell, even if it's news you absolutely think we do not want to hear, TELL US!! Right now we are heading out for Spring Break and 90% of the rotations for next year are done. However, they will not tell those individuals whose rotations are complete because 10% of the folks wouldn't get theirs and might be cranky. SO WHAT? We know that 4 of us are going to be disappointed. I think we all would be willing to risk it.
I just tell myself, "Ah well, just 6 more weeks of G-Chat and flash games during class, then it's off to Clinical Year!
JW

Afternoon Delight

Every time I think I have made up my mind about this program, something comes along and makes me question my own opinions. When I am totally confident in this program, and sure that I am on the right track...boom, one of the faculty does something that makes me slap my forehead. I think, "Is this honestly the people I am supposed to LEARN from?". Then, completely convinced I have wasted the past 12 months and $50K, I get a lecturer like I did yesterday morning and afternoon.
The guest lecturer was AMAZING. Not only was he completely on top of his game lecturing and answering questions, but he also provided us with tips on how to answer questions we are going to be getting from patients. He gave us scripting information we could use when talking to parents of small children and teenagers when sensitive topics arise in clinic. In a word, it was refreshing. I actually paid attention and asked questions, and anyone who can get me to either lift my head off the desk or stop G-chatting is definitely a good orator.
I am still convinced that this program could use vast improvement, but not in the area this guy was teaching, leave him alone. In fact, let him expand his lecturing to cover the entire section...they might just change my mind.
JW

Educashun?

So....what is the value of a good education nowadays? $50,000?...$100,000?....$200,000??? As I sit here in class (knowing that I am probably paying $150/day to do it), I feel as though I am in one of those movies, where the corporate "bigwigs" use my crisp $Ben Franklins$ to light giant Cuban cigars and laugh as they sip brandy.
I am well aware that I am "just" a student, but it's discouraging to sit here day after day, listening as powerpoints are read to me (something I could do from bed). This is often done by guest lecturers who are inexperienced or unprepared to instruct students at our level, and usually half the information in the slides seems like common sense or is completely unrelated to our current topics. Kinda feels like fluff/filler/bullshit.
Also, I feel as though I am a victim of a bait-and-switch. I thought I was going to be spending my time with more hands on training (ie placing lines, sutures, casting, taking histories, etc) and shadowing MD's in clinic. I really feel as though these were things the program focused on when I was applying/interviewing, but have slowly come to realize aren't going to happen.
JW+School+Buyer's Remorse=Typical American Debt

First Post

Okay, so a friend convinced me that paper journals were a thing of the past. Plus, this way family/friends can keep up with me next year. I am two months from finishing my didactic year at Physician Assistant school, and I feel like.....a giant poser! Scared, unsure, and oh so ready to dive into it.