Nicest POD campus?

[businessguy]

Please weigh in with your thoughts.

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[runnersfeet]

I personally think that AZPOD is the nicest, but that is only out of the 3 I have seen - California, Scholl and AZPOD. I also really liked Scholl's campus. I was not a big fan of Oakland's campus.

Please weigh in with your thoughts.

 

[krabmas]

NYCPM has the school and a parking lot in Harlem. The school advertises that all of NYC is its campus, so considering that I'd say we have a pretty awesome campus.

 

[discusdan]

DMU and Arizona are the nicest I have seen.

 

[psionic_blast]

I think that DMU campus is one of the nicest.

 

[doclm]

I think that DMU campus is one of the nicest.

I agree DMU has one of the nicest looking campus that I have seen, because of the new building. The cafeteria is nice and new, also the fitness center is good. But the thing that I really liked was, two pool tables in their recreation center. That rocks.

Some of the class rooms are new, but some of them are still old with many single desks lined in rows. I personally didn't get to see the Anatomy lab, both times I was there (for DO interviews), however I hear that their building a new one.

However, I could not find much for entertainment in Des Moines, lacking some nightlife. Also, I could not find a Buffalo Wild Wings for the life of me. Many restaurants didn't interest me, close to the campus. (you know, that popular street all the students advised me to go, two blocks from DMU that runs parallel). Overall, Des Moines is a very very safe place to live, compared to most other POD school, however the city did seem pretty dark at night. One of my coworkers, who went to their DO program for one year and dropped out to work in my lab, told me that Des Moines city shut some of their lights off to save $$$.

Yeah, I was not too impressed by Martin Schmidt either. (keep in mind for the DO interview I went to there) He could not get over my low VR on the MCAT. Ultimately he concluded that regardless of me having a 3.8GPA, he thought that I had peaked my performance with screwing up my MCAT VR4 and there was no way I was going to be successful in a Medical school. "I believe you are doing well at what your doing now, and moving onto medical school is not the right choice for you" He did not look at the compassion that I had for medicine and clearly used his German/NIH Biochemistry mind to conclude that I was not the right fit for DMU.

Needless to say, I would have chosen DMU as my second choice for a POD school besides Scholl. I considered dropping my DMU-COM application and applying to their DMU-CPM program instead. However, I did not think they could offer me a good scholarship and would probably have issues with me applying to their POD school after I initially applied to their DO program first. I was hoping to get a DO acceptance so I could independantly choose Podiatry over Osteopathic Medicine, because of $$$ spent in tuition, time committment spent to probably end up only in primary care working 80hrs a week in a rural area, and my dream to build my own surgical practice with podiatry.

Anyway, back to the main point, DMU is a pretty campus now they built that new building.

 

[jonwill]

You should see Schmidt at lunch when he runs on the tredmill. He wears this wife-beater with these extremely tight and short runners shorts. Now that paints a pretty picture!

 

[IlizaRob]

I can see Schmidt saying that. Its unfortunate that you got him because there are some pretty cool faculty here that have more of an open mind. I know many DOs that were accepted with a low MCAT. Too bad you had a bad experience. Scholl is a great school too, you wont go wrong there either.

 

[IlizaRob]

I also wanted to note that I understand your concern about family practice. I also did not want to go MD/DO because any specialty that interested me was difficult to get into. I did not want to settle for family practice. I just couldnt do that. Podiatry has a nice mix of clinical and surgery. You cant go wrong there.

 

[doclm]

I also wanted to note that I understand your concern about family practice. I also did not want to go MD/DO because any specialty that interested me was difficult to get into. I did not want to settle for family practice. I just couldnt do that. Podiatry has a nice mix of clinical and surgery. You cant go wrong there.

I totally agree with you.

With all of these DO schools poping up every year, I don't think that DO's will ever have equal chances with MD's of getting into a specialization OF choice. With Podiatry there is so many feet problems, with so few specialists.

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

for those of you who are familiar with D.P.M's and/or the podiatric profession, when the D.P.M checks a patient does he/she do what M.D.'s or D.O.'s do, such as check blood pressure, cholesterol count, blood tests, you know things that M.D.'s and D.O.'s do or does a podiatrist simply works with the feet of the patient right away when a patient comes for a visit.

 

[jonwill]

for those of you who are familiar with D.P.M's and/or the podiatric profession, when the D.P.M checks a patient does he/she do what M.D.'s or D.O.'s do, such as check blood pressure, cholesterol count, blood tests, you know things that M.D.'s and D.O.'s do or does a podiatrist simply works with the feet of the patient right away when a patient comes for a visit.

As with MD's, it depends. I ordered blood tests this morning for a patient because I was putting him on Lamisil and wanted to make sure his liver could handle it. We order labs everyday on our in-patients. I do vitals on all new patients or established patients that have concerning histories. As with any specialty, in podiatry, you do whatever you need to do to successfully treat your patients.

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

so a D.P.M doesn't exclusively do foot care? he/she does a lot of stuf M.D.'s and D.O.'s do right, i am asking this because i like this aspect of it, i just don't want to do the foot all the time, i also want to do a lot of things D.O.'s or MD's do, doesn't mean i want to pursue a D.P.M/D.O. degree

 

[doclm]

You should see Schmidt at lunch when he runs on the tredmill. He wears this wife-beater with these extremely tight and short runners shorts. Now that paints a pretty picture!

 

[jonwill]

so a D.P.M doesn't exclusively do foot care? he/she does a lot of stuf M.D.'s and D.O.'s do right, i am asking this because i like this aspect of it, i just don't want to do the foot all the time, i also want to do a lot of things D.O.'s or MD's do, doesn't mean i want to pursue a D.P.M/D.O. degree

I guess I'm a little confused as to what your asking. What is "a lot of stuff MD's do"? MD's and DO's, depending upon the specialty, do a lot of different things. A DPM is a foot and ankle specialist. They medically and surgically manage the foot and ankle. As a DPM, this is what you will do. It is a medical specialty. As a DPM, you won't be managing cholesterol (family practice) or a heart condition (cardiologist). This is clearly out of scope. So if you don't want to focus on the foot and ankle, don't chose podiatry. Specialize in another aspect of medicine.

 

[doclm]

I guess I'm a little confused as to what your asking. What is "a lot of stuff MD's do"? MD's and DO's, depending upon the specialty, do a lot of different things. A DPM is a foot and ankle specialist. They medically and surgically manage the foot and ankle. As a DPM, this is what you will do. It is a medical specialty. As a DPM, you won't be managing cholesterol (family practice) or a heart condition (cardiologist). This is clearly out of scope. So if you don't want to focus on the foot and ankle, don't chose podiatry. Specialize in another aspect of medicine.

I have heard of DPM's helping patients out with general things such as renewing certain medications that have some connection with the foot, but are for other purposes as well. The POD I shadowed did this for his patients to save them some $$. Also, I believe that as a DPM you are liable to refer patients to some specialists for certain conditions that they come across. I also think there is more, but I am still learning about everything myself.

 

[krabmas]

I have heard of DPM's helping patients out with general things such as renewing certain medications that have some connection with the foot, but are for other purposes as well. The POD I shadowed did this for his patients to save them some $$. Also, I believe that as a DPM you are liable to refer patients to some specialists for certain conditions that they come across. I also think there is more, but I am still learning about everything myself.

You are right I just wanted to add one thing for clarification... MDs and DOs must also refer patients if you are not a specialist in that area. If the patient has a lump in their breast - the family practice Doc must refer to an onchologist, the family doc would refer knee pain to an orthopedist if it did not get better within a visit and a treatment or two. and there are many more examples. Basically medicine is a bunch of specialties and subspecialties so if you get an MD, DO, DPM or any other health degree you'll have to chose a specialty to focus on. In podiatry you just do it sooner and cannot go back and change specialties like MDs can unless it is still in the scope of podiatry.

 

[jonwill]

You are right I just wanted to add one thing for clarification... MDs and DOs must also refer patients if you are not a specialist in that area. If the patient has a lump in their breast - the family practice Doc must refer to an onchologist, the family doc would refer knee pain to an orthopedist if it did not get better within a visit and a treatment or two. and there are many more examples. Basically medicine is a bunch of specialties and subspecialties so if you get an MD, DO, DPM or any other health degree you'll have to chose a specialty to focus on. In podiatry you just do it sooner and cannot go back and change specialties like MDs can unless it is still in the scope of podiatry.

Well said.

 

[BengaliDocIsl]

Thanxs guys, things are really becoming clearer to me

 

[krabmas]

Well said.

Finally some appreciation. JK , thanks

 

[footloose]

Back to the subject at hand...
DMU's campus is nice also because it is wireless everywhere, aaahhh. The clinic was not the newest, but it seems to work well.
Scholl's campus has the best anatomy lab, no contest. Temple's basement closet anatomy lab was frightening, but they're about to remodel. Scholl also had a nicely integrated clinic and newly updated patient rooms.
AZPOD has heat. That is nice enough alone. But the whole campus is beautiful too, with lots of new, clean buildings and plenty of room in the library. I hear library traffic can be a problem at Scholl (if they just had wireless everywhere, that wouldn't be an issue) (-:
The only thing about AZPOD is that I don't remember seeing one of those "test-drive" exam rooms, where you give mock examinations to actors (or old ladies from next door), get filmed, then critiqued.
Oh, my vote for campus dining goes to Scholl, too. Very important.

What I want to know is, Who has the best professors? How do we figure that one out?

 

[IlizaRob]

What I want to know is, Who has the best professors? How do we figure that one out?

Not an easy one to judge considering everyone most likely has experience with only one school.

 

[psionic_blast]

Back to the subject at hand...
DMU's campus is nice also because it is wireless everywhere, aaahhh. The clinic was not the newest, but it seems to work well.
Scholl's campus has the best anatomy lab, no contest. Temple's basement closet anatomy lab was frightening, but they're about to remodel. Scholl also had a nicely integrated clinic and newly updated patient rooms.
AZPOD has heat. That is nice enough alone. But the whole campus is beautiful too, with lots of new, clean buildings and plenty of room in the library. I hear library traffic can be a problem at Scholl (if they just had wireless everywhere, that wouldn't be an issue) (-:
The only thing about AZPOD is that I don't remember seeing one of those "test-drive" exam rooms, where you give mock examinations to actors (or old ladies from next door), get filmed, then critiqued.
Oh, my vote for campus dining goes to Scholl, too. Very important.

What I want to know is, Who has the best professors? How do we figure that one out?

A pass rate percentage should help give you some idea.

I don't think there is a really good way to assess it though, because what make a good teacher to one student doesn't necessarily make a good teacher for another. I think the best teachers are the tough ones that put your feet to the fire and almost break you. IMHO

 

[N4658H]

Back to the subject at hand...
DMU's campus is nice also because it is wireless everywhere, aaahhh. The clinic was not the newest, but it seems to work well.
Scholl's campus has the best anatomy lab, no contest. Temple's basement closet anatomy lab was frightening, but they're about to remodel. Scholl also had a nicely integrated clinic and newly updated patient rooms.
AZPOD has heat. That is nice enough alone. But the whole campus is beautiful too, with lots of new, clean buildings and plenty of room in the library. I hear library traffic can be a problem at Scholl (if they just had wireless everywhere, that wouldn't be an issue) (-:
The only thing about AZPOD is that I don't remember seeing one of those "test-drive" exam rooms, where you give mock examinations to actors (or old ladies from next door), get filmed, then critiqued.
Oh, my vote for campus dining goes to Scholl, too. Very important.

What I want to know is, Who has the best professors? How do we figure that one out?

What was your impression of Temple's basement "state of the art" fitness facility? That basement made me want to go home and watch Masters of the Universe. However, I am sure it will shine after the remod. My vote goes to DMU.

 

[dpmgrad]

What was your impression of Temple's basement "state of the art" fitness facility? That basement made me want to go home and watch Masters of the Universe. However, I am sure it will shine after the remod. My vote goes to DMU.

Temple Podiatry School does has a small gym in the basement of the school. However, when you are referring to the "state of the art" fitness facilty, you are referring to the fitness facility on the Temple University Main Campus called IBC Student Recreation Center and Student Pavilion. You can read more about the state of the art fitness facility at http://www.temple.edu/recsvcs/facilities/index.htm A great deal amount of Podiatry students utilize Temple Main Campus to work out. Do not confuse the two gym facilities.

As for voting for the best looking campus, of course, the campus with the new buidlings will win. So, it is kinda hard to say that OCPM, Temple, NYCPM campuses are the best looking because they are older buildings. One last thing is that not all of the clinical training are done at Temple Podiatry School Campus. For example, TUSPM students have to go up to the Temple University Health Science Campus to complete their H&P assignments.

 

[MurrayButler]

What I want to know is, Who has the best professors? How do we figure that one out?

Not to be partial, but I would say that Scholl has the best Lower-Extremity Professor. He has been teaching here for a long time now and is EXTRAORDINARY (but very tough and EXTREMELY DETAIL-ORIENTED!). As for the basic biomedical sciences, I'd say that we have a great staff overall. Concerning the clinical staff, the ones I have been in contact with through workshops and seminars were incredible, but I can't speak for all of them.

 

[psionic_blast]

Not to be partial, but I would say that Scholl has the best Lower-Extremity Professor. He has been teaching here for a long time now and is EXTRAORDINARY (but very tough and EXTREMELY DETAIL-ORIENTED!). As for the basic biomedical sciences, I'd say that we have a great staff overall. Concerning the clinical staff, the ones I have been in contact with through workshops and seminars were incredible, but I can't speak for all of them.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but DMU does do the best every year on part one of the boards in the lower limb anatomy section. Maybe jonwill can get the exact numbers, but we score like 10-15% higher in this section than most of the other schools.

 

[jonwill]

I don't remember the exact numbers, but DMU does do the best every year on part one of the boards in the lower limb anatomy section. Maybe jonwill can get the exact numbers, but we score like 10-15% higher in this section than most of the other schools.

I don't have all of the numbers but here's what I do have from part 1 of the boards for DMU in July 05 (class of 2007):

General Anatomy: 100% (85% national)
Lower Limb Anatomy: 96.3% (84.4% national)
Physiology: 92.6% (77.3% national)
Pharmacology: 85.5% (73.8% national)

I don't have the other areas (or, at least, I can't find them). In biochem, micro, and path, I do believe DMU was above the national average. Students and potential students, feel free to ask the deans of each school for these numbers. They should freely give them and if they don't, I'd think twice about going there.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

DMU has some nice new things planned. Since the student center is finished, they are renovating one of the academic halls.

The project includes building a new anatomy lab. The lab will double in size. The old lab is going to be for the DPT/PA students w/ the new lab for the DPM/DOs. They will be very similar to Scholl's w/ the computers/flat screens at each station. They are also adding a research/demo lab for cadaveric research/surgical procedures.

They are moving the surgical lab and getting a state of the art simulated OR. The lab will also include a surgical sim lab which will house sim-scope stations and a Sim-man.

The final part of the project includes new and expanded basic science research labs.

I am hoping that after these projects are finished they will renovate the second year lecture hall.

 

[PlainsPod]

I don't have all of the numbers but here's what I do have from part 1 of the boards for DMU in July 05 (class of 2007):

General Anatomy: 100% (85% national)
Lower Limb Anatomy: 96.3% (84.4% national)
Physiology: 92.6% (77.3% national)
Pharmacology: 85.5% (73.8% national)

I don't have the other areas (or, at least, I can't find them). In biochem, micro, and path, I do believe DMU was above the national average. Students and potential students, feel free to ask the deans of each school for these numbers. They should freely give them and if they don't, I'd think twice about going there.

If a student chooses a school based on board scores I would be very concerned for that person. When it comes to podiatry board exams, the only number that matters is the number of questions you need to pass. And who REALLY cares how one school performs on the lower limb section vs. another? As I recall that section was easy.

When it comes down to it, choose a school in the region that you prefer. We all went on the same extenships and do the same residencies.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

If a student chooses a school based on board scores I would be very concerned for that person. When it comes to podiatry board exams, the only number that matters is the number of questions you need to pass. And who REALLY cares how one school performs on the lower limb section vs. another? As I recall that section was easy.

When it comes down to it, choose a school in the region that you prefer. We all went on the same externships and do the same residencies.

I somewhat agree w/ that b/c medicine is something you learn in your residency. The first 4 years are work to get your residency. Heck, what matters is not even the number of questions that you need to get right, since the test is scored on a bell curve.

BUT on the same token, what is best for our patients? As podiatrist, we should strive to always achieve. I don't like the fact that there are programs out there that don't dissect in their anatomy course. Getting your hands dirty is a much better learning tool than staring at a screen, no matter how nice your lab is. If the test is scored on a curve, what does that tell you about the expectations of schools that consistently score low and what does it say about schools that are consistently high?

I don't want to linger on this topic since this is a thread about the nicest campus. My final comment is did anyone else read the article that was in the APMA News? I've known about the Part I scandal for awhile, but this is the first time that I have seen a publication on the topic.

 

[jonwill]

If a student chooses a school based on board scores I would be very concerned for that person. When it comes to podiatry board exams, the only number that matters is the number of questions you need to pass. And who REALLY cares how one school performs on the lower limb section vs. another? As I recall that section was easy.

When it comes down to it, choose a school in the region that you prefer. We all went on the same extenships and do the same residencies.

You are somewhat correct. I only put them up because someone asked. These scores do however reflect the academic curriculum of DMU as compared to the other schools. A self motivated student will do well at any program though. I WOULD BE CONCERNED if a school has a high board failure rate as I believe every potential student should be. This IS a very important topic when interviewing.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

This IS a very important topic when interviewing.

That is the real relevance of board scores. I think that they should be published. This will only push all of the 8 schools to strive to be the best. Instead by hiding them, they reveal in mediocrity.

But once again the issue is the nicest campus. I would like to visit Midwestern (the irony of calling any school in Arizona Midwestern). Being the newest school they should have the most up-to-date facility. Scholl is know is nice but again they are at a newer location. I haven't heard anyone chime in w/ news of renovations. I'd be eager to hear if there are new facilities coming to any of the Pod schools.

 

[IlizaRob]

That is the real relevance of board scores. I think that they should be published. This will only push all of the 8 schools to strive to be the best. Instead by hiding them, they reveal in mediocrity.

But once again the issue is the nicest campus. I would like to visit Midwestern (the irony of calling any school in Arizona Midwestern). Being the newest school they should have the most up-to-date facility. Scholl is know is nice but again they are at a newer location. I haven't heard anyone chime in w/ news of renovations. I'd be eager to hear if there are new facilities coming to any of the Pod schools.

The problem lies with funding. A few years ago, a resolution was made that all schools become affliliated with a school of health sciences or university. Not everyone has made it. If the podiatric college is not relied upon to bring in the income, then they can be more selective and increase their standards without the fear of closing down because of a loss of tuition dollars. Maybe then scores could be released. I agree that there is much more than boards that determine your success as a doctor. In fact, boards are quite minimal. But the first two years sets a foundation that is needed for clinicals and residency. The better the foundation, the stronger the house. All Im saying is, dont discredit board pass rates. Dispite popular belief on this forum, it still plays an important part of your overall education. After all, if you havent passed part 1, there wont be many residencies interested in you.

 

[POD Advocate]

AZCOM and AZPOD will enjoy the benefits of a new clinic on Midwestern-Glendale's campus grounds. It is across the street but Midwestern owns the land so it is going to make our campus even larger. I don't know the sq. footage but it is large and multiple stories high.

As far as the Podiatry portion of the clinic, I don't know too much. I only know that most of the staff are going to move their practices to these new buildings and this will greatly facilitate learning for the AZPOD students.

Currently, all of the huge metal supports are up and the parking lot is mostly done. Behind the clinic is a small orange grove which gives the place a cool feeling. They have also added a median (in between the sides of the road) instead of a center lane. This median now has small pine trees and flower bushes that make it rather pleasant, too. I'd have a hard time believing that any school has a nicer campus than AZPOD just due to how new it is (and beautiful). There are other consideration, though, as have been mentioned (such as anatomy lab, etc.) that I have no qualification to answer about and that may be important for some people. I say if you feel comfortable at a campus, that's good enough. It doesn't have to be "the best."

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

POD advocate,

If you get a chance, you should post some pics of the clinic as it goes up. I'd be interested in seeing the progression and final product.

As a CPMS student, I'm afraid to say that I'm not worried about Scholl and Temple. I like that AZPOD is the next big thing. They are using the best of all of the schools. They have the nice weather like Barry, they are trying to mimic CPMS's basic science set-up, and w/ Frkyberg they've got great opportunities for research like Temple and Scholl. Now on top of that throw in new facilities. They are definitely heading in the right direction.

 

[IlizaRob]

AZCOM and AZPOD will enjoy the benefits of a new clinic on Midwestern-Glendale's campus grounds. It is across the street but Midwestern owns the land so it is going to make our campus even larger. I don't know the sq. footage but it is large and multiple stories high.

As far as the Podiatry portion of the clinic, I don't know too much. I only know that most of the staff are going to move their practices to these new buildings and this will greatly facilitate learning for the AZPOD students.

Currently, all of the huge metal supports are up and the parking lot is mostly done. Behind the clinic is a small orange grove which gives the place a cool feeling. They have also added a median (in between the sides of the road) instead of a center lane. This median now has small pine trees and flower bushes that make it rather pleasant, too. I'd have a hard time believing that any school has a nicer campus than AZPOD just due to how new it is (and beautiful). There are other consideration, though, as have been mentioned (such as anatomy lab, etc.) that I have no qualification to answer about and that may be important for some people. I say if you feel comfortable at a campus, that's good enough. It doesn't have to be "the best."

I cannot agree more that the AZPOD (midwestern) campus is one to be reckoned with. Eventhough its a desert waistland, I love Arizona. The valley does a great job at keeping the city looking less like dirt. I really miss the medians with the palm trees and grass. Makes you feel like you are on the coast of cali. Ok, maybe not that good. Nonetheless, a brand new clinic will for sure turn a few necks with potential DO/DPM students. I just hope California will be able to compete for the west. Dr. Feelgreat is right, Frykberg will give some good research opportunities as well.