What are the facilities and clinics like (old/new, well maintained, etc.)?
-
Newer facilities and plenty of resources (access to cadaver lab, hologram lab, library, gym, all state of the art)
-
Facilities for first year = one building. Students basically live on the 3rd floor. Other floors are for other programs. 2nd - 4th years are all over the country. I'm sure the facilities are fine.
How do students from this program do after graduation - are they adequately prepared for practice?
-
Graduates often choose primary care, as the CHC system highlights the need for primary care in the work force. However, many people, myself included, end up choosing competitive specialties and matching there. There are no roadblocks for competitive specialties.
-
We have a high success rate for matching but the school STRONGLY emphasizes primary care. If you want to specialize, probably not the best option for you.
What are rotations like?
-
Each CHC is slightly different, but you will rotate through the CHCs health system. Your rotations are provided, but you have the freedom of doing rotations elsewhere, if desired.
-
We have rotations - you have to find your own electives in 3rd and 4th year. Good luck with that depending on where you are and which places allow med students, the agreements, laws, etc.
How do students from this program do in the Match?
Any other information you want to share?
-
This program got a lot of flak when it changed curriculum (my first year). Things have stabilized since, and the issues have been resolved. A lot of people dig up the bad reviews, but so many are students who weren't performing well and blamed the school. Med school is hard wherever you go. SOMA had some issues, but the new dean has done a great job at resolving these.
If the CHC system sounds exciting (I thought it was adventurous), this is a great option. You will have lots of clinical experience to set you apart during rotations. Osteopathic manipulations will be taught in depth. SOMA is great for independent learners and people who thrive in small groups. If this is you, it can be whatever you want to make of it, and it will take you where you want to go. What more could you ask from a med school?
-
The faculty is great. The admin is crap. Unfortunately, the hands of the faculty are tied because of what the admin tell them. Student body has a good mix of cooperative and highly competitive students.