I owe you - Responding to comments

First off, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has kept up/ discovered my blog. I have received so many comments awesome comments! So I am dedicating a post to YOU!
Here goes my attempt to responding to those who wrote to me... please acknowledge that the best way to get specific answers about Saba is to call their office in the states.

"Hi! I love your blog! I was wondering if by starting in January and if one is able to schedule to schedule rotations back to back if they would be able to make the match in March 3 years from when the started and essentially graduate in 3.5 years, instead of having to wait for the next year's match? I know Saba now has the 8 week Research Module and I was wondering when one would complete that, at Saba or the US, before or during or after studying and taking Step 1, and does it significantly delay when one can start rotations and prevent them from making the match and graduating in 3.5 years? I'm trying to choose which school and would appreicate any advice. Thanks!"

From my understanding, starting in January 2012 would mean that you would finish basic science in August 2013 (assuming everything goes as planed). Usually people take ~6-8weeks to study for step 1. The research paper is to be completed before starting clinicals - we have been told that they will not place you in a clinical if you have not completed the research module. Assuming you work on it until December 2013, the best case scenario would be to start clinicals in January. IF you do back to back placements (which would honestly be unrealistic because you want to have some kind of say on which hospital to go + moving from place to place) you would be able to finish by the end of 2015 and match to the July 2016.... I think. From what I have heard from upper semesters, I wouldn't recommend doing the clinicals back to back because you need time to settle in the new placement and you want to be a little picky with hospitals or location to get the best possible experience.

Peter & others..."why saba? as compared to other caribbean schools."

My reasons for choosing Saba were quite varied so I am just going to list them.

• small classes; better prof to student ratio.
• it is known to have many Canadian students (~70%) so my colleagues would be going through the same obstacles as I would be when we get to clinicals and possibly applying back to Canada.
• the island is small (I know many people would not consider this an advantage, but there are no distractions and its really safe) 
• if you are a nature junkie this island is paradise!
•  I had a really good friend attend here and heard about the school from him. Also having someone you know is nice to have at the beginning to help you get acquainted with the island
• they have a 98% pass rate on Step 1 AND a great record of getting higher than the average 220 score (I think the recorded average of the step 1 from Saba students is around 227)
• lower tuition (probably one of my top reasons) + it is OSAP approved for those of you in Ontario
• the application turnover/response is fairly quick if you had a last minute decision to apply
• although the attrition rate is high, once you make it through the basic sciences you are WELL prepared for the Step and clinicals
• Most canadian doctors I have spoken to have heard of Saba and have said good things about the students they met from there. (Saba also has the most Canadian placements out of all the other Caribbean medical schools)
• the smaller classes also make it easier to bond with your colleagues as well as upper semesters -- makes for great moral & academic support.
• it is accredited in all of the US (the other ones I know that have this is Ross and St. Georges)

Comparing Saba to other schools is really what you, as an individual, need to do. What is your life style? How is your ability to adjust to a small island life versus going to St. Georges where you have 200+ people in your class? The atmosphere on Saba is that of a small community. Everyone gets to know you pretty fast and you always run into your professors outside of class - gives you a great chance to get to know them and for them to get to know you as a social person rather than a student. Also, having such a small community allows for community development projects to be implemented fairly easily. Just last semester we started a program called 'Saba Girls Run' where we incorporate fitness with small interactive lectures on nutrition, self esteem and sexual education for the local teenager girls. A great opportunity to keep involved in community health.

"would you be able to give some advice on maintaining a long distance relationship?"

I'm not sure how to approach this one... I think that long distance relationships are never easy. Good communication, strong foundations, understanding, flexibility, caring and compromises are definitely key. I know quite a few of my good friends who have been able to keep a relationship while here on Saba. Long distance definitely accentuates a relationships' weaknesses and as long you and your partner are willing to put in the effort, you will not have a problem. At the same time, I have to say that compromises from their end will be more than from your end. Their understanding is important because your time will be taken up with studying - but as long as they know you came down here to achieve your goal (to study, to do well, to become a doctor) it will be fine! I know many significant others who have come down and visited for a week or so at a time and they probably understood our way of life down here much better. So, all in all, it is hard but doable! Hope this helps a little.
PS. Skype will become your best friend.

Vanessa said...
I was wondering if you could answer some questions:
Are there enough students who get accepted and complete their BS while earning their MD? (pre-requisites met, average MCAT, average GPA)
Is it possible and a good idea to bring your pet w/ you to the island? (dachsund)
Thank you

I have not heard of anyone completing their BS while studying at Saba. I personally wouldn't recommend this as you have enough work here as it is. I know of one person who did not complete their undergraduate degree and came straight here. Other than that I'm pretty sure most people have their Bachelor degree or more. As for the pet, there are a couple of students who have brought them. With that said, most are here with their spouses who can help take care of them. You need to consider that you are at school from 8-3 everyday and unless you live within 5min of the school it will be hard to go home at lunch and take them out (if it is a dog). Cats are probably easier. Also take into account the hot climate here and that it would limit your housing options -- you will not be able to stay in the dorms in first semester (this can be accommodated if you talk to administration but you will lose that bonding experience with the rest of your classmates). My opinion? they are probably better at home. I love my dog but I wouldn't bring it here because I know I will not be able to take care of it as it deserves.

well I think that is everyone! If I missed your question please leave a comment on this post and I will reply back, promise :)