Answers to FAQs by Students

							          Answers to FAQs by Students

“How do I find a doctor?”
Direct students to the “Healthcare Information for Students” brochure posted
on line.

“Do I have to do research to get into residency or remain competitive?”
Research is not necessary for the majority of specialties. However, it is
helpful and suggested for the more competitive specialties (Dermatology,
Ortho, Radiation Oncology, Surgery and Surgery subspecialties). If you
want to pursue a competitive specialty you need to have a strong academic
record. This means earning high satisfactory and honors in a majority of
your preclinical courses and clerkships, doing well on Step 1, and having
some interest above and beyond your course work. You should distinguish
yourself from other applicants by doing whatever it is that is most
important and of the greatest interest to you. Your application will be
strengthened by a productive research experience. Health policy work,
community service or teaching experience can all benefit your candidacy
for residency as well. You should do research if are interested, exploring
or continuing your research work or interests.

For additional information and advice contact Marie Hartman,
Coordinator, Office of Medical Student Research and Director, Career
Development Center.

“What do I have to do during the summer between my first and second
years?” Where do I go for additional information?
A large portion of each class use this “last free summer” to relax. Others
spend time travelling. A community experience through Bridging the Gaps
is a common opportunity that many Drexel students take advantage of.
Some students pursue research interests with faculty members, or continue
on projects that they worked on before coming to Drexel. Students have
spent the summer working (lifeguarding, coordinating orientation, waiting
tables, doctor’s office…). Yet others have pursued international medical
experiences, clinical externships and shadowing. The possibilities are
endless, and there is no rule as to what students “should” be doing. Most
important is that students do something that is truly interesting to them, that
they will enjoy, and that they will be able to talk excitedly about in the
future.

For additional information and advice contact Marie Hartman,
Coordinator, Office of Medical Student Research and Director, Career
Development Center.


“Who can I go for help with my financial aid?
Queen Lane Medical Campus
SRC Office
Room G-27
2900 Queen Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
http://www.drexel.edu/financialaid/

SRC College of Medicine Telephone Numbers
215-991-8206 — Registrar
215-991-8210 — Financial Aid
215-991-8268 — Student Accounts
215-843-5243 — FAX

“Where do I go for a tutor?”
The Academic and Enrichment office provides individual and group tutoring
free of charge. Students may request a tutor or inquire about becoming a
peer tutor by contacting: Janet L. Moore, PsyD, Director of Student
Assessment and Enrichment Programs. Additional services include:
confidential academic and personal counseling and educational diagnostic
testing when needed. It offers a number of support groups and provides
services or referral for stress management and resolution of personal
problems.


“If I fail an exam, will I have to repeat the course?”
In IFM: must-past finals are the only exams that you are required to pass.
Usually, though, if an individual exam is failed, students are asked to meet
with the course director to discuss how to ensure that future exams are
successfully passed. Some course directors require that you participate in
“remediation sessions” prior to the subsequent exam in order to provide
additional support.

In PIL: remediation of exams varies depending on the subject and block.

“If I fail a course, will I have to repeat the entire year?”
Students who have had academic difficulty during any given year are
reviewed by the Student Promotions Committee.                Decisions about
remediated are made by consensus of the entire committee. If one course
needs remediation, the advice of the respective course director is usually
followed. Depending on the situation, decisions may include undertaking a
remediation exam, repeating the course during the summer, or repeating the
entire year.

“Who should I contact if I’m having trouble with fill in the blank?”
If you are having trouble with specific subjects matter, the best place to start
is to see the respective Course Director. Many have opportunities for
additional assistance already in place; others are willing to offer personal
help; yet others can put you in contact with other faculty in the department
from whom you can receive assistance.

In addition, you can also plan on getting help from a 2nd year Academic
Assistant (tutor) (this should not replace contact with the faculty).

If academic trouble seems to be more global, Dr. Moore can provide
academic counseling, study strategies, and educational testing.

If after exhausting all other resources you find you’re still having difficulty
contact Dr. Parrish for additional guidance.

         Recommend Steps for Seeking Assistance for Students
                           1.) Course Director
                           2.) Peer Tutors
                           3.) Dr. Moore
                           4.) Dr. Parrish

Here is how the Medical School Academic Assistant Program works:
   Go to this website http://webcampus.drexelmed.edu/
    You will see Med Student Wellness Site/ Academic Assistants (click
     on)
    that will take you to Academics which has listed Academic Assistants
     for both IFM and PIL.

If anyone believes their anxiousness and/or depressed feelings go beyond
what is normal, or if you don’t know what normal is, or if you still feel
overly anxious after meeting with the Course Director and Academic
Assistant, than don’t hesitate to make an appointment with either Dr. Diane
Gottlieb: dgottlie@drexelmed.edu - 215-991-8532, Dr. Janet Moore:
jmoore01@drexelmed.edu, 215-991-8214.


Issues/complaints about such things as: facilities, parking, gym, financial
etc.
Should be directed to Shay Myers, Director of Student Affairs. There are
several other venues where these issues are addressed: Breakfast Club
Meeting (Students Deans and Staff), Class Officer & Deans Meeting.