Hi again-
National boards are over, so it's back to the blog! The topic of this blog: living on student loans.
It's a question I'm often asked, but never by students. It's always the parents of the students that are concerned about the finances. They want to know if their child will be able to live on the student loans available from financial aide so they don't have to tap into their 401K to make Palmer a reality. The answer is simple as long as you're willing to keep it simple. YES YOU CAN!!! Without a doubt you can live on student loans as you're willing to live like a student. That means you won't be able to out and get that new Audi you know you'll be able to afford eventually. You won't be able to go out and buy that big screen TV for football season, and you probably won't be able to even go out to eat every meal with your student loans. BUT, what you will be able to do is- afford groceries, pay your rent, keep your electiricty flowing and your water turned on.
Get it in your head that you're a student and not a doctor (yet) and spend your money accordingly. Student loans are dispersed once every trimester. That menas you'll know exactly how much money you can spend every 4 months. Create a budget and know what your necessary expenses will be and know how much you can spend on "extra" things. If, at the end of the trimester you have enough "extra" money to spend - get it. But, always keep in mind that whatever think you MUST HAVE now and buy with your student lons- with interest rates on loans you'll be paying 3x as much.
I'm not going to harp on the subject, but take it from me- you don't need 1/2 the stuff you think you do! Eventually you're going to graduate from Palmer and chances are you'll be moving to a new state/city for your career. The less junk you have- the easier it will be!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Palmer Vs. Other schools
Can't believe it's been a month since my last post!
I recently received a comment from a fellow reader that inspired this post:
"... I was wondering if you ever communicate with other Chiropractic students at other institutions and could give me any of their insight as well. Just as an FYI other than Palmer (and West) I am considering Life University of Georgia Logan College and Life West. I appreciate any info that you can give. And yes of course I know you will be a bit biased but I'm still curious..."
First of all- Thanks for the comment! It's great to see that people are actually reading my blogs :)
To answer your question, YES- I do have the opportunity to talk to students/alum from other schools, and usually there is one general theme: "WOW, I didn't realize Palmer had so much to offer!"
Everyone thinks I am biased toward Palmer Davenport simply because I go here, but that is far from the truth. Over the past 3 years, I've had a lot of ups and downs with the school. There are some things that have really frustrated me with this institution. But, I think that is normal. The things that I have been frustrated about (tuition increases, parking, administration) have been things that every school/student has to deal with. I just have to keep in mind that they aren't just Palmer specific problems. I'm sure if I were to go to Palmer West or Life West, I wouldn't be able to find a parking spot either (not to mention the cost of living is SIGNIFICANTLY higher in CA versus Iowa)! The economy is experiencing a tough time throughout the country- and I'll guarantee you that Palmer Davenport wasn't the only school to increase tuition this year! And, every organization on the planet has growing pains with "the people on top!"
BUT---- I'm usually brought back down to Earth quickly and realize Palmer was the right choice for me. And, ironically enough- it's usually the students/alum I talk to from other schools that make me realize how lucky I am to go to Palmer Davenport.
When other students (even from Palmer West and Florida) come to visit Palmer and tour our campus, talk to our faculty, and chat with current students the resounding response is "I wish OUR school had that!" They might be referring to our state-of-the-art radiology suite, our brand new out patient clinic, our top of the line physiotherapy department, or simply the one-on-one interaction the students have with their faculty. Whatever it is, there's always something that they wish their school had that Palmer Davenport does!
OK-So now I know I'm sounding biased again, but that's the actual truth from other people- people that DON'T go to Palmer Davenport. People with the insight and perspective of two different locations. Now, I'm sure there are some school that offer things that Palmer does not- but the question to ask yourself is, "does that out weight what Palmer has?"
If you're really having difficulty making the decision I recommend going to see all the schools you're interested in. I know that the cost might be a factor in visiting many schools, but it's so important to go there and see for yourself. Usually you will know if it's the right fit for you as soon as you arrive. It's really important that you visit the campus and get a feel for the environment. Talk to the current students, chat with a faculty member, read the school news paper. Before you just decide to come to campus- make sure to talk to your admissions rep. They usually offer some form of reimbursement for your visit if you set it up through them. Plus, your admissions rep will help you find a hotel and explain how to get around town. I can't speak for every school on this, but I know at Palmer Davenport, they offer compensation for your hotel if you come to a campus visit.
If you still can't decide try doing these to narrow it down:
---Make a list of what's important to you (ie- techniques, teacher to student ratio, cost of living, tuition) and make sure to get the info for each school so you can compare.
---Get a hold of some alumni from the school and ask their opinion of the school
---I know there are plenty of more exciting locations than Davenport, IA to live; but I don't recommend choosing a school based on location. You're going to be super busy with class/clinic anyway, and being a student should be your main focus, not sitting on the beach! Choose a good school and then you can decide to go wherever you want with your great education!
I know it's not an easy decision, and should not be taken lightly so think about it carefully. I'll just leave you with this one last thought about Palmer that could just be YOUR deciding factor---
There will always be one thing that Palmer has over every other school in the entire world...
PALMER DAVENPORT IS WHERE CHIROPRACTIC STARTED!
DD Palmer gave the first chiropractic adjustment just blocks away from campus. The history and enthusiasm of the profession is just as strong now as it was in 1897! The founders of our profession walked the same halls I walk through every day- and that kind of inspiration and energy is contagious!
I recently received a comment from a fellow reader that inspired this post:
"... I was wondering if you ever communicate with other Chiropractic students at other institutions and could give me any of their insight as well. Just as an FYI other than Palmer (and West) I am considering Life University of Georgia Logan College and Life West. I appreciate any info that you can give. And yes of course I know you will be a bit biased but I'm still curious..."
First of all- Thanks for the comment! It's great to see that people are actually reading my blogs :)
To answer your question, YES- I do have the opportunity to talk to students/alum from other schools, and usually there is one general theme: "WOW, I didn't realize Palmer had so much to offer!"
Everyone thinks I am biased toward Palmer Davenport simply because I go here, but that is far from the truth. Over the past 3 years, I've had a lot of ups and downs with the school. There are some things that have really frustrated me with this institution. But, I think that is normal. The things that I have been frustrated about (tuition increases, parking, administration) have been things that every school/student has to deal with. I just have to keep in mind that they aren't just Palmer specific problems. I'm sure if I were to go to Palmer West or Life West, I wouldn't be able to find a parking spot either (not to mention the cost of living is SIGNIFICANTLY higher in CA versus Iowa)! The economy is experiencing a tough time throughout the country- and I'll guarantee you that Palmer Davenport wasn't the only school to increase tuition this year! And, every organization on the planet has growing pains with "the people on top!"
BUT---- I'm usually brought back down to Earth quickly and realize Palmer was the right choice for me. And, ironically enough- it's usually the students/alum I talk to from other schools that make me realize how lucky I am to go to Palmer Davenport.
When other students (even from Palmer West and Florida) come to visit Palmer and tour our campus, talk to our faculty, and chat with current students the resounding response is "I wish OUR school had that!" They might be referring to our state-of-the-art radiology suite, our brand new out patient clinic, our top of the line physiotherapy department, or simply the one-on-one interaction the students have with their faculty. Whatever it is, there's always something that they wish their school had that Palmer Davenport does!
OK-So now I know I'm sounding biased again, but that's the actual truth from other people- people that DON'T go to Palmer Davenport. People with the insight and perspective of two different locations. Now, I'm sure there are some school that offer things that Palmer does not- but the question to ask yourself is, "does that out weight what Palmer has?"
If you're really having difficulty making the decision I recommend going to see all the schools you're interested in. I know that the cost might be a factor in visiting many schools, but it's so important to go there and see for yourself. Usually you will know if it's the right fit for you as soon as you arrive. It's really important that you visit the campus and get a feel for the environment. Talk to the current students, chat with a faculty member, read the school news paper. Before you just decide to come to campus- make sure to talk to your admissions rep. They usually offer some form of reimbursement for your visit if you set it up through them. Plus, your admissions rep will help you find a hotel and explain how to get around town. I can't speak for every school on this, but I know at Palmer Davenport, they offer compensation for your hotel if you come to a campus visit.
If you still can't decide try doing these to narrow it down:
---Make a list of what's important to you (ie- techniques, teacher to student ratio, cost of living, tuition) and make sure to get the info for each school so you can compare.
---Get a hold of some alumni from the school and ask their opinion of the school
---I know there are plenty of more exciting locations than Davenport, IA to live; but I don't recommend choosing a school based on location. You're going to be super busy with class/clinic anyway, and being a student should be your main focus, not sitting on the beach! Choose a good school and then you can decide to go wherever you want with your great education!
I know it's not an easy decision, and should not be taken lightly so think about it carefully. I'll just leave you with this one last thought about Palmer that could just be YOUR deciding factor---
There will always be one thing that Palmer has over every other school in the entire world...
PALMER DAVENPORT IS WHERE CHIROPRACTIC STARTED!
DD Palmer gave the first chiropractic adjustment just blocks away from campus. The history and enthusiasm of the profession is just as strong now as it was in 1897! The founders of our profession walked the same halls I walk through every day- and that kind of inspiration and energy is contagious!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
FAQ: What tri is the best to start?
I know I said last week that I would answer your questions about living on student loans, but I had a special request to cover this particular question about when the best time to start classes at Palmer is! Thanks for the inspiration Marlaina! ;)
[***If you want the "cliff note" version of this blog... scroll down to the bottom of the page and read the bold text. If you want the low down in more detail then read on....]
SO- technically I can only speak to what I know personally, and I maybe a bit bias on the subject, but I think the best time to start is in the Fall trimester (OCT/NOV). I'm sure you'll get varied opinions if you ask people who started in the Spring and Summer, but logistically speaking- a fall start is AWESOME!
Let me back up and start at the beginning here for those of you who don't know how Palmer Davenport works. School is year round. The year is broken into 3 trimesters (tir's). Each tri is approximately 4 months long. In between tri's you have a small "break" before you move onto the next tri. Once you matriculate into Palmer (matriculate means start) you will no longer be referred to as a freshman, sophomore, etc. You will be referred to as a trimester. (Ex. I'm in 9th tri and I'm able to be in clinic. 2nd tri has a reputation for being the most difficult. 4th tri is known as the "easy" tri). After finals are passes at the end of the tri- you progress on- closer to the day when you can finally be called a Doctor!
There is always a class graduating and always a class beginning their first tri on campus. We have 3 options as to when you can begin your 1st tri at Palmer. The first "class" of the year is in the Spring (March). The second is the Summer class (July) and the third is the Fall class (Oct/Nov). I started with the Oct/Nov class of 2007, and was happy I did. It's your decision about when to start, and honestly it really won't matter that much, but here are some of the pros/cons of beginning in the fall:
-If you are beginning Palmer right after undergrad, you get "one more" summer break to enjoy sitting around!
-Because most people choose to have that last "summer" the Fall class is typically the largest size!
-You'll start 1st tri and most likely feel homesick and totally overwhelmed. Just about the time this happens- you get Thanksgiving and Christmas break!
-Within the first three trimesters (basically the first year at Palmer) your hardest tri will be 2nd tri. It's difficult not only because the classes are progressively harder than 1st tri classes; but you also have more lab practicals to study for. Between class and lab- you're on campus from 7:30am to sometimes 7pm or later. BUT- who cares? You're in 2nd tri when the weather is cold and miserable anyway. There's not much to do in -40 degree winter weather except go to class and study!
-As the city thaws out about mid April, you're just wrapping up 2nd tri finals and you can truly enjoy your summer break knowing you have the hardest part of school behind you.
-As next winter approaches (calendar wise the longest trimester) you'll be in 4th tri. 4th tri is comparably easier than tri 1-3 and as you'd expect- you have a Thanksgiving and Christmas break in which you can actually relax and enjoy with your family. (In 1st-3rd tri expect to be studying your butt off over break. You usually have a test or two the day you get back from break in 1-3rd tri; but most likely not in 4th tri.)
-If you begin in Nov, you will be eligible to take your National Board exam in March a year after your start date. Boards is held only twice a year. Once in March and once in Sept. Taking boards in March is a lot easier for several reasons- March boards occur the first week or so of a new tri, so not much has happened in your class. September board exams occur in the middle of the tri, so more than likely you not only have to worry about taking boards, but your teachers have exams in class around that time as well. In March, you have a week break right before you begin your new classes and all you have to worry about is studying boards stuff- none of your Palmer classes. Plus, it's March! It's cold! It gets dark early and once again, unless you enjoy feeling like a Popsicle- there's not much to do in Iowa in the middle of winter.
Ok, Ok- so I know most of you thinking about beginning school aren't even thinking about taking your national boards over a year after you start- so I'll cut to the chase-
*****I really liked starting in November, but it really doesn't matter when you start! Each season has its advantages and disadvantages. I recommend starting right away if you feel really motivated to get going. If you think you need a few months off before you get started- start a tri later. The important thing is not WHEN you start, but THAT you start. Time is going to go by whether you're at Palmer or not--- might as well be at Palmer!
[***If you want the "cliff note" version of this blog... scroll down to the bottom of the page and read the bold text. If you want the low down in more detail then read on....]
SO- technically I can only speak to what I know personally, and I maybe a bit bias on the subject, but I think the best time to start is in the Fall trimester (OCT/NOV). I'm sure you'll get varied opinions if you ask people who started in the Spring and Summer, but logistically speaking- a fall start is AWESOME!
Let me back up and start at the beginning here for those of you who don't know how Palmer Davenport works. School is year round. The year is broken into 3 trimesters (tir's). Each tri is approximately 4 months long. In between tri's you have a small "break" before you move onto the next tri. Once you matriculate into Palmer (matriculate means start) you will no longer be referred to as a freshman, sophomore, etc. You will be referred to as a trimester. (Ex. I'm in 9th tri and I'm able to be in clinic. 2nd tri has a reputation for being the most difficult. 4th tri is known as the "easy" tri). After finals are passes at the end of the tri- you progress on- closer to the day when you can finally be called a Doctor!
There is always a class graduating and always a class beginning their first tri on campus. We have 3 options as to when you can begin your 1st tri at Palmer. The first "class" of the year is in the Spring (March). The second is the Summer class (July) and the third is the Fall class (Oct/Nov). I started with the Oct/Nov class of 2007, and was happy I did. It's your decision about when to start, and honestly it really won't matter that much, but here are some of the pros/cons of beginning in the fall:
-If you are beginning Palmer right after undergrad, you get "one more" summer break to enjoy sitting around!
-Because most people choose to have that last "summer" the Fall class is typically the largest size!
-You'll start 1st tri and most likely feel homesick and totally overwhelmed. Just about the time this happens- you get Thanksgiving and Christmas break!
-Within the first three trimesters (basically the first year at Palmer) your hardest tri will be 2nd tri. It's difficult not only because the classes are progressively harder than 1st tri classes; but you also have more lab practicals to study for. Between class and lab- you're on campus from 7:30am to sometimes 7pm or later. BUT- who cares? You're in 2nd tri when the weather is cold and miserable anyway. There's not much to do in -40 degree winter weather except go to class and study!
-As the city thaws out about mid April, you're just wrapping up 2nd tri finals and you can truly enjoy your summer break knowing you have the hardest part of school behind you.
-As next winter approaches (calendar wise the longest trimester) you'll be in 4th tri. 4th tri is comparably easier than tri 1-3 and as you'd expect- you have a Thanksgiving and Christmas break in which you can actually relax and enjoy with your family. (In 1st-3rd tri expect to be studying your butt off over break. You usually have a test or two the day you get back from break in 1-3rd tri; but most likely not in 4th tri.)
-If you begin in Nov, you will be eligible to take your National Board exam in March a year after your start date. Boards is held only twice a year. Once in March and once in Sept. Taking boards in March is a lot easier for several reasons- March boards occur the first week or so of a new tri, so not much has happened in your class. September board exams occur in the middle of the tri, so more than likely you not only have to worry about taking boards, but your teachers have exams in class around that time as well. In March, you have a week break right before you begin your new classes and all you have to worry about is studying boards stuff- none of your Palmer classes. Plus, it's March! It's cold! It gets dark early and once again, unless you enjoy feeling like a Popsicle- there's not much to do in Iowa in the middle of winter.
Ok, Ok- so I know most of you thinking about beginning school aren't even thinking about taking your national boards over a year after you start- so I'll cut to the chase-
*****I really liked starting in November, but it really doesn't matter when you start! Each season has its advantages and disadvantages. I recommend starting right away if you feel really motivated to get going. If you think you need a few months off before you get started- start a tri later. The important thing is not WHEN you start, but THAT you start. Time is going to go by whether you're at Palmer or not--- might as well be at Palmer!
Monday, July 26, 2010
FAQ: Class size
Hey All!
I LOVE being a campus guide. I'm currently in my 3rd year of being a guide and through the years, I've had the pleasure of talking to some really great people. I get to talk to perspective students in all ranges of the application process. Some are still in high school and are still deciding if they want to become a chiropractor. Some perspective students are sure they want to pursue Chiropractic, however they are "shopping" around to different school to see where they fit and feel most comfortable (which I highly recommend doing yourself if you are in that category). Some students know they are coming to Palmer (some in the next few weeks) and they are just touring Palmer to get a better sense of where their first class will be held. Whatever stage of the process they are in- the questions always seem to be the same; so, I've decided to use the next few blog posts answering some of the more FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Here's the first:
Q: What is the class size like at Palmer?
Here's my answer:
It depends... but classes at Palmer always seem to be the prefect size! I know that sounds really generic, but I guess the most specific answer that I can give is that your class size will be as dynamic as the seasons! You'll start off with a class size that is "big". Depending on when you start your trimester (Spring, Summer, Fall) class sizes typically range from 70-170. (For the sake of this blog, we'll just assume you start with a class of 100.) You'll be in lecture hall with all 100 of your closest friends listening to the Professor lecture on anatomy, bio chem, physiology, etc. The classes that require a lecture and a lab, you are assigned a lab section. Each lab section has about 25 students in it, and within that section you will have small groups to work with- usually the ratio breaks down to around 7-8 students for every instructor. That's pretty much how the first year goes. Lectures are with your entire "class" and lab is a group within your "section."
Your second year at Palmer is slightly different. You focus less on "lecture" learning, and begin to focus on diagnostic and patient oriented learning. Your classes are consistently about a quarter of what you started with. Everyone is attending the same classes, just not at the same time. In 4-7th tri you also do a lot of one-on-one partner work, one of you being the "doctor" and one of you being the "patient." In the second year you also begin your technique classes. Not only are these classes smaller in size, but you have 3 professors total to help you with the hands-on aspect of the class.
In your third year at Palmer, the focus shift away from class (almost completely) and you spend most of your days and time in the clinics. This time is GREAT! Then your class size is REALLY small. It's just you, your patient, and your supervising staff doctor. Can't get much more hands on one-on-one education than that!
In summary, I have to say that class size at Palmer is large with they CAN be and smaller, more focused when they NEED to be! I've never felt like a was just a number in a room. I've consistently felt that I have been given the attention I need, when it was needed.... and sometimes when I didn't want it. (Remember that exam I said I didn't do too great on in my first blog? Yeah- well, the teacher noticed and asked me if I understood the material. Needless to say that unwanted attention was all I needed as extra motivation to ace the next test!)
Next FAQ Blog: Living on student loans!
I LOVE being a campus guide. I'm currently in my 3rd year of being a guide and through the years, I've had the pleasure of talking to some really great people. I get to talk to perspective students in all ranges of the application process. Some are still in high school and are still deciding if they want to become a chiropractor. Some perspective students are sure they want to pursue Chiropractic, however they are "shopping" around to different school to see where they fit and feel most comfortable (which I highly recommend doing yourself if you are in that category). Some students know they are coming to Palmer (some in the next few weeks) and they are just touring Palmer to get a better sense of where their first class will be held. Whatever stage of the process they are in- the questions always seem to be the same; so, I've decided to use the next few blog posts answering some of the more FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Here's the first:
Q: What is the class size like at Palmer?
Here's my answer:
It depends... but classes at Palmer always seem to be the prefect size! I know that sounds really generic, but I guess the most specific answer that I can give is that your class size will be as dynamic as the seasons! You'll start off with a class size that is "big". Depending on when you start your trimester (Spring, Summer, Fall) class sizes typically range from 70-170. (For the sake of this blog, we'll just assume you start with a class of 100.) You'll be in lecture hall with all 100 of your closest friends listening to the Professor lecture on anatomy, bio chem, physiology, etc. The classes that require a lecture and a lab, you are assigned a lab section. Each lab section has about 25 students in it, and within that section you will have small groups to work with- usually the ratio breaks down to around 7-8 students for every instructor. That's pretty much how the first year goes. Lectures are with your entire "class" and lab is a group within your "section."
Your second year at Palmer is slightly different. You focus less on "lecture" learning, and begin to focus on diagnostic and patient oriented learning. Your classes are consistently about a quarter of what you started with. Everyone is attending the same classes, just not at the same time. In 4-7th tri you also do a lot of one-on-one partner work, one of you being the "doctor" and one of you being the "patient." In the second year you also begin your technique classes. Not only are these classes smaller in size, but you have 3 professors total to help you with the hands-on aspect of the class.
In your third year at Palmer, the focus shift away from class (almost completely) and you spend most of your days and time in the clinics. This time is GREAT! Then your class size is REALLY small. It's just you, your patient, and your supervising staff doctor. Can't get much more hands on one-on-one education than that!
In summary, I have to say that class size at Palmer is large with they CAN be and smaller, more focused when they NEED to be! I've never felt like a was just a number in a room. I've consistently felt that I have been given the attention I need, when it was needed.... and sometimes when I didn't want it. (Remember that exam I said I didn't do too great on in my first blog? Yeah- well, the teacher noticed and asked me if I understood the material. Needless to say that unwanted attention was all I needed as extra motivation to ace the next test!)
Next FAQ Blog: Living on student loans!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Clinic Abroad
Hello-
I know, I know..... it's been a while since my last post, huh!? Before you get mad, let me explain... I haven't posted since the end of May because I WAS ON VACATION!!! YAHOOOO! Normally between trimesters we have a one week break, but in June every year something special happens. Every year before the start of the July trimester, we are blessed with a three week break! YAY! Three whole weeks of no class, no studying, no homework or papers or practicals and it is amazing. Most people visit their families or tour cities they may want to practice in. Some people stay and work in the clinic (that was my summer fate) and a select few get to travel abroad to treat the people of third world countries.
Four of my close friends went on clinic abroad trips over the break, and as we met for dinner last night to talk about their experiences- I was in awe of the power of Chiropractic. Tara, who went to Honduras, told stories about treating patients that come into the clinic sight in wheelchairs and hoped to leave without needing one. I wish I could say she adjusted them and they walked away, and although that was not the case, she said that their symptoms did improve. She told me about an encounter with a man who had dislocated his hip. She said that as her and her staff doctor were treating him, she could feel the hip go back into place. Over the two week time frame her and the group spent in Honduras, they saw an incredible 2400 patients.
Ashley, who traveled all the way to Vietnam, said people were waiting in line for hours just to be treated. She said that a lot of the Vietnamese patients she saw had knee arthritis as a result how the culture sits. She also told stories of the orphanages her and her group visited- stories about babies that had brain encephalitis (normal bodies; huge head) and other children with their upper bodies facing the opposite direction as the bottom half. She said the most memorable patient she treated was a man who still had a bullet lodged in his arm from a war 7 years ago.
Overall the girls said they had an amazing time on their trips and they were happy to have had the experience. Clinic abroad is an opportunity everyone in 8th trimester and above can take advantage of, and it's sure to produce some amazing memories. I just lived vicariously through the stories of friends, and I was inspired! If you want to know more about clinic abroad or have any other questions about campus or Palmer, please don't hesitate to post or email me!
I'm off to clinic now... and off to begin my 9th trimester on campus! I'm so close to being done it's CRAZY!
Regards!
Mary
I know, I know..... it's been a while since my last post, huh!? Before you get mad, let me explain... I haven't posted since the end of May because I WAS ON VACATION!!! YAHOOOO! Normally between trimesters we have a one week break, but in June every year something special happens. Every year before the start of the July trimester, we are blessed with a three week break! YAY! Three whole weeks of no class, no studying, no homework or papers or practicals and it is amazing. Most people visit their families or tour cities they may want to practice in. Some people stay and work in the clinic (that was my summer fate) and a select few get to travel abroad to treat the people of third world countries.
Four of my close friends went on clinic abroad trips over the break, and as we met for dinner last night to talk about their experiences- I was in awe of the power of Chiropractic. Tara, who went to Honduras, told stories about treating patients that come into the clinic sight in wheelchairs and hoped to leave without needing one. I wish I could say she adjusted them and they walked away, and although that was not the case, she said that their symptoms did improve. She told me about an encounter with a man who had dislocated his hip. She said that as her and her staff doctor were treating him, she could feel the hip go back into place. Over the two week time frame her and the group spent in Honduras, they saw an incredible 2400 patients.
Ashley, who traveled all the way to Vietnam, said people were waiting in line for hours just to be treated. She said that a lot of the Vietnamese patients she saw had knee arthritis as a result how the culture sits. She also told stories of the orphanages her and her group visited- stories about babies that had brain encephalitis (normal bodies; huge head) and other children with their upper bodies facing the opposite direction as the bottom half. She said the most memorable patient she treated was a man who still had a bullet lodged in his arm from a war 7 years ago.
Overall the girls said they had an amazing time on their trips and they were happy to have had the experience. Clinic abroad is an opportunity everyone in 8th trimester and above can take advantage of, and it's sure to produce some amazing memories. I just lived vicariously through the stories of friends, and I was inspired! If you want to know more about clinic abroad or have any other questions about campus or Palmer, please don't hesitate to post or email me!
I'm off to clinic now... and off to begin my 9th trimester on campus! I'm so close to being done it's CRAZY!
Regards!
Mary
Saturday, May 29, 2010
All I wanna do is have some FUN!
I can't believe how fast time flies. Its been about 2 weeks now since my last blog and OH MY--its been a busy couple of weeks! I've been super busy seeing patients in the clinic and working at my other work study job. (I'm reviewing patient files to help Palmer qualify for more Medicare benefits. It's not the most exciting job on campus- but it does have make me smile from time to time. For example- just the other day I was reviewing the file of a 65 year old woman who reported that she "smoked pot in the 60's but didn't inhale and hasn't done it since the 60's!" HAHA- gotta love the honesty of some people!) Anyway- this blog isn't meant for me to talk about my time on campus- it's to talk about ALL THE FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN THE QUAD CITIES!
It's Memorial Day weekend and it's time for me to get out of the clinic and class and to enjoy the holiday. It's beautiful weather here (about 82 degrees and sunny) and there are a lot of fun things on my agenda. If you read my profile, you may have noticed that I'm training for the HyVee Triathlon- which has been a lot more fun than I anticipated. Originally I thought I'd be logging training hours on the treadmill and on the trainer- but those times are few and far between. I've been out on the open road and training outside. I had no idea Davenport had so many trails to bike and run on. There's Duck Creek- which is about 14 miles and is ideal for running, biking or just walking your dog. There are always people around, and it's peppered with baseball fields and Frisbee golf along the entire trail. There is a trail along the Mississippi that is about 10 miles and it's easily accessible from downtown Davenport. It follows the river for the entire 10 miles and I'm always impressed (and really grossed out) at all the people fishing and the size of the fish they pull out of that river! Ewww! And then there's my favorite trail of all three... it's on the Illinois side of the river and it goes FOREVER! Last weekend my boyfriend and I biked 60 miles and didn't get close to the end of the trail. We passed restaurants on the river, quaint little towns and fun parks! I had no idea that there was so much to offer in the town! It's full of great trails and lots of health minded people. If you're into the outdoors- you'll feel right at home in Davenport!
Plus--- this weekend is the Quad Cities Criterion. HOW FUN?! Talk about motivation for my tri. There is a lot talent in the area (even someone that rode with Lance Armstrong in the Tour) and all the pro (and amateur) cyclists will be in town on Monday going for the win! I can't wait.... but now I'm off to do a swim in one of our local lakes!
As always- post a comment or email me (palmerbloggermary@gmail.com) if you have any questions about things to do outdoors here in Davenport! Hope you all have a safe holiday! :)
It's Memorial Day weekend and it's time for me to get out of the clinic and class and to enjoy the holiday. It's beautiful weather here (about 82 degrees and sunny) and there are a lot of fun things on my agenda. If you read my profile, you may have noticed that I'm training for the HyVee Triathlon- which has been a lot more fun than I anticipated. Originally I thought I'd be logging training hours on the treadmill and on the trainer- but those times are few and far between. I've been out on the open road and training outside. I had no idea Davenport had so many trails to bike and run on. There's Duck Creek- which is about 14 miles and is ideal for running, biking or just walking your dog. There are always people around, and it's peppered with baseball fields and Frisbee golf along the entire trail. There is a trail along the Mississippi that is about 10 miles and it's easily accessible from downtown Davenport. It follows the river for the entire 10 miles and I'm always impressed (and really grossed out) at all the people fishing and the size of the fish they pull out of that river! Ewww! And then there's my favorite trail of all three... it's on the Illinois side of the river and it goes FOREVER! Last weekend my boyfriend and I biked 60 miles and didn't get close to the end of the trail. We passed restaurants on the river, quaint little towns and fun parks! I had no idea that there was so much to offer in the town! It's full of great trails and lots of health minded people. If you're into the outdoors- you'll feel right at home in Davenport!
Plus--- this weekend is the Quad Cities Criterion. HOW FUN?! Talk about motivation for my tri. There is a lot talent in the area (even someone that rode with Lance Armstrong in the Tour) and all the pro (and amateur) cyclists will be in town on Monday going for the win! I can't wait.... but now I'm off to do a swim in one of our local lakes!
As always- post a comment or email me (palmerbloggermary@gmail.com) if you have any questions about things to do outdoors here in Davenport! Hope you all have a safe holiday! :)
Monday, May 17, 2010
National Boards is over.... for now!
This is an extra special post. It's special because some of very near and dear friends at Palmer just completed their last big obstacle on the journey to their diploma. THEY JUST FINISHED TAKING PART IV BOARDS! YAHOOOO! Congrats guys. You are done! Next step-- T-minus 4 months---GRADUATION!
Now, for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about read on:
Twice a year, the anxiety among upper trimester students is a bit higher than normal. That's because once in the spring (March) and once in fall (September) NBCE graces us with its presence. (NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.) It's not enough that you are continually tested by your professors at Palmer, but those 2 "special" times of year you also have to take your National Board Exam. YIKES!
Boards consists of 4 individual parts. Generally speaking part 1 tests basic science skills. Part 2 and 3 tests diagnostics and clinical skills. And Part 4 tests ALL YOUR SKILLS! You see mock patients and have to diagnose and treat them. Usually the exam (which ever part you are taking) is over the course of 1 or 2 days. It's a stressful couple of day to say the least! But, overall Palmer students pass boards with flying colors. The day to day curriculum and the transition into clinic prepares us as students. Everyday in class or clinic you reinforce what you've learned in the past ans what will be on the board exam.
Even though it's a stressful time in the life of a chiropractic student, I believe I know what it takes to pass! I put my faith on the excellent teachers and great curricular program Palmer offers, and trust my gut..... and it has worked so far! I've successfully passed part 1 & 2 and I'll be ready to take part 3 in Sept! For now... back to clinic to see patients!
Remember: If you have any questions about taking the Chiropractic Board Exam or questions about Palmer in general, feel free to post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com
Bye for now! :)
Now, for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about read on:
Twice a year, the anxiety among upper trimester students is a bit higher than normal. That's because once in the spring (March) and once in fall (September) NBCE graces us with its presence. (NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.) It's not enough that you are continually tested by your professors at Palmer, but those 2 "special" times of year you also have to take your National Board Exam. YIKES!
Boards consists of 4 individual parts. Generally speaking part 1 tests basic science skills. Part 2 and 3 tests diagnostics and clinical skills. And Part 4 tests ALL YOUR SKILLS! You see mock patients and have to diagnose and treat them. Usually the exam (which ever part you are taking) is over the course of 1 or 2 days. It's a stressful couple of day to say the least! But, overall Palmer students pass boards with flying colors. The day to day curriculum and the transition into clinic prepares us as students. Everyday in class or clinic you reinforce what you've learned in the past ans what will be on the board exam.
Even though it's a stressful time in the life of a chiropractic student, I believe I know what it takes to pass! I put my faith on the excellent teachers and great curricular program Palmer offers, and trust my gut..... and it has worked so far! I've successfully passed part 1 & 2 and I'll be ready to take part 3 in Sept! For now... back to clinic to see patients!
Remember: If you have any questions about taking the Chiropractic Board Exam or questions about Palmer in general, feel free to post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com
Bye for now! :)
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