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!
Monday, July 26, 2010
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! :)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
One day closer...
As the day ends I find myself one day closer to graduation. Granted, I still have a lot of days left until graduation (289...not that I'm counting) but everyday marks a mini milestone. Everyday I grow more confident in my adjusting skills, and everyday I learn more and more from my staff doctors.
For example, today we had a "mentor meeting" where Dr. Carpenter explained work place ergonomics. Dr. Carpenter started the class with a definition of workplace ergonomics (it's basically bad posture that leads to even worse pain) and continued with a sample patient. There were about 5-6 students present (talk about a 1 on 1 education!) and we brainstormed differential diagnosis (all the potential things that could be wrong with the patient), treatment plans, exercises and advise for our pretend patient. Together, and with the help of Dr. Carpenter, we came up with a protocol to treat our "patient".
No sooner than Dr. Carpenter gave his leacture, my patient walked in complaining of pain in her left shoulder. She described it as a pain that started in her shoulder and traveled down into her hand making her fingers numb. After asking a few more questions about her history, I was able to determine that her symptoms were most likely due to bad workplace ergonomics. She was constatntly leaning on one side of her chair and it was creating a pressue in her arm which led to the pain and tingling. Just to make sure, I discussed the case with Dr. Carpenter (The staff doctors are always there to help you in case you get stuck and to guide you with adjusting/treating the patient) and we adjusted her. She felt immediately better, and the three of us discussed minor changes she could make to her posture to help reduce the problem.
It was perfect! We improved the patient's condition and I had an educated diagnosis as to the cause of her problem. The best part is-- STUFF LIKE THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT PALMER. My POD (POD is what we call the group of doctors I'm assigned to. There are 3 "POD'S" in the main clinic) has mentor meetings 4 times a day! The doctors teach about topics from sinus infections to disc herniation. Each one is focused on how chiropractic can help treat the problem.
The staff doctors and teachers are ALWAYS there to help you. I've never come across a teacher who will not take the time to personally answer questions or share information. The teachers at Palmer seem to LIVE to teach their students. Many of them have either owned or currently still own their own practices, so they have clinical chiropractic experience. After spending time in clinic, it's no suprise that Palmer has such a strong reputation for producing the BEST CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTORS around. The teachers care about the students and as a result- good students graduate as GREAT DOCTORS!
Only 289 days until I walk across that stage as a PALMER GRAD! I'm going to learn as much as I can....
For example, today we had a "mentor meeting" where Dr. Carpenter explained work place ergonomics. Dr. Carpenter started the class with a definition of workplace ergonomics (it's basically bad posture that leads to even worse pain) and continued with a sample patient. There were about 5-6 students present (talk about a 1 on 1 education!) and we brainstormed differential diagnosis (all the potential things that could be wrong with the patient), treatment plans, exercises and advise for our pretend patient. Together, and with the help of Dr. Carpenter, we came up with a protocol to treat our "patient".
No sooner than Dr. Carpenter gave his leacture, my patient walked in complaining of pain in her left shoulder. She described it as a pain that started in her shoulder and traveled down into her hand making her fingers numb. After asking a few more questions about her history, I was able to determine that her symptoms were most likely due to bad workplace ergonomics. She was constatntly leaning on one side of her chair and it was creating a pressue in her arm which led to the pain and tingling. Just to make sure, I discussed the case with Dr. Carpenter (The staff doctors are always there to help you in case you get stuck and to guide you with adjusting/treating the patient) and we adjusted her. She felt immediately better, and the three of us discussed minor changes she could make to her posture to help reduce the problem.
It was perfect! We improved the patient's condition and I had an educated diagnosis as to the cause of her problem. The best part is-- STUFF LIKE THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT PALMER. My POD (POD is what we call the group of doctors I'm assigned to. There are 3 "POD'S" in the main clinic) has mentor meetings 4 times a day! The doctors teach about topics from sinus infections to disc herniation. Each one is focused on how chiropractic can help treat the problem.
The staff doctors and teachers are ALWAYS there to help you. I've never come across a teacher who will not take the time to personally answer questions or share information. The teachers at Palmer seem to LIVE to teach their students. Many of them have either owned or currently still own their own practices, so they have clinical chiropractic experience. After spending time in clinic, it's no suprise that Palmer has such a strong reputation for producing the BEST CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTORS around. The teachers care about the students and as a result- good students graduate as GREAT DOCTORS!
Only 289 days until I walk across that stage as a PALMER GRAD! I'm going to learn as much as I can....
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My first....
Hi all!
My name is Mary, and I'm an 8th trimester student here at Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC). I've been here for a little over 2 years now, and have had many firsts. My first all nighter (studying for PNS), my first failing grade on a test (after not studying ENOUGH for PNS), my first patient (thanks Kim- for being my "guinea pig") and my first adjustment (glad my patient walked out feeling better than he did walking in!) All of these "firsts" I EXPECTED to encounter during my 3 year journey here at Palmer. BUT----My first blog!? I never thought I'd write my first blog as a Palmer student. Yet, here we are. You are reading my first blog, and I hope you will continue to read my second, third, fourth and on and on. At least until I graduate next Feb, and maybe even beyond as a Palmer Alum...
I hope that as a perspective student you will read my blogs as often as I post them, because I'll try to cover all the questions I had when I was in your shoes. Where to live? How big is the average class size? What are the teachers like? How much do you REALLY have to study? Where is the mall? Are there even fun things to do in the Quad Cities? You know- all those important questions that you don't remember to ask before you come here. Not only that- but I'll give you answers from a student's perspective. I've been there- done that, and I want you to learn from my mistakes.
In addition to answering your questions- I get to talk about my life as a student. What my day is like from clinic to class. My life on campus (and off) and all of the great teachers and experiences I've had at Palmer. I've survived "the hard part" of this program and now my job is to help you get through- from your first day to your last.
My only request from you is simple--- Just ask me questions! Give me suggestions on what you would like me to blog about. Clinic? Patients? Living in the QCA? Tell me what you love and what you hate. If you've never used a blog before, it's simple. Just post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can- with every resource I have. I'll find the answer!
So, thanks for being "my first" and I look forward to giving you a little insight on ME: A CHIROPRACTOR-TO-BE!
Chiropractically Yours,
Mary
My name is Mary, and I'm an 8th trimester student here at Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC). I've been here for a little over 2 years now, and have had many firsts. My first all nighter (studying for PNS), my first failing grade on a test (after not studying ENOUGH for PNS), my first patient (thanks Kim- for being my "guinea pig") and my first adjustment (glad my patient walked out feeling better than he did walking in!) All of these "firsts" I EXPECTED to encounter during my 3 year journey here at Palmer. BUT----My first blog!? I never thought I'd write my first blog as a Palmer student. Yet, here we are. You are reading my first blog, and I hope you will continue to read my second, third, fourth and on and on. At least until I graduate next Feb, and maybe even beyond as a Palmer Alum...
I hope that as a perspective student you will read my blogs as often as I post them, because I'll try to cover all the questions I had when I was in your shoes. Where to live? How big is the average class size? What are the teachers like? How much do you REALLY have to study? Where is the mall? Are there even fun things to do in the Quad Cities? You know- all those important questions that you don't remember to ask before you come here. Not only that- but I'll give you answers from a student's perspective. I've been there- done that, and I want you to learn from my mistakes.
In addition to answering your questions- I get to talk about my life as a student. What my day is like from clinic to class. My life on campus (and off) and all of the great teachers and experiences I've had at Palmer. I've survived "the hard part" of this program and now my job is to help you get through- from your first day to your last.
My only request from you is simple--- Just ask me questions! Give me suggestions on what you would like me to blog about. Clinic? Patients? Living in the QCA? Tell me what you love and what you hate. If you've never used a blog before, it's simple. Just post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can- with every resource I have. I'll find the answer!
So, thanks for being "my first" and I look forward to giving you a little insight on ME: A CHIROPRACTOR-TO-BE!
Chiropractically Yours,
Mary
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