Quillen Quirks 2013
Quillen Quirks 2013
Quillen Quirks 2013
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Edition: Revised by the Class of 2016
Created by the Organization of Student Representatives (OSR)
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Table of Contents
Page
I. How to Study During the First Year 4
II. General Information 5
III. First Year Schedule 9
IV. Fall Semester Courses
Medical Human Gross Anatomy & Embryology 10
Cellular & Molecular Medicine 13
Physical Exam 16
Communication Skills for Health Professionals 18
Case-Oriented Learning 19
Profession of Medicine 20
V. Spring Semester Courses
Physiology 21
Cell & Tissue Biology (Histology) 23
Lifespan Development 25
Biostatistics & Epidemiology 26
Genetics 28
VI. More about Books to Buy 29
VII. Study Methods & Locations 35
VIII. Student Positions 39
IX. Student Organizations and Interest Groups 44
X. Community Service Opportunities 52
XI. Class Budget 54
XII. Summer Research 54
XIII. Class Notes 55
XIV. Personal Finances 56
XV. Health Insurance
Health Insurance-101 65
Health Insurance Options 66
XVI. Community Information
Housing 70
Dining 71
Activities 74
Banks 78
Other Useful Places 79
XVII. Map of Johnson City 81
XVIII. Class Composites
Class of 2014 82
Class of 2015 83
Class of 2016 84
3
Welcome to Quillen College of Medicine!
Congratulations on entering medical school! You have overcome a huge obstacle.
Many challenges still await you, and each of you has the skills and abilities to overcome
them. You also have a unique and significant support system in this school that may be quite
different from any that you have encountered so far. The administration, faculty, staff,
upperclassmen and your classmates are all valuable assets to you. Everyone here wants you
to succeed! This manual has been created to help your transition into medical school. Our
desire is for you to be as prepared as possible for your courses, and we also hope to help you
avoid some of the pitfalls that those before you encountered.
This resource has been compiled by the Organization of Student Representatives
(OSR). At Quillen, this organization functions as a liaison between the student body and
administration, promotes camaraderie among the classes, and keeps abreast of student needs
in order to effect change. It also has the responsibility of representing Quillen to the National
OSR, which is a branch of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The
AAMC directs much of academic medicine, including medical school licensing and the
USMLE exams. We are here to serve you in any way possible, so please feel free to contact
us.
If you have concerns about classes, teachers, staff, etc. please contact Dr. Tom
Kwasigroch, Associated Dean of Student Affairs. Together, we strive to make improvements
in any way possible, but we must be aware of issues before changes can be made. For more
information about OSR and an online version of this manual you can visit http://
www.etsu.edu/com/studentsvcs/lifeoutside/osr.aspx.
Lorenzo Olive, MS-2
OSR President
olivel@goldmail.etsu.edu
Niti Yogesh, MS-2
OSR Vice President
yogesh@goldmail.etsu.edu
4
I. How to Study During the First Year
The first thing to remember is that you made it into medical school, and despite the
feelings of fear and inadequacy that every one of you will have, you are extremely intelligent
and can make it through medical school. Most of the concepts presented in your classes will
not be very difficult, but the sheer volume is challenging. You cannot afford to get behind.
Unlike college, you dont have lulls in the semester that allow you time to catch up. This
becomes especially true during your second semester.
There is no magical way to study. You must find what methods work best for you as
an individual. Be flexible; be willing to try new techniques to determine what will be the
most beneficial. Upperclassmen are always available and happy to give you information and
advice about professors, classes, etc., but remember that everyone is different, so you have to
identify what is best for you. Below are some of the most common approaches to studying.
You wont use them all, but these are some methods to consider:
Notes: Knowing the notes is the key to success in the first two years of medical school. We
are fortunate at Quillen to have notes provided by the faculty, and this is where nearly every
test question will come from. But know this: every portion of the notes is fair game,
including figures, graphs, and tables. Know them well, and you will do well.
Old Tests: For several years Quillen has had a policy of not returning old tests, so those that
are available are a few years old. Information covered on old tests my not coincide with the
order in which the material is tested now. It will be made clear to you which exams are fair
game to use as study resources. Many of the professors are still teaching the same sections
as when old tests were written, and often several questions or ones very similar will appear
on your tests. More importantly, previous tests can serve as a good indicator for assessing
your areas of weakness, as well as highlighting the recurrent and most essential concepts to
understand.
Study Groups: For some people, studying together can be very productive. Group studying
can be beneficial, especially for Anatomy. Going through Grants dissector or the class notes
and asking questions of each other has proven helpful for many people. This may also be a
good approach for Cell and Tissue. Talking about Kodachromes and using the multi-headed
microscopes can help in recognizing structures and learning concepts more quickly.
Other Common Suggestions: Read or look over notes before class, rewrite class notes,
make your own study guides or condensed notes to look at right before tests, write your own
note cards or make/use online notecards (Flashcardexchange.com), use colored pens or
pencils, write and draw things out using white boards, get a tutor, use short review books like
the Board Review Series (a.k.a. Grid Books), which are good for sample questions and
emphasizing the must know material, or use online resources for practice questions or tests
from other schools.
The bottom line and the most common advice you will hear is this: dont let yourself
get behind. Try to be organized, manage your time wisely, and keep up with the material as it
is presented. Although the amount of material will seem overwhelming at times, remember
to take it all one page, one lecture, and one day at a time. You will be surprised by how much
you can and will (and must!) learn.
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II. General Information
What to Buy and What Not to Buy:
Laptops: Laptop computers are now required for all incoming students. If you have
questions about specifications, the IT folks will probably be able to serve you best.
Many students have no problems with their Apple computers even though IT
discourages Apple (~53% of our class uses a Mac). Virtually every exam you will
take next year is given in a secure online format. Last year, the standardized Shelf
exams were administered in an online format. Many students found tablet PCs or
iPads to be particularly handy for in-class note taking, but it should be noted that
some of them were not compatible with testing software. The type of laptop you buy
is completely up to you, so feel free to ask other students about their preferences. It's
helpful to know that there is a sales tax holiday in Tennessee. You can buy a computer
tax-free if it costs $1500 or less. See http://www.tennessee.gov/revenue/
salestaxholiday/ for more information.
iPads: Every dissection group has its own personal, mounted iPad that can be used
for the groups Atlas, Clinical Case Presentation, Web Access for accessing course
documents, image capture and note taking to record material for the Cadaver Case
Presentation. Anatomy Apps are available on every dissection group's iPad. These
currently include Netter's Atlas, Visible Body, numerous radiology apps for cross-
sectional anatomy references, quizzing applications, and clinical reference
applications. However, these iPads cant be removed from the lab. Some students in
the class of 2016 found having a personal iPad helped them streamline their studying
(~48% of our class owns a iPad).
Anatomy Equipment:
o
Old/ cheap scrubs: Most people in lab choose to wear old or inexpensive
scrubs, or something you dont care about getting dirty and smelly. Some
people want to wear a plastic apron over their clothes or scrubs. You can buy
aprons at the bookstore.
o
Gloves: Preferably, you should purchase non-latex gloves because are some
faculty members and other students with latex allergies. There are cheaper
places than the bookstore to buy gloves (e.g., Wal-Mart or most drug stores).
o
Lab Coat and Goggles: It is an OSHA requirement to wear goggles. A lab
coat is not a necessity, but some students prefer to wear one. To save on cost,
some students choose to wear an old long-sleeve shirt. Changing into old
pants or scrubs is a personal preference. Each of you will have a locker
outside the anatomy lab, where you can keep your lab clothes.
o
Scalpel Blades: Start off by buying no more than two. The bookstore always
has more if you need them. These are very inexpensive.
Textbooks: Every textbook required for a course and most of the recommended ones
are on reserve in the Library. Aside from the ones listed below in course descriptions,
we recommend that you refrain from purchasing every single book on the list, as most
of them you will open once or not at all. Information about which books to purchase
is included with the discussion of each course.
Something to become familiar with are grid books or BRS books. They are Board
Review Series book on medical school courses, known as grid book for the
characteristic grid on the front. Many students find these helpful to go through as the
course progresses and they are good review books for the shelf and board exams.
You can find them at the bookstore.
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Even though it is convenient to buy all your books at the bookstore, dont assume
they have the best prices. If you plan ahead and know which books you are definitely
going to use, Amazon is a great place to find better prices.
Clothing:
Come prepared to dress professionally. You will be required to dress professionally a
couple of times a week during the first year, as well as during orientation. Composite pictures
will be taken on the first day of orientation. Men are required to wear a suit and tie and
women are to dress accordingly.
General Resources that Are Beneficial:
First Aid for Step 1: You will probably want to wait until January, when the new
edition of this book is released. It is a helpful in studying for the Physiology Shelf and
several of the Shelf exams in your second year. Also, this is a resource that you will
use in studying for Step 1, and it is good to become familiar with it early. You dont
need to buy the new edition that will come out before your Step 1 Exam.
Stedmans Dictionary: In the past, the AMA gave this book out as a sign up gift, but
dont join any organization just for the bonuses. You can always buy a Stedmans on
your own. It is a resource you will use throughout your medical education and career.
Diagnostic Kit Pricing Information:
Vendor sales Representatives from Welch Allyn and Littman will visit during orientation
and offer you the option to buy a diagnostic kit, a stethoscope, and other medical equipment
that day. If you choose to buy from the vendors, you will likely get a pretty good deal on
well-recognized brands. They offer reduced prices to incoming students. The internet is also
a useful shopping center. The following is a a list of prices of Welch Allyn from
www.themedicalstore.biz (website used by most in our class).
Regular Diagnostic Kit
Lecture: It is important to know every detail included in the lecture handouts. The
fact that a point was not emphasized in class does not mean that it will not be on an
exam. Reviewing old exams will give you an excellent indication of how effectively
you have been studying. There are generally 2-3 paper and pencil quizzes per exam
period, which may or may not be announced. The quizzes usually require identifying
images taken from Netters or may include clinical vignettes that require you to apply
information from the notes. Some of the quizzes are given in a group format, and you
may work with the members of your lab group. Besides helping you prepare for
exams, quizzes may also improve you overall score; if you do well, your quiz average
can bolster your final grade
Test: There will be one test per section. The sections are Back &Thorax, Head &
Neck, Abdomen & Pelvis, and Extremities. The test will be split into a practical and a
written exam. The practical will be taken in lab with each student at a station for a
timed period to answer two questions about 2 structures tagged. You will rotate
around to each station when a timer goes off. It may seem intense that you are timed
at your station but do not worry. There is plenty of time at each station to identify the
structure and answer the questions. The best advice is to orient yourself and relax
when you approach a station. You will have studied hard. Be confident and remain
calm. The other portion of the exam is a written part that is taken online with a
lockdown browser.
Lab: The lab is typically closed the day before tests so that the faculty can set up the
exam. Otherwise it is open for students use at any time of the day. To make best use
of your scheduled lab time, it is helpful to look ahead and be somewhat familiar with
the dissection you are to do that day in lab. The professors are present during this
time and are able to answer questions. Make sure the lab is clean before they close it,
as you dont want them to have to clean up before they set up the exam.
o
Know your own cadaver very well, but also study other cadavers, as structures
do appear differently in different dissections. Be courteous when using others
cadavers. Dont shred someones dissection, and always spray the bodies with
diluted preservative before recovering so they dont dry out. Spraying the
cadavers is to your benefit! The dissections look much better for the exam if
they arent dried out.
o
If a cadaver in the lab has an anomaly, make sure to look at it because these
structures may appear on exams. Your class may choose to keep a running list
of any good examples of structures or irregularities on one of the white boards
in the lab.
o
Study in groups in the lab, even if you generally do better studying alone. It
forces you to think through what you are looking at, which you will have to do
on the test. Friendly pimping of each other over minute points you have
discovered in the notes and dissector may also pay off. The prosected cadaver
(dissected by the faculty) will provide good examples of the structures for you
to look at.
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o
If there is a structure that no one in the class has dissected, it is very likely to
appear on the exam. The professors do extensive dissections the day before
the exams and may dissect out items to include on the test.
o
Old exams: Items that appeared numerous times on old practical exams are
likely to reappear on yours. The relative orientation questions are also very
beneficial to work through as these can be fairly difficult.
o
Practice practicals: The second-year class will set up one of these before your
first test. Your class will be responsible for setting up the others. These are
usually organized by the class secretary and held the evening before the lab is
closed. Good practice questions require identifying structures and answering
questions about them on the cadavers, x-rays, models and cross-sections. This
session is one of the best preparations for the lab exam; it provides one last
review of the structures and allows you to assess your performance before the
lab closes.
How to Study for the Shelf:
Due to the volume of detail, it is important to learn the material thoroughly as you go.
Dont wait until the end of the block to start learning details!
Study a Gross Anatomy review book. The Gross Anatomy Board Review Series Book
(Grid Book) provides an excellent review. Be sure to pay particular attention to any
clinically relevant information in the BRS. You can skip the extremities sections as
you will have just taken an exam on that material. The Head and Neck section is not
generally emphasized on the Shelf. The NBME website gives a breakdown of how
many questions are expected to come from each section of the Gross Anatomy course.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
Essential:
o
Either Netters or Grants: Your personal preference determines which one you
should use. Most pictures used in class PowerPoint lectures and on the quizzes
come from Netters. Cross-referencing your class notes with pictures from an
atlas is an excellent way to study the material.
o
iPad Apps: Some of you may choose to purchase the Netters and/or Visible
Body Apps instead of the Netters or Grants textbooks. Most students with
their own iPads chose this route.
Recommended:
o
Color Atlas of Anatomy: This has pictures of actual dissections. It is a very
helpful resource throughout the course, but especially the night before the
exam when the lab is closed and you are unable to look at a cadaver.
Optional:
o
Buy both Netters and Grants: There is a fair amount of overlap, but each has
its strengths and weaknesses. You may find it helpful to have both.
o
There are grease copies of Grants Dissector in the lab, but you might find it
useful to buy a personal copy for previewing or reviewing dissections.
o
Clinically Oriented Anatomy: Most of the pictures in this book are also found
in Grants. It has some helpful tables and diagrams of muscle attachments.
The clinical discussions in the blue boxes can be interesting and useful.
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Cellular & Molecular Medicine
This course combines aspects of medical biochemistry, cell biology and molecular
genetics. Not much will change in regards to the time consuming nature of this course. The
class teaches the underlying basis of the interactions going on within the body, and
accordingly, the material is extremely intricate and complicated. If you hope to be prepared
for the tests and quizzes, you absolutely must keep up with the material as you go.
Notes are put up online and cover all of the material you need to know. They are
detailed and thorough, but contain more clinically relevant information than seen in the past.
Class attendance will help supplement the information by highlighting the most important
concepts. Lecture is also a useful means of ensuring that you understand the material. A
great deal of information will be compacted into this 9-week course and it will be absolutely
essential to keep up with the material daily. This course is currently being remodified.
Faculty:
Dr. Mitchell Robinson
Course Director
robinson@etsu.edu
Dr. David Johnson
davidj@etsu.edu
Dr. Phillip Musich
musichp@etsu.edu
Dr. Antonio Rusinol
rusinol@etsu.edu
Dr. Doug Thewke
thewke@etsu.edu
14
How to Study for the Course:
Know the notes! Any minute detail may show up on the exam. The course
requires a great deal of memorization, so how well you do will directly correlate with how
much you studied. You should go over the PowerPoint presentations as well as the handouts
because there may be information present on one and not the other. All the test questions will
come from the lecture notes and PowerPoints. Old tests for the biochemistry course may be
of some use, but this is a new course and you may have to skim through the tests to find any
questions that pertain to the material you will be tested on. The old tests will help you gauge
your level of knowledge, but again you may have to do some sorting.
How to Study for Final:
The Biochemistry Shelf Exam was included in the final grade, but the grades were
adjusted based on the national average. Since Biochemistry is such a broad topic, the Shelf
Exam seemed harder to most of the students than the Shelf for Anatomy. To prepare for this
you should spend time reviewing all the material to re-familiarize yourself with what has
been covered over the course of the block. You may want to go through your old notes or use
a grid book. Pay attention to disease origins, major control steps in pathways, and points that
were emphasized in class. Focus on what you have been taught in class and study that hard.
Our faculty chose to emphasize this material because they feel it is the most relevant to the
medical profession.
Quizzes:
In the past, there have been timed, closed-book, closed-note online quizzes consisting
of twenty multiple choice questions that you will be allotted 30 minutes to complete. The
quizzes are open usually from 6:00 p.m. until midnight of the night before the next class. So
if the quiz happens to fall on a weekend, which several will, you will have from 6:00 p.m. on
Friday until midnight on Sunday to complete the quiz. These quizzes usually covered three
days of lecture material, and if you do well on them, you probably have a good grasp of the
concepts and materials that you need to know for the exam. The quizzes will be taken online
and the format is identical for the tests.
To prepare for the quizzes, you must know every detail of the notes. Any minute piece
of information is testable, and your performance will directly correlate to how much time you
spend studying and memorizing the intricacies. The class tended to think these quizzes were
more difficult than the exams.
Practice Tests
Dr. Robinson normally posts a practice exam that is like an abbreviated version of the
upcoming exam. This can be used as a barometer to measure how prepared you are for the
exam. It is also a good policy to look back over all of the online quizzes before the test
because some of the questions from the quizzes may be reused on the exam.
Tests:
Tests are administered online during class. You will take them on your laptop using a
lockdown browser. The quizzes are extremely similar in style and substance to the
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questions you will see on tests, and your performance on them should be a fairly
accurate indication of how you will perform on the exams.
Professors have different policies regarding the quizzes. While you will not be able to
access quizzes immediately after taking them, some instructors will open them up for
review the weekend before the block exam.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
Optional:
o
If you choose to purchase a book, buy one that you can use in preparing for
your final and Step 1 (i.e., a review book). Explore the review books in the
bookstore and identify the one that best fits your study style.
o
Biochemistry Grid Book: This BRS is similar in setup to the other grid books
youll likely use for other classes. It allows for a pretty rapid review when
youre trying to go over all of the material, but the figures are often times too
small to be really useful.
o
No book is essential for the cell biology and molecular genetics sections of the
course, but some students found the 3
rd
edition of Jordes Medical Genetics to
be helpful.
o
Lippincotts Illustrated Reviews: This text is probably the most popular
choice because the text and illustrations are helpful in reviewing the large
amount of material covered. Many of the pictures and figures in the
powerpoint presentations come from Lippincotts. Be careful about spending
too much time studying it, though, as the text frequently has more information
than is requisite for the tests.
Do Not Buy:
o
Lehningers Principles of Biochemistry: Very few people purchase it, and
even fewer use it. It is too dense. If you need to reference it, use the copy on
reserve in the medical library.
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Physical Exam
This course will provide you with the basic skills you need to examine a patient.
These are skills you are learning, and it takes practice to become adept at them. Remember,
almost everyone starts off being completely incompetent. If you find yourself in this
situation, dont feel inept; weve all been there. If you dont know how to do an exam, ask
the faculty or your classmate. Dont just pretend to do the exam. You will not be looked
down upon for seeking help to learn these skills; that is the purpose of the class.
A common complaint about this course is that it is required too early in your training,
before you know enough to understand what you are doing. Learning these skills early,
though, allows you the opportunity to hone them throughout the first two years. It also
facilitates understanding in some of your future courses and will certainly come in handy
during your first year preceptorships. The faculty teaching this course seems to change
somewhat frequently year-to-year, based on physicians schedules, so these may or may not
be involved with the next class.
Faculty:
Dr. Jason Moore Dr. Peter Bockhorst
Course Director Co-Director
moorej@etsu.edu bockhors@etsu.edu
Other presenters include Drs. Reid Blackwelder (Fam Med), Caroline Abercrombie
(Anatomy), Howard Herrell (OB/GYN), Mark Howell (ENT), Mark Brummel (Fam Med),
Stephen Kimbrough (Neuro), Erin Harris (Fam Med) and Beth Fox (Fam Med).
How to Study for the Course:
Before class, read the detailed checklist that pertains to the assignment youre doing
that day.
Watch the physical exam CD that pertains to the assignment youre doing that day.
The CD is excellent. Since it was created by the author of the physical exam book,
you wont be getting two different opinions. Rather, the main concepts found in the
book are fortified in the CD.
This course is often put on the back burner because the other basic science classes
take so much of your time. The content of this class is just as important, if not more
17
important than all of the classes in the fall semester. Try to make time to read the
chapter and keep up with the skills for the class.
The online exam is comprised of multiple choice questions. Be quite familiar with the
material, including some basic pathologies that relate to your exam skills.
Staying on top of the material throughout the semester will save you time at the end.
The exam is given a week or two before the other finals. To study, attend Dr. Moores
review sessions. Reread through the assigned pages in the text to review the
pathologies.
Be sure to look over the study guide given to you on the M1 CD. It is fairly lengthy,
but knowing this material will help you do well on the exam.
Grading: Pass/Fail, but strive to do your best.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
The assigned book may be helpful for the quizzes and general knowledge, but youll
learn the basics of what you need to know from lecture, handouts and standardized patients.
Youll also use it regularly in the first two years, especially during your preceptorships.
18
Communication Skills for Health Professionals
This course will teach you general principles of communication, which you can build on
to develop your own interview style. You will probably never interview a patient exactly the
way you are taught in this course, but try to understand the important principles and
determine how you can incorporate them into a real life interview. This course provides you
with the fundamental skills you will need as a good interviewer. As your medical education
progresses, you will often revisit and build on these fundamental principles. As an MS-3, you
will be surprised by how often you find yourself relying on and practicing strategies you
learned in this class. You will eventually learn how to adapt and modify these skills based
upon the clinical situation and pathology presented.
This is a multi-disciplinary course, which means you will be accompanied by nursing,
psychology and pharmacy students in the small group. There are normally one or two
members from each discipline in each group. The course not only allows you to practice
your communication skills but gives you the chance to work with professions that you will be
working with later in you career.
Faculty:
You will be assigned to a small group with a faculty leader. The faculty member will
determine the dynamics of the course. You must adapt to the expectations of the faculty
member you receive.
How to Study for the Course:
Show up to class, try to employ the strategies you discuss, and go through the powerpoint
slides before class. If you do all these things, you should have no trouble passing the course.
Remember to keep a positive attitude. They ultimately just want to see that you can approach
and communicate with a patient with compassion. One of the biggest goals is picking up on
patients clues. Be curious and LISTEN.
OSCE: Interview the patient like you practiced in class and you will do fine.
Grading: Pass/Fail, but strive to do your best.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
Dont buy any texts for this course even if they are recommended, as they are
unnecessary.
19
Case-Oriented Learning (COL)
This course will very much depend on the faculty your group is assigned. You will have
to feel out your faculty members to determine exactly what will be required of you. Dont
fret about the grades you are given on your assignments. If you are turning them in and
showing up to class, then you will pass the course. Use this class to your advantage. It is a
nice break from lecture and requires you to access resources you will use in your future
clinical life, instead of just memorizing notes.
Faculty: Varies.
Typically two faculty members are assigned to each group, usually one clinician and one
PhD. Your group may or may not change for
second semester.
How to Study for the Course:
The Medical Librarys website has numerous sources to help you attain the
information you need.
A few of useful resources are PubMed, Up-to-Date, and MDConsult. There are also
several online textbooks such as Harrisons Internal Medicine as well as countless
journals.
Grading: Pass/Fail, but strive to do your best.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
Recommended:
o
Stedmans Dictionary: This is a resource that you will use throughout your
first two years to lookup medical terms. There are some online medical
dictionaries you may want to try before purchasing this.
Do Not Buy:
o
Harrisons Text of Internal Medicine: This is available for free online through
the COM librarys website, and you can get all the information you need
through other resources on the librarys website.
20
Profession of Medicine: Patients, Physicians and Society
This course aims to address the role of a physician in contemporary society. It will span
the entire first year and will address important topics related to professionalism, ethics,
patient-centered care and other issues pertinent to the practice of medicine. A major aspect of
the course will be to address real-world, relevant topics to help you develop the perspectives
necessary to make better decisions as medical professionals in the future.
A variety of teaching formats will be used throughout the year, including presentations,
panel discussions with patients and practicing physicians, independent learning and
community activities. Some of the topics will correlate with the Case Oriented Learning and
Communications courses.
It is unlikely there will be any text or notes to study from. Be open minded; the course is
meant to be meaningful and fun. Course attendance will be required for most sessions. The
course will be "pass/fail" overall.
Grading is dependent upon the completion of some outside activities, a small service
learning project consisting of 10 contact hours with a community organization, a couple of
quizzes taken on reading assignments, and your participation. It is not a demanding course.
Once again, the course is to benefit you in your careers as professionals.
Faculty:
Dr. Theresa Lura Dr. Ramsey McGowen
Course Director mcgowen@etsu.edu
lura@mail.etsu.edu
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V. Spring Semester Courses
Physiology
This course combines the need to understand discrete concepts and absorb a
tremendous amount of material in its pursuit of teaching you the normal functions of the
human body. The faculty is very willing to help. Most students will love this course as it
entails a lot of conceptual learning as opposed to memorization.
Faculty:
Dr. William Joyner Dr. Robert Wondergem Dr. Richard Feit
joynerw@etsu.edu wonderbe@etsu.edu feit@etsu.edu
Dr. Krishna Singh Dr. Brian Rowe
singhk@etsu.edu rowe@etsu.edu
Dr. Tom Ecay
Course Director
ecay@etsu.edu
22
How to Study for the Course:
As with all the courses, you must know your notes. Anything in the notes is fair game for
exams. If there are homework assignments/quizzes, do these in a timely manner, as they will
help you in preparing for your exams. This is a course you must keep up with due to its
conceptual nature. Old exams are beneficial, especially in preparing for the tests where you
are expected to perform mathematical calculations. The exam on the cardiac section tends to
have several clinically oriented questions. If you encounter questions about diseases you
havent studied, dont be startled. Your basic science knowledge is typically sufficient to
answer the questions.
How to Study for the Final:
The course usually has a customized shelf exam. The exam will help you prepare for
Step 1. Reviewing the physiology grid book (Board Review Series) is probably the best way
to study. This is an excellent and concise resource that reviews most of the material covered
in class. You could also spend a few hours looking through the Physiology and related
Pathology sections (pathophysiology) in the First Aid book. Your notes are too voluminous to
go back through.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
Recommended:
o
Physiology Grid Book (Board Review Series): This is an excellent
book that provides clear and concise explanations.
o
Physiology by Costanzo: The author of this book also writes the BRS
book, and she is brilliant. The textbook covers topics in more detail
than the grid book. Some find it helpful to have both, and some just
use the BRS, but most consider this book a must have. It explains
things very simply and is easy to follow. Most of the teachers get their
information straight from the book as well as most of the figures and
tables used in the powerpoint slides. This is probably the most widely
used textbook. The chapters are short, concise and easy to read, yet it
provides plenty of information to understand the material fully.
23
Cell and Tissue Biology (Histology)
This class has both lecture and lab components, and the material usually coincides with
the physiology course. The faculty is extremely helpful, so feel free to ask any questions.
Faculty:
Dr. Paul Monaco Dr. Dennis Defoe
Course Director defoe@etsu.edu
monacop@etsu.edu
Dr. Fred Hossler
hossler@etsu.edu
How to Study for the Course:
Lecture: Know the notes. You need to know everything because minute details from
the PowerPoint slides will be included on the exam.
Lab: It is helpful to look through slides in lab while the professors are there because
they often will provide easy ways to distinguish tissues that may not be covered in
lecture. Write these tips down; they are very helpful.
o
Going through the Kodachrome slides as a group before going to the glass
slides is helpful. Using the multihead microscopes and the TVs is also
beneficial because you can talk with your classmates about a tissue while
looking at the same section.
o
Dont forget to look at the EM images. Several of these will appear on every
exam, but it should be noted that the number typically diminishes as the
semester progresses.
24
o
An additional resource that was very beneficial for some people is an online
histology website: http://www.path.uiowa.edu/virtualslidebox/. If you click
on the histology atlas link followed by the table of contents link, the slides are
broken up into systems. Annotated slides are available on this site as well.
There are many other helpful histology websites and videos online. One of
the best set of videos is called Shotgun Histology. It can be found on
YouTube. The professor covers a specific tissue and describes everything
there is to know in a matter of minutes.
Dr. Hossler says, Make sure you study the glass slides. This is crucial to
appreciating the histology and doing well on the exams.
How to Study for Final/Shelf:
Lab Final: Study the practice tests. Review the Kodachromes. Despite the fact that
none of the exact images are on the exam, it is a quick and efficient way to review the
tissue systems.
o
Skim through the notes or read a review book. The grid book is pretty good.
Dr. Monacos review handout is sparse on information; but if you are pressed
for time it is a good resource.
o
If you have time, it is a good idea to go back through all the slides in the slide
box. If this doesnt seem feasible, take a slide from each category, mix them
up, and try to identify them and the major features of the tissue.
Shelf Exam: Typically students at Quillen blow this exam out of the water. By
studying for the lab final, you are largely prepared for the shelf. Spend some time
after your practical touching up on information. You can use the BRS grid book or Dr.
Monacos and Dr. Hossler's review materials.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy: The notes for this course are largely sufficient, but you may find
a textbook helpful to clarify details.
Optional:
o
Histology. A Text and Atlas (5
th
edition, 2006, by Ross and Pawlina) this is
probably the most up to date histology text available.
o
Basic Histology Textbook: You likely will not use this book much, and it may be
better to look at the reference copy in the library if you need it. It will provide
more in depth discussion of histology topics.
o
Atlas of Histology: This is a text you will use occasionally in lab, but there are
several copies that have been left in the drawers in the lab. Check to see if you
have one already there before purchasing one. If you dont, you may want to
consider sharing one with a lab partner.
o
Histology Grid Book: This is a decent review source for the shelf, but it is not
essential. If you choose not to buy it, you can always use Dr. Monacos Shelf
Review Handout and reference the notes for areas with which you have difficulty.
Do Not Buy:
o
Any cell biology textbook. You will not use it. The notes are more than sufficient.
25
Lifespan Development
This is an online hybrid-course (few class sessions) that focuses on human physical,
cognitive and psychosocial development that is pertinent to medical practice. It will also
include discussion of psychosocial issues that affect patient health behaviors. Some outside
of class preparation and activities will be required. You should use this opportunity to learn
as much as you can about human development. You will find yourself reviewing much of this
material for Step 1, and you will use the information during your MS-3 pediatrics rotation.
Most students find the material interesting and enjoy the break from hard science.
Faculty:
Dr. Ramsey McGowen
Course Director
mcgowen@etsu.edu
How to Study for the Course:
There is only one test in this course, a multiple choice final exam.
You will have several online open book quizzes in the course.
There are online discussion posts that you will have to write and respond to.
How to Study for the Shelf:
There is not one for this course. However, this course material is tested on the shelf
exam given at the end of the Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry course in the spring of the
MS-2 year.
Books to Buy/ Not to Buy:
All material for this course is posted on the Lifespan Development link in D2L.
26
Biostatistics/Epidemiology
This course is basically a typical undergraduate statistics course with a directed
approach toward the study of disease and research applications. This course is aimed at
giving students tools to help read medical reports and articles. Dr. Kalbfleisch hands out a
notebook to follow along in and fill in during class, so attendance will help you out,
particularly if youre not mathematically inclined. Biostats has eight total lectures, with new
material being presented in seven of those (a medical epidemiologist will come lecture for
the one class), so you will find yourself moving through the material pretty quickly in about a
month and a half. Make sure to stay up to date or you may end up trying to cram numerous
equations and statistics at the end of the sessions.
Faculty:
Dr. John Kalbfleisch
Course Director
kalbflei@etsu.edu
How to Study for the Course:
Homework is absolutely vital for this course as the three problem sets make up 65%
of your total grade. Do well, start early, and put in the effort. Go see Dr. Kalbfleisch if
you have any questions, and you will almost certainly get A's on all of them. Work
together in groups to check answers and methodology, making sure you understand
the material and can come up with logical solutions,
Test: The final is the only exam for this course, and it has the potential to be pretty
challenging. It constitutes the remaining 35% of your grade.
o
Go through the course booklet, but dont simply memorize the statistical
equations. You need to understand the principles behind problem-solving
approaches and how to apply the different analysis methods in various
situations.
o
Dr. Kalbfleisch distributed a flash drive with computer programs he wrote for
the course. Each class section has a quiz associated with it that can help you
check your understanding. There are also programs you can use to help you
with the problem sets. These programs may seem old-fashioned, but it is
much easier to plug the numbers into the program instead of figuring it out on
paper. Unfortunately, the programs do not work with Apple products, so you
will have to use it in the computer lab if you have a Macbook. (However,
27
there are free programs available for download that will allow Dr.
Kalbfleischs programs to run on a macintosh e.g. winebottler)
o
Dont gloss over the Epidemiology sections, as you will find that a significant
portion of the final exam is made up of questions covering this material.
o
The homework sets are good practice to see if you understand the material.
However, the test is multiple choice and you will not be expected to compute
problems like the homework. You need to understand the concepts.
o
It will really help if you spend a portion of your review time going over old
tests. They will give you a good idea of the sorts of questions that are going to
be asked and the relative weight of various topics presented during the course.
How to Study for the Shelf/Final: There is no Shelf exam. See above for information about
the final.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy:
The vast majority of course material is well covered in Dr. Kalbfleischs course booklet,
but there are a couple of textbooks that may supplement the topics covered in class. You
probably will not need to read a whole lot of any of them, but they are useful references to
have at hand.
Glasers High-Yield Biostatistics is an extremely brief (~100 pages), yet very helpful
resource for nearly all of the class material. It helps clarify some of the complicated
concepts you will come across in the course and is probably enough for your needs.
Dawson and Trapps Basic & Clinical Biostatistics offers a much more in depth look
at the analyses and concepts presented to you if you prefer a thicker reference.
28
Genetics
This course will be taught during the second block of spring semester. This will be
your major science course of block two. It aims to give you a closer look at genetic based
diseases and genetics during embryological development. Many of the lectures are entirely
clinically based and taught by a clinician. You should find them interesting since most of the
material you have been taught up to this point has been pure science.
Faculty:
Test: In the past, the grading has been solely based on two exams. There has not been a shelf
exam given previously. As a general rule you can count on Dr. Monacos questions coming
straight from the PowerPoint slides, so know them well.
Books to Buy/Not to Buy: Half the class bought and found the Jordes Medical Genetics
book helpful. Although you will be able to get through the class on the notes and material
presented in lecture, Dr. Monaco will suggest you get the book (and also the Medical
Embryology book used previously) to have and review over the summer for Step 1.
Dr. Paul Monaco
Course Director
monacop@etsu.ed
29
VI. More about Books to Buy
Below is a list of books, some required and some recommended, for the courses in the
first year curriculum. A short description follows each title. In some courses, you will have
multiple choices as to which book will suit your learning style the best. The Class of 2016
took a survey to see how useful the books were according to those who bought/used them,
the graphs represent these findings. This is only meant to serve as a guide as you decide how
to study for your classes. Your Big Sib is also an excellent resource for both books and
advice on which books to buy, use, or ignore.
Human Anatomy/Embryology
30
1. Netters Atlas of Human Anatomy: A very complete visual aid. Does not include
any text other than labels. Commonly used in lecture and quizzes.
2. Color Atlas of Anatomy: Includes photographs of actual cadavers in different
stages of dissection. Very useful in studying for practical exams or to aid in
dissection.
3. Langmans Medical Embryology: A somewhat simplified explanation of the
embryology portion of the course.
4. Clinically Oriented Anatomy: An anatomy textbook that can be used to
supplement the lecture if necessary. Many images are from Grants Atlas.
5. Grants Dissector: A useful companion in lab to guide dissection. Used more
toward the beginning of the course. All information in the dissector is fair game
for exams. Grease Copies are located in lab for your use.
6. Grants Atlas of Human Anatomy: Another option. Includes more text and tables
to accompany images.
31
Cellular & Molecular Medicine
1. Lipincotts Illustrated Reviews of Biochemistry: A course aid to help with some
pathways and enzymes presented.
Physical Exam
1. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: Essential for the first two years. Includes an
instructional CD on the Physical Exam.
32
Physiology
1. Costanzos Physiology: A very useful companion to the course. Gives a good bit
of clarification in many areas and offers an alternative view for some of the
information presented in the course.
Cell and Tissue Biology (Histology)
33
1. Basic Histology: A good aid in recognizing cell types and their functions. Images
are useful.
2. Color Atlas of Histology: A lab aid to highlight certain traits of the cells in a
particular organ system. Includes both diagrammatic images and true microscopic
photographs.
3. Histology: A new optional aid textbook. Has very detailed descriptions that are
beyond what is needed to pass the class, but sometimes helps supplement the
lecture.
Medical Genetics
Biostatistics
34
1. High Yield Biostatistics: A course aid. All of the notes are given out in a bound
notebook, but many found this book to be a fantastic supplement (or necessity) to
their understanding of the notes.
Board Review Series
The board review series is a collection of subject-based books designed for Step 1
preparation (and beyond). Many classes have found some of the volumes useful throughout
the course as additional study aids or as useful study methods in preparing for the shelf
exams. Above are the ones that were applicable to the first year and how the class ranked
their respective degrees of usefulness.
35
VII. Study Methods & Locations
The first year of medical school is more academically challenging than any other year
of school you have ever had. Old study methods that you used during undergraduate courses
may not be effective this year. You must be willing to try new methods of studying even if it
brings you out of your comfort zone. Studying is also a very personal thing. What works
well for some many not necessarily work well for others. Find the way you learn the best
and use it to help you master the material.
An effective study location is a necessity during medical school. During your first
year you will not only discover how you study best, but where you study best. The following
are locations around campus and Johnson City that are all frequently used by students.
Campus:
Stanton-Gerber
o
Study rooms and the Biochemistry Reading Room are available on the ground
floor and are open 24 hours/day.
o
Classrooms are available on the ground floor and close at 11pm.
o
The Histology/Anatomy Lab on the ground floor is available 24 hours (you
will have a key).
o
Department break rooms are available in the evenings on the
first floor.
o
Large rooms used for study are available on the
second floor, as well as break
room areas.
o
The Office of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs conference rooms have
generously been made available for after hours study and daytime study when
not in use. Your ETSU ID will gain you access to these rooms.
Medical Library
o
Study rooms, large open tables, and study carrels are all available. Starting in
the fall, all medical students have access to the downstairs 24 hours/day.
36
Panera Bread
o
3140 Peoples Street
o
(423) 952-2253
Starbucks
o
2008 N. Roan Street
o
(423) 283-0818
President:
o
The president serves as the conduit through which class information and
issues are passed back and forth between faculty/administration and student.
He/she will automatically become a member of OSR and serve on a range of
committees as the class representative.
Vice President
o
The vice-president serves as the support for the president, representing the
class in the absence of the president. Back to Books and Cadaver Ball
activities may be coordinated by the vice-president.
Secretary
o
The class secretary is responsible for printing notes for the class. Each person
that signs up for the notes then writes a check to the class account for the
amount of that section of notes. Notes are printed for each test and not for all
tests at once, and the price of notes vary for every test (anywhere from $10 to
$22).
o
Classes first year in which notes are mass printed: Anatomy, Biochemistry,
and Physiology
o
The secretary is also responsible for setting up the anatomy practice practicals,
sending out the task list to the class every week, and being the liaison between
the class officers and the class.
Treasurer
o
The treasurer is entrusted with the task of maintaining class finances,
collecting dues, establishing a class bank account, and allocating funds for
class events.
! "#$$%&' ")*++ ,-./0%$+1
MS-2 MS-3 MS-4
President: Sean Ochsenbein Tamer Akoury Nick Anand
Vice President: Landon Pratt Caleb Harrel Jennifer Wellington
Michael Stockwell Mckayla Johnson Matt Wilson
Secretary: Megan Roberson Franchesca Robichaud Chelsea Lane
Treasurer: Maranda Williams Christian Magallanes Mark Hoffman
40
Organization of Student Representatives (OSR)
The mission of OSR states: The purpose of this organization will be to serve as a
liaison between the student body and administration, and promote camaraderie among
the classes; to keep abreast of student needs and serve as change agents/
troubleshooters.
The president from each medical class shall serve a four-year term. Two members
from the first-year class will be elected to serve a four-year term on OSR.
AAMC Representative: OSR members make a recommendation to the COM Dean for
an OSR member to serve as an AAMC representative. The AAMC representative will
receive monthly AAMC mailings and disseminate information as needed to OSR and
others in the COM, and attend AAMC meetings.
During the month of February, M1s are given the opportunity to submit a letter to the
Dean expressing their desire to become a member of the Admissions Committee.
Once appointed by the Dean, the students will be apprentice members until July 1,
and after this date they become full-voting/participating members. Appointments are
for two-year terms, and reappointments after the completion of their term are at the
discretion of the Dean of the College of Medicine.
The purpose of the committee on women and gender issues is to serve as a resource in
the college of medicine for issues concerning womens and gender issues. Members,
including one medical student will be appointed by the Dean of the College of
Medicine after recommendations from the Faculty Advisory Council and a Deans
Council. Both men and women will be appointed to the committee.
Includes two student representatives for each class, the Dean of Students and other
members of the Quillen Community. Its mission is to support the total health of the
student population which includes support in dealing with stress, family crisis, mental
illness and substance abuse. Actions of the committee may include hosting lunch-
and-learns about common med school stressors, planning activities for students that
promote good total health, planning interventions and scheduling treatment for
students with potential substance abuse problems and reintegrating students into the
student body after receiving treatment. Committee members are elected by their class
during the first semester and serve for a period of four years.
Linda Embree, Director of Financial Services, emails the class in January or February
asking for volunteers and gives them a deadline to respond. The email explains that
the commitment to participate as part of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Committee
continues until their class graduates, and that the committee normally meets twice per
year.
The Director of Financial Services and Associate Dean of Student Affairs review the
volunteers and select an individual whose name they forward to the Dean for
approval. Once approved by the Dean of the College of Medicine, the individual is
informed, counseled about the importance of confidentiality and given a copy of the
committees Charge and Structure.
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) honors senior medical students,
residents, and faculty for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership,
compassion, and dedication to service. Election to membership in the GHHS is a
significant honor. The inductees have demonstrated exemplary attitudes and
behaviors characteristic of the most humanistic physicians.
A multi-step process is used to select no more than 15% of the fourth year class for
induction into the GHHS. The selection process includes peer and clinical faculty
nominations.
The GHHS chapter at QCOM is made possible with a grant from The Arnold P. Gold
Foundation. The chapter promotes humanism and professionalism in the field of
medicine through a variety of activities such as community service projects and
academic events.
An MS-1 student will be selected by the Admissions Office to coordinate lunch tours
on interview days for prospective QCOM students.
The primary function of the learning resources advisory committee is to advise the
Assistant Dean for Learning Resources and the Dean of the College of Medicine on
medical library and learning resources programs and policies. The committee also
serves as a channel of communication between the department of learning resources
and its users by assisting in the explanation of the needs of each group to the other
and in the interpretation of policy decisions. Members are appointed from the basic
and clinical sciences, college of medicine administration, one medical student and
one graduate student.
The Medical Student Education Committee serves as the institutional body that,
together with the Executive Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs, is
responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of the undergraduate
medical curriculum, designed to provide an integrated and relevant general medical
education.
One student from each class is elected to serve a four year term as a voting member.
The election for this position occurs during the first semester of medical school, and
the elected member will serve four years alongside a member from each class.
There will be one student appointed by each class to the committee. Although they
are consulted, student members do not vote.
Student Ambassadors at QCOM assist the Office of Student Affairs with recruitment
and general promotion of the institution. Student Ambassador Activities include
group tours, tours for individuals interested in applying to QCOM, Ask a Student
web feature and public service/community events. Students selected are expected to
serve as a Student Ambassador throughout their remaining years as a medical student.
The application and selection process takes place during the first semester of the
MS-1 year. Student Affairs - Office of Admission sends an email to all first-year
students to notify them of the application process. Students interested in serving as an
ambassador are asked to submit information for consideration by the Student
Ambassador Review Committee. The Review Committee will determine an
appropriate number of ambassadors to select each year, based on planned activities.
Newsletter Committee
Moments in Medicine: a biannual newsletter written and published by the MS-1 and
MS-2 classes. The newsletter primarily celebrates the activities and the
accomplishments of the MS-1 and MS- 2 classes in hopes of creating connections with
one another beyond the classroom. Past editions of the newsletter may be found on the
QCOM website and the QCOM Facebook page. While students provide all of the
written material for Moments in Medicine, the "staff" consists of an editor, a publisher,
and several student liaisons.
One M1 coordinator will be appointed to the committee by his/her class.
Contact: Kara Kilpatrick, MS- 2 at kilpatrickk@goldmail.etsu.edu
Student Government Association (SGA) Liaison
One member from the first-year class will be elected to serve a two-year term on the
OSR committee. Together, they will work with the current M2 to represent QCOM on
the main ETSU campus. Duties include writing legislation to benefit the medical
school, looking into possible sustainability projects, relaying important information
from the main campus, and educating student organizations about registering with the
SORC and applying for B.U.C. fund.
Contact: Michael F. Neblett II, MS- 2 SGA Liaison at neblett@goldmail.etsu.edu
Caduceus Awards Committee
The Caduceus' Club Award ceremony was founded at Quillen in 1998 by the graduation
class of 1999. Since then, every year the faculty, staff, and students have gotten together
in some form or fashion to have a dinner and awards ceremony as the year comes to a
close. It honors the Quillen faculty and staff, including residents and fellows that excel
at teaching, mentorship and service to the students, and is based on student vote. Each
of the four classes nominates, votes and presents the winners with their awards. The
evening is planned and put on by the students. Previously, funds to sponsor the event
have been donated by departments within the college of medicine. The team of students
that takes on this responsibility will be in charge of gathering funds for the evening and
planning the venue, dinner, ceremony, and surveying the classes.
44
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Student Liaison
The Office of CME is looking for a medical student who will act as the liaison between
our office and the medical student body. It is expected that the student will become
familiar with the current activities of the office and will be able to convey current CME
programming and educational opportunities to members of the student body. Activities
would include:
Attending CME meetings when possible (held 1
st
Thursday of each month from
7:30 -8:30 am) to familiarize the CME Student Liaison with the scope of
activities of the CME Office at the Quillen College of medicine.
Identifying other medical students who would become members of one of the
various planning meetings to prepare for annual day-long or week-long
conferences, e.g. Controversies in Pain Management, Psychiatry in the
Mountains, Primary Care Conference etc. (Meetings are usually held over the
lunch hour).
Keeping OSR Leadership apprised of CME activities through liaison activities
Act as resource to the Office of CME by providing input on a variety of issues
related to student involvement with CME activities
Act as a resource to the Office of CME by providing input to the CME
Technical Support person on better forms of communication that would involve
medical students with CME activities.
And . . . . other CME related activities that would be of interest to the CME
Student Liaison.
IX. Student Organizations and Interest Groups
QCOM supports many nationally recognized organizations and student interest
groups (IGs). These opportunities are designed to expose students to a variety of career
opportunities while still in the basic science years of medical school. The information below
should give you a sense as to which groups are present on campus and what activities and
projects they do throughout the year. These groups run off of student ideas and enthusiasm
and offer an excellent way to become more involved in life at QCOM. On average, each
organization has a meeting and/or activity about once a month. The IG meeting schedule is to
be coordinated by the Student Leadership Committee. There will be a Student Interest Group
Fair held at the beginning of the school year.
American Medical Association (AMA)
As the nations largest physician group, the American Medical Association advocates
issues vital to the nations health. The AMA Medical Student Section (MSS), with
nearly 50,000 members, is one of the largest and most influential organizations of
medical students in the country. Your participation is critical to the collective voice of
our membership.
45
As an advocate for medical students, the AMA develops future physician leaders by
offering a wide range of leadership opportunities and promoting medical student
involvement at the local, state and national level.
The AMA serves as a parent sponsor of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education
(LCME), which is the accrediting body for medical schools. An AMA-MSS member
student serves as a member of the LCME board. Various community service and
networking opportunities are also available, including public health activities offered
through the MSS National Service Project.
Annual and Interim meetings are held which provide policy-making opportunities
through the AMA-MSS Assembly and which offer educational programming to
supplement your training. The AMA provides assistance from medical school to
residency and beyond, and current members of the AMA-MSS of ETSU Chapter look
forward to working with incoming students.
The local chapter here at Quillen has 91 active members. AMSA mission is towards
improving health care, and health care delivery to all people, promoting active
improvement in medical education, involving its members in the social, moral and
ethical obligations of the profession of medicine, assisting in the improvement and
understanding of world health problems, contributing to the welfare of medical
students, and advancing the profession of medicine. When you join AMSA, you
become part of a vital force of future physicians who believe that patients and health
professionals are partners in the management of health care and that access to high-
quality health care is a right and not a privilege. At AMSA, student idealism is
transformed into meaningful public service, innovation and institutional change.
Members enjoy many benefits and service programs, including free online
subscription to AMSAs award winning magazine The New Physician, $10 $50
discounts on USMLERx Step 1 Question Bank, Bank of America credit card, 35%
discount on Thieme book purchases, The New England Journal of Medicine
subscription discount, medical instrument discounts, health, auto & renters insurance
discounts, car rental and hotel discounts, and more. The QCOM chapters activities
include collaborating with other student groups for National Primary Care Week,
coordinating events for National PharmFree week, Lunch and Learn series on
Healthcare Policy, bringing in keynote speakers on current health topics, Policy & A
Pint and working with other Tennessee medical school chapters to plan the Tennessee
AMSA Lobby Day at the state capitol, to name a few.
46
Several members attended the national convention in Washington, D.C. this past
spring. This years national convention will be held in New Orleans, LA, March 6-9,
2014 and will be the worlds largest gathering of medical students as AMSA hosts the
general assembly of the IFMSA. More than 2,500 physicians-in-training from more
than 100 countries are expected to attend the event this year. There are two positions
specifically for MS-1 students on the executive board of the chapter: a PharmFree
Coordinator and Recruitment Coordinator. These positions will be in charge of
coordinating various events throughout the year and will also be able to attend
AMSA leadership conferences in the fall. There are also plenty of other ways to
become involved both locally and nationally with many different committees and
events.
National Dues are FREE for the full length of medical school. Local dues are $10 per
year.
CMDA began as a group of students, and student ministry continues to be at the heart
of the organization. The ETSU student chapter of CMDA is designed to encourage
spiritual growth through activities like monthly lunch meetings, retreats, bimonthly
praise and worship times, and opportunities to go on mission trips through Global
Health Outreach (GHO). GHO, a part of CMDA, provides opportunities for
healthcare professionals, students and their families to serve.
No dues
We also seek to inform students of how these systems can complement allopathic
medical treatments. Throughout the academic year, we sponsor lectures and
demonstrations and hold discussion groups. Our group is constantly evolving and is
driven by our members interests and needs.
No Dues
Currently Inactive
47
Developing Leadership in Future Physicians (DLFP)
This is an interest group at Quillen that promotes leadership development for medical
students.
The group is guided by the notion that leadership is not necessarily an innate trait, but
rather something that can and should be learned. The groups purpose is to facilitate
discussions and activities that foster principles important to being a strong and
successful leader. Given our eventual places as physicians in leadership roles within our
own communities, defining, promoting, and implementing the characteristics of a good
leader is a responsibility that must be fulfilled.
Over the past year, DLFP has hosted many speakers who have each taught techniques
and strategies to be an effective leader as a physician. Faculty members, community
physicians and the Dean have all shared insight with the group. Group meetings focus
on the numerous aspects of physician leadership and ways to develop those skills early
on in the medical education process.
No Dues
Contact: Eric Lederer, MS-3 at lederer@goldmail.etsu.edu
Doctors Outside the Box (DOB)
This is an organization that was created three years ago by recent graduates of QCOM.
The organization focuses on medical students providing education to the community
about preventative medicine.
We present fun, interactive and informative presentations to local schools and
community programs in order to raise awareness about the prevention, to name a few.
In addition, this year we had a group of students reach out to a senior citizens
organization to teach them exercise that are catered specifically to their age group so
that they can continue to be active, no matter their age, health or mobility limitations.
With these community talks, our goal is to help people live healthier and happier lives
and to help improve the communitys overall health with time.
No Dues
Contact: Kristan Provchy, MS- 3 at zkmp17@goldmail.etsu.edu
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
Emergency Medicine (EM) is a relatively young and fast growing specialty. Quillens
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) is dedicated to exposing medical
students to the field of EM and its sub-specialties.
EMIG strives to foster interest in this field by providing first-hand accounts of what
life and work in EM entails, along with detailed information about residency
programs. Some of EMIGs past meetings have featured talks about sports medicine,
health policy, toxicology, residency life and emergency physician lifestyle issues.
EMIG members and officers look forward to meeting the new first year students.
The Global Health Interest Group is dedicated to raising awareness about issues of
global health and preparing Quillen students to work in medically underserved areas
worldwide. Activities include lunch meetings with regional speakers who are
involved in international medicine and public health, various service projects and
opportunities to go to national conferences such as the Global Health and Innovation
Conference at Yale University.
No Dues
The Internal Medicine Interest Group is for anyone interested in learning more about
internal medicine, both to provide information about IM career options as well as to
expose students to physicians currently in the field who can provide a sense of what
an internist does. Past meeting ideas have included how to get into residency,
interpreting EKGs, the ABCs of ABGs, the Gong Show (a medical trivia game),
ACLS basics, and the difference between IM and Family Medicine.
The medical ethics student interest group is a student-led organization with the goal
of facilitating discussion on current ethical issues. The past two years activities have
included lunchtime forums on end-of-life issues, wrongful life lawsuits and the
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pharmaceutical industry. Speakers are drawn from both the faculty and community
and have included pharmacists, lawyers, clinicians and former pharmaceutical reps.
No Dues
After several years of dormancy, the Military Medicine Interest Group has been
revived. It is geared toward students who are participating in or interested in the
HPSP scholarship programs that are offered by the Army, Navy and Air Force. The
MMIG aims to aid in networking with area physicians who have military experience,
cultivate camaraderie as fellow officers, and educate its members about opportunities
in the military. The MS-2s and MS-3s can offer help to anyone with questions about
paperwork and logistics. We will also work closely with area medical recruiters from
all branches to stay abreast of any changes or opportunities with the scholarship.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group strives to provide students with
information about a potential career in OB/GYN. OGIG is open to all medical
students regardless of their specific interests. We provide opportunities to learn about
diversity in this specialty while dealing with current issues in the field. Focuses on
issues in womens health such as pregnancy, fertility, eating disorders, STDs, etc.
Activities include suture workshops, birth control presentations at local high schools,
journal club with a faculty OBGYN, and lunch meeting presentations given by OB/
GYN practicing physicians and residents. The interest group maintains a close
relationship with the OB/GYN residents and faculty at JCMC.
No Dues
PIG functions to generate interest and prepare students for careers in pediatrics.
Throughout the semester, PIG hosts lunch meetings to present a wide variety of topics
related to pediatrics and evening workshops for students to learn physical exam
techniques from pediatricians. PIG also provides volunteering and service learning
opportunities for its members, such as mentoring and tutoring for local school
children and throwing a diabetic-friendly Halloween party.
The Psychiatry Student Interest Group is for students who want to find out what
psychiatry is all about. Past activities have included a lunch lecture on hypnosis and a
movie night at an area psychiatrists house.
The mission and goal of SNMA is to promote and aid in the education of culturally
competent doctors while also addressing the health disparities and needs of medically
underserved communities. SNMA is not just an organization for minority students,
but all students that wish to get to know the needs of different patient populations and
want to positively impact these communities. The Quillen College of Medicines
SNMA chapter is part of a national organization that was first established in 1961 and
whose headquarters is located in Washington, DC.
Some of our most recent chapter events have included Crafts for Charity, a Valentine
Fundraiser for Haiti Relief, and participation in National AIDS Awareness Day to
name a few. Also, SNMA has chartered an undergraduate organization known as
MAPS. At regional and national conferences, ETSU College of Medicine is usually
represented. Along with having an opportunity to listen to outstanding professionals
in their elds at the conferences, you have an opportunity to network with other
students and physicians on a regional and national level. Lastly, as quoted in SNMAs
history, community service is the heart and soul of the SNMA and eliminating
disparities in health care delivery, disease morbidity, and disease mortality are among
our highest priorities. If you are interested in making at an immediate difference in
your medical and local community, this organization is for you. For more information
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about SNMAs history, membership benets, conferences, scholarships, and ofcial
policy statements, please visit www.snma.org.
Dues: $100
Student Women in Medicine is a group open to all women and men who are
committed to furthering women in medicine. Meetings are held monthly during the
academic year and focus on various topics.
Recent programs include: history of women in medicine, medicine and the law, and
medicine and marriage. SWIM supports "Safe Passage," the Johnson City Domestic
Violence shelter and plans additional volunteer opportunities with Families First and
a blood drive sponsored jointly with other student organizations. A dinner is held
every year for SWIM members and significant others, also with varying topics.
The Surgery Student Interest Group is for all students, not only those who are
interested in pursuing a surgical career. It is a good place to learn about the field of
surgery and to meet some of the residents and attendings.
The group meets at least every other month. Meetings generally consist of a meal
followed by a workshop or a speaker and a discussion. Topics in the past have
included: new trends in surgical training, the life of a surgical resident, orthopedic
surgery and a breast cancer clinical case scenario. SSIG has also hosted various
workshops, including a suture workshop and a trauma ultrasound workshop.
The Wilderness Medicine Interest Group is for anyone who is interested in the
outdoors and would like to be prepared in the event of an emergency. We are an
active group with several members pursuing the Fellowship in Wilderness Medicine.
We hold monthly meetings, but also host weekly lunch session taught by our own
medical students in an area of interest. This past year ten members attended a
conference at Wake Forest and had a lot of fun learning new techniques in wilderness
medicine. We have several members attending the World Conference in Whistler, BC
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in July. Furthermore, we get together to camp, hike and just have fun and practice
our WM skills. Currently we are active in a community project to help clean up
Buffalo Mountain; we also have great opportunities for small scale research projects
and are planning to attend a variety of exciting conferences this fall.
Dues: $10/semester (which helps fund community service projects and group
activities); Website: http://www.facebook.com/groups/227775453950010/
The Womens Health Student Interest Group is a student-run group that focuses on
current issues in womens health such as eating disorders, teenage pregnancy,
stopping the spread of STDs and HIV among young people and breast cancer
awareness. We also provide information to those who are interested in a career in
womens health, including Ob/Gyn and other fields such as Family Medicine.
Joining this group provides a great opportunity to become involved at the College of
Medicine. We pride ourselves on not only organizing lectures at lunchtime, but also
the community service activities that we do each year.
General: The treasury was founded with the primary intention of serving as an
emergency class fund and to finance class-related events. The class voted and a $50
per semester (per student) dues fee was established to set up the class treasury. This
money is handled by the class treasurer and used for traditional QCOM events
throughout the four years of medical school, as well as class-approved expenditures.
Currently, the class of 2016 has elected to pay these dues for at least the first two
years, when the majority of class expenditures are necessary, totaling to $200 per
student.
Back to Books: A party hosted by M1s for the M1/ M2 classes, held in the
early part of spring semester.
Cadaver Ball: The formal affair of the year, hosted by M2s, held in the latter
part of fall semester.
Senior Gala: A party for the M4s to celebrate graduation, and partly paid for
by the class.
Each class spends a variable amount of money for each of these events. It is the duty
of the class treasurer to ensure class funds are sufficient throughout your four years at
Quillen.
XII. Summer Research
Should you do it? This is a personal decision you must make. For most people, the
decision comes down to whether they want to spend their last real summer doing
something fun (or at least non-medical), or whether they should do something to
help their CV. If you are in this boat and are extremely interested in research, go for
it. There are some tremendous opportunities here. If you do find yourself in this
quandary, the following are some things you may want to consider: research is
something that competitive residency programs, especially at academic centers, look
for applicants to have. If you dont do it, you arent preventing yourself from getting
into those programs, but you may need to do some research while going through your
clinical rotations or make up for it in some other way. With the summer research, the
money is typically pretty good, and the work usually is not too strenuous. The other
side of the issue is that people who do summer research dont get away from school
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and can start second year without the rejuvenation of someone who did something
unrelated to medicine.
Whats Available? You will start receiving emails about research opportunities at the
beginning of your second semester. Most of these will be at sites away from Quillen.
Typically, sometime in March, an email will be sent out about research opportunities
here. The Department of Family Medicine typically sponsors several research
fellows. A research program headed by Dr. Ardell in the Department of Pharmacology
also sponsors several research fellows. The exact number of spots is dependent on
funding. The Family Medicine Research Program typically pays less. You will have
to investigate which program best fits you. People from Quillen often go to other
places to do research, but the investigation of those opportunities will fall on you.
There will likely be a meeting at the beginning of the spring semester that will help
you make a more informed decision about whether or not to do research.
Over the years, QCOM students have established note files and test files for all the
classes during your first two years. These files are located at CopyNet, where you
may get copies of old tests, bound notes, etc. As mentioned in the General
Information section, the current M2s have posted a majority of old tests on the web;
these items are still available at CopyNet if you prefer to have them printed and
bound.
The bound notes pertain more to your second year (Neurology, Pathology), but some
students took the CDs distributed with lecture notes from Anatomy, for example, and
had them printed all at once at CopyNet. Using this resource is certainly a personal
preference, and is mentioned only to provide you with another option. As a student
you receive a 10% discount.