Bridge to MD (BTMD) is a non-degree granting, non-accredited online program and participant who complete the course will not earn academic credit. The program includes interactive lectures, training exercises, and daily assessments. Through an articulation agreement with American University of Antigua (AUA), qualified participants who successfully complete the BTMD program and who otherwise satisfy AUA's requirements for acceptance into AUA's College of Medicine will qualify for admission into the next starting class of AUA's Medical Doctorate Degree program. (Source: AUA BTMD website)
On the week of Sunday, August 21st, 2016, I flew down to Miami for the BTMD Orientation week. During the week I got to meet my professors and classmates (about 30 fellow aspiring physicians). We learned all of the technical aspects about taking the course online and what is expected of us. Lectures took place at the University of Miami, which by the way has an amazingly beautiful campus in Coral Gables. On the first day we took a quiz to assess our knowledge of the subjects that we will be studying-- Neuroanatomy; Physiology; and Biochemistry. Following each lecture, a quiz was given to make sure that we were paying attention during the lectures. Finally, at the end of the week we were given a 2-hour exam covering all 3 subjects and all 3 lectures that we participated in during the week. Whoa! LOL Sounds like a lot right?! Well, it is a lot and I understand why.
The directors of the BTMD program want you to take this program seriously. It is your chance to prove that you can handle the rigors of medical school. What I got out of this orientation week is that in order to succeed in this program, you must manage your time right and keep up with or stay ahead of the program. These courses are no walk in the park. Do not think that you will just read and memorize definitions and diagrams to pass. You must understand the material. The test questions on the quizzes and exams are USMLE type of questions. You are getting a taste of medical school here. Hence if you do not like what you experienced during orientation week, then make a u-turn and get off this bridge. If you know that you will dedicate your time and resources to this program, then keep on walking. Again, just make sure that you keep up. What's my decision? I will continue the program.Why? Keep on reading.
During orientation week, the professors made me feel like I knew them forever. They showed me that they care. I called Dr. Lotocki at damn near midnight and he answered his phone with no signs of annoyance. He responded to my emails almost immediately. Dr. Smith was the first professor I met and he walked me to the lecture hall. His sense of humor is out of this world. I wasn't feeling well during the whole orientation week and it got really bad on the day of the exam. He came over to me, called me by my first name (a big deal for me since the class is quite large), and asked me if I was okay. That meant a lot to me. Finally, Dr. Jimsheleishvili, who is new to the program but know's so much in neuroanatomy, was so open to suggestions. If we didn't understand something, he took his time to explain as best as he could. He, too, reassured us that he will be readily available with appointments made.
All in all, this program has what I need to succeed. I understand that I am being held to a high standard and I will work hard to meet those standards. I know that it won't be easy. However, I also know that when you put your heart and effort into something, you can succeed. My study regimen includes reading the chapters according to the syllabus; watching videos of last semester's lectures before each class; and reviewing the lecture slides along with the completed lecture video of the day's class. Sure it sounds like a lot but that is what medical school is all about. Absorbing and understanding a high volume of information by being prepared and staying on top of your work.
Physiology block starts continues tomorrow. And the journey across the Bridge to MD continues...
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Arriving at and Crossing the Bridge to MD
After knocking on so many doors, one finally decided to open for me. But when I opened it there was a bridge behind it. A bridge that will ultimately lead me to the Caribbean if I decide to cross it. The toll to cross this bridge is high. A hefty price tag of ~$12,000 and there is no EZ pass or express lane to help you through it. You have to find the money and motivation to make it across. The stakes were high. I had so many questions, doubts, and fears. I searched online for others who made it across safely. After chatting with a couple of students, I made up my mind. I made my deposit for the American University of Antigua Bridge to MD Program without looking back. My focus was no longer on what was behind me. Instead it was on what lay ahead of me.
If you landed on this page/blog, then most likely you, too, are considering this program or school. Well, take my hand and come along with me as I cross this bridge. Learn from my accomplishments and mistakes.
See you later!
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