11/2000
I am still troubled by the pathology situation. I passed the course and did reasonably well grade wise. But, I don't know very much about pathology. I think that the school failed us. Dean Rawlins told us before this quarter started that path would not be taught in a block format as she knew this was not a good way to learn. However, we were taught in blocks. And worse, the block classes were at the end of the quarter with major tests from other classes in between that allowed us no time to develop a reasonable understanding of the subject manner.
The school has spent a lot of energy telling us, the alumni, and future students that all is well at KCOM. Well, I don't think that is the case. We were just given a major course in a completely unacceptable format. I am certain that the quality of education has declined drastically over the past year. I don't think that it is in our interest or the schools to let the quality that KCOM is known for diminish.
If we do not perform, the school will either fifth year us or send us home. But what happens when the school does not perform to our expectations? There is no mechanism for us to be compensated for the education that I don't think met any of our expectations. I am upset because I am going to have to expend much more energy as well as money for texts to prepare for boards, but more iportantly the care that I give to my patients and my capability as a physician was lessened by the poor manner that path was delivered. I am going to calculate the percentage of the path course that was taught in blocks over the past two quarters, determine the percentage of my tuition that it comes to, and ask for a refund. I realize now more than ever that KCO is a business, and this customer wants his money back because I didn't get what I paid for.
If enough of you feel the same, I will circulate a petition in class next week demanding that we be reimbursed. Please email with your thoughts.
Dear Class,
....circulate a petition during the ID class tomorrow regarding the quality of the Pathology course. The purpose of the petition is not to create an inflammatory situation with administration. The purpose of circulating the petition is to document that a large percentage of our class was dissatisfied with the block scheduling of Pathology and the quality of instruction during those block hours. The reason that it is important to document your feelings is that we will have a record as a reference if additional classes are below expectations and the class or individuals wants to take legal action, we need to communicate our dissatisfaction in a loud, clear voice to administration to ensure that future classes are not given less than what they paid for, and last but not least, we have a right to complain.
....the language (of the petition)will be similar to the following: The Pathology course administered to the class of 2003, specifically the portion of the course taught in blocks, did not meet the expectations that I hold for KCOM curriculum. The Pathology block teaching format was poorly scheduled. The concentration of block lectures at the end of the quarter allowed no time for review and understanding. The instruction of the pathology blocks themselves was superficial. One visiting lecturer taught the class as a word association exercise in place of givng a thorough explanation of the disease process. The Pathology block teaching format created additional stress in addition to the stress of a demanding medical school curriculum.
If you agree and wish to document your feelings, you may print and sign your name.
The petition with signatures will be turned over to the SGA to use as they see fit.
Please email me if you have any comments or suggestions.
Regards,
(name withheld to protect the student from administration reprisals)
(The final petition was signed by most of the class of 2003. The results of this petition was that the administration agreed to fund a board review from an outside source for the entire class.-wm)
