The plan for our lives...

So, a lot of people have been asking, so I just wanted to give you all a quick explanation of what our next step is, and what the next couple years of our lives are supposed to look like.

In January, Sam will be starting his 5th semester, which we are spending in Michigan. This semester will last until the beginning of May, and for Ross students, this is the semester to get oriented to the clinical setting and the healthcare system of the states. At the beginning of 5th semester, Sam will take the Comp, which is basically the final test over everything he has studied so far. This test is specific to Ross, and is extremely hard, because it serves as the "final weeding out" of their students. Those who do not pass the comp (which is 70% first time) will not be able to take the STEP, which keeps Ross from putting out really poor Step scores. The STEP 1 will be taken after he passes the comp, maybe during 5th semester, but probably right after it. This is the first part of the USMLE, the nationwide test that all medical students have to take. This is the first part of it, the second comes after rotations, and the third is after residency.

So, after he has taken STEP 1, he'll start his rotations. Those will last for two years, and where he does them could vary. Each rotation lasts about 6 weeks, and because Ross does not have its own hospital like most medical schools, they have to set up special programs with other hospitals that are already established. That means that there is the risk that would have to move to a different location for every rotation. However, there are some areas, usually big cities (Chicago, New York) where you can live during most of the same time and go to hospitals in the same area. If he likes the program in Michigan, he may stay there for most of them, or we may aim for Chicago or somewhere else. This is what we are going to aim for.

After the two years of rotations are up, he'll graduate (in 2011 at Madison Square Gardens in New York City!!)! After that, he'll start Residency, which will last a minimum of 2 years, depending on what specialty he chooses. This is the point where we'll have the best bet at coming back home. We'll see what happens!!

Alright, hope that helps clear things up for everyone. Things are about the same here right now, starting to count down the days and trying to keep up our motivation. Next week is Sam's last week of class, the rest will all be tests. Looking forward to seeing you all soon! Have an awesome weekend!

Katrina