Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How am I suppose to calculate my GPA?
A: You can find out your numerical GPA on the TC-Web website. Then, using the COM Student Handbook (available here: in the side bar under "Student Handbooks") you will find that a GPA of 2.4 is approximately a 74%.
Q: How do I apply for an exemption?
A: Class of 2012: Your Rotations Chair sent out a form and instructions in an email to the class. Fill out this form, plus and supporting documentation you wish to include, and submit it to the Clinical Education Department by December 4, 2000. Suggested documentation includes, but is not be limited to:Marriage License, Mortgage Documents, and Legal Documents such as Power of Attorney and Court Orders.
Q: What if I get a core rotation spot that I just hate? Am I stuck with it?
A: Not exactly. To a limited extent, swaps will be allowed. Students will be allowed to do “one-on-one” swaps, meaning if one student finds another student willing to swap rotation sites, they may both approach the Clinical Education Department and trade their rotations. Swaps must be one-on-one; anything more complicated must be worked out by students before approaching the department.
Q: Why can I not set up my own 3rd year rotations?
A: The goal at Touro is to ultimately get all of the students in CA, if not in the greater Bay Area. To do this it is important to establish good relationships with CA facilities by making and sticking to contracts. Each time an individual students set up rotations outside of the Touro system we default on a contract. There are exceptions to this, but in the majority of situations, 3rd year students must use Touro Core Rotation Sites. You can though, setup your 2 electives=)
Q: Is there any situation where students do no have to participate in the lottery?
A: This year exemptions will be granted by committee (made up of Dr. Silberg, Dr. Pera, and two students who are not affiliated with our class) and will require appropriate and official documentation in ALL cases. To apply for an exemption you will submit a letter and documents to the CE Department after the class has been notified that it is time to do so. I anticipate this to occur between late January and late February. Please do not submit materials before this notification. If granted an exemption, you will either not be included in the lottery or you will get your first choice in the lottery being assigned to a rotation site that meets your individual needs.
Q: I am in the military and would like to participate in USUHS military core rotations instead. Is this possible?
A: No, this is not possible for core rotations, but you can participate in military rotations for electives during your 3rd year and during your 4th year. Class of 2011, please email Jonathan for more information: jonathan.r.diaz@gmail.com.
Q: I am concerned that by taking a rotation in another state I will not be connected to the university anymore. Is this true?
A: No. Not only will we stay connected to the administration and faculty through Blackboard and EMS, but we will also be interacting with each other. Each rotation will have assignments, literature updates, discussions, quizzes and exams to participate in. Some of these activities are independent, but others require us to work together, despite being across the country. Also Touro is equipped with the WebX conferencing software – this will allow us to have Touro Grand Rounds and other face-to-face interactions. Lastly, inbetween our 3rd and 4th year we will all be “called back” for a week of learning, testing and getting caught up on each other’s experiences.
Q: I have read the new Student Handbook policies, but does this mean that if I have a GPA of 72% I have to remain in the Bay Area to be close to school?
A: If your GPA at the time of the lottery/end of the 1st semester is 74% or lower, you will be assigned your rotation site. Assigned sites will be chosen based on the quality of the preceptors, structure of the rotation and a rotation’s overall ability to be a positive learning environment for students who may need a little more help. Please note that just because your GPA falls in this category, it doesn’t mean you will not excel in a clinical setting, this is precautionary so students are not left without support for their success. It should also be noted that the preceptors will know your academic status. Also note that you must successfully complete 2nd year before moving on; some students will start rotations late because of remediation and they can not all go to the same location.
Q: What if I don’t know where I want to go for rotations… how do I decide?
A: Over the next few months there will be a lot of information about the different sites sent out. This info plus your own research and attending informational sessions that Skye, Dr. Silberg, and Dr. Pera have will help you make your decision. To start check out the current sites section of this website.
Q: This is overwhelming, what advice do you have?
A: First, worry about classes and getting through 2nd year before moving on to 3rd year. Second, trust that Touro, the Clinical Education Department and your elected class representation have your best interests at heart. Third, make a plan, but also make a backup plan. Usually students get their first choice, but if not – they get their second. Be prepared for either situation. And lastly, be honest! The moment you try to work this system, it will shut down around you. I say this because students in the past have tried to lie to get exemptions or to their classmates about where they wanted to go or where others should go. This will backfire on you - leaving you with a Clinical Education Department that knows you as liar and classmates/peers/colleagues that do not trust you. After second year our main resource is the Clinical Education Department – they are our allies!
Q: What if I don't pass step 1 of the COMLEX?
A: (from the handbook) Upon failure of COMLEX 1 the first time, the student will be placed on academic probation and removed from rotations for one month, in order to prepare for a second attempt at the examination. A remediation plan will be recommended for the student. The examination must be retaken prior to resumption of rotations. The student may return to rotations pending grade receipt. If the grade is passing, the student will be removed from academic probation (unless there is another reason for probation) and will proceed with his/her education. If the grade is failing, the student will be continued on academic probation and will be removed from rotations until a passing grade is received. The Student Promotion Committee will review the student’s entire academic record, the previous COMLEX scores, and the cumulative z-score from the preclerkship curriculum. The student may be asked to return to campus to complete a structured remediation plan. Failure of a third attempt may result in dismissal from the college. In no event will a student who has not passed COMLEX 1 be promoted to 4th year.
Q: Do we follow the Touro calendar while on rotations?
A: Only for start and stop dates at the beginning and end of each year. While on rotations you will follow the schedule given to you by the hospital or preceptor you are working with. This means that if your preceptor says you are working on a holiday or a weekend, you are. Please contact Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum if you are an observent Jewish student who is interested in observing the High Holidays while on rotaitons.
This website has been designed by students for students, the information is not updated or monitored by the faculty of Touro University.