Welcome!

Greetings to everyone! My name is Alistair McCrann, and I am a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) student at Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons in NYC. Whew, that was a long sentence! If you read the title, then you know that I have just started one of the most intense (not to mention craziest) adventures of my life thus far. I am 29 years-old, living in a residence hall and currently sitting in class and lab a combined 32.5 hours each week. In addition to the 32.5 hours I have other things to do such as studying, sleeping (yeah, right!), eating, exercising and some type of social life. In essence, my entire class is a very busy bunch.

My class is comprised of 34 of some of the smartest and dedicated people I have ever known. We have only been in session for 7-weeks and I feel as if I have known some of my classmates for a lifetime. Everyone is dedicated to becoming the very best clinician. I admire everyone's dedication and learning intensity, it makes me proud to say that I am at an Ivy League school. I'll say more later about my classmates. I don't want to give them too much of an ego boost.

We have been through quite a bit so far this semester. We have seen 4 of our classmates leave the program for various reasons and have had several others "freak out" over tests. After our very FIRST examinations as DPT students we had a celebration at the local watering hole. It was a great time for all! (Hopefully I'll have some pics up here for a good laugh)
Currently we are sitting on the cusp of the tail-end of mid-term examinations. It has been a tough and stressful past few weeks, packed with late night study sessions and countless emails. My fellow students and I are physically and mentally drained, but will survive through the last exam on Thursday.

I am sure that this website will be visited by many of my classmates and many of my friends. I encourage everyone to leave a comment when they visit, especially if they have something funny (or sarcastic) to say! If anyone knows any undergrad students interested in PT school, send them to this site. It's the 'real deal', not 'sugar-coated' view into PT School. Everything you need to know is here... just the facts.

Back to studying for me. Wish us all well on our exams!

al