FAQ FOR PASS PROGRAM SOUTH:

What is the start date for the first session of the program?
6 April 2009
What is the address of the PASS South location?
120 SeaGrove Main St. Augustine, Fl 32080
How many students will be accepted each month to the program?
Only 50 students will be permitted to attend the live lecture each month. This insures quality and allows Dr Wolf to meet with each student at least once a week to follow their progress.
What are the hours of the class?
• The building will open at 7:00 am every morning
• Class starts at 7:30am and end at 2:00pm each day
• Lunch will be from 11-12:00 each day
• The building will be closed by 8:00pm Monday-Friday
On weekends, hours are 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Will I have time to study and do my questions?
Dr Wolf has designed the schedule so that every student has ample time to study, do questions, exercise and rest appropriate since class ends by 2:00pm every day. So there should be no excuses, as to not having enough time to finish everything.
How many tutors will be available for extra help?
A minimum of 5 tutors will be on hand at all times.
How many instructors teach the course?
Two instructors; the program is designed around Dr. Wolf who will be assisted by Dr. Cordova on some lectures.
Can I stay longer than the four week course for tutoring?
Yes, however the program must know by the end of the second week of the course, because housing is limited. If housing is full you may still continue to stay, but you will be required to find housing arrangements on your own. We will offer discounts with numerous housing/motel facilities, if this does occur.
Can I sit through class twice if I need it?
Yes, the program offers a 4, 6 and an 8 week review schedule.
Does the program offer a text book?
Each student will be given a copy of the power point lectures, so that you can follow along with the instructor. There is an optional text book if you would like supplemental reading. This book can be purchased at the program when needed.
Since the class starts on the first Monday of each month, can I start off cycle, or do I have to wait until the next month?
It is highly recommended to start the program on the start date; however, we will accept students off cycle, if room is available.
Are there study rooms available?
There are computer rooms available. Also, keep in mind that right next door to the program is the public library.
Can I use my computer in the PASS building to do questions on the internet?
The building has free wireless access for those who want to utilize it.
Am I allowed to record the class?
Only audio recording is permitted. No exceptions!
How many tutor sessions do I get a week?
You are promised two sessions a week during the course, and Dr Wolf will meet with each student once a week, in addition to the standard tutoring schedule, to check on your progress for the test.
How will I know when my tutor sessions are scheduled?
On Sunday, the tutoring schedule will be posted in the building for the entire week. It will also be accessible on the web site.
Can I request changes to my tutoring schedule?
Yes, there will be a request book that you can fill out for Dr Wolf; however, once the schedule is posted, NO CHANGES will be made for that week. If you are unable to make your tutoring session after it is posted, it will be your responsibility to find another student to switch with.
What if I am unable to make it to my tutoring session due to something out of my control?
Dr Wolf will look at the issue and make arrangements to reschedule the session.
If I extend my program for additional tutoring, how many sessions would I get per week?
Five sessions for the week, and an additional session with Dr Wolf.
Are there any restaurants close to the program?
Next door to the building, there are smoothie, coffee, and a tea and sandwich shop. Within a two mile radius, there are over 30 restaurants to enjoy.
Are there any classes on the weekend?
All class material will be covered during the week.
Are there any tutor sessions given during the weekend?
Tutoring will be available on weekdays and on weekends.
Do I need a passport photo to register for the class?
No, your photo will be taken at the program and you will be issued an ID card that must be worn in the building at all times.
Do I need a car in St. Augustine?
It is recommended that you bring one, if possible. However, the program has set up discounts with car rental agencies out of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Daytona Airport[s]. Many students also car pool together. Also, we will have a discounted shuttle service with a local vendor, if you need one from the airport.
Do you have housing for students?
2BR/2B and 3BR/2B apartments are available.
When is check-in for the apartments?
Sunday, prior to the start of Monday’s class. Check-in will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
When is check-out for the apartments?
The Saturday after the class ends, and all students must be checked out by noon. This gives the cleaning crews time to sanitize the apartments for the incoming students.
Do you offer housing for couples?
Only if both individuals are attending the PASS Program, can we accommodate couples. For liability purposes, guests are not permitted to stay with a student in housing.
Is alcohol permitted in housing?
Alcohol/parties/loud music are forbidden in PASS Program South housing. The integrity of the program will not allow unacceptable behavior to be tolerated, and any student found breaching the Rules of Conduct, will be dismissed immediately from the program without delay or a refund. Random walk throughs by Dr Wolf and the COO to check on the cleanliness of the apartments.Will there be a place to work out, such as a gym?
The program has worked out a discount with the local YMCA for students to use at a nominal cost. Remember, the beach is close by for addition exercise activities.
What is St. Augustine famous for?
St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest continuously settled city, was founded in 1565, half a century before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, and 50 years after Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon first laid sight on this shore.
Why St. Augustine for PASS Program South?
The old saying is, "location, location, location…" The main reason we chose St. Augustine, besides its rich culture and lifestyle, is that it gives the PASS program the opportunity to extend our services to students in the Southern part of the United States. We feel that the location is isolated enough for focus on studies, and when a break is necessary, there are a plethora of things to see and do.
Are you worried that students will come to the program for the beach and not to study?
No. Remember, everyone here wants to succeed in passing the USMLE. Some of the students who attend the course have had trouble in passing the exam already. This alone causes students to stay focused on why they show up to a review course. During lectures each day, the instructors will test the students understanding of the clues and concepts we have covered, with the use of simple games that lead to prizes, as an incentive to study.
What do you expect the success rate to be from the program?
Pass Program has been around for a long time, with a continuous success rate of over 90% cumulative. Our goal is that by the end of the year, the program in St. Augustine will have the same standards set by PASS Champaign in Illinois. This is one reason why we will be limiting the program to only 50 students each month. The advantage to setting a cap on the number of students is that it will allow our staff, to individualize a study program for each student.

The success of a program is based on the pass rate of the boards, not on how fancy the web site or flyers may look. Our priority is getting each and every student to pass the exam! Dr Wolf will meet with each student once a week, to check up on their progress, and to assist them in their approach to the test outside of their normal tutoring schedule.
Why is PASS Program so successful?
Most programs take the 2 years of basic science, or all 4 years of medical school, and cram the material into a 1 to 2 month review course. The problem with that approach is that on the USMLE, you are required to draw on your understanding of the basic sciences and connect the pieces of a vignette, in order to make a diagnosis or management decision. We feel the problem is in the word “REVIEW”, since most students never learned the material in the first place. Most memorize the material for an upcoming test and then forget it  after(short term memory).

Then you go to a “review course” to review material that you should have understood the first time, and may have just needed a little brush-up on the material. For some students this works, but for the majority it does NOT! Our program focuses on your understanding the “Why” to a disease or management issue. You must understand the normal, and not just memorize it. Since we show you the “Why”, there is no memory involved in the preparation for the boards. The environment is fun, exciting and eye opening all at once. Often, you may get upset at how the material was presented to you in Medical School and wonder why you were not taught this material correctly the first time. When I was in Medical school, I (Dr Wolf) too had come across some professors who either knew too much about the material, or probably never should have been teaching the course. We have all had these experiences; however, those times are behind you now. The course is taught only by physicians and tutoring staff who have all been prior students of the PASS program, who have achieved success and are ready to share it with you.

Doctors, you are about to be empowered with the knowledge that will change your entire medical future and the patients you will touch.