P-SOOP: Outdoor Orientation Program

The Physicians & Surgeons Outdoor Orientation Program (P-SOOP) is an optional three-day hike in the Catskill Mountains for incoming first-year Columbia medical students. It is a fun opportunity to interact with current medical students who lead the trips, jumpstart friendships with your classmates, ease your way into life at medical school, and receive basic training in wilderness first aid.

Why Join P-SOOP?

 P-SOOP was founded in 2012 by medical students who had participated in similar pre-orientation programs before college, were enthusiastic about the outdoors, and wanted a way to hang out with and get to know incoming students. There are 24 spots in the program available to students and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please Note: You must register for your general orientation pass along with or before you register for P-SOOP.

Timeline

Following are key dates for P-SOOP:

• Early June: Sign-up opens for incoming Columbia medical students.
• Early July: Deadline for sign-up (or until all spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Early August: Participants arrive on campus and go on a P-SOOP trip.
• Mid-August: New student orientation begins for medical students. 

Fees

The cost of participating in P-SOOP is $195 per person. This fee includes gear rentals (such as hiking packs, sleeping bags, water bottles, and tents), food and supplies for the trip, and transportation to and from Catskill State Park.

50 Haven Ave. Housing

If you will be living in 50 Haven Ave., your move-in date is listed as the Friday you return from P-SOOP. The Office of Housing Services will provide a key upon your return.

If you want to be considered for early move-in before the P-SOOP trip, make note on the housing section of your registration form. You are responsible for the extra days included in the early move-in and we cannot guarantee that your room will be ready early. P-SOOP handles all correspondence with the Office of Housing Services, so please do not email them directly with P-SOOP-related questions.

For those planning to move into 50 Haven Ave. after the trip, there will be space available for you to safely lock your belongings while away.

If you will be living off campus or in other Columbia housing, please arrange your move-in accordingly. Remember you will have all day on Saturday as well as Sunday morning to take care of business before orientation begins on Sunday afternoon.

What P-SOOP Alum Say: Raves & Reviews

"P-SOOP introduced me to some of my favorite people I've ever met. There's something about backpacking together as you're about to embark upon 4 years of ridonkadonk hard schooling together that bonds you as people. I can't recommend this program enough!!"

- Mikey Montalbano VP&S 2018

"P-SOOP was a wonderful way to get to know my classmates before the start of class! It was so great to have a new group of friends and a supportive community going into orientation. I had so much fun on my trip— from telling funny bedtime stories to singing on the trail. I recommend P-SOOP to everyone, even if you don’t have any prior hiking experience!” - Ariel Goldenthal VP&S 2018

"PSOOP is a fun opportunity to ease into medical school and gain a great group of friends. Hiking through some great landscapes and late night discussions around a camp fire are few of the many ways the wilderness allows you to forge meaningful experiences with your fellow travelers.”

- Josh Okonkwo VP&S 2018

Frequently Asked Questions