K C O M

Can't wait to meet you all next year! I don't know how many KCOM students visit here, but see you soon!

Whee-hoo! Can't wait to meet you! Congrats!

Congrats, you guys.

Ok, seeing as us future KCOMer's are getting killed by the other schools class of 2009 threads, I thought I would resurrect this thread.

How about all us future KCOMer's post our state of residence and undergrad/grad schools etc, etc, etc. (Anyone with any other ideas with what might be helpful to post feel free to add to this, this way us SDN'ers will have a least a little familiarity with each other b4 orientation)

State of Residence: Nevada (Las Vegas baby)
Undergrad School: Western Illinois University
Grad School: N/A

Also if we could utilize this forum to keep each other updated on when things are sent out by the school.
- To date, just 2 season's greetings emails (sent first deposit 11/22)

Also, if any current KCOM students would be willing to check in from time to time to answer any questions that might arise it would be greatly appreciated.

Congrats to those accepted and those still in the application process ( I know its frustrating now but once it's over you kinda miss those surprise emails from the schools)

Later

Ok, seeing as us future KCOMer's are getting killed by the other schools class of 2009 threads, I thought I would resurrect this thread
Yes, Medicfletch...wondering where all the other KCOMers are...

Well, its finals week and I'll be glad when its over. Now I need to start cranking on that thesis (research project).
State of Residence: California (land of sunshine, espeically San Diego!)
Undergrad School: Univ. of California, Davis (Bike Capital of California)
Grad School: San Diego State Univ. (MPH, concentration in public health)

I was trying to get info. on on-campus housing, if anyone knows anything, let me know. I liked the free internet and being on campus, but not sure if I'll be warm enough with no heater. But then, its nice to have a little distance from school too...

This is my first post and I'm pretty new to SDN, but I just wanted to say what's up to my future KCOMers. I was accepted about a month ago and made my decision to go here a few days ago. Looking forward to meeting you guys.
State of residence: West Virginia
Undergrad school: West Virginia University

congratulations to all of you. it's a great school and you'll enjoy it here. do yourself a favor before you start though... take a vacation!! don't study or take any class to get ahead, just relax. there will be plenty to do when you get here and free time is the one thing you won't have enough of...

again, congrats.
john

State of Residence: California (land of sunshine, espeically San Diego!)State of Residence: Florida, the REAL land of sunshine ;)
Undergrad School: University of South Florida

Finals week is kicking my tail so I haven't been around here much. I have a monstrous micro final friday which I'm ridiculously unprepared for. I don't know anything about housing yet. A student ambassador emailed me asking if I have any questions and I asked him about it earlier today. He hasn't responded yet though.

Interestingly, someone I know came across a third year from KCOM this week. He's doing a rotation down here and so we're going to meet up.

meh, back to micro.

john

Welcome all.

Good luck John DO and Peace and Health on your finals and other projects.

Any current KCOM students able to give any info on housing like which areas to avoid and which areas are good. I did a search on his but thought I'd get some updated info since our tour guides mentioned something about a bunch of new condos and apartments going up in the area this year.

Also, when is the best time to make the trek to Kirksville to look at housing?

And finally, with the holidays approaching and family and friends seeking gift ideas, any current KCOM students willing to offer suggestions on which books are used by KCOM and which books would be nice to have for class other than First Aid, Netter, Grant and Moore. Thanks.

John DO,

If you get a chance to talk to this KCOM student, could you find out if there has been in problems with the Florida rotation sites after the passing of the malpractice law down there. Now I know all I get is second hand and third hand info, but aren't a lot of physicians leaving the area or planning on soon. Maybe you could shed some light on this if you have time seeing as you live there. Thanks.

Good luck John DO and Peace and Health on your finals and other projects.

Thanks for the good wishes for finals.
I'm done next Monday, with finals at least! Yay!
Then X-mas! It's nice to not worry about going to interviews or doing any more secondaries.

but aren't a lot of physicians leaving the area or planning on soon. Maybe you could shed some light on this if you have time seeing as you live there.The impact hasn't reached full effect because it hasn't technically been signed into law yet. I know the physicians here are up in arms about the whole mess, especially high-risk specialists. As you mentioned, I know several of them are renewing their licenses in other states in case they need them. Malpractice rates are expected to rise again this year, and with the prospect of losing their license after 3 suits, many physicians are ready to call it quits. I'm not sure what effect it will have on training here. Young doctors and residents will probably be scared away from the state. The impact on medical students will probably be minimal though, because students don't do much but scut work anyways.

I'll ask the guy from KCOM when I see him what he thinks about it all. I'll also see if I can dig up the newspaper. It was really informative.

Just finished all my finals today! :D The micro final was killer. It was a cumulative test that had all sorts of "two of the above, none of the above, all of the above" thrown in for good measure. It was obvious the professor was making a conscious effort to be a pain.

i need to catch up on all the sleep i've missed this week :sleep:

Here's excerpts from the email I received regarding housing. He basically said that we'll get an acceptance package with a web address and a password to a database of houses that are available to KCOM students. There are basically three options available: student housing, apartments, or a house.

"1) Student Housing: Everything you need to know about Student Housing:
http://www.kcom.edu/load.asp?url=/student/housing.htm

2) Apartments: There are two main complexes that all the KCOM Student's
live at. The Scott Street apartments (leased by heritage house and
http://www.kirksvillerealestate.com/) St. Charles Apartments, and there is
one other apartment complex most of the students live in, but I can't
remember its name. All three are the closest places to live to campus, just
as close as student housing, and being close has a huge advantage.

3) Housing: I suggest only leasing a house if you have a Friday to come up
here and look at a variety of houses that you've already researched into
renting.
Live in a house that a 1st-4th year is currently living in. That's what I'd
do and in fact that's what I did; I moved into a house that a 4th year lived
in.

In General: I suggest asking how many KCOM students they rent to; for
example I didn't consider going to any place that didn't exclusively rent to
KCOM students or KCOM students plus Truman Grad students and/or
professionals. Trust me, you don't want to live in an apartment complex
that has a bunch of undergraduates living there. Furthermore, if you know
that they mainly lease to KCOM students the housing will most likely be a
nice place with very little distractions."

JohnDO,

Thanks a bunch! Here is some feedback from my colleague? Has yours contacted you yet?

Some pros and cons for off and on-campus housing...
Quote: "Where to live? I rent a house ($350 rent + $160 utilities per month...and that's for a good sized 2 bedroom house with dining area, washer/dryer and basement)....But, I was able to take a trip out here the summer before school, tour some houses and choose what was right for me. A lot of people who don't want to make an extra trip back in the summer opt to live in student housing to save themselves the trouble...
Since I know more about off-campus living, let's start there. I have all my bills regulated to the same payment each month and pay many of them months in advance so I don't have to bother with the bills each month. It just makes things easier. I don't have anywhere to store a lawn mower, so I pay someone to do it for $10 each time...which works out to be about 8 times per year (not bad). I have a little garden that I enjoy and my dogs have room to run... I like to get to know people in the neighborhood, have a life separate from school, and know that I will never have a neighbor upstairs that may wake me in the middle of the night. DSL has a new program where you can get it for $20/month if you have a regular phone plan.

BUT, I can definitely understand the desire to live on-campus, too. If you are accustomed to living with family or someone else that won't be joining you, then it would be a more social environment. You don't want to be lonely in medical school! You need friends to help you relax. You don't have to worry about utilities or rent payments, you are within easy walking distance to the school (great in the summer when its nice and in the winter when your car is covered in snow!), you don't need to shovel your sidewalk, you can carpool with someone else to the grocery store, the gym is nextdoor...there are definite benefits.

Absolutely every inhabited building in Kirksville has a furnace. It will drop below freezing frequently during the winter months. Occasionally, it will drop below 0 degrees especially with wind chill (negative adjustment of the temperature to reflect the chill of the wind -- it isn't an accurate adjustment, but most people don't think about it). I would bring your space heater to supplement the furnace of your future home. They will open a forum on the webpage soon (if they haven't already) and someone who lives in the facilities can share their opinion. I know that most people who live there for the first year remain for their second year...and many move in their second year. But, it is all a matter of the lifestyle that you want. Don't do it for the finances, but do it if the ease of lifestyle if it appeals to you."

Residence: Pennsylvania
Undergrad: Penn State (plus a few schools before and in between)
Grad: none
Married. Kids. Definitely not going to live anywhere near housing with undergrad students.

-KCOM Class of 2009-

Thanks JohnDO and Peace&Health for the info.

Anybody have any info as to when we will receive our Stillnet stuff or is that after another round or two of deposits.

Man, I kind of feel left out, it seems everyone has had people from the school contact them except me. Oh well, maybe its because they already cashed my check :) .

Hey you guys! Congrats on your acceptances. KCOM's a great school. I'm a 3rd year currently doing my rotations in Mexico and Moberly. Anyway, feel free to PM me if there's anything I can help with. Take care! Oh, and don't worry about the packets coming to you. You'll soon get more info than you ever wanted. :)

Thanks andrea! What in the world are you doing in MEXICO!

Thanks andrea! What in the world are you doing in MEXICO!

Well, it's Mexico, MO, not the country of... ;) But I just finished Internal Med there. Good times, indeed.

Well, it's Mexico, MO, not the country of... ;) But I just finished Internal Med there. Good times, indeed.

Ahhh.... the other Mexico. So Andrea, how do you like the KCOM rotations in MO. Do you feel like you are getting a broad exposure to various things and how willing are the physicians in the area as far as letting you do various clinical skills? Could think of other questions too, but just came off a busy 12 hours shift and fatigue is setting in. :thumbdown

Now that the Dec 14 th deadline as passed, any new future KCOM students out there who want to post their opinions and stuff?

Are there any Oklahomans coming to KCOM this year?

By the way, I am a second year DO/MS student at KCOM - it's a five year program.

About books, wait to buy. Most classes have great notes so a book is not necessary.

The most obvious question: What specialty is everyone interested in?

For me it's a toss-up. I've always been interested in general surgery, but I think I'm leaning towards emergency medicine or internal medicine. I'll probably change my mind again once I start school.

The most obvious question: What specialty is everyone interested in?

For me it's a toss-up. I've always been interested in general surgery, but I think I'm leaning towards emergency medicine or internal medicine. I'll probably change my mind again once I start school.

For me it would defiantly be orthopedic surgery. I've always been interested in it, however once I get into rotations it could change a bunch... who knows.

By the way biochemMan, do you work in the Pharmacology lab? If so I think I know who you are.

did they send anyone any sort of confirmation when they received your payment?

I sent in my deposit last week so I'll be joining you all next fall. I haven't gotten any notification of receipt. Hope It all went smooth....

did they send anyone any sort of confirmation when they received your payment?

two years ago when i sent my payment in i received a receipt in the mail a couple weeks later indicating that my payment had been made.

I sent in my deposit the last week of Nov. and have yet to hear or receive anything from the school. Only way I knew that they had received my payment was that the check was cashed, and quite promptly by them at that :D .

As for specialties....... I am leaning towards Gas or EM.

Kent, I remember you were deciding between DMU and KCOM right? What made you pick KCOM?

redsox24 and kent, where are you guys from?

Kent, I remember you were deciding between DMU and KCOM right? What made you pick KCOM?

redsox24 and kent, where are you guys from?

I'm from Utah, finishing up my undergrad at Utah State University. Finals just ended! YES!!!

I ultimately choose KCOM for several reasons:
1- I'm a small town hick by origin - I grew up in a rural Utah town pop. <400.
2- I have a family and feel that KCOM has a very supportive network for my wife and family.
3- The possibility of returning to Utah to do my rotations.
4- All of the physicians that I talk to say that KCOM is a great school (both MD's and DO's).

I'm excited to meet everyone next fall.

did they send anyone any sort of confirmation when they received your payment?
I sent in my check for the depositi in mid nov. and it has been cashed. So far, no confirmation received.

By the way, it's great to see more people here, and even greater to see everyone in the fall!

The most obvious question: What specialty is everyone interested in?

For me it's a toss-up. I've always been interested in general surgery, but I think I'm leaning towards emergency medicine or internal medicine. I'll probably change my mind again once I start school.
For now, family practice but I'm open to emergency med or internal med. However, family practice will probably be more conducive to the public health research I intend to pursue on the side. I am definitely a generalist by nature.

If any of you guys need some info on housing I have family in Kirksville that work at the school and have a cd of housing that will be available this summer. Just send me your email and I can send it to you. My email is mstover1@mix.wvu.edu.

skier2423 I pm'd you my email address. Thanks for offering this.

Also, I guess you do receive a reciept from KCOM for your deposit. I received a letter today with reciept, dated 12/13/2004

For me it would defiantly be orthopedic surgery. I've always been interested in it, however once I get into rotations it could change a bunch... who knows.

By the way biochemMan, do you work in the Pharmacology lab? If so I think I know who you are.


Perhaps... (Yeah you know me).

I hear you got a nice old house here in K-ville.

Biochemman, what's the dress code at KCOM like?

Also, has anyone started looking into funding yet?

I'm from Bismarck, ND but I live in Minneapolis, MN right now.
I graduated from St John's University in Minnesota.
I'm not married yet, but I'll be engaged hopefully this summer.

How hard is it for significant others to find jobs in good ol Kirksville?

I've always wanted to be a pediatrician. However, I work at an orthopedics firm right now and I'm thinking orthopedic surgery wouldn't be that bad.

Until we all meet!!!

Biochemman, what's the dress code at KCOM like?

Also, has anyone started looking into funding yet?
JohnDO...it'll be entirely okay for you to dress in your pajamas when you come to class. No dress codes here, except for OTM lab (pretty much like gym class) and Anatomy lab (where you get to wear icky scrubbies/old clothes).

FYI on the scrubbies for anatomy...NOWPA (or another club on campus) had a dirty/used scrubs/Grant's dissector/anatomy tool kit sale for us at the beginning of the year.

Congrats on your acceptance!

-N

Anyone else get confirmation yet? I'm getting nerrrvouss! :scared:

Happy Holidays to all current and future KCOM'ers!

Indeed, happy holidays everyone!

Don't buy a thing until you get to school.
Anatomy:

Netter's will be given out with club memberships, but don't be fooled. I joined a club and got my netter, however I wish I had the hard bound. I use it so much that it is pretty much trashed. You will also want a dirty netter and grant's dissector for the lab.

I really liked the Color Atlas of H. A. It is the one with the color pictures of dissected bodies. I used it a ton, because our lab final is a round-robin style identification on bodies in the lab--so be familiar with the structures on bodies other than your own.

Biochem:
Don't buy a thing

Histo:
Get the books (Junqeira, and the other is Moore and Persaud). These are a must have. The professor provides crappy notes. The genetics text really isn't needed. A CD will be given out at the beginning of the year that summarizes all we needed to know for the genetics. Don't take my advice as gospel, however. 2nd years said histo was a breeze. They brought in a new professor, and over half the class failed our slide exam. What a kick in the pants!

OTM:
Must buy is the Kimberly Manual (will use in every lab) as well as the musculoskeletal packet (can't get anywhere but the bookstore). DON'T Get the big green monster (Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine). A second year sold it to me for about 80 bucks, and I have yet to crack the cover (I got a 90% in OTM).

DO:
nada. D.O. means do nothing until the morning of the test.


hope it helps.

Thanks, very helpful info!

hey guys,
i sent in my deposit this month and got the receipt back. i have an interview at pcom in jan. and am waiting on some other allop. schools, but am 80% sure kcom is where i'll be come august.
undergrad: washington and lee univ., VA
hometown: st. petersburg, fl...but am doing research at penn med in philly for this year
hopefully married by this summer...who will also be attending the same med school w/ me

time to bump this up :P

Hope everyone survived the holidays! Anyone heard anything from the school yet? I finally got my payment receipt. They said they'd be sending more info in the coming days, so we'll see!

Hi all,

Welcome to KCOM. I'm a second year student here. I've been keeping an online journal since I started school. If you're interested in seeing what it's like, you're welcome to take a look.

My website it: www.jasondreyer.com

You'll need a login ID and password. Here is that information:

ID: kcom
password: kcom1892

Please email me with any questions you have about school. I'm happy to help.

Good luck,
-Jason
jason@jasondreyer.com

Hey Jason! What's up?? Hows the 'ville these days? I heard you guys were getting ice tonight. Not so bad in Columbia, though. Anyway, say hi to Laura for me. You should see my tummy - I'm 7 mo. pregnant right now, due March 11th. Call me a teletubby. :p Hopefully I'll see you around this spring. Take care and talk to you later!
-Andrea

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

With the FAFSA for 2005-06 out and talk in other areas on SDN going on about filling it out, anyone start yet?

Also anybody hear anything from the school yet? Anyone get any Financial Aid info yet?

I haven't starting filling out anything yet. I assume they will send a letter outlining what we need to do to get the ball rolling, but I haven't heard anything from them since my payment receipt.

With the FAFSA for 2005-06 out and talk in other areas on SDN going on about filling it out, anyone start yet?

Also anybody hear anything from the school yet? Anyone get any Financial Aid info yet?

I'm waiting to get my W2 forms from work so I know all my numbers.

With the FAFSA for 2005-06 out and talk in other areas on SDN going on about filling it out, anyone start yet?

Also anybody hear anything from the school yet? Anyone get any Financial Aid info yet?

Just a heads up...the deadline is the beginning of March. And it will help, although not necessary, to file your income tax paperwork first. I usually make sure I get my application completed by mid. Feb. Still have to do my taxes too.

I called in Dec. to ask about student housing. I was told that they would be sending out info. the beginning of the year. I was put on this list of people they would be sending info. to. I haven't received anything yet. Has anyone heard anything?

To KCOM 2009--

Congratulations! You'll enjoy it. And before you know it, it's over.

I am a fourth year, finishing up (thank God). I'm going into Internal Medicine, in the allopathic match.

If anyone cares to hear any advice, read the following....otherwise, good luck all:

Not that it's an immediate concern, but the days of finding the specialty and residency that is right for you will sneek up on you. Be sure to always keep it in the back of your mind--from Day 1. And be sure to understand the process of applying, putting yourself in a good position, etc. to obtain the residency spot you want. Some specialties/locations/hospitals require a little finesse and smart politics, not just great grades, scores and resume material.

And don't, for the love of God, buy a bunch of books. Ever (unless you're military). For the first two years, the ONLY book you truly must own is a copy of Netter's Atlas. For 3rd and 4th year, all you need is ePocrates for your Palm and MAYBE, MAYBE Wash Manual. You could easily succed at KCOM with only those three books. Seriously.

Take care, good luck and PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DO AS MUCH COOL, FUN STUFF AS POSSIBLE BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST. Seriously, if it ain't cool and/or fun, then do nothing but chill, sleep, play video games, whatever. In some respects, it's your last chance for a while.

Sincerely,
A KCOM '05er

bump

Anyone with any news or anyone receive anything yet?

Not yet. I still need to get around and call here to see what I need to be doing as far as aid.

JohnDO,

When I completed my FAFSA application and saw my EFC I became worried and emailed the school's FA dept. Steve Jorden and Trisha Riggins were very helpful and replied to my emails rather quickly so you might try emailing either of them.

They did tell me not to worry about the EFC value and that all KCOM students were able to get 10,000 in APL, 2000 Work Study, 8500 Sub, and like 34,000 in un-sub loans. As for scholarships and stuff, I haven't tried asking about them yet since I am out of the running for most KCOM offered ones (Darn GPA).

Through some family contacts I have come across a KCOM alumni who wants me to get in touch with him regarding scholarships and general KCOM info so if I learn anything I will let you know.

JohnDO,

When I completed my FAFSA application and saw my EFC I became worried and emailed the school's FA dept. Steve Jorden and Trisha Riggins were very helpful and replied to my emails rather quickly so you might try emailing either of them.

They did tell me not to worry about the EFC value and that all KCOM students were able to get 10,000 in APL, 2000 Work Study, 8500 Sub, and like 34,000 in un-sub loans. As for scholarships and stuff, I haven't tried asking about them yet since I am out of the running for most KCOM offered ones (Darn GPA).

Through some family contacts I have come across a KCOM alumni who wants me to get in touch with him regarding scholarships and general KCOM info so if I learn anything I will let you know.

Hey '09-ers!

As for financial aid stuff, just to let you know, use ATSU as your lender! I chose an outside lender (Educaid, SallieMae, those people), and they shave off some cash from what you've borrowed and pass that off as "administrative fees". At KCOM/ATSU, every cent you borrow (sub and unsub, at least, since that's all I borrowed) goes to you and your tuition. Steve from the financial aid office called this to my attention, which was really nice of him. Had I not known about it, I would've been just throwing away about $600-1000 for the year, based on these fees! So definitely contact the financial aid office for any questions -- they're very helpful!

As for borrowing money, I just applied for the sub and unsub loans, not taking any work study or outside/independent loans. My parents have helped out a lot, regarding moving and settling down at first (plane ticket, getting my car transported out here, furniture, etc), but now I'm primarily living off of student loans. It's probably easier for me since I'm single and I live in a cheap house with roommates. Things really are much cheaper out here.

Enjoy the rest of your time left before August! See ya then!

-N

Hey All of Y'all in the Class of '09!

I thought I would introduce myself since it is very likely that I will be there in August :D.

I already have my spot reserved but I was hoping to benefit from the great state of TX but to no avail.

Oh well, their loss ;).

Anyways, I am currently living in Houston doing environmental work for the county but my home town is Amarillo, TX. I am single with no pets or significant others (in otherwords, prime for moving on to medical school.)

**edit because I almost forgot**

Undergrad School: Texas A&M University (Biochemistry)
Grad School: Texas A&M University (Health Education)

Well, I hope all of you are well and I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

Hey All of Y'all in the Class of '09!

I thought I would introduce myself since it is very likely that I will be there in August :D.
.

Yeah, another KCOM class of 2009!
I'm sure there's other KCOM 2009 people out there, but in SDN, it's sort of quiet.

See you in the fall, Assistant. :)

hey assistant!

Hows the housing situation coming for you all? You guys looking at houses or apartments? I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I'll be up moving up there alone for my first year. Now that I think about it, I should have asked to see the on-campus "apartments". There was only a few of them, and they looked pretty old. I think I remember one of my tour guides stating that they were in the process or had just recently built some new apartments, but maybe I heard wrong.

For the current KCOM students: Is it more common for students to just rent houses together near the school, or to rent an apartment alone? What are your opinions on having roomates your first year? Also, my neighbor claimed he used to live in the Atlas house up on the hill back in the 70's while he was in school there. Is it true or is it a "kcom urban legend :laugh:" that people used to actually live in the house..

hey assistant!

Hows the housing situation coming for you all? You guys looking at houses or apartments? I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I'll be up moving up there alone for my first year. Now that I think about it, I should have asked to see the on-campus "apartments". There was only a few of them, and they looked pretty old. I think I remember one of my tour guides stating that they were in the process or had just recently built some new apartments, but maybe I heard wrong.

For the current KCOM students: Is it more common for students to just rent houses together near the school, or to rent an apartment alone? What are your opinions on having roomates your first year? Also, my neighbor claimed he used to live in the Atlas house up on the hill back in the 70's while he was in school there. Is it true or is it a "kcom urban legend :laugh:" that people used to actually live in the house..

Hey JohnDO,

I am really not sure of what I am going to do for housing. I was thinking on campus housing would be really convenient but then, I have accumalated a bunch of stuff that I would like to keep and refurbish (if I ever have the time).

I am all for renting a house with a few other people provided that it is within walking/biking distance to campus.

--Assistant (Amber)

Have any of you guys received any information for matriculating in the fall?

Have any of you guys received any information for matriculating in the fall?Not yet. I emailed the financial aid department today with some questions I had. I was really impressed with how fast Steven responded to me. He was really friendly and helpful. In case anyone is wondering, FAFSA should be in by the middle to end of April. Once that's complete they'll send us an award letter telling us what we're eligible for. He said that will probably happen sometime in May.

As far as general matriculation information, I'd like to get at least something from the school! I'm just excited to start, I suppose. Last year's students said that we should be getting apartment information sometime in the spring. I'm assuming they'll start the final matriculation process after the final two fees have been paid.

I found the Academic Calendar for our class online. Classes begin August 23rd!

http://www.kcom.edu/newcatalog/calendar/classof2009_0506.htm

There are good things and bad things to living on-campus. I would say, find somebody you know, or get to know somebody quick and rent a place that is close. My wife and I live about 5 min. from campus, and that is killing me in itself to be so far away from school.

You have been given just a taste of KCOM through Steve. Everybody here is extremely friendly. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else to school.

About the "website" for housing info. It is ok, but there aren't any pictures, so you really have to do your work. Don't sign a 2 year contract (my buddies did, and they are dying to get out of it). Go online and look for housing, like through century 21. There are a lot of online housing options outside of the KCOM website. Also, negotiate with your landlord (I'll pay 6 months up front for a 5% reduction in rent per month)

Good luck with all. If you have any questions, just ask. There are SO many things that I wish I had know before I got to school (don't get behind, EVER). I'll send out some emails to the class list (class-of-2009@atsu.edu) when we get closer to the beginning of the quarter.

Yeah, another KCOM class of 2009!
I'm sure there's other KCOM 2009 people out there, but in SDN, it's sort of quiet.

See you in the fall, Assistant. :)


You know it does seem a bit quiet for KCOM 2009. It makes me wonder if we are going to be a quiet and very studious bunch? :)

There are good things and bad things to living on-campus. I would say, find somebody you know, or get to know somebody quick and rent a place that is close. My wife and I live about 5 min. from campus, and that is killing me in itself to be so far away from school.

You have been given just a taste of KCOM through Steve. Everybody here is extremely friendly. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else to school.

About the "website" for housing info. It is ok, but there aren't any pictures, so you really have to do your work. Don't sign a 2 year contract (my buddies did, and they are dying to get out of it). Go online and look for housing, like through century 21. There are a lot of online housing options outside of the KCOM website. Also, negotiate with your landlord (I'll pay 6 months up front for a 5% reduction in rent per month)

Good luck with all. If you have any questions, just ask. There are SO many things that I wish I had know before I got to school (don't get behind, EVER). I'll send out some emails to the class list (class-of-2009@atsu.edu) when we get closer to the beginning of the quarter.


Thanks for all of your advice, this is good stuff to know beforehand.

You know it does seem a bit quiet for KCOM 2009. It makes me wonder if we are going to be a quiet and very studious bunch? haha I know, whats the deal? I check in and our thread is at the bottom of the page. Clearly unacceptable for the top osteopathic school. :D

haha I know, whats the deal? I check in and our thread is at the bottom of the page. Clearly unacceptable for the top osteopathic school. :D

Yeah I guess we will have to introduce some fun and excitement into the class. :)

Yeah I guess we will have to introduce some fun and excitement into the class. :)

Fun and excitement at your service! :p Just found out I got in Tuesday. Can't wait to meet everyone in August.

Fun and excitement at your service! :p Just found out I got in Tuesday. Can't wait to meet everyone in August.


Cool!! Welcome to the class of 2009! :D

Fun and excitement at your service! :p Just found out I got in Tuesday. Can't wait to meet everyone in August.

Congrats...and we are going to hold you up to it...of course, with a little help from everyone else!

Congrats folks. It is a "fun" road you are about to start down.

David
KCOM MSIV

Congrats and welcome to all the new KCOM members of the class of 2009.

Any current KCOMer's have any advice on finding a place to live. My wife and I have a pet and we know its going to be hard finding a home to rent based on others post. We are planning to visit Kirksville in late March and hope to line a place up then. What would you suggest is the best way to go about finding a place. Is there a central place to find available stuff before the school sends out their list or would a relator be the perferred route. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Congrats and welcome to all the new KCOM members of the class of 2009.

Any current KCOMer's have any advice on finding a place to live. My wife and I have a pet and we know its going to be hard finding a home to rent based on others post. We are planning to visit Kirksville in late March and hope to line a place up then. What would you suggest is the best way to go about finding a place. Is there a central place to find available stuff before the school sends out their list or would a relator be the perferred route. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hey 2009,
It's great to see new names up on this forum! As for housing, there are a few online resources: rentkirksville.com, c21whitney.com, and a couple of others that aren't coming to mind right now. The more prominent realty companies around here are Heritage House, Century21, and ERA. The Kirksville Daily Express (kirksvilledailyexpress.com, I think) has a classified section that'll have rental listings as well.

But don't fret! There is a housing database which you will be able to access around late March/April that the school provides, since second years will be leaving town for their rotations, and most landlords around here know about it and post on that too. You can find most everything from one bedroom apartments to houses on that database.

I don't live in student housing, but those who do, like it for its close proximity to school (although we all pretty much live 5-7 minutes away from school), and not having to worry about certain utilities such as internet and water (and I'm not sure, but maybe heat also). I currently live in a house with 3 other girls, and the rent is $235, plus utilities (electricity, water, gas, phone, cable TV, trash/sewer) that average around $80 a month. I know people who split a 2-br apartment and are paying UNDER $200 each, before utilities. Be careful though...there are some great deals out here, but some really crappy places as well.

You'll also have access to a KCOM-only web forum so you can all "meet" each other before classes start, as well as have a chance to ask us first years any questions you might have before coming here.

I hope this helps a little! See you in the fall!

-N

i can't wait to meet all of you in august!! this is the best thing that happened to me in years. i interviewed on valentine's day and kind of found out on wed i was in...officially on thursday morning of the 17th i am sending my deposit on mon or tues and have no intention of going elsewhere. this is the first time i ever posted on sdn...so i hope my signature and profile thing came out okay.

some info:
Arizona State Univ.
BS exercise science/phys. edu (wellness concent.)
MS exercise and wellness

if any of you are compiling lists or anything please include me! reach me at briansmichaud@hotmail.com

thanks...see you soon

briansmichaud,

Congrats and Welcome, feels great doesn't it.

and yeah, your stuff turned out fine.

This is probably more of a question for students in year two, but i figure i will give it a shot here. I am wondering how well students usually match up with their first choice of region for years 3 and 4. I was reading on the KCOM website that you list your top 6 choices and then the card with your choices goes into a "match". anyway, just wondering how this usually works. Also, how soon did everyone receive their paperwork for the deposit after finding out they were accepted over the phone?

there...i like this better

i can't wait to meet all of you in august!! this is the best thing that happened to me in years.

Yay! Another one!

Wahoo! We made it to a fifth page, we're catching up to the other classes of 2009 now. :)

..now with 5-star goodness.

Anybody seen this? http://webmedbooks.com/kcom/default.aspx

..now with 5-star goodness.

Anybody seen this? http://webmedbooks.com/kcom/default.aspx


Hmm, I have not seen this...is it from the KCOM website?

So, what does everybody do during their off/down time? :)

i have to try and bust out my thesis....

Does anyone know how many people have been accepted and sent in their deposits? I see a lot of people getting rejections from KCOM. Is our class almost full and if so, where is everybody.

As for free time, what is that? Working my regular 48hr shifts plus a lot of OT to help pay for my move back east other than that not much free time.

Anyone receive anything from the school at all? I have friends that were accepted to PA school a month ago who have received tons of information already.

I can not answer your first question about the number accepted and deposits paid but I have not received anything from KCOM except notes from my interviewers (which I thought was very cool.)

I am bit antsy about not getting information about stuff. I hope that it comes soon. Maybe they are waiting for us to make our second deposit or something?

I don't know if anyone knows the % of the class that's full, but I assume that it's pretty full based on the fact that they're handing out rejections right and left and that they started interviewing relatively early. I'm suprised there aren't more people on SDN though. Someone mentioned that we'll have our own "class" forum on the KCOM portal. Maybe more will show up there.

I have not received anything from KCOM except notes from my interviewers (which I thought was very cool.)What the heck! You got notes from your interviewers? Nice! They must have really liked you. Do you remember who had by any chance? I'm also anxious for info to come, but I'm beginning to suspect it will come after we make our final payment.

Anyone else interview with Dr. Peterson or Dr. Noll??

I don't know if anyone knows the % of the class that's full, but I assume that it's pretty full based on the fact that they're handing out rejections right and left and that they started interviewing relatively early. I'm suprised there aren't more people on SDN though. Someone mentioned that we'll have our own "class" forum on the KCOM portal. Maybe more will show up there.

What the heck! You got notes from your interviewers? Nice! They must have really liked you. Do you remember who had by any chance? I'm also anxious for info to come, but I'm beginning to suspect it will come after we make our final payment.

Anyone else interview with Dr. Peterson or Dr. Noll??

i had dr. peterson! did he show you his view from the window??? hahhahaha he was awesome for me...i hope i have a chance to work with him. he said something about trying to get people together saturday mornings to go running...

how do you guys know that kcom has been handing out rejections frequently??

hey...are any of you KCOMers into mountain biking?? i hear there are some trails around that thousand hills park.

also, do any of you know how hard it is to get into the student housing there?? do you know if most students who request them end up with one??

thanks

I can not answer your first question about the number accepted and deposits paid but I have not received anything from KCOM except notes from my interviewers (which I thought was very cool.)

I am bit antsy about not getting information about stuff. I hope that it comes soon. Maybe they are waiting for us to make our second deposit or something?

one of my interviewers sent me a box of chocolates...probably because i interviewed on valentines day. she was really nice!!

hey...are any of you KCOMers into mountain biking?? i hear there are some trails around that thousand hills park.

also, do any of you know how hard it is to get into the student housing there?? do you know if most students who request them end up with one??

thanks

Whats up guys? I haven't said anything on here in a while but I'm glad to see a lot more people on here now. I actually mountain bike a lot. I'm glad to see someone else is too, even though I doubt northern Missouri will have the best selection of mountain biking trails! haha :laugh:

I also had Dr. Peterson. He was really nice. The lady that brought me to his office had to come in and get me out of the interview because it lasted so long!

Wahoo! We made it to a fifth page, we're catching up to the other classes of 2009 now. :)

Thanks for the insight!

I also had Dr. Peterson. He was really nice. The lady that brought me to his office had to come in and get me out of the interview because it lasted so long!Haha, the same thing happened to me! The woman that took me up to his office told me that he likes to talk a lot, so she would come get me after an hour. But when she came up to get me, Dr. Peterson asked me if I had another interview afterwards. I said no, and so he said, "Oh ok, come get him in 10 minutes".

i had dr. peterson! did he show you his view from the window???Yes!! At the end of the interview (or, when I thought it was supposed to be over) he said "Come here I want to show you something." This was after he showed me all his pictures. He was extremely nice and is an avid runner!

I've mountain biked a few times, but nothing harcore (it's Florida, we don't even have hills!)

i have to try and bust out my thesis....


I'm doing a health survey via telephone in Sacramento, and have yet to complete the first survey. The revisions is taking longer than expected. Will call tomorrow, wish me luck that people don't start hanging up on me.

Good-luck to you and me!

Haha, the same thing happened to me! The woman that took me up to his office told me that he likes to talk a lot, so she would come get me after an hour. But when she came up to get me, Dr. Peterson asked me if I had another interview afterwards. I said no, and so he said, "Oh ok, come get him in 10 minutes".

Yes!! At the end of the interview (or, when I thought it was supposed to be over) he said "Come here I want to show you something." This was after he showed me all his pictures. He was extremely nice and is an avid runner!

I've mountain biked a few times, but nothing harcore (it's Florida, we don't even have hills!)

well bring your mountain bike...cause you're gonna go now!!! seriously, i am not that big into it. i just like to go once in awhile. i have a nice bike though...and it looks even better hanging on the wall!!! ahahha

one of my interviewers sent me a box of chocolates...probably because i interviewed on valentines day. she was really nice!!

Wow, and I thought getting the acceptance letter was big time. Should I feel gypped? Way to kill a buzz. :) But congrats man, way to impress them.

Haha, the same thing happened to me! The woman that took me up to his office told me that he likes to talk a lot, so she would come get me after an hour. But when she came up to get me, Dr. Peterson asked me if I had another interview afterwards. I said no, and so he said, "Oh ok, come get him in 10 minutes".

Yes!! At the end of the interview (or, when I thought it was supposed to be over) he said "Come here I want to show you something." This was after he showed me all his pictures. He was extremely nice and is an avid runner!

I've mountain biked a few times, but nothing harcore (it's Florida, we don't even have hills!)

John DO, if my memory is right, weren't you drilled with some tough questions by an interviewer and if so was it Dr. Peterson?

hey...are any of you KCOMers into mountain biking?? i hear there are some trails around that thousand hills park.\

Never really tried mountain biking but I am game for most things outdoors, hiking, camping, or usually just getting myself lost for a few hours in the woods as I tend to wonder off the trail most of the time. Oh well.

As for thousand hills park, I'm not sure about trails, but I visited their web site once a while back which was pretty informative. Lots of hiking and horse trails if I remeber correctly so I am sure you can ride bikes there. Can't recall the website off the top of my head though, will try to get back to you when I can get to my home computer.

sorry guys, i can be a smart ass! i didn't get any chocolates. my credentials aren't that good! hehehhe i just felt compelled to make something up when i read that someone received notes from their interviewers. :D

but it was valentines day!

haha, I thought you had to have realllyyy impressed her to get chocolates. ;)

John DO, if my memory is right, weren't you drilled with some tough questions by an interviewer and if so was it Dr. Peterson?Yea I was drilled, but it was my other interviewer. Dr. Peterson was mainly interested in my academics (and running). He didn't ask anything about medicine. Didn't you have it really rough at AZ? I remember you looking pretty flustered when you were done! lol

So...you guys didn't get any cards from your interviewers? Hmm, I had Dr. Strait and Dr. Sargentini and they both sent cards with AT on the front basically saying congrats on the acceptance. And these were sent just a week ago, so maybe Dr. Peterson has not gotten around to sending his?? :D

Mountain biking? Bring it on!! :D I have a mountain bike but I have only gone mountain biking about two times within the last year (sad I know). I really enjoyed it but I just haven't made the time to do it with everything else that I have going on.

Also, Medicfletch you said that you like camping and outdoors stuff like that, we will have to get a group together and see if we can make a few outings this year :).

Oh yeah and I like to dance a lot! In fact, I like it so much that I had to start teaching swing dance :D.

I hope that y'alls day is going well. Its a bit dreary here in Houston.

sorry guys, i can be a smart ass! i didn't get any chocolates. my credentials aren't that good! hehehhe i just felt compelled to make something up when i read that someone received notes from their interviewers. :D

but it was valentines day!


You had me going dude. I was starting to feel subpar ;).

so maybe Dr. Peterson has not gotten around to sending his??lol, I interviewed in the fall of last year ;)

Oh yeah and I like to dance a lot! In fact, I like it so much that I had to start teaching swing danceAwesome! I love to dance, but I'm not very good. My girlfriend and I were going to try out swing dancing about a year ago. Never happened though. Still, I've always wanted to learn (or at least try!)

Awesome! I love to dance, but I'm not very good. My girlfriend and I were going to try out swing dancing about a year ago. Never happened though. Still, I've always wanted to learn (or at least try!)

Hmm, if there is any time available maybe we can get a class together and I can teach y'all. ;) :D

Here are some links with info about thousand hills state park:
www.stateparks.com/thousand_hills.html
www.mostateparks.com/thousandhills.htm

It does look like they allow mountain biking.

As for getting organized a class outdoor event, I am game. How about a bonfire to burn our scrubs after anatomy?

haha, I thought you had to have realllyyy impressed her to get chocolates. ;)

Yea I was drilled, but it was my other interviewer. Dr. Peterson was mainly interested in my academics (and running). He didn't ask anything about medicine. Didn't you have it really rough at AZ? I remember you looking pretty flustered when you were done! lol

Yeah, that AZCOM interview was rough. The Ph.D just sat there looking at the wall and shaking his head at everything I said. Then he asked me my opinions on national healthcare programs and he looked interested, too bad it was the end of the interview. Oh well, must have done something right, I was offered acceptance. Which I promptly turned down when Stacey called to tell me I was accepted to KCOM. :)

lol, I interviewed in the fall of last year ;)

Awesome! I love to dance, but I'm not very good. My girlfriend and I were going to try out swing dancing about a year ago. Never happened though. Still, I've always wanted to learn (or at least try!)


Hey, I've been swing dancing for the last 2 years, doing some lindy hop and a lot of west coast swing! I could perhaps teach you some when school starts. :laugh:

As for getting organized a class outdoor event, I am game. How about a bonfire to burn our scrubs after anatomy?


Cool we can camp out AND burn the scrubs! :D

Here are some links with info about thousand hills state park:
www.stateparks.com/thousand_hills.html
www.mostateparks.com/thousandhills.htm

It does look like they allow mountain biking.

As for getting organized a class outdoor event, I am game. How about a bonfire to burn our scrubs after anatomy?

I've actually been to the park a few times and they have a nice selection of trails plus swimming and camping. The town even hosts a mini triathlon there toward the end of summer. I know people from KCOM usually participate in it. I don't know about them hosting a bonfire but I'm sure we can find a place for that! haha :D

I've actually been to the park a few times and they have a nice selection of trails plus swimming and camping. The town even hosts a mini triathlon there toward the end of summer. I know people from KCOM usually participate in it. I don't know about them hosting a bonfire but I'm sure we can find a place for that! haha :D


Well, at least we will be able to do some biking and maybe even a little dancing from the looks of ElfuturoDoc's posts ;).

Here's to the fall!! :thumbup: :D

Here's to the fall!! :thumbup: :D

I'll second that :)

How old is everyone? I'm 21, 22 this summer.

Hey, I've been swing dancing for the last 2 years, doing some lindy hop and a lot of west coast swing! I could perhaps teach you some when school starts. :laugh:


yeah, i'll be there if you teach it! i love dancing, but haven't got around to properly learning swing.

How old is everyone? I'm 21, 22 this summer.
I'm on the OLDER side - 25. And MARRIED... anybody else...
What is everyones plans for the summer?

I'm on the OLDER side - 25. And MARRIED... anybody else...
What is everyones plans for the summer?

25, will be 26 next saturday and also married.

As for this summer, thinking of taking in some west coast sites that I might not get to see again for awhile, like San Diego, Death Valley and Yosemite.

..now with 5-star goodness.

Anybody seen this? http://webmedbooks.com/kcom/default.aspx

this is the bookstore here on campus. my advice to you is to get your list of absolutely necessary books and order them from amazon or barnes and noble online. the bookstore charges list price for everything. anyway, it's a lot more beneficial (that and money will be tight!!). the best bet from my experience is to spend $20 on a barnes and noble membership card and get 5% off and free shipping on everything. it's well worth it. last year i got my netter anatomy atlas for $35 new (it's $70 on the kcom bookstore website) because it was a best seller or something... anyway, it's a good idea.

good luck!
john

I'm on the OLDER side - 25. And MARRIED... anybody else...
What is everyones plans for the summer?

I just turned 22 last month. As for the summer I plan on taking it easy and spending some time with family and friends before all of my free time disappears in the fall.

I'm going to scuba dive, fish, go to the keys, and enjoy my last free summer.

my advice to you is to get your list of absolutely necessary books and order them from amazon or barnes and noble online. the bookstore charges list price for everything.

Do you by any chance have a list of the required books? Or can any current KCOM student provide a list of which books are essential/helpful? This way we can start looking for deals. I also currently work for a company that reimburses us for books we purchase as long as they are medical related (about the only good thing at this particular company :scared: ). I would kinda like to take advantage of this before I leave so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hey guys,
I have a question for those who have filled out the FAFSA. I have filled out FAFSA electronically four weeks ago and haven't received anything from KCOM yet! Do any of you know how long does it take for KCOM to tell us how much loan we will receive for next year? Thanks.
Ohh yea, I'm 20 yrs old-male from Chicago.
Hope to see all of you next year. Good luck with this semester if you're still dragging yourself to study and graduate like myself! Lol! Pe@ce.

As for the summer plan, I'm going to India to visit my family for about 6 weeks. Also, for about 2-3 weeks I'm going to Himalaya to see the beauty of God. I'm really looking forward to it because I haven't been back to India eversince I came here in USA about 7 yrs ago. Allright guys. Talk to all of you later. Bye.

[QUOTE=DO4eva] Hey guys,
I have a question for those who have filled out the FAFSA. I have filled out FAFSA electronically four weeks ago and haven't received anything from KCOM yet! Do any of you know how long does it take for KCOM to tell us how much loan we will receive for next year? Thanks. [QUOTE]

Don't worry DO4eva, there are others in the same boat. I filled my FAFSA out in jan. and still have yet to hear anything or receive anything either. I did email Steve in FA due to concerns over my high EFC and was told that regardless of FAFSA, KCOM students are eligable for the full amount of stafford (sub and unsub) as well as work study and ALP. So don't worry too much.

now i feel old and stupider.... :(

i am 28 in may :( :( :(

State of Residence: Oklahoma (Go SOONERS!)
Undergrad School: University of Oklahoma
Grad School: N/A

If you are interviewing late, don't dispair. I interviewed in mid-February! I am so excited for med-school to start. I took this year off for some RR. Now I am going stir-crazy!

now i feel old and stupider.... :(

i am 28 in may :( :( :(


Uh, you aren't the only old one....I am 29 since January.

And don't feel stupid, some of us take a more "scenic route" than others ;)

Uh, you aren't the only old one....I am 29 since January.

And don't feel stupid, some of us take a more "scenic route" than others ;)
I have you both beat! I'm 35 and far from stupid, but I know I passed it along my way! :p

Hey guys,
I am from Chicago and currently go to University of Illinois at Chicago. I will receive B.S. in Pure Mathematics and minor in Biological Sciences this May. How about everybody else? Thanks.

Do you by any chance have a list of the required books? Or can any current KCOM student provide a list of which books are essential/helpful? This way we can start looking for deals. I also currently work for a company that reimburses us for books we purchase as long as they are medical related (about the only good thing at this particular company :scared: ). I would kinda like to take advantage of this before I leave so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

here's a brief list (i have to go to bed soon, but i'll try to make this worthwhile). keep in mind these are only my suggestions... there are plenty of other recommendations here on SDN, but this is basically what i've used.

anatomy:
netter's atlas of human anatomy
moore's anatomy (this is sort of a maybe for me)
grant's dissector (clean one to study at home and dirty one for lab)

embryo:
moore embryo

biochem:
lippincott's biochem board review

phys:
dubin ekg (helps you understand basics for phys)
garcia 12 lead ekg book (necessary for cardiology in second year, but not as easy to understand for introduction as dubin)

histology:
junquiera histo book (i'm not sure of the spelling)

complete DO:
bates guide to physical exam

otm:
kimberly manual (you'll have to get this here, since it's published by kcom)
you'll need the counterstrain manual, but it costs $0.05/copy in the library and you certainly won't need it enough to justify the $35 for the book

microbiology:
microbiology made ridiculously simple

pathology:
robbins basis of pathological disease
board review series pathology (i don't have this, but most of the people in my class swear by it)

also, i would recommend buying a first aid for the boards when you start school and use it to review key points and form integrations as you're learning. it will seem really daunting at first, but will be worthwhile as you go along.

you won't need books for every class. they're just wastes of money a lot of the time. when you get here you'll get a "first year survival guide" that has suggestions for studying for each class, what books to buy for each, whether or not the prof repeats old test questions, etc. the notes are more than sufficient in most classes. honestly, the only books that were truly essential were the netter atlas, the grant's dissector, the kimberly manual and the bates physical diagnosis. you can survive on notes and the internet for everything else... but sometimes books are nice to have.

good luck,
john

Hi everyone,
I guess it's about time for me to post my KCOM acceptance up! I was accepted in January and have already paid my deposit, and have been lazy :sleep: about coming here since. I know I saw another sundevil (ASU) up on the site which also makes me happy! I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the fall and not looking forward to the cold winters :eek:. Well now that I have a burst of motivation I will hopefully keep up with the acceptance site!

I will receive B.S. in Pure Mathematics and minor in Biological Sciences this May. How about everybody else?I get my B.S. in Biomedical Science and a minor in Biomedical Physics this May!

Welcome Sandra!

Hi everyone,
I guess it's about time for me to post my KCOM acceptance up! I was accepted in January and have already paid my deposit, and have been lazy :sleep: about coming here since. I know I saw another sundevil (ASU) up on the site which also makes me happy! I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the fall and not looking forward to the cold winters :eek:. Well now that I have a burst of motivation I will hopefully keep up with the acceptance site!


i am a SUNDEVIL!!!!!

Man, I am getting excited about starting classes in August. I have been trying to tie things up here so that I can spend the summer with the family and just relax and then head off to Kirksville :D.

And I can not believe it is only March 2nd......for some reason time seems to drag :).

Welcome Sandra! It's good to have to you here :D.

here's a brief list ...

John thanks for the post and all the help!

here's a brief list (i have to go to bed soon, but i'll try to make this worthwhile). keep in mind these are only my suggestions... there are plenty of other recommendations here on SDN, but this is basically what i've used.

Indeed, thank you very much for helping us out!

Man, I am getting excited about starting classes in August. I have been trying to tie things up here so that I can spend the summer with the family and just relax and then head off to Kirksville :D.

And I can not believe it is only March 2nd......for some reason time seems to drag :).

:D.

i can't believe it's March. I have 60 days to complete 500 surveys...hmm. wanna swap??? well, please enjoy the time for me, I'm just hoping to get July off--and still keeping my fingers crossed!

well, for anyone who feels old, since i turned 30, it's been a little harder to keep track of my age..but I'll be 32 by the time school starts!

Indeed, thank you very much for helping us out!

Yes, cant thank you enough. Any other usefull bits of info anyone can provide about classes and life in general in Kirksville is greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know if KCOM is still offering interviews. If they are still interviewing, is it for the wait-list or acceptance?

i can't believe it's March. I have 60 days to complete 500 surveys...hmm. wanna swap??? well, please enjoy the time for me, I'm just hoping to get July off--and still keeping my fingers crossed!

well, for anyone who feels old, since i turned 30, it's been a little harder to keep track of my age..but I'll be 32 by the time school starts!

Actually it would be nice to be busy until I left work in May but work has slowed down quite a bit. And then it has been somewhat of a downer now that things are done such as studying for the MCAT, applying, then filling out the secondaries and then interviewing and well you all know the rest :). Sometimes, I just sit here not knowing what to do with myself ;) but then I always find something to do.

But I will try to enjoy the time it is nice to not have to stress about applications and all that. :D

Peace, I hope that you get July off.

--Amber

Yes, cant thank you enough. Any other usefull bits of info anyone can provide about classes and life in general in Kirksville is greatly appreciated.

you'll get a book when you get here that is a "survival guide" and tells you a bit about each class, how professors test, etc. it also covers which books are best to buy, though that varies for different people.

as to life in kirksville... it's alright. the local coffee shop is a good place to study. they're really nice to students and let you sit there for hours. also, when you get here, the farmer's market will going on downtown. it's really great.

if you like bars, most of us end up at the dukum or il spazio.

my advice for class is a bit skewed... i hardly attend lecture. i spend the time doing my own studying because i don't really get much out of listening to people read their lecture notes to me. you'll have to just try them out for yourselves though.

i can try to answer any other questions if you have them.

later,
john

John replied about some books. I will offer my two cents worth. The netter is a MUST have. You will use Grant's dissector for tests (there is always at least on question on the test that come straight from the clinical correlations in the dissector). It is true, you need a dirty dissector, however, there are many available for low cost. NOWPA does a sale at the beginning of the year where they sell dirty dissectors and dirty netters for dirt cheap. I would look into that. They also sell dirty scrubs and equipment (scalpels, probes, scissors).

I wouldn't buy a clean dissector or a Moore, however. The library will let you check those materials out for 2 hours at a time. It was a big waste of money on my part because I live in the library.

About the histo, those are must haves. The class has gone from easy to very hard. So, be prepared.

Biochem--I wouldn't buy a thing.

OTM-- get the kimberly and friedman, not the big green monster. I bought it and have yet to open it.

Physio-- the dubin is nice, but I would just check it out from the library. I bought the Garcia for a reference, but I could have just checked it out from the library.

About the clinical rotations, you normally can get your first choice, but it isn't a given.

Just sent in my acceptance/deposit last Friday! I'll see you all next year. :D

Bit of an odd question here... any current KCOM students know if there are any karate places around kville? I've tried searching on the internet, but didn't really come up with anything. I'm thinking about starting karate here, but I don't know if I will if I can't continue on in kirksville.

Thanks!!

Just sent in my acceptance/deposit last Friday! I'll see you all next year. :DYou're not getting off easy here:

What university? Degree? Where are you from? Tell us something about yourself! :D

Bit of an odd question here... any current KCOM students know if there are any karate places around kville? I've tried searching on the internet, but didn't really come up with anything. I'm thinking about starting karate here, but I don't know if I will if I can't continue on in kirksville.

Thanks!!

not that i can think of...

Anybody seriously looking for/ found / commited to housing yet? My wife has been all over that. She has it narrowed down to 2.

Have been looking without much success. Tried contacting a realtor which again was meet without success. My wife has her spring break from teaching in 2 weeks so we plan to travel to K'ville and search out some places. Have a dog so I know I have an uphill battle ahead. If I find out anything worthwhile or any info of use I will let you all know.

Thanks for the help candycane, docslytherin, and 1viking. Its greatly appreciated.

How do students handle health insurance, especially if you're not employed? Is there a company that everyone uses or through the school somehow?

You're not getting off easy here:

What university? Degree? Where are you from? Tell us something about yourself! :D


Well... I graduated with a degree in Biology in May of 2004 from Saint Louis University. In the past year I have been a research assistant at the medical school there. I am originally from Hillsboro a small town 30 miles south of St. Louis. I have some friends who live in Kirksville one is a student at KCOM the other is a teacher. So if anyone has any questions about the area etc. I could ask them and get you some info.

How do students handle health insurance, especially if you're not employed? Is there a company that everyone uses or through the school somehow?


I'm actually starting to look into the same thing. I have been told that most medical schools offer some sort of group plan, but I have yet to contact KCOM about it. I'll let you know what I hear from the school if anything.

I'm actually starting to look into the same thing. I have been told that most medical schools offer some sort of group plan, but I have yet to contact KCOM about it. I'll let you know what I hear from the school if anything.

kcom does NOT offer any sort of insurance. many of us end up with crappy insurance through fortis student select or bcbs of missouri (that's only inpatient/surgery coverage). some people join SOMA and get insurance through them.

there are options, but it takes some effort to find.

Thanks John. In case anyone is interested, here is the SOMA insurance page:

http://www.somainsurance.com/index.html

Originally Posted by MedicfletchYes, cant thank you enough. Any other usefull bits of info anyone can provide about classes and life in general in Kirksville is greatly appreciated.

I went to Truman state - as did my husband - so, we've lived here for a while....I am currently an MS4 doing my rotations here in Kville and I will be staying here to do the surgery residency...

Here is the most important advice I can give to incoming students...
Please, don't come here and complain about Kirksville the entire time you are here. If you get here and constantly complain about the town, the people, or the lack of things to do - you obviously only got into one place...or you didn't research your decision very well....and in that case...it's your own fault you ended up here. I had people in my class complain about the lack of SUSHI..yeah, SUSHI.... I was also told that the fruits and veges here were not good...hello..you are in the heartland! Grow your own frickin garden.

Anyway, that's what I found to be the most frustrating thing about listening to people in my class. Also, the town's people accept us and like the fact that we bring business to the community. However, they don't like it when they overhear a bunch of pompous medical students sitting in a restaurant complaining about how lame their town it.

So, I guess if you come here - and end up hating it...it's only 2 years and really try to make the best of it. It really does suck at times. However, when your time is limited, it's very nice to not have a 30-40 minute commute each way...or have stores within 5 minutes...the little things like that are very appreciated when your time is as valuable as our is!

Best of luck to you all....and you can come over to the hospital and observe surgeries any time!

Bit of an odd question here... any current KCOM students know if there are any karate places around kville? I've tried searching on the internet, but didn't really come up with anything. I'm thinking about starting karate here, but I don't know if I will if I can't continue on in kirksville.

Thanks!!

okay, so tonight i was driving around and actually noticed a tai kwon do business near downtown.

just thought i'd let you know.

[B]I went to Truman state - as did my husband - so, we've lived here for a while....I am currently an MS4 doing my rotations here in Kville and I will be staying here to do the surgery residency...

Here is the most important advice I can give to incoming students...
Please, don't come here and complain about Kirksville the entire time you are here. If you get here and constantly complain about the town, the people, or the lack of things to do - you obviously only got into one place...or you didn't research your decision very well....and in that case...it's your own fault you ended up here. I had people in my class complain about the lack of SUSHI..yeah, SUSHI.... I was also told that the fruits and veges here were not good...hello..you are in the heartland! Grow your own frickin garden.

Anyway, that's what I found to be the most frustrating thing about listening to people in my class. Also, the town's people accept us and like the fact that we bring business to the community. However, they don't like it when they overhear a bunch of pompous medical students sitting in a restaurant complaining about how lame their town it.

So, I guess if you come here - and end up hating it...it's only 2 years and really try to make the best of it. It really does suck at times. However, when your time is limited, it's very nice to not have a 30-40 minute commute each way...or have stores within 5 minutes...the little things like that are very appreciated when your time is as valuable as our is!

Best of luck to you all....and you can come over to the hospital and observe surgeries any time!

i agree, but this place seems to get a bit claustrophobic at times. you're always around the same people and basically doing the same things and the town of 17K people starts to seem like a town of 200.

people in my class do complain as well about the place, but not to the extent where they're miserable being here. there's plenty of things to do here and in the surrounding areas. i actually find it nice to have to travel 2 hrs to get somewhere... sometimes it's the drive that's more enjoyable that being in columbia or kansas city or des moines. it's more relaxing.

the people here are great for the most part. try to frequent locally owned shops (washington st java co., il spazio, the farmer's market in the fall, etc.). you'll meet a lot of great people. there's a great meat market about 10 miles north of town if you're into that kind of thing.

anyway, you can get most of what you want in the area (with the exception of sushi as my class likes to complain about as well!!) and the town's not bad. just know that it's smallish, but tolerable.

it is frustrating to hear people complain about the town all the time. i have to admit i complain about it too. most of the time it's really just a manifestation of the stress of getting everything done and the need to vent some of the frustration. make sure you can live here before you come here though. (though if you only get into one school, it probably wouldn't matter if it was a town of 15 people, you'd come here anyway...) try to make the best of it, even if you're not used to a small town. you might enjoy it if you give it a chance.

Well, this is it. Time to overcome that fear of commitment. :o Check's going in the mail today! With a little faith in the USPS (lol), I should be joining the KCOM class of 2009...

John,

It seems like a town of 200 because it is. I live in breakout room 2 (do you remember that big moving truck that parked outside of the Rhodes' lab; that was me). The only roads I know in Kirksville are Northtown and osteopathy.

About complaining, to be honest, I don't think I hear our class complain about anything except histology and Dr. Uray's ID quizzes.

About Karate, I know that Dr. Patrick is the resident martial artist at KCOM--he would be somebody to talk to.

For those preparing to come to school I wish that I had moved in 2-3 weeks before I did. We have just way too much stuff and there is so little time to unpack during school. Come about a month in advance.

For those debating between schools, find out if the school will set up your third and fourth year rotations for you or not. Many don't, but KCOM does. That would have been a major factor in my school selection, but I didn't know about it until after I picked KCOM. I made the right decision in ignorance.

Welcome Pennylane and (Caffeine)Junkie!! :D

Can't wait to meet you in the fall!

Hello Assistant and fellow KCOMers. I have a question for anyone currently living in Kirksville or researching housing... Does anyone know if there is affordable housing available anywhere that allows multiple pets? I have several cats... Everything I see says one small pet. Hmmmm... Getting a little worried... As many cows and such as there are, you wouldn't think the domestic housecat would pose such a threat! Thanks.

I guess I should say hi to all my future classmates. I received my acceptance in January and just decided a few days ago that this is definately my first choice. I am coming from the University of Iowa where I graduated in May of 2004 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I have been working for almost a year now as a Health Research Science Specialist at the VA in Iowa City and I am glad to be starting school in August. I never thought I would tell myself that I wanted to go back to school but real life working sucks. Especially in a job that you don't really care for that much. I am originally from Iowa, I grew up in Altoona and have never left the state so going to Missouri will be different for me even though it is not that far away. I guess I am just a Midwest kind of girl. I am 22 right now and will be 23 when I start school. I just now started looking into what I want to do for housing. I can't decide whether I want to live by myself or with someone else. I have been living by myself for the last year and I absolutely love it. I would kind of feel bad living with someone else because my cats impose strict rules on me. They absolutely do not like other animals in their house so if I moved in with someone else, I would have to ask to bring my cats but tell them that they couldn't have any pets and if I found a place myself and asked to have a roomate I would have to tell them that, "oh I have pets, but you aren't allowed to have them." Does this seem mean, should I just live by myself? They are the sweetest cats and they just cuddle up to you when ever you sit down but other animals they just don't like. They never have an accident anywhere unless you bring in another pet and then they will pee on your stuff to show you that they are pissed off but the minute you take the other animal away, they are perfectly fine. They are just wierd and I guess they kind of control my life but I couldn't imagine not having them. Anyway, I just wanted to say Hi to all my fellow classmates and hope to see you all next year. Now comes the hard part of securing housing, financial aid, and moving.

Lindsay

I am a 4th year and currently do not live in K,ville, but I did not have a problem finding a place to live that allowed pets. I was concerned befor I visited, but once i got there and started calling around many people were comfortable with you having pets once they knew you were a KCOM student and not a townie or Truman Student. As far as living by yourself I would highly recommend it, mainly because it is so cheap to live there. I rented a good sized 2 bedroom place for 325/month. I had a friend that rented a house with a yard for 550/month. Anyway, hope that helps?!

Hello Assistant and fellow KCOMers. I have a question for anyone currently living in Kirksville or researching housing... Does anyone know if there is affordable housing available anywhere that allows multiple pets? I have several cats... Everything I see says one small pet. Hmmmm... Getting a little worried... As many cows and such as there are, you wouldn't think the domestic housecat would pose such a threat! Thanks.

i have 2 cats as well...trying to figure out what i am going to do. might have someone take them for me.

i hope some of my future fellow KCOMers have my back on this one. if any of you are bored, check out the thread i started on the OSTEOPATHIC list titled something like "i need everyone's help!!"

christ...i knew it was kind of lame, but if you read my follow up posts i would hope most of you see where i was coming from. they were pissing me off!!! :mad: :)

Just ignore them. It's the same people over and over who overreact and like to argue about everything.

Just ignore them. It's the same people over and over who overreact and like to argue about everything.

cool...thanks. i have one friend so far hahaha

Does everyone know what specialty they're interested in? I just found a 5 year EM/IM program, which looks like a great option for me, since I've always been interested in both. I've also been looking into cardiology and other IM sub-specialties. What about everyone else?

Does everyone know what specialty they're interested in? I just found a 5 year EM/IM program, which looks like a great option for me, since I've always been interested in both. I've also been looking into cardiology and other IM sub-specialties. What about everyone else?

i am somewhat interested in cardiology as well. however, that is all i see. i have been doing stress testing, cardiac rehab, and MA type stuff at cardiology clinics for a number of years. i am also interested in some "hard" specialties...but do not really want to think about it too much until i get my first usmle scores back. if you know what i mean.

the things that future interventional cardiologists might be able to do in the cath lab are interesting as well. there will be no shortage of patients needing cardiac care. plus i have heard cardiologists mention things like their field is slightly more protected for insurance reimbursement than others. it is hard to refuse cardiac care that is deemed necessary. i don't know if i worded all that right, but i think you know what i mean.

Hi guys,
Well, I have been fascinated about the field of surgery for about 10 years when I first started observing surgeries under my uncle's supervision (he's an MD-surgeon). Recently, I have learned alot from my cuz (DO-doing Urological Surgery Residency) as well. So, I have decided that I wanted to do something in surgery. I really want to do Transplant, Trauma or Cardiovascular/Thoracic surgery if God gives me an opprotunity in the future. I will see where my life will take me in few years in med school and then I will decide what I "really" want to do.

Well for me, I really enjoy certain aspects of being a paramedic so I thought about various fields that were similar. So for me I think I am torn between gas (really like this field but worried about if it will be an obtainable field by the time I am ready to seek a residency) and cardiology. Thought about EM but I've been doing that for 7 years now and wanted to try something new. But for me it will really depend on board scores and my clinical rotations to seal the deal. :)

I remember posting on this site or one similar to it about my future residency desires. It is quite interesting how I was so gung ho for radiology and I am now running from that field as fast as I can. More experience will help you know where you want to go, but I am always amazed at the amount of experience some med students have in the clinic prior to matriculation.

We just finished finals yesterday--what a relief! The administration tried to kill us; we had something like 13 tests in 10 days. I have grown to love vacation. So, here I sit having just formatted my laptop's HD and just got a bunch of errors on the install of the O.S. It is going to be a long night. This is not how I planned to spend my vacation--smashing my laptop's monitor in frustration.

If you have any questions about whatever, don't hesitate to ask. I have pretty much nothing going on this next week (except for crying cause my phys grade went from 90 to 82 in 4 days and anatomy from 97 to 91 in 2 days). It sucks that I did so well throughout most of the quarter and then fell apart at the end because of the mountains of notes we were tested over.

13 tests in 10 days, 1Viking? :eek: Better start gearing up for that! I am not entirely sure which areas I am most interested in. Call me boring, but I think I may be cut out for family practice or peds (and I am being honest about that *gasp*). :D

The administration has you build up to it. First quarter is tough (you have to learn how to study, trust me, you do), but the amount of material doesn't even come close to second quarter. Having said that, I did 10% better in all of my classes second quarter. As the second quarter progresses, tests get closer and closer to each other. Then, the final countdown! I thought for certain people would fail, but nobody did. You just get used to it. It is like a cancer that you just deal with. I'll tell you this; I'm glad I had some nice padding going into finals. I had no stress at all. That was a big change from 1st quarter.

You guys will be amazed at how your study habits will change and how you become so much smarter. Don't worry; you will survive. We all did.

Hello Everyone! My name is Mara, and I'll be at KCOM this fall :) Just wanted to say hello I guess. I go to school in central MN but am from Washington State. Right now I'm planning to live on my own (no lease yet) and I'm really looking forward to getting a dog. I check the humane society page from my hometown almost every day - that's how excited I am! Is anyone else doing the military HPSP scholarship for school? I'm going through the Navy - I guess there's a high percentage of HPSP students at KCOM (that's what they told me when I interviewed).

I'm new to this messageboard concept, so please bear with me :o

What is everyone doing this summer?

Hello Everyone! My name is Mara, and I'll be at KCOM this fall :) Just wanted to say hello I guess. I go to school in central MN but am from Washington State. Right now I'm planning to live on my own (no lease yet) and I'm really looking forward to getting a dog. I check the humane society page from my hometown almost every day - that's how excited I am! Is anyone else doing the military HPSP scholarship for school? I'm going through the Navy - I guess there's a high percentage of HPSP students at KCOM (that's what they told me when I interviewed).

I'm new to this messageboard concept, so please bear with me :o

What is everyone doing this summer?

welcome mara! i am from arizona for school but i grew up in connecticut. unfortunately i need to finish up my thesis before i head to missouri :(

take care...everyone here seems really nice.

any other soccer players here?? i am not that good...but i like to play. i think they have indoor soccer at KCOM

any other soccer players here?? i am not that good...but i like to play. i think they have indoor soccer at KCOM

The intramural indoor teams are January-March... I haven't played for three years, but was just thinking last week that it would be fun to get back into it! I grew up playing outdoor spring, summer and fall, and indoor during the winter :)

Game on!

The intramural indoor teams are January-March... I haven't played for three years, but was just thinking last week that it would be fun to get back into it! I grew up playing outdoor spring, summer and fall, and indoor during the winter :)

Game on!

wow...you'll probably kick my @ss!!! okay, you're on my team!!! i might join an indoor team here in phoenix before i move to missouri as a little warm-up for this january...hehheheh

wow...you'll probably kick my @ss!!! okay, you're on my team!!! i might join an indoor team here in phoenix before i move to missouri as a little warm-up for this january...hehheheh

Haha... Maybe I should do some brushing up too :)

Hi Mara!

Anyone know what other sports are big at KCOM? I remember the student that gave us our tour mentioning a few, but I can't remember what they are..

Hi Mara!

Anyone know what other sports are big at KCOM? I remember the student that gave us our tour mentioning a few, but I can't remember what they are..

i kind of missed what they said...but i thought on my tour they mentioned a student against faculty dodge ball. or maybe it was something else...

I thought they said dodgeball too, but I couldn't remember.

Hello fellow classmates,

I just wanted to say congrats to all you guys and that I am super stoked to meet you all. Hope the summer is nice and relaxing for everyone.

Thumbs up,

Pete

I just went through all the replies and I guess I should give yall a little background. I'm originally from Bismarck, ND and attended St John's University in Minnesota. I live in Minneapolis working at an orthopedic firm. I've played soccer, basketball, baseball and football so I can't wait to get on some teams. I went 5 years undergrad so I'm 24 right now. I'm getting really anxious to start looking for housing. I plan on travelling again down there so I can get into a house or maybe an apartment.

Cheers,
Pete

I just went through all the replies and I guess I should give yall a little background. I'm originally from Bismarck, ND and attended St John's University in Minnesota. I live in Minneapolis working at an orthopedic firm. I've played soccer, basketball, baseball and football so I can't wait to get on some teams. I went 5 years undergrad so I'm 24 right now. I'm getting really anxious to start looking for housing. I plan on travelling again down there so I can get into a house or maybe an apartment.

Cheers,
Pete

nice to meet you pete. i am sure there will be fun things to do at the rec center when there is time.

you'll have to ask mara...no promises, but maybe you can be on our soccer team too. you sound like you know your sports. hahaha

see you in the Fall!

For sure,

If you guys have one more spot I'd totally join in. I read that you're quite the mountain biker. What kind of bike do you have? I have a KONA, which I just love although I need to get some new shocks. I mountain bike occasionally, but I also hike quite a bit. I hope the state forest has some pretty rugid trails. Work calls, chat ya later,

Pete

Anyone know what other sports are big at KCOM? I remember the student that gave us our tour mentioning a few, but I can't remember what they are..

There's the indoor soccer IMs you mentioned (and one of our Biochem profs is actually on a team), then there's also volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. There's also a raquetball thing too...but I don't know how that works. Not so much for team sports? The head of our physiology department rounds up a bunch of people for Saturday morning runs, 5 miles bright and early. There are also *free* classes at the TCC, ranging from dance to spinning to yogalattes. (To those who know how to swing/ballroom/Latin dance, feel free to teach a class every week or rotate into the dance class as a teacher, that'll be so fun!)

That's all I know on that...coming from someone who doesn't participate in it -- except for the occasional dance class -- but hear about it from everyone else. People have tons of fun doing these IMs and can get pretty hard core too!

-N

KCOMers,

I signed up to be on the waiting list for on-campus housing in Dec. 2004. I just received a letter in the mail with a contract requiring a deposit by April 4th yesterday. I think this means there's a spot for me, not sure yet though.

Anyways, just thought I'd share this news with anyone who was trying to get on-campus housing.

I talked to a 4th year who's in California, and s