So, I sent in my deposit and I am rather sure that I will be at UMDNJ in 2005. Starting this thread to get to know my future classmates =)

I'm here too, and most likely attending. Were are the rest of you? It may be just you and I, Nate for now. ;)

On behalf of UNECOM class of 2009 we welcome you.. hehehehe

man, it would be so nice to officially be a part of this thread.

What are you saying.. you are not satisfied with UNECOM..??? hmmmm
We should go back to UNECOM site to work this one out!!!

Someone is going to get an ear full :)

haha, come on now Docbill, you know and I know UNECOM students are way too friendly for that.

I will tell yah, I was accepted at UNE also and the school impressed me so much. I had the best vibe there and loved the students; but no vibe is worth 13000 dollars extra a year. It is very hard to turn down never the less.
UMDNJ was my first choice going into the process and I love the school so here is where I shall go!

Good luck PublicEnemy, I hope you get in also.

We have a small class, one of the selling points of the school for me. I don't expect to have many people posting here but that is just fine.

Thanks Nate. For me it would actually be more than $20,000 less per year to go to UMDNJ-SOM. My house is actually closer to UMDNJ than some of the places where students choose to live. The money difference is huge, but thats not all, being so close, having all my family and friends right here. I'm extremely familiar with the school, know many students there. Every DO I've ever spoken with or shadowed is a UMDNJ doc.

I only applied to 4 schools because I only picked schools I was completely sure I wanted to attend. UNE is definitely one of those schools, and I'm psyched about possibly going there, but clearly for a million reasons UMDNJ would be the best fit for me.

Now I am getting jealous.. if I was a US resident I would have applied.. especially to MSU and NJ... maybe I need an American Wife.. hmmmmm. NJ is big on research... I almost went there for a PhD.

Since a few people accepted to UNECOM, will be accepted to NJ and prob go there.. cause money talks of course, UNECOM should adopt NJ as their sister college, and we can begin a joint mission statement for the 2009 class. NJ and UNECOM are both great size and joint participation will only strengthen the voice of both.

I don't know if the above made any sence... I was trying to be inteligent with some humor. Anywayyyy it is 6:30 am. Go back to sleep.

I wish we had more information about the "new" curriculum that they are putting in place for us next year. At the interview day the students kept telling us about how lucky we are because of how awesome the new curriculum is going to be, combining the best of both worlds of lecture and small group/PBL. Sounds great but I just wish there was some description of it, this is the only leap of faith I feel like I am making with UMDNJ.

I wish we had more information about the "new" curriculum that they are putting in place for us next year. At the interview day the students kept telling us about how lucky we are because of how awesome the new curriculum is going to be, combining the best of both worlds of lecture and small group/PBL. Sounds great but I just wish there was some description of it, this is the only leap of faith I feel like I am making with UMDNJ.

The same happened to me. Everyone said the change was gonna be great but no one could explain it. My physician interviewer said it wasnt really PBL but more case based. He said that the difference was that PBL doesnt do a good job directing students very well.

Im still trying to find out what the schedule is gonna be like and if the grading is goin to change (p/f maybe?)

Guess I will introduce myself first:

My name is Nate, duh, and I am 30 years young this year. I was born and raised in Paterson NJ until I decided to go off to military school in PA. From there I ended up living in South Florida for a while and then in Honduras, Central America where my father lives and then back again. My father was actually born in Cuba and came to the US as a refugee when he was 15 years old. I was married at the age of 17, big mistake I don?t recommend it, and divorced a few years ago. I have two children from my marriage for whom I am now the sole provider, which makes me a single dad. No one said life was supposed to be easy but I have no regrets. I still get to go out and do the things I love and now I get to follow my heart and dream to become a physician, but it isn't all on my own steam. My mom and sister have been great through the years.
I love to write. I write short stories and ramblings mostly. I have practiced martial arts on and off throughout my whole life and helped teach at my best bud's karate academy for a while a few years ago. For work I have been conducting spinal chord injury repair research at RWJ for over 3 years. I do all of the in-vivo procedures from surgery down to chemistry. I guess it lends to my interest in surgery and I have a deep interest in practicing in a Hispanic under-served community.
I suppose I could write a ton more but I am not sure how personal to get on a public forum. I am very excited to start at SOM this coming summer and meeting all of my classmates. If there is anything I can ever do for you just ask!
This is my picture (http://nateumdnj.homestead.com/files/Surgery_008-small.JPG)
~Nate

That's an incredible background Nate. I think I understand why you chose that quote - you definitely have a lot of persistance. Starting medicine at the age of 30 take guts, but just for the record your not alone. My dad, at the age of 45, decided to switch careers from paramedic to nurse. He has been taking classes now for 3 years and we will both be graduating together (obviously from different schools) this June. We talk about our clinical experiences on the phone together, and he's been a huge inspiration.

So on another note. I heard UMDNJSOM integrates Kaplan into our curriculum to boost our USMLE scores. I think thats pretty cool.

Hey guys, in case anyone missed it there is this awesome thread in pre-DO about our school with lots of opinions and facts from SOM students and graduates. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=148442&page=1&pp=20
I love how students are already looking out for us; I have been corresponding with a few on private messages as well.

@Kevbot, thanks. I don't consider myself having a late start, maybe out of order, but not late. I think everything that I have experienced so far has had its hand in preparing me for what I am about to do and has made me stronger for it. I do not regret anything. It is great you can share these things with your dad and he is definitely an inspiration for us all!

I remember something about the Kaplan being integrated but I also remember an associated fee, nothing to complain about considering the low tuition.

It actually won't be Kaplan anymore. One of the faculty members told us that their course wasn't geared enough towards the COMLEX so they are changing the review. Not sure who it will be with but it there will continue to be a review incorporated as far as I know.

-J

Any questions guys for a 2004 grad of SOM who was also on the admissions committee for 2 years, ask away!

Dr. Feelgood, DO

actually it might still be kaplan. kaplan is in the process of re-designing a course thats specifically tailored for COMLEX I and they're working on a class-room based course for the COMLEX II since they don't have anything like that yet. cherry hill kaplan center is still negotiating, trying to secure a long term contract with SOM, not sure whether they'll get it or not, but all the same umdnj-som has been influential in getting kaplan to gear their curriculum and is pro-actively looking for the best test-prep for their students. its sounds like its win-win since many of the SOM students choose to take the USMLE also and kaplan knows what they're doing with regards to that. SOM is looking out for its students.

just curious...about how many indians are there in your class ?

I dont think i saw any when i interviewed :p

Hey Dr.Feelgood, I think Sid Verma is a great guy; he really made me feel welcome at UMDNJ during my interview. I think I did meet Gilbert Siu also during the tour, is he the class president?
I am ready for that explanation, whenever you get a chance, about your experiences getting into an Allopathic Surgery residency and any other tidbit about Surgery you can write about. Also, do you have any recommendations on what electives 4th year to do for surgery out of SOM? How about electives in the first two years, anything worthwhile?
Thanks a ton!
~Nate

Any questions guys for a 2004 grad of SOM who was also on the admissions committee for 2 years, ask away!

Dr. Feelgood, DO

You should especially ask this guy about alternative lifestyles...I think he was the founder of the Rainbow Crew at UMDNJ.....

Now we know where "Feelgood" came from.....

Just to let this thread know... I am legit when it comes to UMDNJ-SOM. Also, I have dined at a number of North American pink taco stands. I gotta say north american cuz my wife is Canadian. Anyway, Boomer is a great guy that I am an intern with. He's a DO from AZCOM. Although, he can be rather scary... his main dislike is Caribbean med school grads. I can see that. Yet, I read in another thread that he has a penchant for goat nuts! ewwwwww!! I mean, really, come on..... goat nuts? And he eats them raw to boot!! I approached him about the whole issue the other day and he was like, "yeah, so?", as if it was normal. Apparently, even though he went to school in AZ, he is a true Okie! I was like, "dude, as a friend and a physician, I gotta tell you that your gonna be an endocrine nightmare thanks to those goat nuts!!!" They really must have taught him a lot at AZCOM because as soon as I said that he was like, "oh crap!!" It was clear that an epiphany had occured to the goat nut eating intern. And I was like..."yeah?" Then, with a horrified look on his face, Dr. Nutmuncher was like, "endocine.....negative feedback....2 inches.....ugh!!!" At this point I was completely confused, particularly about the 2 inches thing. So I was like, "WTF, dude?" And Dr. Sacksucker goes, "Now I know why my dick is only 2 inches long at best!!" All that testosterone from the raw goat nuts shrunk his manhood via a negative feedback loop. Apparently, from what I have gathered from his wife, he hasn't sustained much of a loss!! Oklahoma can be a rough place for some people, especially for Dr. Ballswallower. So there are three take-home points from the thread: 1) exogenous testosterone, even from natural sources, can have a negative affect on your phallus 2) Oklahoma can be a rough place, culturally and 3) NEVER EVER EVER EVER F*CK WITH A GUY FROM JOISEY!!!! LOL

GOTCHA BAD BOOMER!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


You should especially ask this guy about alternative lifestyles...I think he was the founder of the Rainbow Crew at UMDNJ.....

Now we know where "Feelgood" came from.....

Just to let this thread know... I am legit when it comes to UMDNJ-SOM. Also, I have dined at a number of North American pink taco stands. I gotta say north american cuz my wife is Canadian. Anyway, Boomer is a great guy that I am an intern with. He's a DO from AZCOM. Although, he can be rather scary... his main dislike is Caribbean med school grads. I can see that. Yet, I read in another thread that he has a penchant for goat nuts! ewwwwww!! I mean, really, come on..... goat nuts? And he eats them raw to boot!! I approached him about the whole issue the other day and he was like, "yeah, so?", as if it was normal. Apparently, even though he went to school in AZ, he is a true Okie! I was like, "dude, as a friend and a physician, I gotta tell you that your gonna be an endocrine nightmare thanks to those goat nuts!!!" They really must have taught him a lot at AZCOM because as soon as I said that he was like, "oh crap!!" It was clear that an epiphany had occured to the goat nut eating intern. And I was like..."yeah?" Then, with a horrified look on his face, Dr. Nutmuncher was like, "endocine.....negative feedback....2 inches.....ugh!!!" At this point I was completely confused, particularly about the 2 inches thing. So I was like, "WTF, dude?" And Dr. Sacksucker goes, "Now I know why my dick is only 2 inches long at best!!" All that testosterone from the raw goat nuts shrunk his manhood via a negative feedback loop. Apparently, from what I have gathered from his wife, he hasn't sustained much of a loss!! Oklahoma can be a rough place for some people, especially for Dr. Ballswallower. So there are three take-home points from the thread: 1) exogenous testosterone, even from natural sources, can have a negative affect on your phallus 2) Oklahoma can be a rough place, culturally and 3) NEVER EVER EVER EVER F*CK WITH A GUY FROM JOISEY!!!! LOL

GOTCHA BAD BOOMER!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

EMB bro. EMB.

Weren't you an intern for the NJ governor for a while? How's that Navy Blue dress of yours?

hahaha


I have a question. What role does the Kennedy system play in the South Jersey area. Do most of the serious traumas go to Kennedy or diverted to Philly or other large trauma centers. Is there any particular type of case that dominates the patient population at Kennedy.


Thanks

hahaha


I have a question. What role does the Kennedy system play in the South Jersey area. Do most of the serious traumas go to Kennedy or diverted to Philly or other large trauma centers. Is there any particular type of case that dominates the patient population at Kennedy.


Thanks

the only place where you will see any real trauma is at kennedy wash twp - which sees a fair amount of trauma (mostly minor).
the serious trauma are diverted mainly to COoper hospital (in camden) which is the regional level 1 trauma center for southern new jersey. - this is also where the surgery and orthopedic residents do some of their trauma rotations

at the diff hospitals, you do get a diff pt population
kennedy cherry hill - geraitrics and psyc
kennedy strat - geriatrics
wash twp - the widest age range (has a peds floor, although very small - about 10 beds)
lourdes - inner city camden

the only place where you will see any real trauma is at kennedy wash twp - which sees a fair amount of trauma (mostly minor).
the serious trauma are diverted mainly to COoper hospital (in camden) which is the regional level 1 trauma center for southern new jersey. - this is also where the surgery and orthopedic residents do some of their trauma rotations

at the diff hospitals, you do get a diff pt population
kennedy cherry hill - geraitrics and psyc
kennedy strat - geriatrics
wash twp - the widest age range (has a peds floor, although very small - about 10 beds)
lourdes - inner city camden

Agree with Bookworm, only I would add that you get a fair mix of internal medicine at Strat, not only geriatrics......unlike Cherry Hill. Lourdes is true inner city, so you get it all. You also get a lot of psych there too - they have a crisis center just like Cherry Hill. I can't tell you the number of times I have seen people brought into the ER at OLOL by Camden Cops, put in 4 points and then chemically restrained.

do you feel that your clinical experience was hindered by the fact that most of the cases at Kennedy are geriatrics. How do you get solid exposure to the internal med, neuro, em/trauma, peds, and surgery type patients.

thanks for the help...I am looking forward to UMDNJ

do you feel that your clinical experience was hindered by the fact that most of the cases at Kennedy are geriatrics. How do you get solid exposure to the internal med, neuro, em/trauma, peds, and surgery type patients.

thanks for the help...I am looking forward to UMDNJ

Not really. The actual geriatrics rotation is a waste (except for the 2 of the weeks you are an inpatient), but thats a different story. Internal medicine is (or was for me) 2 wks at strat, 2 wks at cherry hill, and 2 wks outpt. Out patient is a waste of time and you get a real broad exposure in strat, not just geriatrics. Cherry hill is mostly old folks, yeah, but then again they are probably one of the largest components of internal med anyway. Neuro experience is here and there - you need an elective in 4th year if you're serious about it. No trauma anywhere really, however all divisions have cool EM rotations. EM is a required rotation in 4th year and 2 wks of peds during 3rd year is at the peds-ER at Wash. So Wash has a peds-ER like I said, Cherry Hill and Strat are busy ERs, and Lourdes (where I did mine) is inner city so its pretty cool. Lots of stuff happens in that ER and its ALWAYS busy. It almost reminds me of the TV show ER, no joke. Peds is the one weakness at SOM. The year after I did my clinical, SOM basically lost its Peds dept. They no longer have a Peds clinic on campus. So it sucks. You go to Lourdes for 2 wks of the 6 wk rotation to do inpt peds, but thats a joke cuz the senior resident is a FP resident (SOM itself doesn't have a peds residency - only a peds internship) and they only have 3 or 4 patients on the whole floor cuz all the peds stuff in camden goes to cooper. So if your dig peds, you're gonna be SOL. They do surgery different now than when I did it. They rotate you thru ALL the divisions, including Lourdes. The Kennedy system is mainly used for specialty surgeries, so general surgeries don't occur as much or as often. However, at Lourdes thats not the case and at Strat they do cool surgical onc stuff cause of Dr. Weese. The last thing is OB/Gyn.... the rotation is cool, and you get a broad exposure (no pun intended!) of patients, but just to warn all you acceptees... THE OB RESIDENTS, WITH A COUPLE OF EXCEPTIONS< ARE F*CKED IN THE HEAD!!! They are sick f*cks and they should be ashamed of themselves. No offense, but most are just bitchy women you need to get laid! Just to give you an example...I was on service, and they were all sitting around BSing (cuz they are lazy as sin, again only with a couple of exceptions....) and one got up to do something and they rest of them that were sitting there started talking sh*t about the one that had just gotten up. That's screwed up! They will even talk sh*t about other students. Even the good ones do that. SO when you are on OB, take my advice and TRUST NO ONE!! I got a good grade on the exam but got a pass (= to a C) for the rotation cause they f*cked me on the evals. So for the rant, but I'm still bitter bout that one!

Hope that helps...

Great info as usual Dr.Feelgood! Just remember that when we rotate through Ob/Gyn those residents that you had should be done with their residency and gone. Hopefully the new batch won't be as bad but hey, there is bound to be bad and good residents in any specialty in any med school at any time, people are people. I am glad to hear about the surgery rotations, I was hoping we would get to do part of it in OLOL.

How about it guys, anyone else accepted and attending yet?

No news at UNECOM either.. it is difficult being a gatekeeper

There probably won't be many more acceptances until umdnj's admissions committee meets again. I'm trying to convince two of my accepted classmates to come to umdnj-som, but considering theyre both also interviewing at places like U Penn and Einstein, it's going to be a tough sell.

How about it guys, anyone else accepted and attending yet?

I have an update:

DrFeelgoodDO is still gay....

I have an update:

DrFeelgoodDO is still gay....



Forgive Boomer, he is a little confused and hung over..... its was a hard night at the Ram Rod..........

Forgive Boomer, he is a little confused and hung over..... its was a hard night at the Ram Rod..........

You would know bastard, after all, you were the DRIVER....

can't wait til my interview. really excited about it.

Good luck with it Public Enemy although I am sure you don't need any luck =)

Hey nate, I sent in the deposit. Its 99% official that i'll be joining you next year. I am very impressed with your experiences in life thus far, and pretty psyched about working with you. DOn't worry im not a stalker!

One of my criteria in schools was its service abroad opportunities. I spent a summer at an orphanage in Mexico City, and have wanted to do service abroad in medicine ever since. NSU offers several programs, and that was a major reason why i was considering their school. However due to some advice from friends and family, i realized that I could start some sort of service initiative at any school i wanted to go to. you seem like the kind of guy that might be interested in beginning some sort of service opportunity as well. Just as thought. Let me know if you might have some interest. Of course no details are even blue printed yet, but i think every school needs a program to offer students a chance to see what the world is facing when it comes to medicine.

Welcome to the class Mav. I have thought about setting up a club for this if it is not already available and I have also been asking current and past students about international elective rotations to ready myself for them. I am definately interested in helping you to set it up if that is what we need to do.

Study abroad options are definitely available. When you guys get here make sure to talk to Dean Krueger and he'll let you know how to set it up. Even though this is a smaller school we have tons of opportunities due to the fact that we are UMDNJ which is composed of 3 medical schools (our DO and the 2 MD in north jersey).

Nate, check your PM by the way, haven't heard back from you.

J

Hi Dr. Feelgood, I am a NJ resident who is applying for UMDNJ-SOM. My scores and GPA are around the average but I have been worried about something I have heard about osteopathic schools. To give you background: if I get in, I will only be 21 in 2005 (I skipped a grade when I was young) and I have heard that osteopathic schools favor candidates who are older and have more experience. I know that there are those teenagers at the school, but I bet they probably are marvels with terrific scores from an Ivy League school so of course they would get in.

Are there any students in your class or ones around your class (besides the teens) who were younger than most or are most people a few years out of college with experience in the medical field?

If there were young ones, how did they do academically and with social interaction with older classmates?

And is this rumour about osteopathic schools wanting more experienced people true? And do you think it is justified.

Thank you. You provide some great information here (a good honest look that we probably cant get anywhere else)

Hi Dr. Feelgood, I am a NJ resident who is applying for UMDNJ-SOM. My scores and GPA are around the average but I have been worried about something I have heard about osteopathic schools. To give you background: if I get in, I will only be 21 in 2005 (I skipped a grade when I was young) and I have heard that osteopathic schools favor candidates who are older and have more experience. I know that there are those teenagers at the school, but I bet they probably are marvels with terrific scores from an Ivy League school so of course they would get in.

Are there any students in your class or ones around your class (besides the teens) who were younger than most or are most people a few years out of college with experience in the medical field?

If there were young ones, how did they do academically and with social interaction with older classmates?

And is this rumour about osteopathic schools wanting more experienced people true? And do you think it is justified.

Thank you. You provide some great information here (a good honest look that we probably cant get anywhere else)

21 is not young to enter medical school at all. I'll be entering umdnj-som class of 2009 this fall. My current college roommate may be doing the DO PhD program at umdnj-som this fall as well. We are both currently seniors at TCNJ and both 21 years old.
I think that as long as you show the admissions committee that you know you want to be a doctor (by shadowing) and that you have the capacity to handle med school then you have nothing to worry about.

btw: what nj school are you in?

I don't think the schools prefer outside experience but they certainly don't punish you for it. I will say that most of the students have been out of school for a little while and it seems that the average age of starting at my school (UMDNJ-SOM) is probably around 24/25. This doesn't mean if you're younger or older not to apply. It just means that this is the average and of course we have people older and younger. Like the above poster said as long as you come across as a mature and well adjusted individual who is ready for the rigors of medical school you will have a great chance of acceptance. The younger people do fine as long as they have the above qualities.

Good luck with your application and hopefully we'll see you at SOM next year.

-J



Hi Dr. Feelgood, I am a NJ resident who is applying for UMDNJ-SOM. My scores and GPA are around the average but I have been worried about something I have heard about osteopathic schools. To give you background: if I get in, I will only be 21 in 2005 (I skipped a grade when I was young) and I have heard that osteopathic schools favor candidates who are older and have more experience. I know that there are those teenagers at the school, but I bet they probably are marvels with terrific scores from an Ivy League school so of course they would get in.

Are there any students in your class or ones around your class (besides the teens) who were younger than most or are most people a few years out of college with experience in the medical field?

If there were young ones, how did they do academically and with social interaction with older classmates?

And is this rumour about osteopathic schools wanting more experienced people true? And do you think it is justified.

Thank you. You provide some great information here (a good honest look that we probably cant get anywhere else)

Post #43...not the number I wanted but fine with me, I guess. :rolleyes:

Hello all in the UMDNJ c/o 09 thread! Congrats to all on your acceptances! Come 2009, the US will have some awesome DOs graduating from osteo med schools across the nation and I'm proud to be part of this wonderful family! Cheers to us! :thumbup:

Yay Munchkin!

I think I have Sinusitis but I don?t want antibiotics now because I want to drink on Thanksgiving so I am waiting to go to the doctor, pretty pathetic huh?

Happy gobble gobble everyone, may the tryptophan and wine knock ye all on your arses.

Yay Munchkin!

I think I have Sinusitis but I don?t want antibiotics now because I want to drink on Thanksgiving so I am waiting to go to the doctor, pretty pathetic huh?

Happy gobble gobble everyone, may the tryptophan and wine knock ye all on your arses.

You should know better and get your butt to the doc!

The bacteria in my sinuses have feelings too :(

The bacteria in my sinuses have feelings too :(


Yah, feeling the wrath of the antibiotics that should be sending them to their doom! :meanie:

I don't remember seeing one, but does umdnj-som have a school store? I was wondering how I could go about getting a umdnj-som t-shirt, if they exist. :D

UMDNJ online store, enjoy.

http://webmedbooks.com/umdnj/default.aspx

It's kind of hard to find so in here is the DO school shirts.

http://www.iwstores.com/default.aspx?storeid=83CF441B-E76E-4E29-89E2-CE6E43A5E4F6

Looks like they took out ascii code from the forums, and thus the title of the thread, so hopefully it will get fixed when they fix avatars or they will fix it for us.

yay...thanx nate for introducing me to this thread...im looking forward to get to know all of you!

yay...thanx nate for introducing me to this thread...im looking forward to get to know all of you!

Congratulations Chika NYC. The people I've met so far from umdnj 2009 seem pretty cool, I think were going to have a great class. Do you go to school in NYC?



On another note, the folks at umdnjsom sent me a birthday card, when even some of my friends forgot. How funny is that.

Happy Birthday Kevbot! Did you find the t-shirt you wanted with the links that I provided?

I received a packet from SOM today asking me to fill out a form to help match me to a preceptor. It only asked three questions, though. Has anyone found out *anything* about the "new curriculum" yet?

Welcome Ruchika!

Happy Birthday Kevbot! Did you find the t-shirt you wanted with the links that I provided?

I received a packet from SOM today asking me to fill out a form to help match me to a preceptor. It only asked three questions, though. Has anyone found out *anything* about the "new curriculum" yet?
Welcome Ruchika!

Thanks Nate. I also recieved that packet with the 3 questions. I'm wondering whether to request pediatrics or try something new. Does anyone know if we can be matched up to a specialist, or do they usually match us with general practitioners? So many choices...

The letter that came with the form stated pretty clearly that these preceptorships were with general practitioners and were limited to primary care. I would have picked Surgery or EM if it were for specialists also. But this is fine, the first two years I think we are better off with generalists. I just put no preference.

I emailed Dean Krueger last night inquiring about the new curriculum and the early start program. I will post the response I get.

Yeah, I got that form too. They must put a bunch of effort into matching us with preceptors to be asking about it now. Or maybe it is just to make us feel loved and included. Happy Birthday Kevbot! Now that's love to be sending you a birthday card. Congrats chika and welcome to our class.

So, I sent in my deposit and I am rather sure that I will be at UMDNJ in 2005. Starting this thread to get to know my future classmates =)


I got accepted to UMDNJ dental school, so im probably on my way there too..
for 2005...stay in touch guys

Hey dr feelgood & everyone else.... I know this may be a question asked a lot about DO's, but since you graduated (and others are getting into the field)you might know a lot more than any school councilor or otherwise biased person, do DO's make as much money as MD's and is there any discrimination in terms of getting residencies or getting jobs later on? I want to apply to UMDNJ-SOM but I am scared about my future and wonder if I should stick with the MD route. I know a lot of people won't go to a DO just cause they don't know really what it is and don't realize its a real doctor! I know we know the truth, but doesn't that bother you for having to deal with that later on. I dunno.. how did you guys make this decision? and dr feelgood... what do you think so far? thanks guys...
heather



Any questions guys for a 2004 grad of SOM who was also on the admissions committee for 2 years, ask away!

Dr. Feelgood, DO

Hey dr feelgood & everyone else.... I know this may be a question asked a lot about DO's, but since you graduated (and others are getting into the field)you might know a lot more than any school councilor or otherwise biased person, do DO's make as much money as MD's and is there any discrimination in terms of getting residencies or getting jobs later on? I want to apply to UMDNJ-SOM but I am scared about my future and wonder if I should stick with the MD route. I know a lot of people won't go to a DO just cause they don't know really what it is and don't realize its a real doctor! I know we know the truth, but doesn't that bother you for having to deal with that later on. I dunno.. how did you guys make this decision? and dr feelgood... what do you think so far? thanks guys...
heather

First of all, there is no difference in salaries for the same specailty. As far as residencies; Osteopathic medecine is becoming more widely known and student (especially umdnj students) are getting some great osteopathic and allopathic residencies. You should check out UMDNJ-SOM's recently graduated class and see what residencies thier students chose. It's actually very impressive. Does anyone know the link for that site?

As far as money is concerned, yes DOs and MDs have the potential to make the same amounts. When hired you are hired as a physician, which both MDs and DOs are. Some say that if you open your own practice you may be able to make a bit more than an MD if you incorporate OMT.

As far as residency is concerned: yes and no. In some ways you have an advantage as a DO because you can apply to both DO only and MD residency programs which broadens the range of programs that you can apply to. However, certain very competitive MD programs may be difficult to get into as a DO although this is changing in a favorable direction. In the end it is you against you and if you work hard to get the board scores and letters of recommendation you can go anywhere you want regardless of the letters signifying that you are a physician.

My advice is to keep an open mind and apply to any medical school (MD or DO) that you believe you might attend and see for yourself where you think you will be happy.

SOM match list

Keep in mind SOM has small classes of fewer than 100 students and so the quantity of spots in a specific specialty may not appear so large.

This link is found by google search of "UMDNJ-SOM match"

http://www.acofp.org/state/Match%20Results%20f%C9ass%20of%202002.htm

wow thats pretty good. it looks like a whole lot of the students match within the umdnj system, either at som, njms, or rwj which looks really promising.

since you guys are talking about the preceptor program i'll give you a little info. you have to complete 30 hours over the first year with your preceptor. they are ALL family practice physicians. most are really really good and love teaching. depending on your comfort and the physicians you will get a lot of hands on experience (see one, do one, teach one).

they're not all great but the experience is definitely worth it and it definitely helps put what we're learining in class into perspective right away. while we were studying endocrine in physio i got to work with a patient who had hypothyroidism so it helped out with the exam and throughout the rest of the semester. purely coincidence but you always pick something up so i think it's great to do it so early in the curriculum.

finals end on monday, i'll be checking out SDN after that

-J

Here is some info I obtained about the new curriculum, it sounds real good:

The new curriculum is a competency based format. The major changes are in years one and two; however some of the competencies will carry into years three and four.

Implementation will be begin with your class with the Interpersonal Communication, OMM, Practice Based Learning (medical literature and informatics), and Patient Care. We will also be introducing case-based learning in the present Clinical Medicine course.

We will be developing online information and will let all accepted students follow the progress.

I'm at RWJMS, but I wish I could come up to Stratford to take your neuroscience course. A couple of our anatomy professors teach Neuroscience at SOM, and they are really great teachers. You guys are really lucky. :D

I'm at RWJMS, but I wish I could come up to Stratford to take your neuroscience course. A couple of our anatomy professors teach Neuroscience at SOM, and they are really great teachers. You guys are really lucky. :D


That's what we've been hearing. We already had Dr. Carsia for a couple endocrine lectures for histo and he's great. We're all really looking forward to anatomy next semester. Strange to have it second semester but I hear these professors are excellent and I'm sure will be worth the wait.

-J

That's what we've been hearing. We already had Dr. Carsia for a couple endocrine lectures for histo and he's great. We're all really looking forward to anatomy next semester. Strange to have it second semester but I hear these professors are excellent and I'm sure will be worth the wait.

-J

Yeah, you guys will have Dr. Mulheron and Dr. White. They are both excellent lecturers. Another one of our anatomy professors teaches down there too, but I'm not sure which one it is.

so, new signature

so, new signature

PE,

Let me be one of the first of a long line of UMDNJ-SOMers to welcome you to SOM. Congrats and we'll see you in the fall!

-J

AWESOME PublicEnemy! Congratulations and welcome aboard bro!

thanks guys, i really appreciate it.

j, thanks for all the advice and encouragement earlier. really helped me out a lot. i hope finals are treating you well. we still gotta play ball sometime.

nate, i'm honored to get the chance to be your classmate. can't wait til next fall.

I couldn't let our thread fall off the first page. Welcome Public Enemy.

Just to let you all know, when you are starting to think about housing, I am an ideal roommate. I will be going home every weekend to see my husband. Not to mention I am a really good cook.

haha, nice. you do sound like the ideal room mate.

Hey dr feelgood & everyone else.... I know this may be a question asked a lot about DO's, but since you graduated (and others are getting into the field)you might know a lot more than any school councilor or otherwise biased person, do DO's make as much money as MD's and is there any discrimination in terms of getting residencies or getting jobs later on? I want to apply to UMDNJ-SOM but I am scared about my future and wonder if I should stick with the MD route. I know a lot of people won't go to a DO just cause they don't know really what it is and don't realize its a real doctor! I know we know the truth, but doesn't that bother you for having to deal with that later on. I dunno.. how did you guys make this decision? and dr feelgood... what do you think so far? thanks guys...
heather

Heather,

Sorry for the late response. I have been getting my ass reamed btwn internship and interviewing for a general surgery (allopathic) residency. Let me answer your questions and respond to your comments: 1) DO's make just as much money. How much you make depends on what you do and as long as you are board certified (DO or MD), you are money. 2) From what I have heard AND experienced, there is still some prejudice....bottom line: IT ALL DEPENDS!!!! For example, I am an IM prelim intern at an allopathic program (it will count as an AOA internship) and I am looking to match into an MD surgery program. It's easy to recognize prejudice b/c I am couples matching with my wife who is a 4th year MD student and she has gotten some interviews I didn't and vice-versa. Keep in mind that I have taken USMLE as well and got about 20 points higher than she did. Plus I have an internship year. Still, I was rejected. And usually it was in a state that had very few DOs, for example North Dakota. Not that I would ever want to live there, but you get the idea! General Surgery is one thing, but there are some MD programs depending on location and specialty that are still prejudiced. For example, if you desire to do most any kind of residency at any Harvard affiliates, than forget DO school. There are some exceptions - SOM did send a kid there for FP 3 years ago and we have a girl from the class of 2003 there for PM&R, BTW. So it just depends. If you want to do Ortho at Harvard, then forget it. This is not to say that DOs don't become orthopedic surgeons - there were two on my class, as well as 2 going into ENT and one dude doing a neurosurgery residency - all DO programs, but specialty surgerons none-the-less. In general, the more competative a place is (allopathic) and the more they have their head up their ass, the less likely they will accept you as a DO. But then again, who wants to be a program like that? I don't - if you do, that's cool (and kinda ill if you ask me), but none-the-less cool, so don't go to a DO school and kick yourself in the ass later. There have been exceptions, but only a few. This whole bull**** political system works the same way for job placement in the ACADEMIC setting after residency. In private practice, no one gives two ****s. 3) In my experience, very few people will not go to a DO. Most people that you see as a DO don't even know that you are one. You're a doctor and that is that. And that is what most patient's see. The ONLY time I have ever been questioned or commented on by others (nurses, patients, etc) about being a DO, it was in a positive way. Not to toot my own horn, but b/c of my education at UMDNJ-SOM, I am better than most other residents in my program - mostly MDs. Its just a fact - and patients notice it as well. If that is a reason why you would rather be an MD, it's not really justified IMO. You would be missing out on a great opportunity. 4) I think that I made good decisions in terms of medical school, esp about attending SOM. My overall advice to you and everyone is this: WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT GO TO SOM OR ANY OTHER DO SCHOOL IF YOU THINK ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING THREE THINGS: 1) YOU THINK BEING A DO IS RESERVED FOR ONLY THOSE WHO COULDN'T GET INTO AN MD SCHOOL 2) YOU WILL BE ASHAMED TO BE A DO AND WILL REFER TO YOURSELF MAINLY AS DR. DOE AS OPPOSED TO JANE DOE, DO AND 3) YOU REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO DO A COMPETATIVE RESIDENCY AT A VERY PAROCHIAL PLACE SUCH AS HARVARD, HOPKINS, ETC. If you answered yes to any of these things, then do yourself a favor and DO NOT go to a DO school. If you said yes to any of these things, I may not agree, but that doesn't make you necessarily wrong. DO WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY IN THE END.

You guys got any more questions?? I would be happy to answer them. Better to email me, however: oacrx@yahoo.com

Peace,

- Big O

nate, 300 dvds? wow, thats impressive.

I haven't counted them in a while so probably more :)

Happy holidays everyone.

It's that time of year.. that's right.. to buy a laptop computer. Does anyone know whether umdnjsom reccomends them to have certain brands or features?

SOM doesn't currently require laptops and we JUST got wireless in the library which should be expanded throughout the AC shortly. not many people use them in class (2 is the most I've seen at one time in a class of 90).

everything else in the building is dell though so i don't know if you'd want to go with that or another IBM type, MAC is acceptable too as long as you have the software compatibility.

what exactly do you want the laptop for? note taking in class, personal use, combo? i'll help you out with some options if you PM me with specifics

-J

jersey Grrll,

I am a DO pathologist, My experience is there is NO difference between salaries of MD and DO physicians. You are a physicians who has (hopefully) board certified and are the equivalent of your MD fellows. This is the same regardlesss of whether you went the AOA or ACGME certification route...
I compete on the same level as MD certified physicians when I interview for jobs and most of the time, the interviewers see no difference. The main thing they look for after residency is....have you obtained a license in thye state you want to practice in.
DermpathDO

Hey dr feelgood & everyone else.... I know this may be a question asked a lot about DO's, but since you graduated (and others are getting into the field)you might know a lot more than any school councilor or otherwise biased person, do DO's make as much money as MD's and is there any discrimination in terms of getting residencies or getting jobs later on? I want to apply to UMDNJ-SOM but I am scared about my future and wonder if I should stick with the MD route. I know a lot of people won't go to a DO just cause they don't know really what it is and don't realize its a real doctor! I know we know the truth, but doesn't that bother you for having to deal with that later on. I dunno.. how did you guys make this decision? and dr feelgood... what do you think so far? thanks guys...
heather

So, I sent in my deposit and I am rather sure that I will be at UMDNJ in 2005. Starting this thread to get to know my future classmates =)

Hey everyone,
Good to see such excitement from students and future students at the school. I'm about 90% sure that I'm heading to UMDNJ, but just got my acceptance from PCOM so I'm doing some last minute weighing. Feel free to try and tip the scales. Peace and congrats to everyone.

Class size and money are the major factors that led me to UMDNJ and decline PCOM. In the end, what will PCOM offer you that UMDNJ is not offering that are worth that huge amount of money? Are you comfortable with such a huge class size as PCOM's or would you prefer a close-knit class which the professors can get to know better (and maybe write better letters of recommendation later for residency)? Research is another factor because I have been doing research at a UMDNJ school for the past 4 years and I know how dedicated to research the institution is. UMDNJ is number one when it comes to research in DO schools. As for residency placement, I think that it depends on you and how well you do on your clerkships and USMLE/COMLEX. Both are excellent schools as far as I can tell in preparing you for the big exams. Although the core clerkships are all at the various Kennedy hospitals and OLOL; you can do your electives anywhere in the country or internationally. Lastly, UMDNJ really stresses family medicine and it has a huge core clerkship base in that department so if that is your cup of tea, I think you will fit right in with the curriculum. Good luck with your decision and I hope to see you in our class next year.

hey, whats everyone up to? once we have a little better idea exactly who's going to be in our class, we should all meet up or something like that. i'm excited.

to that poster who noted the classrooms, i hope you join our class. the first and second year class rooms, yeah i know they were a little interesting, not quite what i'd seen elsewhere, but i think its somewhat indicative of the atmosphere at SOM, it is a much much smaller class size and as a result much more intimate.

We should get together soon and just tour the area.

I'll see you guys this summer. Thanks for the push in the right (I hope) direction. Proud to be a UMDNJer.

Welcome RU-CC, you have chosen wisely. :cool:

Hey guys, I'm a SOM wannabe as of right now...I sent them an e-mail on the 31st of December about how to update materials. They have not gotten back to me, I was just wondering if they are normally slow with returning e-mails. Thanks a bunch in a advance.

Hey Archer,
I would call the admissions office and ask all of your questions that way. They are very helpful and always happy to answer questions over the phone. I would also ask if you could make an appointment to meet with Paula Slade. I have heard it is wise to show interest in the school because they are very receptive to that. That is my advice to you and good luck; keep us updated.

Sounds like a plan to me, thanks for the advice. I will keep you guys posted.

Hey, we finally made it to the fifth page!

So what are everyones plans this summer, besides looking for affordable housing?

I called and found out more about the "pre-matriculation" program that they mentioned during my interview day. I will be doing that over the summer.

It runs from June 20th through July 21st. It is an intro to some of the most difficult subjects first year, mainly Biochem and Histology, and an acclimation to medical school. It gives you a chance to find your study niche and make your mistakes before it really counts. It is a small group and helps you get to know some of your classmates and professors early. It also gives you a good running start for the first exams. It is free and open to all incoming SOM students. If anyone else is interested in this PM me and I will send you the contact info to sign up!

Other than that I plan to move in to the area late May or early June and set myself (and my kids) up for the coming year.

I asked in PMs with various people and did a search that I read various posts for about 4 hours about which textbooks to buy for SOM first year. The thing is; I am looking to spend money now while I have an income on anything I can use for first year so I can relax later. So, if any current students would care to share what textbooks are essential or just useful I would appreciate it. :)

I called and found out more about the "pre-matriculation" program that they mentioned during my interview day. I will be doing that over the summer.

It runs from June 20th through July 21st. It is an intro to some of the most difficult subjects first year, mainly Biochem and Histology, and an acclimation to medical school. It gives you a chance to find your study niche and make your mistakes before it really counts. It is a small group and helps you get to know some of your classmates and professors early. It also gives you a good running start for the first exams. It is free and open to all incoming SOM students. If anyone else is interested in this PM me and I will send you the contact info to sign up!

To all the current SOMers: Has this program been done before and if so, was it helpful?

the pre-matriculation program sounds pretty cool. just the acclimation would be nice, especially not having been in school full time for a couple years now.

From what the students giving my tour on interview day said, it has been done before. That is how I found out about it. I sent you two the contact info and the lady in charge of it is real nice and helpful, just like the people in the admissions office. Hope to see you both there in June.

BTW, the SOM website has been updated, there is a description of the new curriculum. Now, we are just waiting on the updated Student Handbook. Also, from the description of third year there we are getting an extra elective in third year. That is awesome new! I will just copy and paste the whole thing here, but here is link also. http://som.umdnj.edu/education/under_grad.htm

First Year Overview
The first-year curriculum begins the educational program essential for the education of primary care physicians. It includes the traditional basic science courses: Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, and Genetics. Also included are courses concerned with the unique aspects of osteopathic medicine taught by basic science and clinical faculty. These courses include: Functional Anatomy, Concepts and Historical Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). A concerted effort is made to emphasize the clinical significance of basic science information and to integrate osteopathic principles. Small-group teaching methods and computer-based instruction are used to complement traditional large group lectures in order to promote active student learning. During the first year, students begin to acquire independent learning skills as a prerequisite for development as lifelong learners.
Second Year Overview
In the second-year curriculum, great emphasis is placed on wellness and disease prevention and students are prepared to be more patient-oriented. They become more keenly aware of their future responsibilities as osteopathic primary care physicians. A multidisciplinary teaching approach integrating basic sciences and clinical sciences is the focal point of this curriculum.
The second-year Clinical Medicine course incorporates and integrates the views of several teacher specialists into each subject area. For example, the content of Pathology and Pharmacology is presented concurrently to complement the information in the Clinical Medicine Module. Also, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention is taught simultaneously with these courses to provide the clinical correlates in preventive medicine and public health. Courses in the behavioral sciences, Biopsychosocial Aspects of Osteopathic Medical Practice, Human Development through the Life Stages, and Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry, as well as the Community Medicine course, expand students’ understanding of the truly holistic model of health care. A year-long course, Osteopathic Medicine Clinical Skills, provides instruction in the art of physical diagnosis, the structural exam, and the more complex osteopathic treatment techniques.
In the second-year curriculum, the multifaceted teaching methods that began in the first year function as key aspects of the process of educating primary care physicians in the year. The curriculum includes: traditional lectures; small group sessions where students give presentations and participate in discussions that focus on analysis of clinical case problems; opportunities to develop unique programs on public health topics; time to design and implement group projects that involve community-based patient education or prevention activities; and learning via computer based instruction. Students begin their clinical training in history-taking and physical examination skills through supervised contact with patients.
Third Year Overview
The third year of instruction at UMDNJ–School of Osteopathic Medicine inducts the student into the clinical training programs. Courses emphasize the practical application of concepts of osteopathic medicine. The clinical sessions, seminars, and electives are designed to provide a multifaceted introduction to the practice of medicine. It is expected that the variety of experiences will challenge the students' intellect and, at the same time, allow for the development of specific skills.
The following specialty areas offer clinical instruction in the third year: Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Obstetric / Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Geriatrics, Radiology, Surgery and Medicine Selective or Elective. Basic procedures are demonstrated and practiced by students in each of these areas. Students learn about the standard operating procedures of the hospital and office practice.
Fourth Year Overview
The UMDNJ–School of Osteopathic Medicine’s fourth-year instructional format includes a series of clinical experiences. The student is given patient-care responsibilities on each service through which he / she rotates. Instruction takes place at the bedside and in clinical conferences. During the year, students develop skill and competency in history taking and physical examination, creating a differential diagnosis, ordering and using laboratory tests; learning procedures in making a diagnosis and providing treatment; establishing professional relationships with patients; participating in the management of patient care during the hospital stay and in subsequent follow-up visits; recording data, understanding diagnostic findings, writing progress notes, and presenting cases.
The following specialty areas offer clinical instruction in the fourth year: family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and medicine specialties. Students have the opportunity for subspecialty experiences in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, general internal medicine, geriatrics, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, nephrology, neurology, pulmonary, intensive care, and rheumatology. A course description of each of these subspecialty experiences is included in the Handbook. A primary purpose of instruction in this year is to help the fourth-year student apply the didactic background and preliminary clinical training to more intensive clinical experiences.
Through direct and extensive patient contact, the student has many opportunities to practice the concepts of osteopathic diagnosis and therapeutics and to learn through instruction by interns, residents, and faculty. The casespecific learning experiences are a valuable aspect of the program.

Hey Archer,
I would call the admissions office and ask all of your questions that way. They are very helpful and always happy to answer questions over the phone. I would also ask if you could make an appointment to meet with Paula Slade. I have heard it is wise to show interest in the school because they are very receptive to that. That is my advice to you and good luck; keep us updated.

Nate, do yourself a favor a wait until you start before you go crazy buying books. the admissions office is going to send you this huge list of books to buy...i may have bought 1 or 2 from it. if you're set on buying, the only thing i could suggest is Lippincotts' biochem....this book is better than notes and great for board review. Also about the pre-matric, i would enjoy any last free moment you have while you have it....the semester starts out fairly easy and will give you plenty of time to adjust.

Agree with Lippincott's Biochem, but unless you have a perfect photographic memory, you're gonna need to get you histo book and atlas. For the atlas I would get the recommended one and possibly another as well [I believe the Wheaters (sp?) atlas is a really good one - bunch of kids in my class used it also]. You need to have something to look at when you're at home, unless you want to spend ALL of your time at the school - I don't recommend that. The one class where you def. do NOT have to buy books is for genetics. That class is a blow off class at SOM, in case you guys didn't know. I agree with the fact that there are way more required books than actually necessary.

As far as the pre-matric program is concerned, I disagree with johnnychimpo. Its an awesome program from what I have heard. Why not get acclimated w/o being graded? You can still go to the beach on the weekends when there is no class. I also disagree with this dood about the 1st semester. Guess what guys.....your 1st semester at SOM will undoubtedly be THE HARDEST SEMESTER IN MED SCHOOL!!! Not just b/c of the adjustment to med school but b/c of the classes you take. Physio, Biochem, and Histo all at once in addition to blow off REQUIRED stuff like OMM, Foundations (or whatever its called), and genetics will pack quite a punch. For those who say otherwise, they are full of it. The 2nd semester of 1st year is where things slow down....Anatomy and Neuro are both quite interesting and more importantly WELL WELL WELL taught and most kids find Microbio not be as stressful. The 2nd semester is WAY better not only b/c of these facts but also b/c 1st semester is pretty damn ****ty!!

My advice about starting med school, at SOM in particular, is to work hard 1st semester but also don't forget to play hard too. When your class goes out after a test block, join them. Make friends with everyone - don't be an introverted person if you can help it. You are with a relatively small number of people who you will be with for 2 years - make the most of it. Also, you will all get big brothers/sisters and they will give you guys tests and other stuff from years past. Some will give more than others. With that in mind, I implore the ones who get more to SPREAD THE WEALTH!!! Your goal should be for EVERYONE to do well, not just yourself. If you think you are competing against only those in your class for residency, you are sadly mistaken. Don't be a dick!! Also, I would advise that your future student gov't or someone take the initiative to create study guide outlines, esp. for blow off classes like genetics. If certain people volunteer to go though lectures and scribes to make outlines before exams, it makes life a hell of a lot easier. We did it and so does pretty much every class. My final piece of advice is boards. I don't care what anyone says - DO WELL ON BOARDS!!! Even if you want to FP at Kennedy and you are sure of it from day 1, do well on boards. You may wind up changing your mind. Unlike your med school application where the MCAT is some worthless test and your GPA counts way more, boards mean everything and grades are WAY less important. On all of my residency interviews I have been complemented on my board scores and NOT ONE interviewer has ever asked why I only did average at best during my 1st semester at SOM. BTW, when i say boards I mean COMLEX and USMLE both! Unless you are sure that you want to do an osteopathic residency, I highly suggest taking both at the same time. You will not be sorry, but you will be sorry if you have to go back and take the USMLE after the fact.

I hope all you future SOMers take my advice for what it's worth to ya. Talk to those who have been thru it all already so you don't repeat their mistakes. Any questions, PM me.


Nate, do yourself a favor a wait until you start before you go crazy buying books. the admissions office is going to send you this huge list of books to buy...i may have bought 1 or 2 from it. if you're set on buying, the only thing i could suggest is Lippincotts' biochem....this book is better than notes and great for board review. Also about the pre-matric, i would enjoy any last free moment you have while you have it....the semester starts out fairly easy and will give you plenty of time to adjust.

Hey guys, I'm a SOM wannabe as of right now...I sent them an e-mail on the 31st of December about how to update materials. They have not gotten back to me, I was just wondering if they are normally slow with returning e-mails. Thanks a bunch in a advance.

Hey Archer,

I agree with Nate - call Paula Slade or Dean Wallace and tell them how much of an interest you have in SOM and in being a DO. That will surely help. I am a grad of SOM and I was very active in extracurriculars, including 2 years on the ad comm, so if I can be of any help to you or anyone else who really wants to be at SOM, just let me know.

Thanks for the opinions as always guys. My friend graduated from Temple Med last year and passed down a box full of books. Naturally, this did not include the books he is keeping for reference or whatever so I still need to pick up Anatomy books, Histology, and a few others so your recommendations have been very helpful.

GMAIL accounts: I have a few to give out so if any of you guys want a free gigabyte reliable web based email account, which is only available by invitation right now send me a PM or look me up on AIM.

~Nate

GMAIL accounts: I have a few to give out so if any of you guys want a free gigabyte reliable web based email account, which is only available by invitation right now send me a PM or look me up on AIM.

~Nate

If you run out... I have 10 as well.
I offered them to UNEVERGS (my name for new UNECOMERS) and it is only natural to offer them to UNJuniors :D

From the students I know who took the Pre-Matric program almost all found it very helpful to get back into the swing of academics. Remember though the semester here is extremely long (August to December) so you'll be adding some time to that.

Next, as a first year at SOM who just completed his first semester I can say that EVERYTHING DrFeelgood posted above is right on, very good advice indeed.

-J

Agree with Lippincott's Biochem, but unless you have a perfect photographic memory, you're gonna need to get you histo book and atlas. For the atlas I would get the recommended one and possibly another as well [I believe the Wheaters (sp?) atlas is a really good one - bunch of kids in my class used it also]. You need to have something to look at when you're at home, unless you want to spend ALL of your time at the school - I don't recommend that. The one class where you def. do NOT have to buy books is for genetics. That class is a blow off class at SOM, in case you guys didn't know. I agree with the fact that there are way more required books than actually necessary.

As far as the pre-matric program is concerned, I disagree with johnnychimpo. Its an awesome program from what I have heard. Why not get acclimated w/o being graded? You can still go to the beach on the weekends when there is no class. I also disagree with this dood about the 1st semester. Guess what guys.....your 1st semester at SOM will undoubtedly be THE HARDEST SEMESTER IN MED SCHOOL!!! Not just b/c of the adjustment to med school but b/c of the classes you take. Physio, Biochem, and Histo all at once in addition to blow off REQUIRED stuff like OMM, Foundations (or whatever its called), and genetics will pack quite a punch. For those who say otherwise, they are full of it. The 2nd semester of 1st year is where things slow down....Anatomy and Neuro are both quite interesting and more importantly WELL WELL WELL taught and most kids find Microbio not be as stressful. The 2nd semester is WAY better not only b/c of these facts but also b/c 1st semester is pretty damn ****ty!!

My advice about starting med school, at SOM in particular, is to work hard 1st semester but also don't forget to play hard too. When your class goes out after a test block, join them. Make friends with everyone - don't be an introverted person if you can help it. You are with a relatively small number of people who you will be with for 2 years - make the most of it. Also, you will all get big brothers/sisters and they will give you guys tests and other stuff from years past. Some will give more than others. With that in mind, I implore the ones who get more to SPREAD THE WEALTH!!! Your goal should be for EVERYONE to do well, not just yourself. If you think you are competing against only those in your class for residency, you are sadly mistaken. Don't be a dick!! Also, I would advise that your future student gov't or someone take the initiative to create study guide outlines, esp. for blow off classes like genetics. If certain people volunteer to go though lectures and scribes to make outlines before exams, it makes life a hell of a lot easier. We did it and so does pretty much every class. My final piece of advice is boards. I don't care what anyone says - DO WELL ON BOARDS!!! Even if you want to FP at Kennedy and you are sure of it from day 1, do well on boards. You may wind up changing your mind. Unlike your med school application where the MCAT is some worthless test and your GPA counts way more, boards mean everything and grades are WAY less important. On all of my residency interviews I have been complemented on my board scores and NOT ONE interviewer has ever asked why I only did average at best during my 1st semester at SOM. BTW, when i say boards I mean COMLEX and USMLE both! Unless you are sure that you want to do an osteopathic residency, I highly suggest taking both at the same time. You will not be sorry, but you will be sorry if you have to go back and take the USMLE after the fact.

I hope all you future SOMers take my advice for what it's worth to ya. Talk to those who have been thru it all already so you don't repeat their mistakes. Any questions, PM me.

you're right in what you said Dr. Feelgood, i just meant that the first month, not first semester, is fairly easy....as nice as it is to get acclimated to the med school routine with pre-matric, it's also easier to get burnt out adding all the extra time to the semester

Big O, Johnny, thanks for the info.

I heard that there are clubs and non academic activities at umdnjsom. I was glad to hear it since I will definitely need something to take my mind off of studying every so often. Are they mostly volunteer based organizations? Are some more popular than others?

There are tons of student run organizations at SOM which was quite surprising to me since it's such a small school. If you're interested there will be something for you, and if not you CAN develop it. At least 3 new clubs were formed this year because first year students took the initiative to get them going.

Make sure you show up to the first meetings as you'll get a chance to hear what the normal activities are like for the clubs. And by the way, you won't have to pay for lunch for like the fist month of classes cause there'll be so many club meetings that give free lunch.

there's a chapter called LOG (lambda omicron gamma) which is a national greek social organization of sorts to get people out to socialize. student council is active in making sure there are activities for the student body throughout the year.

there are definitely some things that are more popular than others but that's based on your classes make up and special interests.

-J

whats up guys, long time no talk

I am going to Honduras in February with a friend. He is doing part of his internship there and I am going to help out. After that, we will have our new student day thingy at SOM and before we know it, it will be summer. Hopefully I will publish some of my research then too. I plan on doing the pre-matriculation thing. Other than that I have been shoveling snow :)

I have a question about the rotations during third and fourth years. There appears to be 12 tracks of differing orders for the specialty rotations. How is one assigned to the tracks? Do we have any say or chance of getting a specific track? I am sure if you are interested in Surgery you will not want to have it first or last and in fourth year the track with more electives up front is more desirable for doing auditions before the match than the ones with electives later in the year.
Just curious, thanks for any answers.

I have a question about the rotations during third and fourth years. There appears to be 12 tracks of differing orders for the specialty rotations. How is one assigned to the tracks? Do we have any say or chance of getting a specific track? I am sure if you are interested in Surgery you will not want to have it first or last and in fourth year the track with more electives up front is more desirable for doing auditions before the match than the ones with electives later in the year.
Just curious, thanks for any answers.

the selection for the tracks is done via a lottery system in your second year. there will be a big class meeting in which Regina Wilmes (the clinical years director) will come and explain all the details and then, having been given the track schedules some weeks ago, there will be a lottery system in which people pick a lucky number and then you will write your name in the track you want. you can try to switch with people after the meeting. Also, typically, everyone gives a small amount of $$ to a fund which is traditionally given to the lucky person who gets to select last :-).

As far as fourth year--everyone gets three electives before the match, and the fourth year schedule is very fluid--you can switch rotations rather easily, except for a few (like FP specialty).

hope this is helpful

:)

Very helpful, thanks again applicant2002

I received three packets at once from SOM today. One was a description and application for the pre-matriculation program that I had requested. It looks real cool; it includes class in the morning and case-based study in the afternoons.

The second packet was about the housing/new student day in April and a registration form.

The third packet was supposed to include a bunch of forms to have filled out by your physician for a physical and immunization records but that packet only included the letter. Did anyone else have these forms missing? I emailed the lady from the form.

~Nate

yeah i got the packet about the accepted students luncheon and housing forum. i also got that health info/immunization mailing, but yeah mine didn't have any of the enclosures either, just the letter and the physician check list.

i requested the prematric info, but haven't gotten that yet. it does sound really cool.

I'm looking forward to the reception and meeting everyone. Does anyone have any thoughts on housing yet? I'm planning to look for a roommate and hopefully a place close to the campus. Also thanks for the club info Doctorjay.

Dr. Lambert responded to me today and told me she was going to contact the admissions office about sending me the missing health evaluation forms. Since PE says he is missing the forms also I am sure it was a universal error and I hope they realize this and send them to everyone.

As for housing, this is going to be rough for me. I am a single parent and I will need a big apartment and I won't be able to share it, obviously. I look forward to meeting you all on April 8th also.

housing is going to be interesting. my parents live so close to campus. but i think im going to move to an apartment. i think i'd be interested in living with one other person.

housing is going to be interesting. my parents live so close to campus. but i think im going to move to an apartment. i think i'd be interested in living with one other person.

My rents are about 50 minutes away, but I wouldn't live at home either. What area are you from?

i live in cherry hill, pretty much down the street from campus.

Here's a question for current students:

For exams at SOM, how much do you rely on lecture notes vs reading the textbooks? Could you theoretically pass an exam with only the lecture notes. Do they pull questions from other info sources, or is everything you need to know right there in the lecture outline. And also, do any classes put lecture information on lab practicums? Does it depend on the prof? Just a curiosity. Thanks.

Here's a question for current students:

For exams at SOM, how much do you rely on lecture notes vs reading the textbooks? Could you theoretically pass an exam with only the lecture notes. Do they pull questions from other info sources, or is everything you need to know right there in the lecture outline. And also, do any classes put lecture information on lab practicums? Does it depend on the prof? Just a curiosity. Thanks.

As an immediate-past student at SOM, I can tell you how we experienced it. I doubt much has changed since. I would say probably 90% of your test info is from scribes/handouts. That number rises close to 100% during second year. You are right, it is all dependent upon the class and the prof. One class where I did use a book was for Biochem. I found that I did remarkably well on exams when I had memorized pathways from the book. However, that may have changed. My only advice to you is to get scribes. I encourage you ALL to get scribes. For those who don't know, SOM has a scribe service where the lectures are all transcribed verbatim. If you are a part of the service, you have to scribe one hour every cycle (total number of students). For someone like me, I suck at typing, so I just hired someone to do it for me. I encourage you ALL to get scribes b/c it's just better all around for everyone. More people means less times you have to scribe per semester. Plus, many things get put thru the scribe service like old OMM quizzes, old exams, etc. I think it cost $125 per semester for us - it may be more now. That is a small price to pay - only about 25 less drinks/beers/glasses of wine per semester. It sure as hell makes it easier when you need to miss class (or don't want to go). And many times lecturers will teach (esp. in Medicine during 2nd year) w/o lecture notes. So basically, unless you want to read a 150 page chapter in Harrison's, you're gonna need scribes. I just make a big deal about this b/c I know in the current SOM class of 2006 there was a big toodoo about the cost and what have you. Something like 1/2 or 1/3 (whatever it was it was huge) of the class chose not to get'em. That's just stupid in my opinion. It's stupid b/c it screws over the ones who want them. It just means more times to scribe and WAY more money if you need scribes-for-hire. Then what if back exams are put thru the scribe service....people will bitch, trust me. Then there were people who wanted scribes for some classes and not others.....while this may be the correct thinking, it still boils down to the fact that it can't be done that way b/c of logistical factors. I know this b/c I was pretty high up in executive student council and I saw all of the fall out from this. BOTTOM LINE: don't be a dick, and just cough up the money. IT IS MORE THAN WELL WORTH IT!!!

Any questions guys for a 2004 grad of SOM who was also on the admissions committee for 2 years, ask away!

Dr. Feelgood, DO

Hi

I have an interview at UMDNJ-SOM on Feb 17. I would like to know if you have any suggestions for my interview? It's my first choice of the four schools I applied to. Thanks.

Riverama

Here's a question for current students:

For exams at SOM, how much do you rely on lecture notes vs reading the textbooks? Could you theoretically pass an exam with only the lecture notes. Do they pull questions from other info sources, or is everything you need to know right there in the lecture outline. And also, do any classes put lecture information on lab practicums? Does it depend on the prof? Just a curiosity. Thanks.


everything we're tested on is given to us in one way or another. the profs here are excellent and share everything with us. they give us really good handouts for their lectures so you really don't need to take notes except for clarifying details in the handouts. they also allow us to download their powerpoint lectures. some profs lay out exactly what pages from the required texts they are lecturing from so you can get into more detail or more explanation there later. the profs here really do care about us doing well and all are extremely available. there's NO surprises on our exams. they don't play around. and yes you could pass an exam with just the lecture notes, in fact you could do quite well.

regarding drfeelgood's post. scribes are helpful for some (mostly the people who don't go to class). our scribe coordinators this year decided to make use of technology so all scribes are emailed if you're in the service, this means no more $125 for the service. if i remember correctly it was like $20 for our class.

-J

Riverama- let us know when you get your acceptance.

I will be going to Honduras on Monday for 10 days, going to be shadowing/helping some physicians down there so it should be a great experience. When I get back in early March I plan on starting apartment hunting and school/summer childcare hunting.

have fun in honduras nate. sounds like a great experience.

the scribes service sounds like a good deal. if most of the class decides to do it, then each person would prolly only have to take notes a couple times.

so most of the profs provide good lecture handouts or slides? thats good to know. do you need to rely heavily on the required or suggested text books for classes? which books would you recommend definitely getting? alsowhats the deal with the tapes of the lectures in the library? do people regularly use these? also online it seemed like there's a section for class notes, whats in there?

PE all good questions.

first a definition of the scribe service so you know exactly what it is. all lectures are audio taped, tape is brought to library and filed, scribe for that class hour takes out tape and writes verbatim what the prof says. scribe is emailed to scribe coordinators and then disseminated to the scribe members.

all the required texts are in the library for use so you can use them there if you don't want to buy them. DO NOT buy all the books they send you on the list - MAJOR OVERKILL. wait to talk to some of us who have been through it, if you're lucky your big bro/sis may even lend you some books. i'd definitely get the biochem text though and any class you haven't had before.

we're all allowed to listen to the tapes in the library from classes. most people don't do this but i know of a few who do in my class.

notes section on the website: this is where profs post their powerpoints. it's just an extra piece of information. truly the powerpoint and their handout match up really well but if you like powerpoint format for learning then they make it available as well. also every now and again the profs will have a movie or website they'd like the whole class to see and the easiest way to get it to everyone is from the class notes page.

all this will be explained again in orientation and such. time to get to bed, we start head and neck in gross anatomy tomorrow!!!

-J

Hi folks, I just received an interview invite from SOM (April 15...gonna call tomorrow to see if I can get it moved up a bit ;) ) and really appreciated all the info from this thread and the pre-DO one. SOM seems like an awesome place to be and I can't wait to visit.

SOM seems like an awesome place to be and I can't wait to visit.

Kazema; Good luck on your interview, hopefully we'll see you in August.

I've been accepted as of today. See you on april 8th on student acceptance day.

riverama

So, I sent in my deposit and I am rather sure that I will be at UMDNJ in 2005. Starting this thread to get to know my future classmates =)

I moved my interview up to March 18, so if you see an Asian male in a black suit, light blue shirt, and red tie, say hello. How much more vague can you get? :laugh:

hey, what is everyone's thoughts on anatomy and physiology being flipped at SOM? so we have physio in the fall and anatomy in the spring.

you first years must be pretty busy with that right now? whats everyone's thoughts on this. just about everyone else does it the other way around.

to me it seems like its a pretty good idea, since you get exposure to the systems in physio beforehand, so you're already pretty familiar with a lot of things, so you're not just memorizing structures in anatomy only to find out what they do later. its not exactly like a case-based or completely systems based approach, but it seems like you'd have a better idea of whats going on this way.

also, everyone, everywhere else complains about anatomy being a really rude awakening, but it seems like we ease into it. with just biochem, physio, histo, and genetics, first semester seems a lot less intimidating.

then spring doesn't seem as bad anymore either with anatomy, micro, and neuro.

whats been everyone else's experience?

hey, what is everyone's thoughts on anatomy and physiology being flipped at SOM? so we have physio in the fall and anatomy in the spring.

you first years must be pretty busy with that right now? whats everyone's thoughts on this. just about everyone else does it the other way around.

to me it seems like its a pretty good idea, since you get exposure to the systems in physio beforehand, so you're already pretty familiar with a lot of things, so you're not just memorizing structures in anatomy only to find out what they do later. its not exactly like a case-based or completely systems based approach, but it seems like you'd have a better idea of whats going on this way.

also, everyone, everywhere else complains about anatomy being a really rude awakening, but it seems like we ease into it. with just biochem, physio, histo, and genetics, first semester seems a lot less intimidating.

then spring doesn't seem as bad anymore either with anatomy, micro, and neuro.

whats been everyone else's experience?

I could be wrong, but I remember someone telling me that the reason we have Anatomy in the Spring is so that we can have the Anatomy Profs from Robert Wood and both schools can utilize them.

Do most people take courses like Histo, Physio, Biochem, and Micro in undergrad? I took Histo, A&P II, and Intro to Biochem; so I'm hoping that will take some pressure off the first semester. Though I'm sure that these classes will be more difficult when we take them in the fall.

I'm one step closer to joining you guys next year! I recieved an interview invite today. I've heard the interview is pretty laid back from a LOT of the people on this board that have interviewed. Is that 100% true? And did any of you prepare extensively for the interview day at SOM?

Ok I'm a first year so I'll answer. Physio is a little tough without anatomy but I'm grateful that Anatomy is second semester. For one we only have anatomy, neuroscience, micro, and OMM second semester. this gives us much more time to thoroughly study for anatomy. seriously it would NOT fit in first semester. of course the school could switch some classes around but Dr. Mulheron is awesome for Anatomy (I've already had gross in PT school, this guy's a really good teacher). Dr. White is our neuroscience prof and he's awesome too (also teaches at RWJ and UPenn).

anatomy is a rude awakening, even if you ease into it. the first exam is a tough one but if you know how to study for it you'll do fine but when you get hear you'll talk to the class above you and we'll give you all the ins and outs, no worries.

don't forget OMM is a year long course. it's ALL cumulative the entire way through, years 1-2 but don't get intimidated, it's really not that bad and this way you keep it fresh in your mind.

-J

I'm one step closer to joining you guys next year! I recieved an interview invite today. I've heard the interview is pretty laid back from a LOT of the people on this board that have interviewed. Is that 100% true? And did any of you prepare extensively for the interview day at SOM?

Even though the interview is low stress, you should still prepare for it. I did a mock interview and I researched topics like US health insurance. I also reviewed my research, my personal statement, and looked through the schools handbook which is on the website. It's my top choice, so I wanted to be as ready as possible.

Good deal. Thanks a bunch. Did they bring up anything about healthcare ethics or news during your interview? Also, off topic, does anyone have any idea how full the class is at this point?

Congrats Archer: I copy and pasted all the questions that were asked in the interview feedback section of this website onto a single document and printed it out. I then just thought about them, not to memorize some rote answers but to be familiar with them and have some thought process going already on the more difficult ones.
In the end, I over-prepared; the interview was very laid-back and they only interview people that they are very interested in so just try to relax and prepare with whatever makes you comfortable.

I just got back from Honduras and I must say it was a great experience again. It is always a shock to work in a poor country's hospitals and be humbled by what we take for granted here in the US.

Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from Philly over to Stratford? My sister lives in Philly so I'm planning to stay with her; just want to get an idea of what time I should leave the city to account for traffic.

Also did anyone ever find out what the new curriculum that combines lecture and PBL is going to be like? Maybe like lecture in the morning and work on a case based on that material in the afternoon or later in the week or something? I'm quite intrigued; I'm always intrigued when I hear about a "new curriculum" :D.

Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from Philly over to Stratford? My sister lives in Philly so I'm planning to stay with her; just want to get an idea of what time I should leave the city to account for traffic.

Also did anyone ever find out what the new curriculum that combines lecture and PBL is going to be like? Maybe like lecture in the morning and work on a case based on that material in the afternoon or later in the week or something? I'm quite intrigued; I'm always intrigued when I hear about a "new curriculum" :D.

15-20 minutes tops w/o traffic, depending on where in the city she actually lives. From Center City, it's like 15 minutes at the most. It should be that way in the morning on the way to the interview since morning traffic on 295, 42, and 76/676 is always TOWARDS philly. You'll be goin the opposite way. Good luck on the interview, its way laid back. Just be yourself - you can't go wrong unless you are an a-hole (which I'm sure u're not!!)!!

15-20 minutes tops w/o traffic, depending on where in the city she actually lives. From Center City, it's like 15 minutes at the most. It should be that way in the morning on the way to the interview since morning traffic on 295, 42, and 76/676 is always TOWARDS philly. You'll be goin the opposite way. Good luck on the interview, its way laid back. Just be yourself - you can't go wrong unless you are an a-hole (which I'm sure u're not!!)!!

Thanks!

She lives in University City which I guess isn't too far from Center City. I just remember trying to drive into Philly once in the evening, which took absolutely forever.

Which I guess brings up a somewhat related question, is Stratford considered a suburb of Philadelphia?

And I guess I'll have to work hard not to be an a-hole on my interview day. Er I mean, of course I'm not an a-hole! :meanie:

Just got back from my interview. I was very, very impressed. Whoever said that the school just exudes this kind of quiet confidence was right. I just got the feeling from everyone there that they knew that they're a great school, but aren't stuck up about it at all. And all the students there are so friendly. I love the intimate feeling I got from the school - it seems like everyone knows everyone and loves being there, that everyone's connected.

But I also found out that I may have some problems in meeting the biology requirements. I'll have to call them up to go over my transcript if I'm accepted; I'll find out soon one way or the other since they meet on Monday.

Just got back from my interview. I was very, very impressed. Whoever said that the school just exudes this kind of quiet confidence was right. I just got the feeling from everyone there that they knew that they're a great school, but aren't stuck up about it at all. And all the students there are so friendly. I love the intimate feeling I got from the school - it seems like everyone knows everyone and loves being there, that everyone's connected.

But I also found out that I may have some problems in meeting the biology requirements. I'll have to call them up to go over my transcript if I'm accepted; I'll find out soon one way or the other since they meet on Monday.


Congratulations Kazema, the hard part is over. If you can't meet some type of biology requirement, maybe you can take the course in the summer before August?

Yeah hoping that's the case - I already am planning to take Genetics this summer so I hope that will do the trick.

YES! I'm in! Paula called me and I'm still kind of shaking with excitement.

Thanks to all you wonderful people for all the info and the support. I'm gonna get so drunk tonight...

congrats! welcome to the class.

Welcome to our class Kazema

Hi everyone,
I just got the call today and got the good news too. I'm real excited. UMDNJ is definitely my first choice. I was just wondering what everyone else is doing about housing? Any thoughts. Thanks.

Welcome to our class evilmagarnes. There will be a housing day April 8th, you should call the school to confirm your attendance and request a housing booklet ASAP, if you havent already received it.

We should all go to Atlantic City on Saturday and blow all our tuition.

It will be the first time ever that an entire medical school class had to withdraw :laugh:.

ha, get me on a hold 'em table and i can win all of our tuition for us.

spoken like a true member of GA.

ha, get me on a hold 'em table and i can win all of our tuition for us.

spoken like a true member of GA.

C'mon, you guys are smart...challenge yourselves and go the "Ocean's Eleven" route...

ha, get me on a hold 'em table and i can win all of our tuition for us.

spoken like a true member of GA.

Ahh, do I forsee weekly (or monthly...) home hold'em games in our future?

:D

Ahh, do I forsee weekly (or monthly...) home hold'em games in our future?
I can see where this is going.. I'm going to be a very poor med student very soon. On my financial budget, I'll just erase 'car maintenance' and write in 'gambling losses'. Yep, that should cover it.

I can see where this is going.. I'm going to be a very poor med student very soon. On my financial budget, I'll just erase 'car maintenance' and write in 'gambling losses'. Yep, that should cover it.

Hey if you play long enough you might not have a car to pay for :meanie:.

Hey if you play long enough you might not have a car to pay for :meanie:.

nice. this is going to be fun. im definitely all in.

Found the RFP for Contractors to bid on providing the COMLEX prep.

A PDF converted to HTML (http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:UKk-o7RrBaEJ:www.umdnj.edu/purchweb/words_download/P05_051.pdf)

Section 3.0 is where all the interesting stuff for us is.

I wonder who will win the bid.

3.2.3 Instructional Format

The Contractor must provide instruction on-site, in a classroom format, utilizing interactive

presentations. The Contractor must provide Clinical Presentations including examples and tie-

ins. The Contractor must provide follow-up assistance to students who are not successful in

passing their medical licensing exam. The names of students who are in need of this will be

furnished to the contractor by UMDNJ- SOM when the information is available. The Contractor

must provide diagnostic exams and interpretation of results to be issued at beginning and

completion of course to check pre / post course knowledge and course effectiveness.

3.3

Board Certification Criteria

The Contractor must increase the Board Certification pass rate by a minimum of 3% annually.

The UMDNJ-SOM student mean should be maintained, at a minimum, at 30+ points above the

national mean, as indicated by the COMLEX Scores Report prepared by the NBOME.

wow, kazema you completely wrecked the mcat. i thought i did well, but you took that thing and drop-kicked it. nice job.

wow, kazema you completely wrecked the mcat. i thought i did well, but you took that thing and drop-kicked it. nice job.

Thanks, that was a pretty good day for me ;)

Even though we sent back the form for April 8th, does anyone know if we also have to call to confirm that we'll be attending?

Even though we sent back the form for April 8th, does anyone know if we also have to call to confirm that we'll be attending?


Yeah i received a call last night from an M1. The message asked me if I was going to come or not. This confused me because i had already received several calls asking for my housing preferences and all. I am going to call them back to confirm just in case. Sorry I've been mute since november on here, life is hectic. I just bought a place after an extremely tough search for housing. If you are renting its a breeze, but buying is hard with the choices being either ghetto or upperclass. There wasn't too much in the middle, but it finally worked out for me. See you guys on the 8th, when we reveal our true identities hahaha.

Hey congrats on the new house!

We should all wear two nametags - one with our real name and one with our SDN name. Though PublicEnemy may raise some eyebrows :meanie:.

How about we have a pre-meeting for SDNers, we can arrive a half-hour early and meet in the little courtyard by the Academic Center.

I was in the area today looking at apartments. I went by the "Colonials" in Cherry Hill. The good is that all utilities are included in the rent so there is no fluctuations from month to month and the school system is top (important for me since I have kids) but the bad is that it is 20 plus minutes away from SOM without traffic and there is no freight elevator; I have no clue how I would get some of my furniture up, especially my huge TV. I stopped by the school and spoke with someone in financial aid, he was very helpful.

I am seeing other apartment complexes over the next week and I will post about them too in case that it help other people.

hey guys, yeah, my screen name is a little intimidating on a name tag.

i heard that there will be reps from several of the popular living places, apt complexes at the luncheon/housing thing next week.

I like the pre-meeting idea. Anyone else?

This is what I was told over the phone about the schedule.

8:45 am -- Breakfast and some kind of info session (I think)
11 am - 12 pm -- Q&A session with current students
12 pm -- Lunch with students
1 pm - 2 pm -- Q&A with faculty
2 pm - ? -- Housing stuff

Anyone more clear about the schedule than me? I talked to Paula on Monday about my missing bio credits (she was really nice about that and waived it for me :D) and she gave me a really quick rundown on the housing day before I had to go supervise a group so I don't think I heard it all right.

Yeah, 8:45am is the start; let's meet in the courtyard at 8:15am just so we know who is who by our SDN names. I am looking forward to meeting you all and doing anything that I can to help our class out.

See you all there.

when ur lookin for housing for next semester, make sure u ask the administration for a list of comments that the 1st years put together for you guys. there's a few places that you would want to think twice about moving into... and on the other hand theres some places that are extremely popular and almost ideal.

not so good - woodmere ( even though its probably oen of the closests complexes to the school)

popular and affordable - timberidge, stonington court

the best deal - pine hill gardens (its subsidized housing, so you're NOT gonna find a better deal anywhere. trust me)

anyway..back to some DRY microbio :sleep:

Yeah, 8:45am is the start; let's meet in the courtyard at 8:15am just so we know who is who by our SDN names. I am looking forward to meeting you all and doing anything that I can to help our class out.

See you all there.

8:15am eh? I see the sleep deprivation begins early this year. It might not be a bad idea though. I'm up for it.

finding out who's who on SDN. that's going to be interesting. i anticipate it'll be a big mystery trying to figure out who nate or kevin are.

me, that shouldn't be too hard either, although i probably won't have a ski mask on.

To make a long story short: I am mostly decided on the Echelon Glenn Apartments in Voorhees after 4 trips to south jersey last week and seeing 6 apartments. It comes down to being a bit more expensive but these are the factors that won it: Proximity to UMDNJ (.5 mile), quality and size of apartment, Voorhees school system for my kids and safety of area, and a recommendation from a current student :)

Although I can't reserve the apartment yet because we haven't received our financial aid award letters yet, that is the plan unless I see or hear of something better before I get my financial aid letter. Again, if I was alone (without my kids) and in a different situation I probably would have chosen differently so I don't know how much help this is to anyone else.

Can't wait to meet you all on Friday :)

To make a long story short: I am mostly decided on the Echelon Glenn Apartments in Voorhees after 4 trips to south jersey last week and seeing 6 apartments. It comes down to being a bit more expensive but these are the factors that won it: Proximity to UMDNJ (.5 mile), quality and size of apartment, Voorhees school system for my kids and safety of area, and a recommendation from a current student :)

Although I can't reserve the apartment yet because we haven't received our financial aid award letters yet, that is the plan unless I see or hear of something better before I get my financial aid letter. Again, if I was alone (without my kids) and in a different situation I probably would have chosen differently so I don't know how much help this is to anyone else.

Can't wait to meet you all on Friday :)

Hey Nate and everyone else....

Congrats again.... have fun at accepted students day. Try to get out and talk to the current students; they are your best source of info. Also, Nate, I think you made a great move as far as apts. are concerned. If you have kids, you want to live in Voorhees or Cherry Hill. Its def. worth the extra $$$. Also, I suggest that you guys all check out Pufferbellys over there across from the Ford dealer. If you don't know about Puffers, you will soon enough! I suggest that you SDN guys go in there, throw back a couple of pints of the beer of the month (2.00 or 2.50 / pint depending on the beer), and relax. You will spend a lot of time there....TRUST ME!! Try to meet Gil and Sid if you don't already know them or haven't met them yet. They are the best and they also happen to be your best source of info. Enjoy your new home for the next 4 years!

Hey Nate and everyone else....

Congrats again.... have fun at accepted students day. Try to get out and talk to the current students; they are your best source of info. Also, Nate, I think you made a great move as far as apts. are concerned. If you have kids, you want to live in Voorhees or Cherry Hill. Its def. worth the extra $$$. Also, I suggest that you guys all check out Pufferbellys over there across from the Ford dealer. If you don't know about Puffers, you will soon enough! I suggest that you SDN guys go in there, throw back a couple of pints of the beer of the month (2.00 or 2.50 / pint depending on the beer), and relax. You will spend a lot of time there....TRUST ME!! Try to meet Gil and Sid if you don't already know them or haven't met them yet. They are the best and they also happen to be your best source of info. Enjoy your new home for the next 4 years!

Is this ass-rammer STILL talking about Jersey? Christ.....

Congrats to all who got in! I hope to meet you at accepted students day!

Is this ass-rammer STILL talking about Jersey? Christ.....

There will also be a round the world party at timber ridge that all incoming student are invited.

Hope to see you there,

actually it might still be kaplan. kaplan is in the process of re-designing a course thats specifically tailored for COMLEX I and they're working on a class-room based course for the COMLEX II since they don't have anything like that yet. cherry hill kaplan center is still negotiating, trying to secure a long term contract with SOM, not sure whether they'll get it or not, but all the same umdnj-som has been influential in getting kaplan to gear their curriculum and is pro-actively looking for the best test-prep for their students. its sounds like its win-win since many of the SOM students choose to take the USMLE also and kaplan knows what they're doing with regards to that. SOM is looking out for its students.


For your info, its not Kaplan this year. It is "boards boot camp" and I heard that it is much better. A doctor with phd teaches this course and I hear that is has been pretty effective so far with good pass percentages

For your info, its not Kaplan this year. It is "boards boot camp" and I heard that it is much better. A doctor with phd teaches this course and I hear that is has been pretty effective so far with good pass percentages

yeah, i saw that too. well, that sounds promising.

i would still recommend kaplan qbank though for people who want to take both comlex and usmle. from what i've seen and heard, its not a bad deal and worth it.

There will also be a round the world party at timber ridge that all incoming student are invited.

Hope to see you there,

When is this party?

party is at 7pm at timber ridge, ask the first or second years at the club fair (2-4pm in the MPR). most of the clubs will be represented with tables and first or second year members. first years have gross lab that afternoon so we'll be running back and fourth to meet you guys and answer questions.

Jay

Is there going to be a party for people accepted after April 8th????? :(

Is there going to be a party for people accepted after April 8th????? :(


YUP, it's called your "orientation week." definitely a fun time to get to know each other and the class ahead of you.

to all those who made it today thanks for a great showing of SOM spirit. we were all really happy to meet you and i'm glad to have met some of you SDN guys.

and to all those who couldn't make it we'll still be looking forward to meeting you and showing you around as well.

-J

Can I just say you guys are all awesome. Thanks for a great party :D.

*hic* I just got home

*hic* I just got home
Well I'm glad you didn't drive Nate. A good time was had by all last night. I can see that med school is definitely going to be an adventure. The whole orientation day and night was great. Thanks to everyone for that.

So on housing: Timber ridge, Echelon Glenn, and Lake View seemed like a few of the best places to live. I think everyone who wants a roommate will get one. Since most of these places have the option of either 2 or 3 people per townhouse, there won't be an odd man left out. And also, with roommates, the apartments seemed to be significantly cheaper. I guess now it's just a matter of pairing everyone up.

So what was the final tally last night Nate? The last I saw, you were kind of zoning out on a recliner in Mexico. Sorry I forgot to say goodbye :o.

It's okay Kazema. I ended up crashing on USA's couch around 5 am. To all the people who hosted the party thank you very much. You guys rock.

It was great meeting you all, it was mind numbing trying to remember so many names :)

It's okay Kazema. I ended up crashing on USA's couch around 5 am. To all the people who hosted the party thank you very much. You guys rock.

It was great meeting you all, it was mind numbing trying to remember so many names :)


Sorry Had to sneak in and read on your thread.

Sounds like you guys are having a blast already. Good for you. Work hard and play hard make people happy bunch. something like that.

Nate Montreal is still on... even with the changes.
BA

It's okay Kazema. I ended up crashing on USA's couch around 5 am. To all the people who hosted the party thank you very much. You guys rock.

It was great meeting you all, it was mind numbing trying to remember so many names :)


Don't worry about remembering names just yet. We get face sheets with everyone's picture and information so we don't forget our classmate's names. Good to see that you can party hard.. b/c you sure will have to work hard later :rolleyes:

Don't worry. Working hard is what makes partying hard fun. It is just like anticipation is what builds passion.

definitely good times.

What are you guys planning on doing this summer?

I'm working through the end of June and then I am leaving for Honduras again for a few weeks. I plan to do some vacationing/networking while I am down there. The networking is for my hopeful plans to start an international medicine club this year and, if we get some faculty support, plan a medical mission to Honduras. I should be back a week before orientation. This of course is trumping my prior plans to attend the pre-matriculation program.

@DocBill - I look forward to it

Do you work with some Doc's down in Honduras?

Yes, I have become good friends with the pediatric surgeon in the regional hospital down there. I have worked with him and met other docs recently including the director of the hospital. The region, Olancho, is one of the largest and poorest of the country.

Yes, I have become good friends with the pediatric surgeon in the regional hospital down there. I have worked with him and met other docs recently including the director of the hospital. The region, Olancho, is one of the largest and poorest of the country.

Hey Nate,
If I want to go on International mission ... do I have to be in Medical school. What NGO doesn't require this?

I figure since I defered for one year, I can now put in some time before starting. Of course you know I speak French. So Africa is a good place.. I also speak a few other languages. Unfortunately no Spanish. That is the next one to learn.

For me, I just did it on my own and in that case there is no requirement =) My dad was born in Cuba and after making a decent living here in the US he decided he needed to live his dream and return to Latin American farm life. He has lived in Honduras since on his ranch and I have been going down there since I was a teenager to visit. From there I have been able to build the relationships and contacts needed to do what I want. Without formal medical training I would imagine it hard to do any medical mission work with a group. In your situation, without any contacts, family, or friends in the country you wish to visit, you probably will have to wait until medical school to get involved. However, you can always join the Peace Corps, where knowing a language such as French would be great. That was one of my crushed dreams; since I have two children for whom I am solely responsible I could never do that.

For me, learning French is next. Maybe we can help each other

On another note this is my 499th incredibly helpful and informative post :rolleyes:
And so, for my next and 500th post, I will wait to make it memorable, or until my SDN addiction overwhelms me. Whichever comes first :laugh:

For me, I just did it on my own and in that case there is no requirement =) My dad was born in Cuba and after making a decent living here in the US he decided he needed to live his dream and return to Latin American farm life. He has lived in Honduras since on his ranch and I have been going down there since I was a teenager to visit. From there I have been able to build the relationships and contacts needed to do what I want. Without formal medical training I would imagine it hard to do any medical mission work with a group. In your situation, without any contacts, family, or friends in the country you wish to visit, you probably will have to wait until medical school to get involved. However, you can always join the Peace Corps, where knowing a language such as French would be great. That was one of my crushed dreams; since I have two children for whom I am solely responsible I could never do that.

For me, learning French is next. Maybe we can help each other

On another note this is my 499th incredibly helpful and informative post :rolleyes:
And so, for my next and 500th post, I will wait to make it memorable, or until my SDN addiction overwhelms me. Whichever comes first :laugh:

Thanks for the info Nate.

500 only... you were away in sourth america for a long time. I already passed 1000. I don't know how many of them are informative. hehehe

BTW.. can't joint the Peace Corp. Canadian. ehhh!

I will try to get my own contacts going.. cause MSF won't accept students.

BA

I was just wondering if you all received phone calls notifying you of your acceptances, or if some of you received them by mail.

When was your interview and when did the committee meet?
There was a girl on accepted students day that didn't get a phone call and just received a letter of acceptance in the mail.

Also, if you got an interview that's a very good sign. UMDNJ seems to interview only a small pool of people verses some of the other schools that I applied to which interviewed tons of people.

I interviewed on Friday and the committee met today. I had heard that they send out phone calls the day the comitte meets. But then on the sheet that they give at the interview it says that we will be notified by mail. Nevertheless, I'm just trying to stay cool about it and not freak out.

Hey Archer, Dr. Wallace calls people in the evening. He won't leave a message about it though so if he doesn't get through to you it will come in the mail. Let us know as soon as you know!

I was just wondering if you all received phone calls notifying you of your acceptances, or if some of you received them by mail.


I was notified of acceptance via mail only :)

:( Waitlisted....

Any ideas on what I should do now? I would absolutely, 100%, no if, ands, or buts, go to this school. Does anyone have any information on how many people get off the waitlist, etc....
TIA

You can write a letter of intent to Dr. Wallace and tell him just that; you would come to UMDNJ over any other school. You could also meet with Paula Slade and ask her that in person. I hope it works out for you Archer.

At accepted students day, there were a lot of students that were still waiting on other schools--so you still have a good chance. I agree with Nate that you should contact Dr. Wallace and Paula. Just keep updating the school on your present activities and make them well aware of how enthusiatic you are about going to UMDNJ. Paula is extremely nice, and I think it would be a good idea to get to know her better (and let her know you better). You could also just ask Paula what you could do to get off the waitlist. I'm pretty sure if you're persistent and enthusiastic about UMDNJ, you'll have a good chance of getting pulled off the waitlist. Good luck. Hope to see you in the fall.

At accepted students day, there were a lot of students that were still waiting on other schools--so you still have a good chance. I agree with Nate that you should contact Dr. Wallace and Paula. Just keep updating the school on your present activities and make them well aware of how enthusiatic you are about going to UMDNJ. Paula is extremely nice, and I think it would be a good idea to get to know her better (and let her know you better). You could also just ask Paula what you could do to get off the waitlist. I'm pretty sure if you're persistent and enthusiastic about UMDNJ, you'll have a good chance of getting pulled off the waitlist. Good luck. Hope to see you in the fall.

Well that certainly makes me feel a little better. Prior to my interview day, I went to UMDNJ and met with Paula in person. We discussed my application and she invited me for the interview. I will probably give her a call on Monday and try and get a hold on how the waitlist process works. I will eventually send a letter of intent to Dean Wallace. The letter itself was encouraging, as they congratulated me on being acceptable but that at this time there aren't any seats available. It goes on to say something to the effect that I can be given a seat anytime from now till August. I have another acceptance, but I really want to be at SOM. But I don't know if I can wait until August to hear from SOM.

Sorry for my rant, I just need to get this out to some people that understand this crazy application process. Thanks for listening.

I can definitely understand why you don't want to wait around until August. But May 15 is the deadline for the allopathic medical schools. I think that there should be a lot of movement around that time--so you might not have to wait that long.
I know how you feel with the waiting and uncertainty. I hope it all works out for you.

Does anyone know when the next deposit is due for UMDNJ-SOM? I can't seem to find any info and I know for other DO schools moeny is due May 1st. Thanks...

UMDNJ only requires the first 100$ deposit to hold a seat. The billing rules are universal across all UMDNJ schools (NJMS, RWJ, SOM).

All of my SOM SDN brothas and sistas still thinking about buying a laptop: I may be able to get you a discount on IBM if you're interested but I have to check with someone first. I will let you know next week, if you’re interested PM me. Have a good weekend =)

All of my SOM SDN brothas and sistas still thinking about buying a laptop: I may be able to get you a discount on IBM if you're interested but I have to check with someone first. I will let you know next week, if you’re interested PM me. Have a good weekend =)

Thanks for the offer! We also get discounts for Dell computers as per an offer in the library.

Also, if you didn't accepted right away; Don't sweat it. There were people that got in after the semester started and others who got in last minute. Good luck!

just so you guys know, your loan packages WILL include funds for laptops. i have no idea on the specifics but your packages will be larger than ours cause it's required for you but not for us.

later
-J

Hi folks, I just got my acceptance letter yesterday and I am pretty sure I will be in the UMDNJ SOM class of 2009.

I own a house here in Jersey and what with all the other expenses and lack of income, I would prefer to continue living here while I'm in school. The problem with that idea is that my commute would be about 1.5 hours each way by car. I could try to commute by train, but as far as I can figure out that would take even longer and be at least as expensive as driving.

Anyone else commuting? Anyone live up here in Central Jersey (Plainfield) and want to carpool? Anyone with space for an occasional roommate?

I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Congrats and welcome lmccraven.

I commuted an hour each way to Rutgers NB from Lakewood during undergrad and it made my life a living hell. It affected my grades also. I know it is difficult but I would recommend that you rent out your house and rent a small studio close to the school for the 4 years or some other arrangement. 3 hours a day driving is going to be murder during med school. Good luck

Thanks Nate!

Your advice is well taken and something I have already been considering. It will be interesting finding a place that will be affordable and also accept my 2 greyhounds and 2 cats. I am looking though.

I am planning to drop by the UMDNJ RWJ housing office and see if any of their students might want to rent at my house. That would be cool.

Edited to add a question:
Nate, do you work at Dr. Wise Young's lab? When I was a postbacc student at Rutgers we had a seminar there.

I work in the research tower at RWJ, I believe Dr. Young works in the Nelson Labs on Bush campus Rutgers. I work for Dr. Sally Meiners (http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~molbiosci/Professors/meiners.html)

Does anyone know how to go about looking for a roommate? I signed up for the roommate list but what do I do know? Who do I contact? Thanks. :clap:

Does anyone know how to go about looking for a roommate? I signed up for the roommate list but what do I do know? Who do I contact? Thanks. :clap:

You should get the roommate list and call people on the list to see/ meet people that could be possible roommates. Good luck!

I work in the research tower at RWJ, I believe Dr. Young works in the Nelson Labs on Bush campus Rutgers. I work for Dr. Sally Meiners (http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~molbiosci/Professors/meiners.html)

A number of students come from Rutgers. Small world! :cool:

I was just wondering what books are useful for Histo, Biochem, Phsyio and Genetics for the fall semester.

I was just wondering what books are useful for Histo, Biochem, Phsyio and Genetics for the fall semester.

if you have some books from undergrad keep them and bring them to med school. DO NOT start buying books now. the current first year class made a list of the books that really are "required" i.e. you should really have them. you're going to get a list from the school which is exhaustive, DO NOT buy everything. talk to your big when you get here and they'll help you out with what you really need. so basically don't worry about books yet, you'll have all the material to go through when you get here in note format from the profs.

and if you still want the list of what I think is important, talk to Nate!

-J

Thanks. :)

Based mainly on recommendations from Jay:

Histo: Histology: A Text and Atlas, Ross

BioChem: Lippincott's Illustrated review for biochemistry; BRS; Biochemistry:, Marks' Basic Medical (if you're weak in Biochem)

Physio: BRS; Principles of Physiology, Berne and Levy (if you're weak in Physio)

Genetics: Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine, Nussbaum (if you're weak in Genetics); Clinical Microbiology made Ridiculously Simple (I inherited this book and heard it is great)

Other: Rapid Interpretation of EKGs, Dale Dubin

I inherited a box full of books from my best friend who graduated Temple Med last year and I purchased a few to patch up some holes while I am still making decent money at my job but I have heard consistent advice to wait on buying books until we get there. For me that advice didn't work so that is why I have this list (and then some) but make sure it is the right thing for you to do. :)

one more quick piece of advice. when you buy your books, SAVE all your receipts especially if the texts are listed as required. you'll be able to deduct them somehow from taxes later on during the year. just put all that junk in one folder and when tax return time comes around you'll be smiling all the way to the bank.

since i'm talking about the bank, get yourself an ING account now. when you come to school you'll be able to dump your financial aid check right into it and make the highest interest possible from a savings account (3% right now). no i do not make any money off of you if you do it but it's in your own best interest to make money off of the government's money if you can, it has to sit somewhere, you might as well be making money off of it.

-J

Thanks both of you guys.

DOctorJay,
Do the profs all post their lecture notes before class? Or do some profs make you take notes in class? I'm assuming it is a mix, but I know that some medical schools have all their class notes already in done in final form, and they give them to their students before the semester begins. I know that's how they do it a Temple, but I just curious about how it's going to be next year. Thanks.

Your Big Sis/Bro will most likely hook you up with most of the 1st year books. Profesors do not post their notes ahead of time..other than a syllabus :)

DOctorJay,
Do the profs all post their lecture notes before class? Or do some profs make you take notes in class? I'm assuming it is a mix, but I know that some medical schools have all their class notes already in done in final form, and they give them to their students before the semester begins. I know that's how they do it a Temple, but I just curious about how it's going to be next year. Thanks.

very early in the semester you guys will get "handouts" for each of the classes. these are essentially the class notes for every class and they are bound for you. i pretty much previewed the material before each class in the handout and took notes directly in the margins. this seems to be how most students take notes in class. it's usually not print outs of the powerpoints used in class but all the information is there and you can follow the powerpoint presentation with the notes.

there are rare instances where some of the information does not make it in the handout and you'll want to be in class to write it down. that being said you'll be studying mainly from these handouts and supplementing the material with your textbooks to make sure you understand the material.

on top of getting the handouts almost every prof posts their powerpoint presentations on our student website after the lecture. kind of overkill IMHO but if you have to miss class at least you can review the presentation.

hope this helps,

-J

That's interesting. Thanks for the info.

Hello Jerseyfriends:)

just found out i waitlisted at umdnj-som :) I really hope to go there next year :luck: :luck: :luck: beautiful school, nice environment, and everyone there seems super friendly, i guess now comes more watchin + waitin......

Good luck vegangirl! :luck::luck::luck:

Hey guys...I've basically been observing this thread for a long time now. I have been on the waitlist since December/January, and really want to attend UMDNJ-SOM. Long story short, UConn (my state school) was always my top choice but I find myself on the dregs of their waitlist now. I'm holding an acceptance at PCOM, but I felt a little more comfortable at UMDNJ-SOM and loved most everything about it. Any ideas or waitlist tips? I realize I'm kind of hijacking your thread reserved for official students, but I figured it was worth a shot...especially before an impending $2,000 deposit is due at PCOM next weekend! I'm thinking letter-of-intent is really the only way to go at this point. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ornis, no worries about posting here, that's what these forums are for. Try everything you can, especially considering that you only have a week before your PCOM deposit is due. Letter of intent sounds good, but I think direct contact with the admissions office would be the best option, whether over the phone or in person. Don't know that they'll be able to give you much within a week, but it's worth a try and they have always been very upfront and helpful with me. Also, try getting in touch with PCOM about getting your deadline for deposit extended or lowered even if for a little bit ($2000 is a lot of money!). It couldn't hurt. Whatever happens I'm sure you'll make the best of your experience. Good luck, and hope to see you in the fall.

PS - Hope Drew treated you well, I spent a lot of time there with my girlfriend.......Gorgeous place.

ornis, have you sent them a letter or shown any interest since being placed on the waitlist? You should call Paula Slade and see where you are at. Good luck

ornis, have you sent them a letter or shown any interest since being placed on the waitlist? You should call Paula Slade and see where you are at. Good luck

Thanks. I definitely need/want all the luck I can get. Yeah, I sent Paula an email yesterday re-stating my continued interest in the school, and described my situation a bit. I realize e-mail is not the most official way to go about it, but I'm really trying to avoid this PCOM deposit due in a few days, so the timing of the letter seemed more important. I still plan on sending something in writing, updating my situation, etc. and perhaps giving a call, though I never know how people are going to respond to phone calls of that nature. Regardless, even if I end up having to pay PCOM to hold the spot, I'm still going to put all my effort towards getting into UMDNJ-SOM. Thanks again!

Thanks. I definitely need/want all the luck I can get. Yeah, I sent Paula an email yesterday re-stating my continued interest in the school, and described my situation a bit. I realize e-mail is not the most official way to go about it, but I'm really trying to avoid this PCOM deposit due in a few days, so the timing of the letter seemed more important. I still plan on sending something in writing, updating my situation, etc. and perhaps giving a call, though I never know how people are going to respond to phone calls of that nature. Regardless, even if I end up having to pay PCOM to hold the spot, I'm still going to put all my effort towards getting into UMDNJ-SOM. Thanks again!

General advice to all those on the waiting list at SOM:

1) In-person appointments are MUCH more effective at stating you intent than any other form of communication, i.e. letters, email, phone calls, etc. But don't overdo it (i.e. go to to the admissions office every day or every week). In that situation, it can work to your disadvantage. One or two visits to the admissions office to talk to Dean Wallace or Paula Slade can do wonders.

2) Being on the waiting list isn't so bad....I was there once. What sucks is that you may have to wait until the week before classes begin before you know your status. Unfortunately, that's how it all works out. At the end of the admissions season, when people are being chosen off of the waiting w/o regard to raw scores (which is what happens at SOM as I have seen it), #1 will matter A LOT.

3) If you have to pay a deposit to another school, you might as well do it. It may be hundreds or thousands of dollars, but when all is said and done, it's a negligible amount. If you have the financial means or know someone who does (i.e. parents, friends, etc.), I would recommend that you do it. At least you know you will be a physician. Also, as a last ditch effort, try (gracefully and cautiously!!) letting the other school know your situation. May sound dumb or it may sound self-defeating, but actually I have heard of people who have received time extentions for deposits b/c of special situations. I warn you, however, it's got to be a realistic and understandable situation. "I like the weather better in New Jersey" is NOT an acceptable circumstance to use when inquiring about this with another school.

4) If you wind up not getting into the med school of your choice, most people will be just fine going to any med school, really. Of course there are some major exceptions like family issues, etc. If these exceptions don't apply to you, then go where you get in. I promise, in the end it won't make a damn bit of difference. In fact, a lot of times it works out better than you think. I have a friend in my residency who didn't get into either if the two med schools in this state and wound up going to AZCOM for med school. In the end, I don't think he would have gone back and changed it even if he could. And IMHO, he's probably a better physician b/c of where he went to school.

5) If you really want to be a physician, don't give up hope. If you don't get in this year, apply again next year. Many successful medical students/physicians that I know or have met were guys and gals that DID NOT get accepted on the 1st try. And that's not just bull**** rhetoric; its the truth. Unfortunately, the admissions process including the MCAT is unfair and at times can suck a big toe. Remember, don't give up if medicine is what you desire in your heart.

Good Luck!!

:thumbup: Thanks for all the info Dr. FeelgoodDO, UMDNJ-SOM is my first choice :luck:

The deed is done... I bought the Dell Inspiron-600m Notebook. Hopefully I made the right choice. I decide to get the 4 year warranty that SOM reccomends, even though it's probably unneccesary. Nate, I know you decided on an IBM. Has anyone else gotten a laptop yet?

I am starting to look for 1 bedroom or studio apartments near the school - do any current students or anyone who is going and already visited some of the apartment complexes on the housing list have any suggestions. I have a dog who is not coming with me but will have visitation rights on some weekends and most of the places are okay with that. I would also like to live near where some other students live. They all look and are priced the same! Any advice would be appreciated...thanks!

Kevbot, PE, a few others, and I will be living at Echelon Glen.

I live at Echelon Glen and will live there again next year. It's pricey but in the PERFECT location and it's in a very safe area. Prime location because it's basically right in the middle of all the hospitals we will rotate at.

-for more info PM me
-J

Hello,

I hate to contest the claim that living at echelon glen is such a good choice. I had a very bad experience with them and could not recommend them. The place itself is great, but I could not say the same about some members of the management.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but felt it was necessary to judge echelon glen with this not so wonderful experience in mind.

At the end it is your call and you probably will have a great relaXship with echelon glen, in any event buyer beware!

There are many places you will be happy to live at close to school, so keep your mind open.

I can personally recommend "stonington court" - if you need further help just holler!.

When is orientation and the first day of class?

White coat ceremony is July 31, orientation starts after that and classes start on August 8.

where's everyone else living?

anyone down for a trip to AC?

Okay so I went and looked at apartments this past weekend and based on price and safety I liked The landings at Pine Lake best. Anyone have any input before I put a deposit down on that place - are other students living there? I am a female and I haven't lived in the suburbs for a long time now (coming from Manhattan) so I hope to live near other people. Thanks!
PS - Where are all the coffee places in Stratford???

Stratford has NO coffee places, and the coffee at school is terrible. Voorhees has a dunkin donuts and coffee works which are both good, up route 30 is another dunkin donuts, cherry hill has a starbucks, and there's an einstein's somewhere.

welcome to suburbia and remember philly is just a hop away.

-J

the area however has no less than approximately 12million diners though.

Great - if we can manage to stay awake without caffeine then we at least have the option of having late night cheese fries with gravy at the diner

Congratulations to everyone! :D

Brewcow, I PMed you.

I am no SDN wiz but I am most positive I didn't get any PM from you - send it to me again b/c I did not receive one.

I'm looking into getting my laptop and I'm trying to decide between the IBM Thinkpad (T42) or the ibook/powerbook. I can't decide about crossing over to the mac and wondering whether all the programs/info we need the laptop for will be available to me if i have the mac. without getting into a pc/mac pissing match, does anyone have any comments/suggestions? price isn't really the issue - more dependability and long-term use.

i hear you, i'm getting a thinkpad Tseries also. i don't know, for me i think its the best combination of size/portability, and dependability. i thought about getting a tablet pc, either ibm or from motioncomputing.com, but i was playing around with my friends, and it just didn't feel like my thing.

Hey guys,

I finally sent in a withdrawal letter to the SOM office. I feel bad both about waiting so long (sorry waitlist-people) and also about withdrawing; you are all VERY COOL A++ PEOPLE WOULD MEET AGAIN.

So good luck to all yinz, and I hope that my spot will go to one of the SDN waitlisters ;).

Sad to see you go 40, but I understand. Take care and stay in touch!

In other news, the pre-matric people should be excited since they start on Monday already. Time is flying and in a little over a month we all start med school. Skeery

Hey guys.. I dunno if this question has been addressed. (this thread was a little long to go all the way through)..haha, but I have been on the wait list for about 2 months and just got a letter that I've been moved to the Top-Twenty.. I know that's a good sign and all, but do you guys know if there's a lot of movement this late in the cycle? I only applied to one school....SOM.. and i'm in the process of applying again just in case it falls through this time around.... any advice or inspiring words would be much appreciated.. hopefully i'll be hearing good news soon! thanks, Heather

Hey Heather,

Definitely call up the office and ask, you won't find a friendlier admissions staff anywhere! I don't know how much movement there is - wait lists all over the country are still moving at this point so I imagine it's the same at SOM. On the other hand the small class size probably limits how much movement SOM can possibly have. So I don't know...

Good luck to you!

Hey guys.. I dunno if this question has been addressed. (this thread was a little long to go all the way through)..haha, but I have been on the wait list for about 2 months and just got a letter that I've been moved to the Top-Twenty.. I know that's a good sign and all, but do you guys know if there's a lot of movement this late in the cycle? I only applied to one school....SOM.. and i'm in the process of applying again just in case it falls through this time around.... any advice or inspiring words would be much appreciated.. hopefully i'll be hearing good news soon! thanks, Heather

Make sure that you reapply and do it early. I was in the top ten on the waitlist last year and did not get the call. This year I applied very early and was accepted. I would also suggest that you have a face to face meeting with Paula or Dr. Wallace to let them know how serious you are not matter what year that you would get in. Do that as soon as possible so that it could possibly have an effect for this years chances. Good luck!

Make sure that you reapply and do it early. I was in the top ten on the waitlist last year and did not get the call. This year I applied very early and was accepted. I would also suggest that you have a face to face meeting with Paula or Dr. Wallace to let them know how serious you are not matter what year that you would get in. Do that as soon as possible so that it could possibly have an effect for this years chances. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you guys for the advice...I've already started reapplying for the next cycle and i've been trying to get a meeting....i'll keep on tryin though.

kutter....mind if i ask how soon you applied and how soon after you were accepted? am i on the right timeline? thanks a bunch!

Thanks to both of you guys for the advice...I've already started reapplying for the next cycle and i've been trying to get a meeting....i'll keep on tryin though.

kutter....mind if i ask how soon you applied and how soon after you were accepted? am i on the right timeline? thanks a bunch!


I reapplied right after the 2004-05 class completed orientation, around mid August. I had an interview in early October and was accepted the following month. The office knew that I was reapplying and they said that I could request that my file be carried over for the next year. I did not have to get more letters of recommendation but I did anyway. I also was told that I did not have to come up with a new secondary PS. Call and talk to them about your situation and they will be very accommodating if you show them you really want to be there.

What about stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, and all the other cool doctor stuff ? Does SOM give us suggestions about what to get and when and where to get them? Should we be looking into this stuff now?

What about stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, and all the other cool doctor stuff ? Does SOM give us suggestions about what to get and when and where to get them? Should we be looking into this stuff now?

As far as stethoscopes, I'm getting littman's cardio III. The cardio master doesn't have the pediatric attachment.

http://www.scopesplus.com/go/109844087628429kxswpjc8nn0s15x/bCat?cat=steth

As far as stethoscopes, I'm getting littman's cardio III. The cardio master doesn't have the pediatric attachment.

http://www.scopesplus.com/go/109844087628429kxswpjc8nn0s15x/bCat?cat=steth

Hey just some friendly advice: IMHO, I don't think the pediatric attachment is all that helpful or warranted. I find that I can hear stuff better, even on a neonate, when I'm using a regular diaphram sized attachment. I have a cardiology III so thats what I "grew up" listening to stuff with. I have used a master cardiology before and its acoustics kicks ass! You can hear murmurs and stuff MUCH more clearly IMO. Either way you'll be fine - I just hope my opinion makes you guys think outside the box a little. Talk to more people for their opinions before you run out and buy a stethoscope; you still have a year yet.

don't buy the stuff yet, there'll probably be a big sale for you guys and you won't need it until second year. if you have it first year you might be able to use it in your preceptorship but they have the equipment there anyway.

-J

one more thing, orientation will go over EVERYTHING. you guys should be enjoying your sumer and not worry at all about the upcoming year. don't buy books or anything unless you've spoken with current students, can get them real cheap, or you're independently wealthy. we're gonna give you all the info you need to be successful first year (including what books to buy and what not to buy) so enjoy the little time you have left.

-J

thanks big o, thanks j.

just wanted to make sure im not missing anything here.

Well...I'm in. Dr. Wallace called me earlier in the week to offer me a spot, and I eagerly accepted. Proof that one CAN get off of a waitlist. So, while I have hovered around this thread from the start, let me officially introduce myself as another member of the SOM class of 2009. From what I have observed, our official thread has been a great indication of a close-knit community with people who go out of their way to help each other. I hope reality bears that out!

So now I suppose it's a mad month-long scramble to get everything in order...housing, physical, laptop, etc. and relaxing adequately of course. I look forward to meeting you all, and thanks to all the current students who have made this thread extremely valuable thus far.

Well...I'm in. Dr. Wallace called me earlier in the week to offer me a spot, and I eagerly accepted. Proof that one CAN get off of a waitlist. So, while I have hovered around this thread from the start, let me officially introduce myself as another member of the SOM class of 2009. From what I have observed, our official thread has been a great indication of a close-knit community with people who go out of their way to help each other. I hope reality bears that out!

So now I suppose it's a mad month-long scramble to get everything in order...housing, physical, laptop, etc. and relaxing adequately of course. I look forward to meeting you all, and thanks to all the current students who have made this thread extremely valuable thus far.

Congratulations on your acceptance. Speaking of scrambling to get everything ready; A third year student from SOM contacted me because he's looking for a roommate. If you or any other matriculants are still looking for one, PM me and i'll give you his e-mail address.

Well...I'm in. Dr. Wallace called me earlier in the week to offer me a spot, and I eagerly accepted. Proof that one CAN get off of a waitlist.

Congrats!!

I ran into a girl I met at SOM's accepted student's day yesterday at Buffalo who told me that she just recently gave up her spot at UMDNJ so maybe there's another spot opening up soon for another waitlister :luck: :luck: :luck:.

Hey Guys,

I'm considering SOM for F'06. Does SOM offer any scholarships? How about work-study? How are they with financial aid?

Hey Guys,

I'm considering SOM for F'06. Does SOM offer any scholarships? How about work-study? How are they with financial aid?

I have a friend with very high stats that was offered a scholarship to SOM; so it does happen, but probably not very often. As far as work-study, I don't think it would be wise to work during med school. However, there is the option of applying to the DO/PhD program which will pay for you to be there as I understand it.

There are also other scholarships available from outside sources. For some you have to write essays on why you deserve it or why you believe in the DO philosophy etc... Do a search or contact SOM for info about those types scholarships.

Scholarships, or at least grants do exist- I got one in my first year. (I have no idea why or how- it just kind of happened.) I was also offered work-study, which I didn't take, but probably should have. My good friend did her work-study in the library all four years and had no problems juggling that, med school, and class presidency. Of course, she is Super Woman, so take that into consideration.

I have to say that the financial aid people at SOM are absolutely fantastic. They really helped me out over my four years. They're very nice, too, and they know everyone- that's the advantage to going to a small school. They _will_ fight for you.

Also, Sandy keeps candy on her desk for everyone... yum.

Bests,
Paige

Let's say that you know you want to do specialty X by the time elective rotations roll around 4th yr, and you're torn between hospital Y and Z... can you do your elective rotations in the same specialty at both the hospitals? It would be a bad idea if you're not certain yet of what specialty you want, but I think it would help get more experience if you know for certain what you want to do.

Unless things have changed since I graduated (a necessary disclaimer by now!), you are allowed to do no more than two rotations in any one specific specialty- e.g. a general pediatrics rotation and then, perhaps, a subI. However, no one will stop you from doing pediatrics and then pediatric neurology and pediatric ID, or medicine and geriatrics and then an ICU month, or radiology, neuroradiology, interventional radiology, etc. As long as they're somewhat different, you should be able to get away with it.

However (again, unless they've changed things), there are only five rotations that you can do out-of-system. (Six including two weeks of radiology in third year, actually- that started when I was a MSIV.) Of those rotations, one is a family practice elective (meaning anything that you can convince the administration is related to family practice... except pedatrics, for no good reason at all) and one is a medicine subspecialty (which you can substitute a pediatric subspecialty if you get permission). Also, only three of these rotations can be done before the match, so that only gives you three opportunities for an audition rotation. Don't worry about it... we all manage somehow. :)

Bests,
Paige

Unless things have changed since I graduated (a necessary disclaimer by now!), you are allowed to do no more than two rotations in any one specific specialty- e.g. a general pediatrics rotation and then, perhaps, a subI. However, no one will stop you from doing pediatrics and then pediatric neurology and pediatric ID, or medicine and geriatrics and then an ICU month, or radiology, neuroradiology, interventional radiology, etc. As long as they're somewhat different, you should be able to get away with it.

However (again, unless they've changed things), there are only five rotations that you can do out-of-system. (Six including two weeks of radiology in third year, actually- that started when I was a MSIV.) Of those rotations, one is a family practice elective (meaning anything that you can convince the administration is related to family practice... except pedatrics, for no good reason at all) and one is a medicine subspecialty (which you can substitute a pediatric subspecialty if you get permission). Also, only three of these rotations can be done before the match, so that only gives you three opportunities for an audition rotation. Don't worry about it... we all manage somehow. :)

Bests,
Paige


congrats, Paige, you're a senior now!! Are you gonna miss internship as much as I am? LOL! :laugh:

Y'all best be (as they say here in Oklahoma) listening to Paige..... the chick knows her stuff!!

Let's say that you know you want to do specialty X by the time elective rotations roll around 4th yr, and you're torn between hospital Y and Z... can you do your elective rotations in the same specialty at both the hospitals? It would be a bad idea if you're not certain yet of what specialty you want, but I think it would help get more experience if you know for certain what you want to do.

go with hospital A or B, but never Y or Z. Oh yeah, switch to a residency in C!

The most recent one I can find is 2002. Anyone have a more recent one?

congrats, Paige, you're a senior now!! Are you gonna miss internship as much as I am? LOL!

I shall miss internship precisely as much as I miss block week in first year. Or that horrible module Monday in second year. Or the entire six weeks of surgery in third year (sorry, O! :)). Or... well, fourth year was actually pretty sweet, especially the part where my humanities presentation was essentially a clip tape of Scrubs! Heh.

I shall miss internship precisely as much I miss all of the above.

(It's _good_ to be a senior! At least until all the additional ICU time kicks in...)

Y'all best be (as they say here in Oklahoma) listening to Paige..... the chick knows her stuff!!

Awww. You made me blush! (I still say that you're too nice to be a surgeon!) High praise, coming from you. You're pretty sharp yourself, y'know. (I actually attempted to phrase that in quasi-folksy talk, but my eyes started to bleed and I therefore desisted.)

Incidentally, how was the couples match?

Paige

Hi everyone,
I knew I heard ppl talking about the sdn forum at accepted students day, but I haven't gotten a chance to check it out until today. Hi! I was accepted in the fall, and now it's 3 weeks until we start. AAAHHH!! I'm getting nervous! How is everyone else feeling?
This is the first time I'm moving a good distance from everything I know, so there is that whole anxiety as well. But I am really looking forward to getting started (finally) and meeting everyone. Nate, I think I met you at accepted students day b/c I heard you talking about that party that happened afterward. I even think I am mentioned in the forum...Someone was talking about the girl who kept mentioning that she didn't get a phonecall acceptance...that was me! BTW, I was playing it up a little, I wasn't too crushed...getting the letter was pretty good too.
Anyway, enough rambling...guess I will see everyone very soon...
Also, is anyone going to that financial aid workshop?

I know it's last minute, but I'm going down on Friday to find a place (one way or the other!). Does anyone remember which places the other students said NOT to live? On my list of places to look at:

Echelon Glen
The Landings at Pine Lake
Stonington Court
The Village at Voorhees
Woodmere Apts

these were all just based on location. I want to live in a one bedroom as close as possible to school. Would rather have nicer apartment than cheaper apartment (though it's funny, coming from Boston, even the pricey apartments are cheap apartments!)

Any input would be appreciated!

DO NOT GO TO WOODMERE

If you want something nice and don't mind paying a bit more check out Echelon or the Village (nicer area).

If you have specific questions about Echelon, PM me.

-J

P.S. no worries for those who haven't started looking. People were still moving in to places during first week of classes (after orientation) last year and were able to find places.

[QUOTE=DOctorJay]DO NOT GO TO WOODMEREQUOTE]

I realized after I posted that that woodmere was one of the DO NOT GO places. plus, when i called, they didn't have any one beds available. just as well. going down on friday with the parents to look at the other four places and sign up.

I am both excited and nervous to start. I can't believe it's so soon already. I'm also making the transition from my job/life here in Boston back to Jersey after 5 years away. Pros and cons I guess.

Is there a final head count yet on how many students? Slightly disappointed with the male/female ratio :p

cutiepi, glad to see you on this thread. we don't need those other threads anymore. hehe.

its hard to believe its just less than 3 weeks away. i can't wait to start and meet all of you. i can tell we're going to have a great class.

check out Pine Hill Gardens as well. Its about 10 minutes away from school but its subsidized housing, so its damn cheap.

thier one bedrooms are around 500 a month with free heat, water, and cooking and u get a washer/dryer

cant beat it. I lived there for a semester after moving out of good ol' woodmere.

you'll miss boston tho soon enough. i sure do.



I know it's last minute, but I'm going down on Friday to find a place (one way or the other!). Does anyone remember which places the other students said NOT to live? On my list of places to look at:

Echelon Glen
The Landings at Pine Lake
Stonington Court
The Village at Voorhees
Woodmere Apts

these were all just based on location. I want to live in a one bedroom as close as possible to school. Would rather have nicer apartment than cheaper apartment (though it's funny, coming from Boston, even the pricey apartments are cheap apartments!)

Any input would be appreciated!

check out Pine Hill Gardens as well. Its about 10 minutes away from school but its subsidized housing, so its damn cheap.

My good friend moved into Pine Hill Gardens as an MSI and still lives there as a PGYII. It's a cute little apartment... I always liked it. Also, the rent is incredibly low for the area.

The only downside is that Laurel Road is a disaster in the morning, but you'll end up dealing with that no matter what you do if you live in any of the complexes south of the school. At least it's better now than when I was a MSI (back in the misty recesses of time)- there was construction going on for months and all the traffic was rerouted. Not very pleasant...

Paige

that IS true, but if you do move there, you'll get to know the backroads very well which will get u to school w/in 10 minutes regardless of traffic, crazy speedtraps though..


The only downside is that Laurel Road is a disaster in the morning, but you'll end up dealing with that no matter what you do if you live in any of the complexes south of the school. Paige

All of this mail that I'm getting every day from UMDNJ is getting me very excited and very nervous too. This may have been answered several times already, but do we need to have anything purchased before orientation? Books, stethoscope, software, etc.??? Can't wait to meet all of you guys.

Actually, if anyone is in town for school already and has nothing to do on Saturday night, my band is playing at a pretty crazy bar near the school that serves fishbowls of anything you can drink. The place is called Bamboo Bernies, and it's just a couple of miles from the school down route 30 West(White Horse Pike) just under the turnpike. Maybe I'll see some of you guys there, or I'll see you all in about 3 weeks. Live it up before then. Peace.

-Dave

You DO NOT need to buy anything prior to orientation. If you have or can get some of the books real cheap go ahead. Otherwise just wait til you meet your Big Bro/Sis (August 1) and we'll tell you what to spend your $$$ on.

later
-J

You DO NOT need to buy anything prior to orientation. If you have or can get some of the books real cheap go ahead. Otherwise just wait til you meet your Big Bro/Sis (August 1) and we'll tell you what to spend your $$$ on.

later
-J

Thanks DOctorJay, helpful as always.

-Dave

You DO NOT need to buy anything prior to orientation. If you have or can get some of the books real cheap go ahead. Otherwise just wait til you meet your Big Bro/Sis (August 1) and we'll tell you what to spend your $$$ on.

later
-J

Two questions on two totally different topics. Now that we're almost starting, I'm getting a little obsessive. (a little?).

1 - do we really need to have the stethoscopes/otoscope/opthalomoscope from the beginning. And, do we even need the otoscope/opthalomoscope at all? I heard there are discounts available through organizations and whatnot.

2 - I'm looking to do a pediatric speciality of sorts (unsure what yet). Is this difficult to do as a DO? When I look for pediatric specialists on some of the bigger academic hospital sites, I'm lost in a sea of MDs and can't find any DOs. What are the thoughts on this?

I know I'll bite my tongue later, but I just want to start already!

Two questions on two totally different topics. Now that we're almost starting, I'm getting a little obsessive. (a little?).

1 - do we really need to have the stethoscopes/otoscope/opthalomoscope from the beginning. And, do we even need the otoscope/opthalomoscope at all? I heard there are discounts available through organizations and whatnot.

2 - I'm looking to do a pediatric speciality of sorts (unsure what yet). Is this difficult to do as a DO? When I look for pediatric specialists on some of the bigger academic hospital sites, I'm lost in a sea of MDs and can't find any DOs. What are the thoughts on this?

I know I'll bite my tongue later, but I just want to start already!

Hey Cutiepi, in re: to (2)
I volunteer at Cooper Hospital right now in the Peds ED, and there are TONS of DOs on the Peds side. And Cooper is a top notch hospital, so if ped emergency med is your thing, that is one option. Also, another doc i worked with, also a DO, is now doing peds GI @ Dupont Children's hospital. So from what I've seen, it's more than do-able. From the MDs and DOs that i've asked about getting competitive residencies as a DO, the answer seems to be the same: kick ass on your boards, do well in school, and get good LOR from people that matter. It seems as though it also depends on how "DO" friendly the hospitals are - some hospitals that I've volunteered at, like HUP, would never in a million years consider a DO app. Others like Cooper seem not to care as much about the osteo or allo track. In short, there are so many DOs in peds that it probably won't be a problem, though it might depend on the hospital.

If you're into peds SOM is a great place for you. CHoP is rated the best hospital in the country for peds if I'm not mistaken and we have some excellent peds docs on faculty. Dr. Finkel runs the New Jersey CARES institute which is one of a few programs like it in the country (google for more info). Also the info from nvshelat is right on. I know you're from Boston and there may not be many DOs up there but Philly has PCOM and SOM so we're pretty well represented in this area and there isn't much allo/osteo hostility.

in re: to question 1, buy oto/opthalmo-scope, steth, etc when you get here. you DO NOT need it first year although if you have it your preceptor may allow you to practice with them and learn. Second year it will be necessary.

in closing, orientation at SOM lasts a week and will be PACKED with info. ALL your questions will be answered so enjoy these last couple weeks before it begins. Hit the beaches or the pool and don't worry about classes yet.

see you all soon!

-J

thank you both for your input. I tend to be a somewhat neurotic/obsessive person at times (a personality trait I'm sure I share with many doctors).

Though I'm sad to admit the only reason I initially applied to SOM was as a "backup" to the allopathic programs, once I learned more about it, I really decided I liked it. The only thing I started worrying about is my options for residencies/fellowships down the road. I know once I start school and have the chance to speak with some of the doctors at the school I'll feel more comforted.

I don't know what I would do without the help from SDN - only wish I found it sooner!!

See you all in 2 weeks :)

Anyone who has done or knows about SOM rotations know how they are? Are the doctors very helpful? Learn alot, ppl nice, etc?

whatup guys, just a handful of days left.

anyone have any thoughts on health insurance? do most people just take the AETNA PPO offered by the school? i just got the SOMA packet, do any students opt for the SOMA plans instead?

also, on that note, any suggestions for renters insurance? how much does that usually run?

Renter's Insurance usually runs $11-12 per month (that is what they have charged me in two different states) They often will discount you if you pay for the entire year at once.

Most people get the school insurance, if you can stay on your parents' for some reason definitely do that and submit the required paperwork. I have heard SOMA is terrible.

Renter's insurance for me is about $120.

see ya in a few

-J

Hi everyone,
I knew I heard ppl talking about the sdn forum at accepted students day, but I haven't gotten a chance to check it out until today. Hi! I was accepted in the fall, and now it's 3 weeks until we start. AAAHHH!! I'm getting nervous! How is everyone else feeling?
This is the first time I'm moving a good distance from everything I know, so there is that whole anxiety as well. But I am really looking forward to getting started (finally) and meeting everyone. Nate, I think I met you at accepted students day b/c I heard you talking about that party that happened afterward. I even think I am mentioned in the forum...Someone was talking about the girl who kept mentioning that she didn't get a phonecall acceptance...that was me! BTW, I was playing it up a little, I wasn't too crushed...getting the letter was pretty good too.
Anyway, enough rambling...guess I will see everyone very soon...
Also, is anyone going to that financial aid workshop?
Macdoc
Congratulations...as one of the faculty I will be meeting with the class on orientation day...you will enjoy it here..it will be hard work, but worth it

Hey guys, I just returned from Honduras. My renter's insurance was something like 140$ for the year. I will see you guys next week, I took over 500 pictures on my trip :wow:

<~~~~ Woot!

Looking good :thumbup:

How's orientation?

So far it's been moving smoothly. I am ready to stop talking about it and do it. Too bad you're not around 40 oz., we have a pretty great class.

love the new pic Nate!
congrats and welcome c/o 2009! see you all tonight at Puffer's and try to relax through orientation, class will be here soon enough, enjoy getting to know each other and the school.

-J

Wow this thread got quiet... they must be keeping us busy!

Hey Jay, how you doing :p

Congrats MS1.5s.