KCUMB Class of 2016!

Figured I'd start a class of 2016 thread... not sure if the facebook group was created because I do not have facebook!

Cool! I'm so, so excited..August cannot come quick enough!

Originally Posted by RIdoc11

Figured I'd start a class of 2016 thread... not sure if the facebook group was created because I do not have facebook!

Originally Posted by ksmajmudar

Cool! I'm so, so excited..August cannot come quick enough!

It feels good to finally breathe!

Congratulations everyone! I, too, am looking forward to August!

However, I aim to enjoy these few months before the gauntlet. Some travel, a regular job, and some much needed R&R sounds nice. What're everyone's plans before heading off to Kansas City this August?

Honored to be apart of this school and the centennial class! I am doing major traveling this summer to relax a bit Europe for 35 days on efcollegebreak.com! Anyone interested PM me

I have very similar plans. Part-time work in the ER, shadowing a trauma surgeon, much RnR, several trips planned. Excited for KC and medical school! Is there a Spacebook group???

Originally Posted by ksmajmudar

Cool! I'm so, so excited..August cannot come quick enough!

You say that now...

So I'm thinking of finding a place not too far from campus and sharing with ~ 1 or 2 roomates. Something like a 3 bedroom apt or house within easy and quick commute. I'm also considering a 2-room CT apt.

PM me if you might be interested in sharing a place!

I'm a female, but I'm open to both male and female roomates. I'm also open to sharing a place with one or more neat freaks... as long as they don't expect the same level of neurotic neatness from me

Hey guys,

what made you guys choose KCUMB? I am debating between here and LECOM-Erie.

Originally Posted by bibit

So I'm thinking of finding a place not too far from campus and sharing with ~ 1 or 2 roomates. Something like a 3 bedroom apt or house within easy and quick commute. I'm also considering a 2-room CT apt.

PM me if you might be interested in sharing a place!

I'm a female, but I'm open to both male and female roomates. I'm also open to sharing a place with one or more neat freaks... as long as they don't expect the same level of neurotic neatness from me

same here bibit. I am a male

Looks like the school has some nice equipment packages, albeit expensive. Kind of exciting getting our own equipment, makes it feel more real.

http://www.webmedbooks.com/kcumb/con...c-1a89f459cffa

I'm actually in a 1 year post bac program which is anything BUT rest and relaxation...

Also something to point out... Us 2016'ers mark the 100th anniversary of KCUMB (est. 1916)

Originally Posted by RIdoc11

I'm actually in a 1 year post bac program which is anything BUT rest and relaxation...

Also something to point out... Us 2016'ers mark the 100th anniversary of KCUMB (est. 1916)

That's awesome. I am proud to be a member of KCUMB's Centennial Class!

(edit)

http://www.facebook.com/groups/192289590848209/

Made the decision with my family today. I'll be attending KCUMB in August! I can't wait!

Originally Posted by alexjeisenberg

Made the decision with my family today. I'll be attending KCUMB in August! I can't wait!

Congrats!!!

Hi All,

I just scheduled my interview. I was actually looking for a bit of advice on the entire process. Any pointers you could throw my way would be much appreciated.
Specifically Regarding...
-Any advice on good things to do or good placed to eat in KC? I'm flying in the day before rather early and not leaving until the day after the interview.
-On what to expect for the interview?

All the Best and Congratulations on Your Acceptances,

PNN

Congratulations Everyone! I am so excited to get started! ksmajmudar set up a facebook page so if you haven't already join the group!!!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/192289590848209/

See you all in August!

The only problem now is that I am so excited and we still have 10 months. Ughhh. Has anyone else been out of school for awhile.

Originally Posted by julies

The only problem now is that I am so excited and we still have 10 months. Ughhh. Has anyone else been out of school for awhile.

I feel the same way. Granted, I just graduated in spring, but I'm so antsy to start school already! Especially since I've got a bunch of friends who started medical school this past August, and they share with me all the incredible things they're learning...can't wait for next august!

Originally Posted by ksmajmudar

I feel the same way. Granted, I just graduated in spring, but I'm so antsy to start school already! Especially since I've got a bunch of friends who started medical school this past August, and they share with me all the incredible things they're learning...can't wait for next august!

By the time I start I will have been out for 4 years. I am sweating it pretty bad. I think I need to brush up on some stuff...
Has anyone thought about a roommate? I am wanting to get one and live in Century Towers. Does anyone know where or how I might go about finding someone? Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by julies

By the time I start I will have been out for 4 years. I am sweating it pretty bad. I think I need to brush up on some stuff...
Has anyone thought about a roommate? I am wanting to get one and live in Century Towers. Does anyone know where or how I might go about finding someone? Any suggestions?

I would probably look into posting it on the facebook group wall once more people begin to join... If you are definitely set on living in Century Towers I would go ahead and put your deposit down there for a 2 bedroom so you don't get stuck without an apartment.

Hey ladies! Anyone checking out CT and looking for a roommate? I'm thinking the deluxe 2 bedroom...or even the regular 2 bedroom. Whichever is really fine by me actually. Let me know if your interested...maybe we can swap details and see if we'd fit as roomies (Lord knows we don't need a rough living situation in med school!) I posted on the FB page also so disregard if you're seeing this twice.

Did you guys all put down the 2k right away or did you put down the 1k by December and are going to put down the rest before March? just wondering

Originally Posted by arizona87

Did you guys all put down the 2k right away or did you put down the 1k by December and are going to put down the rest before March? just wondering

I put my 1k down and I plan on paying the other 1k as late as possible

Originally Posted by Flemon

I put my 1k down and I plan on paying the other 1k as late as possible

same here!

Originally Posted by Flemon

I put my 1k down and I plan on paying the other 1k as late as possible

same!

I was accepted back in mid-November. I paid my acceptance fee and got the receipt last week. I graduated back in the spring as well. This is going to be torture to wait until August.

Originally Posted by ChickwithAbs

Hey ladies! Anyone checking out CT and looking for a roommate? I'm thinking the deluxe 2 bedroom...or even the regular 2 bedroom. Whichever is really fine by me actually. Let me know if your interested...maybe we can swap details and see if we'd fit as roomies (Lord knows we don't need a rough living situation in med school!) I posted on the FB page also so disregard if you're seeing this twice.

Hey hey. When I went to interview I also looked at a few places to live just in case and I really like Market Station apartments (check them out online). They are in River market area, which is super close to campus but still far enough where it is safe. I was thinking of living alone at first but then thought more about it and with 1 roommate (girl), Id have a lot more breathing room financially. Were you set on CT?

Does anyone know how much/if any dedicated study time is available for taking the boards?

Originally Posted by jayhvvip

Does anyone know how much/if any dedicated study time is available for taking the boards?

I was wondering the same thing.... I did however ask about board prep and such while on my interview... The day I interviewed they actually had Kaplan on campus pitching their board prep program... As far as dedicated study time though, I doubt it???

Originally Posted by jayhvvip

Does anyone know how much/if any dedicated study time is available for taking the boards?

I received the answer from the admissions department:

"KCUMB has a unique program called the Professional Enrichment Program (PEP) that provides 1-2 weeks during the first two years for independent learning. During the second year when students begin to concentrate on board preparation, a 2 week period is scheduled in October, March, May, and June. The last class ends in early May. In addition to these, spring has a 1 week vacation and a 1 week period during graduation week with no classes scheduled. Including graduation week and PEP weeks in May/June, students may have 7 consecutive weeks with minimal scheduling. There are in these weeks electives to help students prepare if they wish to take them and a few requirements to complete such as ACLS and orientations for year III. Boards must be scheduled and taken before the end of June and that scheduling is done by students not the school."

Originally Posted by jayhvvip

I received the answer from the admissions department:

"KCUMB has a unique program called the Professional Enrichment Program (PEP) that provides 1-2 weeks during the first two years for independent learning. During the second year when students begin to concentrate on board preparation, a 2 week period is scheduled in October, March, May, and June. The last class ends in early May. In addition to these, spring has a 1 week vacation and a 1 week period during graduation week with no classes scheduled. Including graduation week and PEP weeks in May/June, students may have 7 consecutive weeks with minimal scheduling. There are in these weeks electives to help students prepare if they wish to take them and a few requirements to complete such as ACLS and orientations for year III. Boards must be scheduled and taken before the end of June and that scheduling is done by students not the school."

Thanks! I was wondering about this. That seems like adequate time. The best thing would be to study on our spare time on those PEP weeks so that those last 7 are the polishing up weeks to bang everything into our brains.

Originally Posted by longroad59

Thanks! I was wondering this. That seems like adequate time. The best thing would be to study on our spare time on those PEP weeks so that those last 7 our the polishing up weeks to bang everything into our brains.

I had similar thoughts. Anyone planning on taking the USMLE as well?

Originally Posted by jayhvvip

I had similar thoughts. Anyone planning on taking the USMLE as well?

I absolutely plan on taking the USMLE as well. One of my good friends from undergrad is at OSU-COM. She was similar to me with an average GPA from undergrad and not the highest MCAT in the incoming class. But she went all out during her first two years and studied hard for both the COMLEX and USMLE. She ended up in the 99 percentile for both. Something like 254 USMLE and 704 COMLEX or something like that. Its all about work ethic and dedication. You don't have to come into med school with a 33+ MCAT and 3.8+ GPA to do well on the boards.

Hey everyone, I thought all those who are researching schools could use some posts regarding why we have chosen KCUMB. I will start with a question I answered for someone recently:

Quote:
Originally Posted by #####
Hi, I saw your posts a couple of times on the KCUMB forum and was wondering if you mind sharing why you've decided to attend the school. I'm pretty interested in this school but I've heard some controversies regarding osteopathic schools. I saw that you have high stats, did you apply to any MD schools or are you only interested in DO schools?

I hope you don't mind the questions.

Thanks,

###



###,


Here is a long-winded response to your question:

Why KCUMB?

First, the Curriculum seems well designed and intuitive for learning all aspects of the human body and associated pathologies. From what I can tell, the curriculum has a lot of opportunity for independent learning. This attracts me since I would rather not spend 8 hours a day in a classroom. Furthermore, many students feel they do not need to attend all lectures. Although not technically allowed, I think this is a valuable option for those who are more efficient at learning on their own . Conversely, KCUMB provides the students with printouts of all lecture notes, as well as video and audio recording for most so you never have to miss a class. I think having these amenities will go far in being successful through medical school. From my interview, I saw that the lecture halls, anatomy lab, and OMT lab were well equipped, as were all the buildings. As far as technology goes, it appears that KCUMB wants to break a record for the number of huge LCD flat screens on campus. There are more TVs and blue ray players than paintings. KCUMB also utilizes a centralized online system (blackboard) for faculty and students.

Second, KCUMB has a solid research base. Students have ample opportunities to participate in research activities, or to just learn research methodologies through coursework. I find it incredibly important for a student doctor to be well versed in the world of research since this will ensure you stay up to date as a practicing physician. Furthermore, if you want to work in academics or at a university hospital, being up to date on the current literature, as well as knowledgeable of how research is done, is invaluable.

Third, KCUMB graduates have high success rates matching into good residencies. Students also have good passing rates on board exams. At this point I plan on taking both the COMLEX and USMLE since I want to attend a specific surgery residency at an ACGME institution, and having USMLE scores will ensure that I am compared equally to MD graduates. KCUMB also provides ample dedicated study time (about seven weeks) for board exams which is fantastic.

Now for your question regarding DO vs MD:

For a basic comparison of the two professions, search MD vs DO through Wikipedia.

Up until last year I was only going to become an MD. Through attending DO awareness nights, doing lots of school research, and shadowing Osteopathic physicians I learned that either route will make me a great physician.

I became more interested in DO schools for a couple of reasons. I think the additional training in Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy, or OMT, gives students another layer of understanding of human structure and function, not to mention additional skills to add to your repertoire of patient exam abilities. If you have never seen a primary care DO do a physical exam, I recommend you do. They are very thorough and confident in working up a patient. Also, from what I have heard, and this comes from a physician at an MD school, when osteopathic students (KCUMB) go on to clerkship rotations they are found to be more competent and confident compared to their MD colleagues (take this with a grain of salt since this is opinion based). Throughout the pre-clinical years, a DO student is making a lot of physical contact with many people, which really helps you get close to your patients.

I will admit, when I first learned about OMT, my skeptic alarms went off. After I observed a bunch of manipulations, however, I began to appreciate it's use. I believe part of the effect is placebo, but I know a lot of manipulations have physiological benefit and have an evidence base, especially in regards to pain from skeletal/muscular sources (back pain). DOs do not use OMT instead of pharmacology. There is no hippie, homeopathic, or energy BS interwoven into the reasoning. If your gall bladder needs to be removed, OMT will not prevent that. OMT is an ADDITIONAL tool available to a DO physician, should they choose to utilize it. One bonus of training as a DO is your ability to treat friends and family after the first week of medical school with the OMT techniques you learn, not officially of course. As an MD student, this will not be available to you.

The only way I will consider not be attending KCUMB is if I get accepted to my state institution (MD), which will not be an easy decision. It will not be due to academics but because staying in Oregon would keep me closer to my family. Also, as I said earlier, I want to do my residency here.

With that said, I would not go to any school just because I would be granted an MD after my name. I think the only things going for MD programs and not DO, is the close affiliation with Veteran's hospitals, and the fact MD programs (and physicians) are the majority. Really the later is the only one with implications, and only if it matters to you. As a DO, there is a possibility that you may need to someday defend your qualifications (which is rare now) to ACGME directors or crotchety, old MDs from the early days. Some MDs may say DOs are not as qualified, or that OMT is as beneficial to a patient as acupuncture. Similarly, some DOs, (especially the AOA) will say that MDs are not as humanistic, and that DOs have a more "patient-centered" approach. Both of these claims are unfounded. The MD claim is based on a lack of knowledge, while the DO claim is based on the desire for the Osteopathic profession to remain distinct from the MD. Historically, MD programs were not that patient centered but more paternalistic, but this has more or less dissolved since patient autonomy has developed as a right respected by clinicians.

I will tell you that you should attend a school that fits you and gives you a good feeling about how you will be treated as a student. Like I said, either profession will provide you with the resources to become an excellent physician. When you are choosing schools, and interviewing, be very observant and realize that you will be paying the school, and they are in competition with other schools for your money (and you of course). I recommend you question programs that do not show you everything about the school, good and bad. My state school for instance did not show us the classrooms or the anatomy lab! Before I go to a school that will cost me tons of money, I want to know how I will be treated, where I would be spending most of my day, and where my tuition dollars go. As far as applying, I have in every way enjoyed myself more when interacting with DO schools compared to MD schools (application process, contact with admissions staff, interviews, followup). In my opinion, this is probably due to an MD program having no shortage of qualified applicants who would do almost ANYTHING to get in, just because it is medical school. In contrast, many DO schools need to sell themselves more to attract some (not all) well qualified applicants. Perhaps due in part to the misunderstanding that DO schools are somehow less prestigious or effective in training.

My advice to you, should you want it, is to be open to the Osteopathic profession. However, choose a school based on the resources available to you, quality (and evidence of effectiveness) of the curriculum, and whether the school is a good "fit". When you are interviewing, know that you being interviewed means that you made the cut on paper. Be yourself and be confident; ultimately it is your choice (not the school) that determines where you go.

Good luck

Jeremiah

Does KCUMB have an accepted student day anytime?


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Has anyone heard anything about when additional information packets will be sent out?


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Originally Posted by TraumaJunky

Has anyone heard anything about when additional information packets will be sent out?


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Someone on the Facebook page said they received a packet yesterday. I didn't get anything though. I'll let you know if I get something today.

What's everyone doing until the fall? And have any packets gone out yet?


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Im going to be living in CT. They just seem so convenient and decently priced. Their pet policy is the best I found.

I also just received a packet today from the financial aid office with information on scholarship opportunities and it said that the rest of the financial aid packet will come out in april...

You doing the one bedroom? I'm either going for CT or Market Station, but id need a roommate for the latter...


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Ya i'm just doing the 1 bedroom. I liked the market station but they are ridiculously expensive in comparison to CT. I've spoken with the staff at CT and have never had any negative encounters with them. I initially was looking for a more "off campus" apartment but after talking with CT, I just know its really the best option.

It's official, I'll be attending in the fall, just got the bad news from my state school, but really excited about Kansas City!!


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Got an email today about matriculation info. Is this all we are going to get? Or is there going to be something coming in the snail mail?

Congrats to those accepted into class of 2016! I am a MSII. I think you will find KCUMB an excellent place to go to school. I live at Century Towers and I am glad I stayed here. You just can't beat waking up at 740am to get to class at 755am. :-)

Originally Posted by longroad59

Got an email today about matriculation info. Is this all we are going to get? Or is there going to be something coming in the snail mail?

As time goes on you will begin to receive more paperwork in the mail. Don't worry once you get an acceptance letter and pay your deposit, just relax and things will be ok! Congrats and I think you will love your experience at KCUMB I know I do!
_______________

KCUMB class of 2015

When are people startin to move up to KC?


"Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything through prayer and petition present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus"

Originally Posted by TraumaJunky

When are people startin to move up to KC?

Im planning on moving the last weekend in July. When I talked to the lady at Century Towers she said alot of people were planing on moving up Aug 1st.

People in this class are quiet!! Where's the centennial love?

I think most people moved their discussions over to facebook page. Does anybody know of good study spots besides the ones on campus?

Well tell all those kids to come back and share the love....not everyone on the planet has Facebook!!