AZCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

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Interview invite today!

Originally Posted by medicsb

Interview invite today!

Congrats. when were you complete?

anyone interviewing on the 12th of november?

Originally Posted by nyknicks

anyone interviewing on the 12th of november?

No, today feel free to PM me

anyone who is interviewing on the 12th who wants to split the cost of a hotel room PM me.

Originally Posted by DbDan

Congrats. when were you complete?

10/14. I guess the turn around was a little longer than other, but 3.5 weeks ain't bad. I wish the allopathic schools could turnaround that quick.

Hey, did any of you that got accepted get acceptance letters, and if so, how long did it take?

First Interview invite! Complete 10/19

Originally Posted by Rogo

Hey, did any of you that got accepted get acceptance letters, and if so, how long did it take?

It took about a week after my status changed online to receive my acceptance in the mail.

Originally Posted by Rogo

Hey, did any of you that got accepted get acceptance letters, and if so, how long did it take?

It took about a month for my letter to come after being accepted.

First interview invite today! I was complete 10/20. I'm scheduling mine 2/24. anyone else going on the same date? i'm excited!!!

Just got my interview invite today. I am interview on February 25. Any suggestions?

Went complete 11/2, got the interview invite today, unless an earlier date opens up, interview's 2/25

Originally Posted by jnguyen24

Just got my interview invite today. I am interview on February 25. Any suggestions?

Congrats! I have my interview tomorrow. I'll let you know my experiences but from what I've heard it's pretty laid back.

Originally Posted by jnguyen24

Just got my interview invite today. I am interview on February 25. Any suggestions?

I just got an invite as well and scheduled it for Feb 25, See u there!

Do they not interview in December? I had to reschedule my interview and it went from November to January. Now it's even into February and early March....

Originally Posted by randomusername

Went complete 11/2, got the interview invite today, unless an earlier date opens up, interview's 2/25

I was complete 11/3, hopefully I hear back soon It sounds like its got huge variation though from 5 days to a month, ugh

By request, I have posted two powerpoints/pdfs regarding mainly 3rd year, but perhaps 4th year depending on the region of choice. It also gives insight on the lottery system in the event a region is requested at a higher amount than normal.

I hope this will answer many questions regarding rotations and maybe dispel some undying rumors surrounding the school. I am glad AZCOM SGA allowed me to do this and I appreciate their efforts along with the AZCOM class council of 2012.


Please note that I can't upload the rotation region overview pdf as it is over 11 mb, so I have created a mediafire account. You can download it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/o2nmdk...n_10.20.09.pdf

I have also uploaded the other two pdfs in case you can't download them off of SDN for some reason.

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot to make the attachments on SDN while doing the MF account.

Dr. Speicher is Dean of Admissions, if I'm not mistaken. The other pdf was posted by another member, but it basically has a summary of the osteopathic rotation sites. You'll have to go down a few pages for AZCOM.

the azcom 2014 facebook group is up
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gi....4245026540..1

or just type in "azcom 2014"

withdrew my interview invite. hope one of you guys get it! good luck all

Originally Posted by Flushot

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot to make the attachments on SDN while doing the MF account.

Dr. Speicher is Dean of Admissions, if I'm not mistaken. The other pdf was posted by another member, but it basically has a summary of the osteopathic rotation sites. You'll have to go down a few pages for AZCOM.

Wow, this is great! thanks a lot. It's much better to be able to actually look at the number of spots available at each location, and to see what the different areas are like. I definitely haven't made up my mind yet, and probably won't for awhile. But the information in these powerpoints has eased some of my worries!

I'm curious, what happens 4th year? I know that you can set up away rotations wherever, but besides the away rotations, do you stay in the region that you were assigned to? Or do you have to set up each rotation for yourself even if it isn't an away or "audition" rotation? Or do you go back to Phoenix (if you left)?

I got a PM about dress code. Here is the question and answer:

I had a question about the dress code. Is there one for med students? Are you required to wear your lab coat to anything, or scrubs to certain labs?

There is no dress code except for OMM and the ICM practical. OMM = exercise clothing (no belt, sports bra, etc.) The ICM practical requires you to dress professionally, i.e., like interview day.

Originally Posted by MN premed

Wow, this is great! thanks a lot. It's much better to be able to actually look at the number of spots available at each location, and to see what the different areas are like. I definitely haven't made up my mind yet, and probably won't for awhile. But the information in these powerpoints has eased some of my worries!

I'm curious, what happens 4th year? I know that you can set up away rotations wherever, but besides the away rotations, do you stay in the region that you were assigned to? Or do you have to set up each rotation for yourself even if it isn't an away or "audition" rotation? Or do you go back to Phoenix (if you left)?

I don't really know about 4th year to be honest. Things might even change for 2012, so who knows. I'm thinking that you are free to stay in a particular region if you can fulfill your requirements or you can enter in the lottery to go to another region.

That said, it's not truly a lottery until people start swarming for it. If you pick, say Sierra Vista, as one of your top choices and there's enough for everyone, you'll go there. People have this idea that you'll automatically be assigned areas through a 'lottery' but it's only for the highly sought after regions.

I'll try to ask around more, because I'd love to know. I hope that works for now.

Originally Posted by Flushot

I got a PM about dress code. Here is the question and answer:



There is no dress code except for OMM and the ICM practical. OMM = exercise clothing (no belt, sports bra, etc.) The ICM practical requires you to dress professionally, i.e., like interview day.




I don't really know about 4th year to be honest. Things might even change for 2012, so who knows. I'm thinking that you are free to stay in a particular region if you can fulfill your requirements or you can enter in the lottery to go to another region.

That said, it's not truly a lottery until people start swarming for it. If you pick, say Sierra Vista, as one of your top choices and there's enough for everyone, you'll go there. People have this idea that you'll automatically be assigned areas through a 'lottery' but it's only for the highly sought after regions.

I'll try to ask around more, because I'd love to know. I hope that works for now.

Okay, thanks! If you find out anything about 4th year, you should let us know! Because if they have rotations set up for 4th year in the regions as well, and not just 3rd year, the "rural" locations are lookin pretty good to me But if you have to move again after 3rd year, that just seems like a big hassle for those of us who might be having a significant other whose living with us.


Also, does anyone know if AZCOM is planning on recording lectures at all? It seems like a huge negative that they don't already...

Originally Posted by MN premed

Okay, thanks! If you find out anything about 4th year, you should let us know! Because if they have rotations set up for 4th year in the regions as well, and not just 3rd year, the "rural" locations are lookin pretty good to me But if you have to move again after 3rd year, that just seems like a big hassle for those of us who might be having a significant other whose living with us.


Also, does anyone know if AZCOM is planning on recording lectures at all? It seems like a huge negative that they don't already...

at the interview they seemed to make a big deal about how thwy assign rotations, unlike other schools where you get to pick them.

Originally Posted by MN premed

Okay, thanks! If you find out anything about 4th year, you should let us know! Because if they have rotations set up for 4th year in the regions as well, and not just 3rd year, the "rural" locations are lookin pretty good to me But if you have to move again after 3rd year, that just seems like a big hassle for those of us who might be having a significant other whose living with us.


Also, does anyone know if AZCOM is planning on recording lectures at all? It seems like a huge negative that they don't already...

It seems that you can opt to stay in a region as long as it is not contested in the next cycle (e.g., one of the California locations). Some of the 'rural' hospitals are large enough to incorporate all of your requirements so it is possible.

AZCOM probably won't video or audio record lectures anytime soon unless we push for it. However, powerpoints are given out. Your classmates may also record and share via an existing iTunes network AZCOM has so there are possibilities.

The 2013 class council will try to make something happen for next year, so I'll try to keep everyone posted.

Originally Posted by Biology101

at the interview they seemed to make a big deal about how thwy assign rotations, unlike other schools where you get to pick them.

I would take a look at those powerpoints/pdfs I posted. As for electives, AZCOM does allow audition rotations for your electives, so it is possible to choose.

Once again, the 'lottery' only exists if a region is in high demand and only so many people can go. If you do not win your first choices, you get your next one and so forth.

Originally Posted by Flushot

It seems that you can opt to stay in a region as long as it is not contested in the next cycle (e.g., one of the California locations). Some of the 'rural' hospitals are large enough to incorporate all of your requirements so it is possible.

AZCOM probably won't video or audio record lectures anytime soon unless we push for it. However, powerpoints are given out. Your classmates may also record and share via an existing iTunes network AZCOM has so there are possibilities.

The 2013 class council will try to make something happen for next year, so I'll try to keep everyone posted.



I would take a look at those powerpoints/pdfs I posted. As for electives, AZCOM does allow audition rotations for your electives, so it is possible to choose.

Once again, the 'lottery' only exists if a region is in high demand and only so many people can go. If you do not win your first choices, you get your next one and so forth.

What is the positive of that system? It seems kinda limiting...

Originally Posted by Biology101

What is the positive of that system? It seems kinda limiting...

Well, I'm not really judging it. It's more like this is how it actually is and more on a part of an effort to remove the seemingly endless rumors that AZCOM will ship you to Ohio is there aren't enough volunteers, among other 'facts'.

If you don't believe that it'll work for you, then I guess don't go to AZCOM? I hope that the information is relevant and thorough enough to make a decision on whether or not the school is right for you. I don't doubt that the system has problems, but I'm willing to work through it, maybe even change it by the time we're up to it.

Originally Posted by Flushot

Well, I'm not really judging it. It's more like this is how it actually is and more on a part of an effort to remove the seemingly endless rumors that AZCOM will ship you to Ohio is there aren't enough volunteers, among other 'facts'.

If you don't believe that it'll work for you, then I guess don't go to AZCOM? I hope that the information is relevant and thorough enough to make a decision on whether or not the school is right for you. I don't doubt that the system has problems, but I'm willing to work through it, maybe even change it by the time we're up to it.

Had my interview yesterday. Dr. Speicher told us that for 3rd year, the breakdown is something like: approx 150 in the Phoenix area, 30-40 in Southern AZ (Tucson and Sierra Vista), 20-30 in Northern AZ (Kingman, Cottonwood, and a couple others under development at this time), and 20-30 to Ohio. He said that the most requested areas may have a lottery, although most areas get enough requests where they do not have to do this. Plus, they are constantly trying to set-up new experiences in AZ so that it will be easier for the students. That being said, the Ohio program is well connected with the residency programs throughout the Midwest, so if you are form the Midwest originally it might be to your advantage to go there if you are looking to the MW for residencies. His comment was that there is a good chance you may be moving for 3rd year, but most will be in AZ and if the Phoenix area, you can commute still. Don't panic, they keep adding opportunities and what they can do within a short period of time is amazing!

They said that the laptop thing is happening but would not give any other details and said the prices will hopefully be better than those being passed around through rumors.

One caution for this week: it is finals week! As a result, the anatomy lab is on lock down and you will not get to see it! Unfortunate, but such is life. The people giving tours try to get you into other places and you get to see so much. Current year's board scores as of yesterday: 110 out of 153 scores reports. Only 1 person has NOT passed this far!

Originally Posted by Flushot

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot to make the attachments on SDN while doing the MF account.

Dr. Speicher is Dean of Admissions, if I'm not mistaken. The other pdf was posted by another member, but it basically has a summary of the osteopathic rotation sites. You'll have to go down a few pages for AZCOM.

great info, thanks a bunch

Originally Posted by Phosphorus Ylide

Do they not interview in December? I had to reschedule my interview and it went from November to January. Now it's even into February and early March....

They told us that there are no AZCOM interviews during December. They are doing interviews for all of the other programs at Midwestern (Dental, Pharm, etc.) during that time.

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

Had my interview yesterday. Dr. Speicher told us that for 3rd year, the breakdown is something like: approx 150 in the Phoenix area, 30-40 in Southern AZ (Tucson and Sierra Vista), 20-30 in Northern AZ (Kingman, Cottonwood, and a couple others under development at this time), and 20-30 to Ohio. He said that the most requested areas may have a lottery, although most areas get enough requests where they do not have to do this. Plus, they are constantly trying to set-up new experiences in AZ so that it will be easier for the students. That being said, the Ohio program is well connected with the residency programs throughout the Midwest, so if you are form the Midwest originally it might be to your advantage to go there if you are looking to the MW for residencies. His comment was that there is a good chance you may be moving for 3rd year, but most will be in AZ and if the Phoenix area, you can commute still. Don't panic, they keep adding opportunities and what they can do within a short period of time is amazing!

They said that the laptop thing is happening but would not give any other details and said the prices will hopefully be better than those being passed around through rumors.

One caution for this week: it is finals week! As a result, the anatomy lab is on lock down and you will not get to see it! Unfortunate, but such is life. The people giving tours try to get you into other places and you get to see so much. Current year's board scores as of yesterday: 110 out of 153 scores reports. Only 1 person has NOT passed this far!

We saw the anatomy lab on Monday

I am fine being shipped to OHIO

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

They said that the laptop thing is happening but would not give any other details and said the prices will hopefully be better than those being passed around through rumors.

What laptop thing?? They said nothing about laptops to us during my interview in September. In fact, they said you can bring any laptop you want, as long as it meets certain basic requirements. Are they going to be requiring students to buy a certain laptop now??

Originally Posted by raebear

What laptop thing?? They said nothing about laptops to us during my interview in September. In fact, they said you can bring any laptop you want, as long as it meets certain basic requirements. Are they going to be requiring students to buy a certain laptop now??

Seems like alot of schools are requiring that you buy a new laptop...

Originally Posted by Biology101

We saw the anatomy lab on Monday

I am fine being shipped to OHIO

Maybe the exams started on Tuesday, as they could not get in on Tuesday or Wed.

Originally Posted by raebear

What laptop thing?? They said nothing about laptops to us during my interview in September. In fact, they said you can bring any laptop you want, as long as it meets certain basic requirements. Are they going to be requiring students to buy a certain laptop now??

Did I confuse forums? I can't find the original one that I was reading that the school was requiring a laptop and that the cost was like $3,000. Maybe it was SOMA. I am sorry. Midwestern does require that you have a laptop. Maybe that was why they looked at me weird when I asked about the rumored cost. My apologies if I was brain-fried and mixed up my forums. Hopefully I didn't ask the wrong school and make them think I was weird. Today is Thursday right?

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

Did I confuse forums? I can't find the original one that I was reading that the school was requiring a laptop and that the cost was like $3,000. Maybe it was SOMA. I am sorry. Midwestern does require that you have a laptop. Maybe that was why they looked at me weird when I asked about the rumored cost. My apologies if I was brain-fried and mixed up my forums. Hopefully I didn't ask the wrong school and make them think I was weird. Today is Thursday right?

Haha no worries... I thought it seemed odd that they would change their laptop policy randomly, but I suppose it could happen! I know you are required to buy a specific laptop at Touro Nevada, but so far that's the only school I've been to with that kind of policy.

Originally Posted by raebear

Haha no worries... I thought it seemed odd that they would change their laptop policy randomly, but I suppose it could happen! I know you are required to buy a specific laptop at Touro Nevada, but so far that's the only school I've been to with that kind of policy.

yea soma requires you to buy a think pad I believe. 2000-3000 from what I heard from students.

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

Maybe the exams started on Tuesday, as they could not get in on Tuesday or Wed.

Could be...students seemed grumpy to let us in when we came though

Originally Posted by Biology101

yea soma requires you to buy a think pad I believe. 2000-3000 from what I heard from students.

Must be SOMA then. I know they really push the Thinkpads at SOMA. Sorry about that!

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

Must be SOMA then. I know they really push the Thinkpads at SOMA. Sorry about that!

And the reason they gave me for requiring every student to buy a new laptop, is that "it is easier for the IT guys to fix"


I guess they arnt mac people

Originally Posted by Biology101

And the reason they gave me for requiring every student to buy a new laptop, is that "it is easier for the IT guys to fix"


I guess they arnt mac people

That is funny. You'd figure for all that money you are paying, they would have good IT people. I bet it is more like they get money for each laptop sold.

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

That is funny. You'd figure for all that money you are paying, they would have good IT people. I bet it is more like they get money for each laptop sold.

Wouldnt surprise me.... I thought SOMA was a shell of a school...Midwestern was way better

Originally Posted by Tinman85225

Had my interview yesterday. Dr. Speicher told us that for 3rd year, the breakdown is something like: approx 150 in the Phoenix area, 30-40 in Southern AZ (Tucson and Sierra Vista), 20-30 in Northern AZ (Kingman, Cottonwood, and a couple others under development at this time), and 20-30 to Ohio. He said that the most requested areas may have a lottery, although most areas get enough requests where they do not have to do this. Plus, they are constantly trying to set-up new experiences in AZ so that it will be easier for the students. That being said, the Ohio program is well connected with the residency programs throughout the Midwest, so if you are form the Midwest originally it might be to your advantage to go there if you are looking to the MW for residencies. His comment was that there is a good chance you may be moving for 3rd year, but most will be in AZ and if the Phoenix area, you can commute still. Don't panic, they keep adding opportunities and what they can do within a short period of time is amazing!

They said that the laptop thing is happening but would not give any other details and said the prices will hopefully be better than those being passed around through rumors.

One caution for this week: it is finals week! As a result, the anatomy lab is on lock down and you will not get to see it! Unfortunate, but such is life. The people giving tours try to get you into other places and you get to see so much. Current year's board scores as of yesterday: 110 out of 153 scores reports. Only 1 person has NOT passed this far!

Thanks for this update. I actually plan on meeting with Dr. Speicher about his research, among other things, so I'll ask about the moving around after 3rd year.

I don't know of this laptop thing. I think you all figured out it was probably SOMA so that's a fair misunderstanding.

Yes, it is finals week. We just had histo this morning, with ICM to follow tomorrow bright and early. I'm sure interviews next quarter will be nicer, especially the weather

I got a PM and thought I'd share the question and answer here:

Can you give me your input on AZCOM, how supportive is the student community? Do they offer good support services?

"Overall, I like AZCOM's intense quarter system. We had a minimum of 1 test a week and we're pushing into 2 every so week next quarter. It keeps you busy and on top of things if you want to even make it through the month.

AZCOM has a pretty good student services staff. They allow remediation of every class, but it will put you off by a year if there are too many classes to retake. If it is by one test, I believe you can retake.

Students who are fail tests are allowed free tutoring by paid 2nd or 3rd years. The professors are easy to access for those not doing well but not failing.

I'll be honest though; 2012 had issues with attrition in that they needed to fill their 250 class. Now I see often many 2nd years who must come in and sit for our histo lectures and exams. They continue with patho and micro with their other classmates, but they're technically 2013 now.

2013 seems to be more refined and I'm certain 2014 was very selective. I have heard of some SMP students here are still on pre-interview hold because they were told this year was very competitive.

But again, attrition is pretty typical of US schools. They'll give you chances and help when you need it."

Originally Posted by Biology101

Wouldnt surprise me.... I thought SOMA was a shell of a school...Midwestern was way better

I wouldn't say that about SOMA. It definitely has an unorthodox curriculum that is heavily clinic based. It's the perfect example of a school where you have to do your research before you go shotgunning your application with schools. It would be eye opening to go to an interview and actually learn what the mission of the school is on the spot.

It definitely works for many students. I appreciate the very early clinical approach but I wanted a more standard curriculum so I did not even apply to SOMA. It's not a knock at the school by any means though.

Originally Posted by Flushot

I got a PM and thought I'd share the question and answer here:



"Overall, I like AZCOM's intense quarter system. We had a minimum of 1 test a week and we're pushing into 2 every so week next quarter. It keeps you busy and on top of things if you want to even make it through the month.

AZCOM has a pretty good student services staff. They allow remediation of every class, but it will put you off by a year if there are too many classes to retake. If it is by one test, I believe you can retake.

Students who are fail tests are allowed free tutoring by paid 2nd or 3rd years. The professors are easy to access for those not doing well but not failing.

I'll be honest though; 2012 had issues with attrition in that they needed to fill their 250 class. Now I see often many 2nd years who must come in and sit for our histo lectures and exams. They continue with patho and micro with their other classmates, but they're technically 2013 now.

2013 seems to be more refined and I'm certain 2014 was very selective. I have heard of some SMP students here are still on pre-interview hold because they were told this year was very competitive.

But again, attrition is pretty typical of US schools. They'll give you chances and help when you need it."





I wouldn't say that about SOMA. It definitely has an unorthodox curriculum that is heavily clinic based. It's the perfect example of a school where you have to do your research before you go shotgunning your application with schools. It would be eye opening to go to an interview and actually learn what the mission of the school is on the spot.

It definitely works for many students. I appreciate the very early clinical approach but I wanted a more standard curriculum so I did not even apply to SOMA. It's not a knock at the school by any means though.

What percent attrition?


I wasn't talking about their curriculum, that was relatively decent. It was the fact that they only had a small room as the lecture hall, only one year at the medical campus, and high tuition for a new school. The school had a great looking dentistry school, but the med school was lacking.

Originally Posted by Biology101

What percent attrition?


I wasn't talking about their curriculum, that was relatively decent. It was the fact that they only had a small room as the lecture hall, only one year at the medical campus, and high tuition for a new school. The school had a great looking dentistry school, but the med school was lacking.

1-5%? It changes each year, but it is very low for all US schools. I don't know AZCOM's exact percentage, but it is not a significant number.

Ah, physically speaking, okay. I've never been to the campus so I have no idea.

Originally Posted by Biology101

Could be...students seemed grumpy to let us in when we came though

Aww, I was in that lab when you came in! I'm sorry we seemed grumpy; we were all just stressed out about the abdomen.

Originally Posted by fratelli

Aww, I was in that lab when you came in! I'm sorry we seemed grumpy; we were all just stressed out about the abdomen.

Oh thats ok, we didnt want to interrupt but the anatomy lab is an important thing to see.

Seems like two great labs

Originally Posted by Biology101

Wouldnt surprise me.... I thought SOMA was a shell of a school...Midwestern was way better

Couldn't agree more! I told the interviewers if they wanted assurances that I would come to AZCOM if accepted that I would be willing to sign a notarized affidavit so it was binding! They chuckled and thanked me for my confidence in their school. We all had a good laugh.