KCUMB Discussion Thread 2011-2012

[Iliketoytles]

exactly.. understanding, and always respecting, the fact that different patients will have different levels of spirituality and religiosity... and just respecting their values and principles, regardless of what we may personally feel about those ideologies..

Very well said. If only people lived by this philosophy more often... the world would be such a better place.

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[Muffles]

You guys have got the idea. They definitely do not support or push a particular religion or even religion at all, just the fact that when people are faced with illness, especially end of life illness, religion and spirituality (which are not the same thing but can be related - eg. you can be spiritual but not religious) can become a really big thing for the patient and their family. You need to respect that and do what you can to help address their concerns. Studies have apparently shown that when a patients spirituality is considered in their overall medical treatment, patients fare better.

Hope that helps.

 

[arizona87]

Hey everyone,

I am currently working on my secondary application and my letter of rec from a D.O. is getting mailed out next week. Am I really late in the cycle? It seems like most of you guys are interviewing and I haven't even sent this stuff in yet.

Thanks,

 

[ksmajmudar]

Hey everyone,

I am currently working on my secondary application and my letter of rec from a D.O. is getting mailed out next week. Am I really late in the cycle? It seems like most of you guys are interviewing and I haven't even sent this stuff in yet.

Thanks,

Don't sweat it at all. Its still very early in the cycle. This is literally just the beginning...Any interview before January and you're still early in my books!

Also, I caution you not to get caught up in SDNer expectations. No joke, SDN gives me more anxiety than any of the med schools I've applied to! The folks on this website tend to be the upper crust of the applicant pool. They are NOT the average applicant.

 

[arizona87]

...

 

[ksmajmudar]

Also, I am currently working on my secondary application and should be submitting it in the next 2 weeks. Am I late?

Err...I just answered your question...

 

[xajtx]

Not sure I can give you the whole answer you are looking for as I am only a month into 1st year at KCUMB, but I specifically chose KCUMB because of the genesis curriculum.

From what I have experienced so far, even in the one part of the curriculum that isn't that systems based (Foundations of Medicine is your starting block and it lasts 4 weeks - then you start systems with musculoskeletal), they really try to build on each others lectures and tie the material together for you. I think this is really important because on boards you are not going to be asked an "anatomy" or "biochemistry" question in isolation. You are going to be given a patient situation that has biochemical, physiological, immunological and microbiologyical data (for example) and you have to come up with the best answer to what's wrong, what drug would you give etc. I think it ties to the real world better and you are better able to assimilate things when you can see how things all interrelate.

So for Foundations of Medicine - we talked about cancer in genetics, biochemistry, pathology and immunology. You could see how all the various elements come into play when someone has cancer. In addition, we had a series of physiology lectures about the autonomic nervous system which was followed by a pharmacology lectures about the drugs that impact the ANS. Much easier to understand what a beta blocker does when you just went over what role beta receptors play in the ANS.

I don't know if this is unique to KCUMB but the support provided by the staff and the professors is unbelieveable. Several will be in an online chat room on the KCUMB website the night before a midterm / final in order to answer last minute questions. Most (all I think) have open door policies so you can go for help on anything. In addition, we were assigned a specific advisor during orientation week and lunch with them then. They then follow up with one on one lunches through out the year to make sure we're doing OK and they encourage us to contact them at any time if we have any thing we want to discuss.

I was a little concerned about security before I got to KCUMB, especially as I live at Century Towers across the street, and the neighborhood isn't the greatest. However, the security team at KCUMB is great. They keep an eye out in the morning and afternoon as students cross from CT to KCUMB. They encourage everyone to call them so they can escort you across to CT if you are alone. They are very good.

One unique area might be the focus KCUMB places on spirtuality in their training. They really want doctors they graduate to understand the spirituality requirements of their patients and well as themselves. I'm not sure I saw such a focus at any other school. You can do some digging on the KCUMB web site and in the course catalog to get a better sense of this.

Hope that helps a bit.

Thank you for the response, Muffles! I was also wondering if anybody who interviewed on the 1st would care to comment on how the interview day went? I'm interviewing on the 15th and I don't think they gave us an agenda...when does the day end?

 

[kpremed89]

I did. See you then!

I did!

 

[ChickwithAbs]

I did. See you then!

See you there! I guess I'll be looking around from a ninja with muscles???

 

[ziprasidone1]

Was anyone contacted by a current KCUMB student re: student housing the night before the interview?

 

[arizona87]

Thanks ksmajmudar! Sorry for the double post.

Don't sweat it at all. Its still very early in the cycle. This is literally just the beginning...Any interview before January and you're still early in my books!

Also, I caution you not to get caught up in SDNer expectations. No joke, SDN gives me more anxiety than any of the med schools I've applied to! The folks on this website tend to be the upper crust of the applicant pool. They are NOT the average applicant.

 

[ksmajmudar]

Was anyone contacted by a current KCUMB student re: student housing the night before the interview?

I'm curious about this. I selected the student housing option and still have not heard back...I'm just wondering if I should book a hotel or not.

 

[ziprasidone1]

I'm curious about this. I selected the student housing option and still have not heard back...I'm just wondering if I should book a hotel or not.

Yeah- I think I'm going to have to look for accommodation because my interview is one week from today

 

[IDFsoldierboy]

about how long did it take people to get their secondaries after being verified and sent to KCUMB?

 

[ksmajmudar]

about how long did it take people to get their secondaries after being verified and sent to KCUMB?

3 days between primary being sent and KCUMB sending me a secondary.

10 days between secondary being sent and an interview invite.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Anyone know how early the shuttles from the Holiday inn express Westport plaza to KCUMB arrive? I haven't heard anything about the shuttles ever since confirming my interview.

 

[Muffles]

The shuttle is actually driven by KCUMB admissions personnel so don't worry about the shuttle not being on time. They won't start until the suttle arrives. They told me last year that the shuttle would be at the hotel (Holiday Inn Westport / Q hotel) at 8:15am. The hotels are within a block of each other.

 

[drfam12]

Anyone staying at the Q for the 15th?

 

[FrkyBgStok]

pumped for my interview in a week. this school seems pretty cool. driving down monday morning from des moines.

 

[LUCPM]

pumped for my interview in a week. this school seems pretty cool. driving down monday morning from des moines.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes. I have mine scheduled for the 26th.

 

[koala37]

my interview is next week too. seems like a good school. the only thing thats worrying me though is that people say the school surroundings are pretty dangerous and that KCUMB is in a pretty run-down neighboorhood. Students have gotten mugged/harassed repeatedly, so i dunno. i was pumped for this school, but upon hearing those remarks, I lost my enthusiasm. Current KCUMB students, care to ease my fears of this? lol.

 

[Iliketoytles]

my interview is next week too. seems like a good school. the only thing thats worrying me though is that people say the school surroundings are pretty dangerous and that KCUMB is in a pretty run-down neighboorhood. Students have gotten mugged/harassed repeatedly, so i dunno. i was pumped for this school, but upon hearing those remarks, I lost my enthusiasm. Current KCUMB students, care to ease my fears of this? lol.

This is actually something I've been concerned about too. Thanks for posting it, lol.

 

[ziprasidone1]

my interview is next week too. seems like a good school. the only thing thats worrying me though is that people say the school surroundings are pretty dangerous and that KCUMB is in a pretty run-down neighboorhood. Students have gotten mugged/harassed repeatedly, so i dunno. i was pumped for this school, but upon hearing those remarks, I lost my enthusiasm. Current KCUMB students, care to ease my fears of this? lol.

Agreed - the same applies for Western (Pomona)

 

[megathunder]

I've posted about this before. KCUMB, like the hospital that was located at this site prior, was put here intentionally with the mission to help the underserved community that surrounds it. As such, you'll be bussed to your first school-sponsored community service trip the very first week of school and it will be a running theme your entire time here. I think that's pretty cool.

Ideals aside, the campus IS on the border of where the neighborhood gets pretty poor to the east and CAN be dangerous, if you're stupid. We have 24 hour security with guns that are always patrolling campus and are at your immediate disposal if you want an escort to your car or back to CT. There is almost no danger during the day and in the evening you can always have security look after you. That said, campus is very safe and you have no worries when you're actually at school.

 

[Donnie1310]

Ideals aside, the campus IS on the border of where the neighborhood gets pretty poor to the east and CAN be dangerous, if you're stupid. We have 24 hour security with guns that are always patrolling campus and are at your immediate disposal if you want an escort to your car or back to CT. There is almost no danger during the day and in the evening you can always have security look after you. That said, campus is very safe and you have no worries when you're actually at school.

I can't decide if that's comforting or moar scurry.

 

[ziprasidone1]

For real? Security with guns?

 

[Member 89135]

I'm flying in tomorrow and interviewing on Thursday. Staying at the Holiday Inn at Westport like everyone has recommended : D Is anyone staying there this week or know anything about this supposed shuttle???

 

[Nado11]

I'm flying in tomorrow and interviewing on Thursday. Staying at the Holiday Inn at Westport like everyone has recommended : D Is anyone staying there this week or know anything about this supposed shuttle???

Ill be there with ya, I'm flying in tomorrow night as well, all I've heard about the shuttle is what I've read on this thread though

 

[xajtx]

Hey Guys! I'll be interviewing with you on the 15th and staying at the Holiday Inn Westport as well. I was told by KCUMB that the shuttle will leave at 8:15am since we have to be on campus at 9.

 

[Member 89135]

Hey Guys! I'll be interviewing with you on the 15th and staying at the Holiday Inn Westport as well. I was told by KCUMB that the shuttle will leave at 8:15am since we have to be on campus at 9.

Awesome! I think I'll be to the hotel by like 5pm tomorrow if anyone wants to grab dinner, go over interview questions and what not lol Just PM me. If not I'll see u in the lobby Thurs morning at 8am : ) Do we have to call KCUMB to request the shuttle?

 

[xajtx]

Awesome! I think I'll be to the hotel by like 5pm tomorrow if anyone wants to grab dinner, go over interview questions and what not lol Just PM me. If not I'll see u in the lobby Thurs morning at 8am : ) Do we have to call KCUMB to request the shuttle?

When we registered for an interview, there was a portion of the registration that asked what hotel we were staying at and if we would like transportation via KCUMB's shuttle. If you did request transportation then your name should be on the list.

 

[koala37]

I've posted about this before. KCUMB, like the hospital that was located at this site prior, was put here intentionally with the mission to help the underserved community that surrounds it. As such, you'll be bussed to your first school-sponsored community service trip the very first week of school and it will be a running theme your entire time here. I think that's pretty cool.

Ideals aside, the campus IS on the border of where the neighborhood gets pretty poor to the east and CAN be dangerous, if you're stupid. We have 24 hour security with guns that are always patrolling campus and are at your immediate disposal if you want an escort to your car or back to CT. There is almost no danger during the day and in the evening you can always have security look after you. That said, campus is very safe and you have no worries when you're actually at school.

k thats scaring the hell outta me. i guess i will see the communty for myself next monday and then make my decision accordingly if I am accepted. It would suck not to go a school for safety reasons though, esp I have heard that KCUMBs curriculum is really good. Lets see what happens.

 

[Iliketoytles]

k thats scaring the hell outta me. i guess i will see the communty for myself next monday and then make my decision accordingly if I am accepted. It would suck not to go a school for safety reasons though, esp I have heard that KCUMBs curriculum is really good. Lets see what happens.

Yeah. If you don't mind, could you post your thoughts about the area? My interview isn't till mid-October.

 

[drfam12]

I visited the area with my family about a week ago and the area immediately around the campus doesn't seem that bad. It all depends on what you're used to and where you've lived. Compared to parts of Chicago, Hyde Park & New York I've lived its not bad at all. It's a very urban area with what looks like some poor neighborhoods around campus. There are some very nice suburbs within minutes of the school. I was impressed with the housing options all within 15 minutes of campus (Parkville, Gladstone, etc). Compared to Chicago where everything is 1-2hr drive or more during rush hour KC area seems like a great option.

 

[MDbefore30]

For those who have interviewed, about what time were you "released"? Asking for the sake of making evening travel arrangements. Thanks!

 

[megathunder]

k thats scaring the hell outta me. i guess i will see the communty for myself next monday and then make my decision accordingly if I am accepted. It would suck not to go a school for safety reasons though, esp I have heard that KCUMBs curriculum is really good. Lets see what happens.

If that 'scared' you then all I can say honestly is grow up. There's a whole world out there that isn't roses and fairies and the population of citizens that you'll be treating that are under the poverty line in this country is only growing at a faster rate. Med school is a great time to toughen up and step outside your comfort zone and learn a little about yourself. Trust me, no one can be 100% safe anywhere and KCUMB takes every step necessary to ensure that you'll be just fine.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

can't wait to read about details of today's interview from the people there now. How did everything go? How was the school? How stressful was the interview? Thanks you liked/disliked? I am excited for input.

 

[Nado11]

Not a huge poster but I'll give you guys a run down of how the interview day went...

It started about 9 am where all 25 of us interviewees met in a room where we did the introduce yourself, name, where you're from or undergrad school, nothing to big. Then we had a presentation on KCUMB which was your standard presentation. Then we had a financial aid talk. After we went into on of the auditoriums with a student panel of 5 second year students for a Q and A. It was pretty informal and relaxed. Then we broke up into 5 groups of 5 each with a student for tours for about an hour, lunch, then interviews.

Each person was interviewed by a 2 person panel which you find out who will be interviewing you after the lunch. I had 2 professors, very relaxed mostly just asked about my application. I'm assuming by their questions both had access to my full app before the interview. No hard questions, more of just a conversation.

Good luck at your interviews, oh and they said they will try their hardest to inform you of a decision within two weeks, and to call if you haven't heard by then.

 

[drfam12]

Interview day over. I feel that my expectations were lived up to. The actual interview was relaxing. Some coming out looked like they had more trouble than others, but if you are prepared and have things to talk about it's not difficult. My interviews were mainly interested in how I came to this decision to be a DO after grad school and another career. Everyone was very friendly. High tech campus. All lectures recorded and available online. No one felt pressured to enter primary care, they just want you to succeed. Can't wait to hear if I get in. This school is my number one choice.

 

[drfam12]

I also had two professors so we didn't talk about osteopathy too much. The interviews had access to our files. Mine had written down ten lines of info from my app and they proceeded down the list.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

awesome. pretty excited.

 

[drgioiadds]

If that 'scared' you then all I can say honestly is grow up. There's a whole world out there that isn't roses and fairies and the population of citizens that you'll be treating that are under the poverty line in this country is only growing at a faster rate. Med school is a great time to toughen up and step outside your comfort zone and learn a little about yourself. Trust me, no one can be 100% safe anywhere and KCUMB takes every step necessary to ensure that you'll be just fine.

I agree.

Congrats to all those who already interviewed.

 

[ziprasidone1]

What time did interview day end?

 

[Nado11]

I was one of the first interviewed and was out by 2pm.

 

[koala37]

@Megathunder: yes, you do have a valid point. I will try to be more open-minded

@Iliketoytles: yes, i will put up my thoughts about the area after my interview

 

[bigg1987]

Question about KCUMB. I'm very interested in the school. However, i noticed that they have a GPA minimum requirement of like 3.25. My cumulative GPA was 3.35 but my science is only a 3.0. Will this 3.0 in science lead to my application being screened out automatically? I also have a 29 mcat and am current enrolled in a 1 yr. masters program from which I will most certainly have higher than the 3.25 minimum requirement.

Also, I just noticed (after submitting my primary) that they require genetics. I have never taken a straight genetics course and did not mention any plan to do so on my application. I have taken 8 hours of biochem and an immunology course. So again, is this going to be something that could cause them to just toss my app out?

Thanks for your help!

BigG

 

[akatigerj]

Question about KCUMB. I'm very interested in the school. However, i noticed that they have a GPA minimum requirement of like 3.25. My cumulative GPA was 3.35 but my science is only a 3.0. Will this 3.0 in science lead to my application being screened out automatically? I also have a 29 mcat and am current enrolled in a 1 yr. masters program from which I will most certainly have higher than the 3.25 minimum requirement.

Also, I just noticed (after submitting my primary) that they require genetics. I have never taken a straight genetics course and did not mention any plan to do so on my application. I have taken 8 hours of biochem and an immunology course. So again, is this going to be something that could cause them to just toss my app out?

Thanks for your help!

BigG

in regards to your second question... no, they will not throw your app out. but they also want you to take genetics (mendelian) before matriculation.

 

[Muffles]

I'm at KCUMB now and mu cumm UG was 3.12 but by Post Bacc UG was 3.8. I also had a 31 MCAT. Sci UG was 3.23 and my Sci Post Bacc was 3.78. I was a non-trad with my UG taken a long time ago.

So I would say give it a shot. Do you have an upward trend or postbacc work that is higher? Then I think you're OK because they do look at the whole application (I think quite carefully).

 

[koala37]

those of you who interviewed on the 15th, were you guys the first group of applicants to interview or was sept 1st an interview day as well? cant remember....

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I'm debating between shuttle service or taxi to get to the Westport plaza holiday inn. Recommendations?