Pacific Northwest University (PNWU-COM) Discussion Thread 2015 - 2016

[marcelodamon]

While all of the comments about the shortcomings of the school are interesting to hear, I have some questions for current students about life in Yakima/medical school:
1) What are your typical evenings and weekends like? Do you find yourself having time for normal stuff (chores, seeing friends, outdoor activities, exercise), or is this time limited in your experience?
2) Do you think the amount of money budgeted for cost of living by the school is decent?
3) What has been the toughest transition for you when you first went into medical school?

In response to your questions, I will do my best.

1. Typically, during weekdays, my evenings include 1 hour at the gym either right after school (5:30 or so), or after I have concluded my studies for the day (around 9 pm). I like to study between 3 and 4 hours during these weekdays. As an aside, I used to be a professional musician, and despite the heavy study load, I still like to practice guitar for at least 30 minutes a day. I usually do this on my lunch breaks (like right now, but I wanted to respond to your inquiries).

As for weekends, for me since I am an average student, I like to study 8 to 10 hours. I will go over anything I got behind on during the week and/or review previous lectures I deemed difficult. On rare occasions I will take a look at the coming week's material (as I like to be prepared). I am a married guy, and find that if I get up early on the weekends, like I do during the week, and study all day, I will have time to spend with my wife when she gets home from work. In short, if you effectively manage your time, you will have time per day, or on the weekends to engage in social activities, get your shopping done, outdoor activities and the like. Many of my colleagues go skiing, hiking, running, and a host of other stress relieving activities like working out and even Jiu-Jitsu!

2. The amount of money budgeted is fine. The office of financial aid has done their homework, because if you live modestly you'll be fine. For orientation they will present sensible advice for keeping within your budget. I have never felt stressed about money; even having been used to making a lot more as a pharmacy technician, and then matriculating.

3. The toughest transition hasn't been with me per se, but rather my wife. Before I came here, I used to spend a lot more time with her, as well as my hobbies. However, she is very understanding about this process. I think if you have a strong support network of family, friends, and loved ones, you will be fine. If you don't have that yet, you WILL, once you matriculate. I say that in complete confidence because this school is very family orientated, and your future colleagues in the class of 2020 will be that support network. I have seen it in my class: people that have come from afar on their own, forge strong friendships with their colleagues.

Academically, the metaphor about medical school is: "It's like drinking from a fire hose"! Well, this is true. A lot of information will be presented in a short amount of time. So the transition from the grace and pace of an undergrad education to one of a doctorate level might be a bit of a harrowing process; however, as alluded to in question 1, if you effectively manage your time, you will be fine. It might be hard though. It was for me, at first.

I hope my answers have been helpful! Oh, and to everyone that has been waitlisted, do not dispair. It took me 3 attempts (years) to finally get an offer (waitlisted twice at the University of Arizona). Additionally, the wait list moves substantially between now and August.

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[HeadtoDOC]

Remember this is a tiny school where several Administrators full time job is to look for trouble even when none exist. Remember this is their job. They're always looking to find work for themselves. If they don't find trouble they don't have a job.

Watch out when the Title IX lady says during your week long orientation, every year since, I don't know 2007, there's been an issue every single year without exception. That raised hairs up my spine since even at my larger University of 12,000 students there rarely is an issue. So you know they will find trouble from a tiny student population.

Good luck trying not to get wrapped up in that vortex in your 4 years at this school.

 

[lyana]

Click on his name, and a pop-up will appear. There's an 'Ignore' option.
Honestly, whenever he writes something, or when someone even quotes his post, I just fly on by.

Thanks! I try my best to ignore, but I just can not stop myself when it gets too ridiculous.

 

[buenhombre]

Congrats to everyone accepted and waitlisted!

Don't be discouraged about being waitlisted. I was waitlisted last year (February interview) and found out in late May that I was accepted. They move the waitlist into June/July. Also, consider writing a letter of intent.

Consider coming to open house in April
http://www.pnwu.edu/news/pnwu-prospective-studentpremed-advisor-open-house/

And if you are here for the open house, come participate PNWU's Run For Your Life 5k!
http://rfyl5k.org/

 

[Antonio Asido]

Congrats to everyone accepted and waitlisted!

Don't be discouraged about being waitlisted. I was waitlisted last year (February interview) and found out in late May that I was accepted. They move the waitlist into June/July. Also, consider writing a letter of intent.

Consider coming to open house in April
http://www.pnwu.edu/news/pnwu-prospective-studentpremed-advisor-open-house/

And if you are here for the open house, come participate PNWU's Run For Your Life 5k!
http://rfyl5k.org/

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I really need it!
How do i get to join the run for your life? I am interested but I thought it was for PNWU students only. Thanks.

 

[buenhombre]

Of course!

The Open House is a great idea for Accepted/Waitlisted/& Prospective people, and if you want to bring your family or significant other. I brought my wife last year. There are a lot of scheduled presentations to choose from (e.g., successful study habits, prospective students; tours with family). One was a presentation by the Student Advocate Association (the backbone of our success; Spouses/parents/friends can join the SAA to be involved in your success), they talked about adjusting to life as the spouse/partner etc..I really appreciate that this program helps my wife feel connected to the school and to enjoy this experience as much as possible (FYI: there is an SAA Facebook page)

Anyone can participate in the Run For Your Life 5k-so you can run it with friends and family. Don't be shy-I didn't sign-up last year because I didn't know what to expect. But the PNWU student body is very inclusive.
You can register for the 5k here: http://rfyl5k.org/

 

[bumble1768]

I don't care if one person had a negative experience and is so blindly vindictive they're trying to put down other people's dreams. The opportunity to receive a medical education is a privilege and HeadtoDOC's complaints are nothing more than sour grapes. And with that attitude they shouldn't be a physician anyway. PNWU's numbers and regional reputation speaks for itself. We know that it's difficult. Clearly, they didn't rise to the challenge. Move on!! Whew! That felt good.

As for myself, I saw my Application Status changed to Waitlisted today. A little bummed I didn't get accepted straight away but still thankful and hopeful! Sounds like last year's waitlist got ranked late April and people got accepted early May. My numbers are not the best - 3.06 science GPA, 3.58 overall GPA, MCAT scores 28 (2012) and 505 (2015). I'm a non-traditional applicant and this was my first interview - I wonder if I came across too excited rather than poised. I know I forgot to hit some of my main points in the MMI but I felt good overall. Trying not to obsess! I'm going to email admissions next week to confirm the Waitlist timeline and ask if they'll give feedback about my interview.

If you got an interview they were clearly interested (P.S. my MCAT was similar and GPA lower). Also they love enthusiasm. I point blank told them in my interview, " If you don't decide to accept me this year because of my scores I understand, but I'm going to keep applying until you accept me so you may as well get it over with!" Then the faculty member hugged me and long story short I'm enjoying the end of my first year, and firmly believe it's because I let my passion show. Also a TON of people in my class were originally waitlisted. Don't be discouraged, send in a letter of intent, and if anything needs to be added to your application let them know.

 

[bumble1768]

While all of the comments about the shortcomings of the school are interesting to hear, I have some questions for current students about life in Yakima/medical school:
1) What are your typical evenings and weekends like? Do you find yourself having time for normal stuff (chores, seeing friends, outdoor activities, exercise), or is this time limited in your experience?
2) Do you think the amount of money budgeted for cost of living by the school is decent?
3) What has been the toughest transition for you when you first went into medical school?

1. There is definitely time to live your life if you focus when you study and budget your time. If you "study" for five hours but only do an hours worth of work in that time, your time will get limited fast. A good number of people go home on the weekends, lots of people make time for their families, there are several people I know who strictly take Sunday's off. It's manageable but you have to be strict with yourself to earn that freedom. Also I really recommend talking to the student learning specialist on campus ASAP when you get here, she is full of awesome tricks to make studying more effective!
2. It has for me but that also depends on where you live and how you live your life. Will you be making it rain every weekend and shopping constantly? Probably not. But you can be at a comfortable standard of living.
3. For me it's being really far away from my family for the first time (I totally realize how silly that sounds from an adult). My undergrad was two hours away from home, and I come from a tiny town so leaving my support system was rough at first. You find ways to make it work, I use skype A LOT and my parents come for visits every once and a while. Making a lot of really dependable friends quickly here has also been invaluable.

 

[pglo]

What are the chances for acceptance off the waitlist? I'm interviewing in the last April date and am really discouraged since it is waitlist only.

 

[DrLefty]

While all of the comments about the shortcomings of the school are interesting to hear, I have some questions for current students about life in Yakima/medical school:
1) What are your typical evenings and weekends like? Do you find yourself having time for normal stuff (chores, seeing friends, outdoor activities, exercise), or is this time limited in your experience?
2) Do you think the amount of money budgeted for cost of living by the school is decent?
3) What has been the toughest transition for you when you first went into medical school?

Let's see if I can answer some of these questions, because I'm sure you are interested in my feedback as well. /s

1) Typical evening is me on campus until about 8-10PM trying to study/review and then either hanging out with my wife for an hour or two and playing some video games. I basically have to do chores, otherwise I get in trouble.
Seeing friends is a little tougher seeing as how most of my friends are several hours away. I do have friends here at school and we definitely do stuff together, but it's mostly like getting lunch together, having dinner with our wives together, stuff like that. I haven't had a ton of time to go out with my friends for big day outings. Some people have, and do all the time, but unfortunately I haven't quite found the balance yet.

2)Cost of living is fine. As long as you don't go get a place that costs $1500 a month, and go out for steaks every week you should be alright. It has been enough for my wife and I to get by, and we aren't eating ramen every night.

3)Toughest transition? That's a tough one. Probably the hardest thing for me so far has been spending so much time studying, but not getting the results I feel like I deserve. I am sure that I am not the only one, but I feel like I put a lot of time into my studies, and quite frankly, I feel like I "deserve" to get better than average grades. It's really tough for me to feel like I am working so hard, and still come out middle of the pack. I'm slowly starting to accept it, but it has been a tough transition. Also, it's hard to not really move much. I spend literally almost 12 hours a day sitting down looking at a computer. I enjoy playing sports and being outside etc, but I don't have many opportunities. I have time to exercise on my own in a gym, but I like being out running around with other people. It's pretty tough to get enough people out to group sports any given day. However, maybe since the weather is getting better it might be a bit easier and happen more frequently.
Overall, the lifestyle here, (as far as free time, cost of living, etc) I don't think is much different than being in medical school anywhere else. It comes down to what environment you like. For example, if you're a big city type person, you may feel isolated here and make frequent trips into seattle. If you're a smaller town person like me, you might feel right at home here and not have much desire to leave. But other than City vs Country I would say med school life is going to be comparable to anywhere else.

 

[DrLefty]

What are the chances for acceptance off the waitlist? I'm interviewing in the last April date and am really discouraged since it is waitlist only.

As far as I can tell, it depends on how far up the waitlist you get placed. Historically there are about 30 people from the waitlist that make into the class. Our 1st year class has a good number of people from the waitlist. If you can make it onto the waitlist, you should have a fairly decent chance of making it into the class.

 

[Antonio Asido]

As far as I can tell, it depends on how far up the waitlist you get placed. Historically there are about 30 people from the waitlist that make into the class. Our 1st year class has a good number of people from the waitlist. If you can make it onto the waitlist, you should have a fairly decent chance of making it into the class.

is there an approximate number of applicants that PNWU puts on the waitlist?

 

[DrLefty]

is there an approximate number of applicants that PNWU puts on the waitlist?

And can't be certain, and any of my colleagues are more than welcome to correct me but I believe it is somewhere in the realm of 100?


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[buenhombre]

I was on the waitlist and had the same worries as you do. It's not a bad thing to have an April interview either!

All schools pre-fill to near capacity well before the interview season is complete. I imagine PNWU probably does this more than UW for example, but even UW has an early swell of acceptances.

As I mentioned before, come to the open house, show your face, talk with admissions-show that you are interested etc.

I imagine the waitlist totals at 100. But this year I believe they are routinely evaluating the waitlist. Last year they ranked us in May. I got an email that I was in the "top__ of 100". Considering that the average pull off the waitlist is ~30people, I was worried if they would get to me. But remember that not everyone on the waitlist will take the spot if they get pull-maybe they got an acceptance elsewhere or decided to change plans entirely. So, if you are ranked 45 and they take 30, there still is a shot at getting pulled off the waitlist.

Good luck! Come to the open house, and sing-up for the 5k!

 

[Theobromina]

Just to clarify.

After your acceptance call, do you need to wait until your official letter/packet comes in the mail in order to accept and put down your deposit?

 

[lyana]

Just to clarify.

After your acceptance call, do you need to wait until your official letter/packet comes in the mail in order to accept and put down your deposit?

I did wait, but I was accepted very early in the cycle. You might want to double check with school, looks like you have 2 weeks to put your deposit in.

 

[EerieIsland]

So can anyone tell me what the grading system is like at PNWU? Is it Pass/Fail or gpa scale or letter grades? And if so what are the cutoffs? How does grading work in clinical rotations? I know some schools have an end of year exam after the third year that factors in the final grade for rotations, is this also true for PNWU?

 

[bumble1768]

So can anyone tell me what the grading system is like at PNWU? Is it Pass/Fail or gpa scale or letter grades? And if so what are the cutoffs? How does grading work in clinical rotations? I know some schools have an end of year exam after the third year that factors in the final grade for rotations, is this also true for PNWU?

I don't know about clinical years but first and second year are pass fail. Usually passing is 70% but that is occasionally adjusted in the introductory courses.

 

[Catfish-Cupcake]

Question for current students: How strict is the dress code at PNWU? The handbook says "casual dress or scrubs" which to me reads as "scrubs erryday". Is there ever a casual day or are jeans/t-shirts/hats never allowed?

 

[bumble1768]

Question for current students: How strict is the dress code at PNWU? The handbook says "casual dress or scrubs" which to me reads as "scrubs erryday". Is there ever a casual day or are jeans/t-shirts/hats never allowed?

So it should say business casual which is pretty loose but basically no super short skirts, no jeans, no tube tops, no open toed shoes. I personally wear scrubs 4 days a week usually.

 

[EerieIsland]

I don't know about clinical years but first and second year are pass fail. Usually passing is 70% but that is occasionally adjusted in the introductory courses.

So how does class ranking work when applying for residencies?

 

[NW Nontrad]

So how does class ranking work when applying for residencies?

It's my understand that the most important factors that residency directors look for when considering applicants are your first step board scores (USMLE/COMLEX), rotation evaluations (AKA grading), and rotation LORs. After that the weight of everything is dependent on individual programs. From the faculty, residents, and residency directors I've spoken to, the first and second year rankings aren't all that heavily weighed; they're more concerned with your abilities in the clinical/hospital setting than your abilities to regurgitate information on multiple choice exams. That's not to say there isn't necessarily a correlation between the two, but most directors are aware that your ranking in the classroom years of medical school may not be a strong metric for your competency as a resident.

 

[DrLefty]

So it should say business casual which is pretty loose but basically no super short skirts, no jeans, no tube tops, no open toed shoes. I personally wear scrubs 4 days a week usually.

I'll second this. However there are some people whose definition of "business casual" runs pretty close to "night on the town", but I haven't heard of anyone getting busted for it.
I wear scrubs Mon-Thur then change out of them after anatomy lab and usually throw on khakis and a collared shirt for Fridays.

 

[Oohchili]

While all of the comments about the shortcomings of the school are interesting to hear, I have some questions for current students about life in Yakima/medical school:
1) What are your typical evenings and weekends like? Do you find yourself having time for normal stuff (chores, seeing friends, outdoor activities, exercise), or is this time limited in your experience?
2) Do you think the amount of money budgeted for cost of living by the school is decent?
3) What has been the toughest transition for you when you first went into medical school?

1. After class I usually go for a run- it really helps me to get out and exercise a bit/get some fresh air after hours of studying, plus there are some great trails to explore out here. After that, I come home and either my wife or I will cook dinner. Typically I'll study for a few hours after that, finishing up between 10:00 and 11:00. On weekends, if there are no major impending exams, we'll go skiing or wine tasting, or even head over to Seattle for the day.
2. The amount of money is on point. Coming from where I lived previously, cost of living in Yakima is relatively low.
3. Biggest transition? The first two weeks-two months hit you like a ton of bricks, but after the first round of exams, I felt like I had a better idea of how to study and still have something of a life. The other bit, was moving to Yakima. Truthfully, I didn't much like the city when I first got here, but it has definitely grown on me, and have found myself enjoying it as of late. There are many things to do, especially in terms of hikes/outdoor adventures, and the people in the community (and at the school) are so incredibly nice and helpful. Plus the beer is pretty good in these parts.

Anyway, good luck with everything, stoked to meet the new students next year, and for anyone who didn't get in this time around, chin up, get in touch with admissions to see how you can improve, then try again- it took me a couple of attempts...

 

[sylvanthus]

Hmm not sure about the earlier claims regarding bad professors as I graduated PNWU in 2013, but I can say I was not impressed with the clinical rotation sites. I had an RN as my preceptor on surgery, I **** you not. My site was actually shut down as a core site after I graduate. But, in the end, after busting my ass on my own I was able to match into a competitive ACGME specialty. So, it ended up working out.

 

[Catfish-Cupcake]

Another question for current students: How much time are we given second year for board studying? I see 4ish weeks is pretty average for most schools but the PNWU student handbook doesn't say. Thanks!

 

[DrLefty]

Another question for current students: How much time are we given second year for board studying? I see 4ish weeks is pretty average for most schools but the PNWU student handbook doesn't say. Thanks!

I am not sure actually. From what I have gathered it depends on the curriculum. I have been told that we (Class of 2019) have a little bit extra because of the curriculum change we got through some material faster, but I have also heard that they are slightly modifying the curriculum again for next year (Class of 2020) to spread out the first semester a little bit, which means you guys would have less designated study time than we do, but probably just as much as the class of 2018.

 

[DrLefty]

Also, just an FYI, I can't put 100% certainty on this, but I have *heard* that not all the spots for the class of 2020 have been filled yet so if you have an interview coming up, it may not be "waitlist only". You may have a chance at getting a straight acceptance.

 

[kikaru]

It's a little late but I see that the March and April interviews are coming up and thought I'd like to put in my advice/two cents. I applied twice to this school before finally getting accepted.

I had to stress why I wanted to attend the school over other similar schools, why the mission statement of the school closely matched what I wanted to do in life/career, and how I improved myself between my first and second application (Gaining more exposure in the field of healthcare, owning up to my mistakes from my first application, and working to improve myself, especially when it came to maturity and interpersonal growth).

Even though it has been said countless times before, be genuine, be relaxed, and engage in a conversation when it comes to your MMIs. The students and faculty on interview day are incredibly friendly and really do try to make you as comfortable as possible during your time at PNWU. And when it comes to your actual interviews, the interviewers will help you try to get the conversation rolling if it seems like you've stopped, have nothing to say, or if you have trouble thinking of what to say next, etc. "Can you expand upon what you just said a little bit more? What if the situation was like this instead? Can you tell me more about 'insert generic topic here?'"

Good luck to all of you who are still interviewing and congratulations to those that have been accepted!

And for my shameless and rather selfish plug, I'm a new first-year looking for a roommate at University Parkway Apartments (2 bedroom) when school starts. If any of ya'll are interested, send a message my way!

 

[ivanpeluches]

Question for current students. For those that don't live in the University Parkway Apartments, how far away from school do you all live? My wife and I are having a hard time finding a place relatively close to the school that will accept 2 dogs to rent.

 

[Cal_EMT]

Sorry if this has been answered already, but I'm interviewing in April, and I know it's MMI format, but I was wondering if anyone knows the types of questions they ask?

 

[Cal_EMT]

Hello class of 2020 hopefuls and matriculating students. I am currently a first year and wanted to introduce myself, and answer any questions you may have about the school, Yakima, the curriculum, the professors, or anything else you can think of. I know when I was in your position these forums were super helpful for me, so I though I would return the favor. One of the philosophies that is championed at this school is the concept of Ubuntu, and as it happens to be a philosophy that I admire and have since adopted, if any of you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me.

What are your favorite/least favorite things about the school so far?

 

[kikaru]

Sorry if this has been answered already, but I'm interviewing in April, and I know it's MMI format, but I was wondering if anyone knows the types of questions they ask?

I don't think we're allowed to say anything specific, but they could ask you hypothetical scenarios, why you want to be a DO/doctor, why you want to come to this region/school, thoughts and opinions on certain topics, etc.

 

[Cal_EMT]

I don't think we're allowed to say anything specific, but they could ask you hypothetical scenarios, why you want to be a DO/doctor, why you want to come to this region/school, thoughts and opinions on certain topics, etc.

Thanks! And I figured you couldn't be specific about the questions, but I'm sure generalizations will help. I'm just trying to prepare as best I can. You ask me to help run a Code or severe respiratory distress, I'm golden; ask me to talk in front of people I don't know, and I get stressed out xD any other tips for the interview? I've already spent a fairly decent amount of time researching the school and the area.

 

[pglo]

.

 

[lyana]

Thanks! And I figured you couldn't be specific about the questions, but I'm sure generalizations will help. I'm just trying to prepare as best I can. You ask me to help run a Code or severe respiratory distress, I'm golden; ask me to talk in front of people I don't know, and I get stressed out xD any other tips for the interview? I've already spent a fairly decent amount of time researching the school and the area.

just relax, be yourself, smile, and be confident.
Be ready to talk about yourself. Plus the questions can change from one interview day to the other. Really imagine you are somewhere in the bar, and the other person just wants to get to know you and your opinion about a certain topic. Interviews are the best part of the application process!
100 Interview questions, these might help. But again anything is a fair game.
http://www.colorado.edu/advising/sites/default/files/attached-files/Med_100 intquest.pdf
Good luck.

 

[WuZetian]

Just curious, I understand this year the admissions look at people who has been waitlisted after every interview and my question is has anyone been accepted that was originally waitlisted so far? Thank you~

 

[bumble1768]

Thanks! And I figured you couldn't be specific about the questions, but I'm sure generalizations will help. I'm just trying to prepare as best I can. You ask me to help run a Code or severe respiratory distress, I'm golden; ask me to talk in front of people I don't know, and I get stressed out xD any other tips for the interview? I've already spent a fairly decent amount of time researching the school and the area.

By the point of the interview they're already interested in you. At this point they want to see someone they want to work with, and could potentially be their doc some day. It is cheesy and said repeatedly but that's because it's true, just be genuine. The moments my interviewers seem to remember are the times I let my guard down and was just excited about what I was talking about. If you can steer the conversation towards something you're passionate about I highly recommend it. Whatever the hypothetical in the MMI is just back up whatever choice you make, and make it personal if you can.

 

[JLaw13]

Question for current students. For those that don't live in the University Parkway Apartments, how far away from school do you all live? My wife and I are having a hard time finding a place relatively close to the school that will accept 2 dogs to rent.

Did anyone ever reply to you on this? I am curious myself...

 

[bumble1768]

Did anyone every reply to you on this? I am curious myself...

I live about a mile from campus. In general I believe Selah is a little bit more dog friendly than Terrace Heights is, so about a ten minute drive?

 

[kikaru]

Thanks! And I figured you couldn't be specific about the questions, but I'm sure generalizations will help. I'm just trying to prepare as best I can. You ask me to help run a Code or severe respiratory distress, I'm golden; ask me to talk in front of people I don't know, and I get stressed out xD any other tips for the interview? I've already spent a fairly decent amount of time researching the school and the area.

Knock out any nerves/butterflies as early as you can, showing any sign of stress, discomfort, etc. won't do you any favors during the interview process (I would know because during my first two MMIs there I wasn't as relaxed as I could have been). Talk to other PNWU students/faculty/interviewees while you are there and try to enjoy the experience.

From lurking on this forum for two years, and interviewing at the school twice, they really can ask a wide variety of questions. Be genuine and thoughtful with your answers. Pauses are definitely acceptable if it shows that you are thinking critically about what you're going to say.

It may or may not help to review some medical/ethical cases as well.

 

[DrLefty]

I live about a mile from campus. In general I believe Selah is a little bit more dog friendly than Terrace Heights is, so about a ten minute drive?

This sounds about right. I know multiple classmates who live up in Selah, West Valley, and even one down in Tri-Cities area. For some, they love it. They have no problem making the drive, being somewhat removed from campus, having a feeling of real separation between school/personal life. Others, don't like it, and they are moving from Selah into Terrace heights to be closer to the school because the drive gets old (If you're coming from Selah, you've got to hop on the freeway). Personally, I live in the university parkway apartments. It isn't necessarily ideal in the sense that it's just my wife and I, so I don't get to split the cost of rent with a couple of roommates. It's not pet friendly, but I've seen people sneak pets in there anyways so take that for what it's worth. I like being close to campus, I can justify coming here to study even if it's only for a few hours so I can get in the zone a little bit better, and not have the distractions of home. When it's nice out I can walk/ride my bike and it doesn't take me more than a couple minutes. Every place you can live has it's perks and its downfalls. For me though, living in basically brand new apartments across the lot from school is kind of hard to beat.

 

[Al Bularyo]

Was there an interview last weekend?

 

[DrLefty]

Was there an interview last weekend?

Yes. There was on on Friday.


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[ZT_530]

I know they review the interviewees and waitlisted folks after each interview day. The admissions office said that there are a couple seats open so it is possible to get pulled off the waitlist this week! Don't ignore any calls from Yakima if you are on the waitlist!

 

[PNWG]

I'm looking to apply to some DO schools for next year (especially PNWU) and am wondering if anyone has suggestions of DO's in the Seattle area (preferably in ED or primary care) willing to have students shadow and (hopefully) write a letter of rec. I've done extensive shadowing of an MD primary care doc and I've worked as a scribe in a neurosurgery clinic (with all MD docs) for the last year so I have lots of shadowing hours but no DO hours :/ Any suggestions? Also does anyone know how mandatory it is to shadow/have a letter from a DO to apply to DO schools? Thanks!

 

[lyana]

I'm looking to apply to some DO schools for next year (especially PNWU) and am wondering if anyone has suggestions of DO's in the Seattle area (preferably in ED or primary care) willing to have students shadow and (hopefully) write a letter of rec. I've done extensive shadowing of an MD primary care doc and I've worked as a scribe in a neurosurgery clinic (with all MD docs) for the last year so I have lots of shadowing hours but no DO hours :/ Any suggestions? Also does anyone know how mandatory it is to shadow/have a letter from a DO to apply to DO schools? Thanks!

Hey!
You can find a shadow list on this website http://www.woma.org/. I shadowed one from the list in Bellevue.
I think the DO letter certainly helps, especially if you can see some OMT. Also go on yelp and search for osteopathic doctors in Seattle area, cold call their offices/ walk in. Smaller clinics/ private practices can be more flexible and you will not have to go through so many steps in order to shadow as comparing to bigger hospitals like Swedish/ UW/ Providence/ VM etc.
Really just call all the offices that you can.

 

[JLaw13]

I'm looking to apply to some DO schools for next year (especially PNWU) and am wondering if anyone has suggestions of DO's in the Seattle area (preferably in ED or primary care) willing to have students shadow and (hopefully) write a letter of rec. I've done extensive shadowing of an MD primary care doc and I've worked as a scribe in a neurosurgery clinic (with all MD docs) for the last year so I have lots of shadowing hours but no DO hours :/ Any suggestions? Also does anyone know how mandatory it is to shadow/have a letter from a DO to apply to DO schools? Thanks!

It is important to have a DO rec letter, because it proves your understanding of the profession. PNWU is highly centered on the DO mentality and is proud of that. I suggest you try to get one for that reason. I also believe experiencing DO's at work will serve you better in the future. It's more of a lifestyle and attitude difference in the approach to medical care and treatment. You should try to see it first-hand

As far as finding a DO to shadow, I have found that clinics are a lot more open to shadowing. Hospitals are valuable workplaces, but the process seems to be slower (communication, paperwork, etc). I was able to find DOs in clinics by sending them personal letters highlighting my educational goals. I work at a hospital, so I needed another perspective through clinics.

I hope this helps! I was in your situation last year and decided to be as proactive as possible before June came along. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[ZT_530]

Anyone who interviewed on the 25th hear back yet?

 

[SailorHg]

Of course!

The Open House is a great idea for Accepted/Waitlisted/& Prospective people, and if you want to bring your family or significant other. I brought my wife last year. There are a lot of scheduled presentations to choose from (e.g., successful study habits, prospective students; tours with family). One was a presentation by the Student Advocate Association (the backbone of our success; Spouses/parents/friends can join the SAA to be involved in your success), they talked about adjusting to life as the spouse/partner etc..I really appreciate that this program helps my wife feel connected to the school and to enjoy this experience as much as possible (FYI: there is an SAA Facebook page)

Anyone can participate in the Run For Your Life 5k-so you can run it with friends and family. Don't be shy-I didn't sign-up last year because I didn't know what to expect. But the PNWU student body is very inclusive.
You can register for the 5k here: http://rfyl5k.org/

I will by applying this year and just found out I can attend the Open House! I'm very excited. I will be driving in that morning so I don't think I can do the 5k, but I'm looking forward to visiting the campus.