2011-2012 Wayne State Application Thread

[PeterPesto]

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One of Wayne's big strengths is it's clinical selection. Beaumont RO is probably the second "best" hospital in the state, and in itself better in many ways to any one hospital Wayne works with, however there isn't a chance that you'll get the same clinical diversity that you'd have with Wayne simply because you don't get Detroit. Where else in the state, let alone the US, will you see many cases of trench foot (TRENCH FOOT!)? I wish the system wasn't so political, and that Wayne and OU could collaborate, so we could get some access to Beaumont, and OU get access to the DMC. Everyone would win.

Wayne's website says they train at Beaumont Health System

 

[PeterPesto]

Also what's DMC?

 

[mishaS]

Wayne's website says they train at Beaumont Health System

They might do so now, but I don't think I'll be able to, when their charter class hits 3rd year. Maybe there will be a few token spots, but I thought OUWB had exclusive access. DMC is the Detroit Medical Center. It's a massive hospital complex with a trauma 1 hospital, the only dedicated children's hospital, a veterans hospital, a cancer institute, an eye institute, a women's hospital, among other hospitals, all concentrated together. Wayne State's campus is in it, as is a satellite campus of MSUCOM.

 

[Studly]

They might do so now, but I don't think I'll be able to, when their charter class hits 3rd year. Maybe there will be a few token spots, but I thought OUWB had exclusive access. DMC is the Detroit Medical Center. It's a massive hospital complex with a trauma 1 hospital, the only dedicated children's hospital, a veterans hospital, a cancer institute, an eye institute, a women's hospital, among other hospitals, all concentrated together. Wayne State's campus is in it, as is a satellite campus of MSUCOM.

The DMC stems farther than just Detroit with hospitals across the metropolitan Detroit area, Midtown is what mishas described. Beaumont will be exclusive for OU students. And I would vouch to say Harper is better than Beaumont, but only because US News and World Report says so. Beaumont isn't a joke though, they've been able to overcome financial difficulty and they are renown in certain areas of care for sure. Wayne also has more than just the DMC, you get Henry Ford, Oakwood, and I believe Crittenton is a part as well. I don't think you can say one school is flat out better than the other, but each school has unique things to offer and again people should pick the school they feel they would fit into the best.

 

[amandaeleven]

This whole process is about fit and where you feel right at -- I turned Wayne down for OUWB for a number of reasons, but definitely not because one is "better" than the other. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but the strengths at OUWB were of higher priority to me.

Once our charter class becomes M3s, Beaumont will be exclusively ours, however, I know a number of us are looking into elective clerkships in Detroit hospitals [and Wayne students are welcome to do electives at Beaumont] -- so you really can get the best of both worlds... it all depends on where you want to spend the majority of your time.

Good luck to applicants [and for you late Wayne applicants, I interviewed on the last interview day and got the acceptance on the last decision day -- so do not dispair if you haven't heard from them yet!].

 

[CodeBlu]

The DMC stems farther than just Detroit with hospitals across the metropolitan Detroit area, Midtown is what mishas described. Beaumont will be exclusive for OU students. And I would vouch to say Harper is better than Beaumont, but only because US News and World Report says so. Beaumont isn't a joke though, they've been able to overcome financial difficulty and they are renown in certain areas of care for sure. Wayne also has more than just the DMC, you get Henry Ford, Oakwood, and I believe Crittenton is a part as well. I don't think you can say one school is flat out better than the other, but each school has unique things to offer and again people should pick the school they feel they would fit into the best.

No one is knocking the DMC. I am personally very intimate with the facility as a patient and as an employee in a research capacity. It certainly is great. What I like about OUWB though is the approach to the curriculum. The only downside is the lengthy time spent in class, which is mandatory. But it helps build your stamina, and you learn in an interactive setting.

Also, don't put too much stock into US News rankings of hospitals. Beaumont, Harper, UMichigan Hospitals, they're all great. Seriously, doesn't matter where you go.

OUWB is similar and yet different from Wayne. Both schools have WONDERFUL things to offer.

And to those who say that you will get a more diverse clinical experience at Wayne State... I'm sorry, you couldn't be more wrong. When my brother attended, he rotated through 8 different hospitals. But now, for administrative purposes, they have slashed that to 1 hospital for your third year clerkship. If you need to do a proper OB/GYN rotation (which you do in 3rd year) you can go to Hutzel. But you might get Henry Ford, Oakwood, St. John's and have to stay there all year for the most part. Thus, your experience won't be as "diverse" as you think it is.

In actuality it is all semantics. It doesn't matter which school you go to, you're going to get an MD and become a physician either way. As others have said, both schools have their pros and cons. It is truly about "fit".

Wayne State has been producing doctors for like 100+ years... OUWB is very young... but the tenacity and strength of the faculty/students/curriculum/hospital network is remarkable. Whether you go to Wayne or OUWB, you will certainly be happy.

My brother/family are seasoned veterans in medical education, my brother having completed two residencies, and his words to me were as follows...

"It doesn't matter where you go to medical school, lupus at Harvard vs. lupus at any other school is the same. You make your medical education what it is, they give you the tools, but you have to pick up start cutting through the bull****/fat/muscle to get to the heart of it all."

This whole process is about fit and where you feel right at -- I turned Wayne down for OUWB for a number of reasons, but definitely not because one is "better" than the other. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but the strengths at OUWB were of higher priority to me.

Once our charter class becomes M3s, Beaumont will be exclusively ours, however, I know a number of us are looking into elective clerkships in Detroit hospitals [and Wayne students are welcome to do electives at Beaumont] -- so you really can get the best of both worlds... it all depends on where you want to spend the majority of your time.

Good luck to applicants [and for you late Wayne applicants, I interviewed on the last interview day and got the acceptance on the last decision day -- so do not despair if you haven't heard from them yet!].

Beaumont is truly an excellent facility. Maybe I am a bit biased since I am so impressed with the facilities and the students at OUWB. But like amanda said... you CAN have the best of both worlds. Wayne is an inner city hospital, and Beaumont is a suburban tertiary care center. An elective at either will give you insight into both.


Good luck to everyone for this coming week!!!

 

[oaklandguy]

No one is knocking the DMC. I am personally very intimate with the facility as a patient and as an employee in a research capacity. It certainly is great. What I like about OUWB though is the approach to the curriculum. The only downside is the lengthy time spent in class, which is mandatory. But it helps build your stamina, and you learn in an interactive setting.

Also, don't put too much stock into US News rankings of hospitals. Beaumont, Harper, UMichigan Hospitals, they're all great. Seriously, doesn't matter where you go.

OUWB is similar and yet different from Wayne. Both schools have WONDERFUL things to offer.

And to those who say that you will get a more diverse clinical experience at Wayne State... I'm sorry, you couldn't be more wrong. When my brother attended, he rotated through 8 different hospitals. But now, for administrative purposes, they have slashed that to 1 hospital for your third year clerkship. If you need to do a proper OB/GYN rotation (which you do in 3rd year) you can go to Hutzel. But you might get Henry Ford, Oakwood, St. John's and have to stay there all year for the most part. Thus, your experience won't be as "diverse" as you think it is.

In actuality it is all semantics. It doesn't matter which school you go to, you're going to get an MD and become a physician either way. As others have said, both schools have their pros and cons. It is truly about "fit".

Wayne State has been producing doctors for like 100+ years... OUWB is very young... but the tenacity and strength of the faculty/students/curriculum/hospital network is remarkable. Whether you go to Wayne or OUWB, you will certainly be happy.

My brother/family are seasoned veterans in medical education, my brother having completed two residencies, and his words to me were as follows...

"It doesn't matter where you go to medical school, lupus at Harvard vs. lupus at any other school is the same. You make your medical education what it is, they give you the tools, but you have to pick up start cutting through the bull****/fat/muscle to get to the heart of it all."




Beaumont is truly an excellent facility. Maybe I am a bit biased since I am so impressed with the facilities and the students at OUWB. But like amanda said... you CAN have the best of both worlds. Wayne is an inner city hospital, and Beaumont is a suburban tertiary care center. An elective at either will give you insight into both.


Good luck to everyone for this coming week!!!

Someone is feeding you some golden grizzly spiked kool. aid. I still remain neutral although OU holds a special place in my heart.

 

[mishaS]

Heh, I think it's funny how everyone is trying to be PC when we all really know Wayne is better j/k. Like everyone's said, both schools are great, and both schools have their differences which will make one school better for some, and the other better for others. When I interviewed at Georgetown, the speaker made it very clear to us that there are no bad medical schools and that they are all far more similar than different. Finding those differences, and the school that fits you, will make you into a happy med student, and I'm sure that students who choose schools on rank alone are the ones who will more apt to be the one's who dislike their experience.

 

[CodeBlu]

Someone is feeding you some golden grizzly spiked kool. aid. I still remain neutral although OU holds a special place in my heart.

You know that pharisaical nature of yours is really entertaining... you praise OU on the OU thread and say it's going to be the next Case Western, then come on the Wayne thread and say it's not all that and it's just a loaded battery with no gas...

You can't have it both ways. You say you're maintaining neutrality, yet you tell me that I've drunk the kool aid? hahahaha

Like I said, both are great schools, doesn't matter.

 

[PeterPesto]

They might do so now, but I don't think I'll be able to, when their charter class hits 3rd year. Maybe there will be a few token spots, but I thought OUWB had exclusive access. DMC is the Detroit Medical Center. It's a massive hospital complex with a trauma 1 hospital, the only dedicated children's hospital, a veterans hospital, a cancer institute, an eye institute, a women's hospital, among other hospitals, all concentrated together. Wayne State's campus is in it, as is a satellite campus of MSUCOM.

Sounds like the Illinois Medical District and Rush / UIC. DMC seems like my kind of place 😎. The grittier, the better.

 

[membername3]

If you want to be in an inner city and see crazy stuff that you'll be hard pressed to see elsewhere, go to Wayne. If you want to be in suburbia, go OU.

Also, Wayne has more than just the DMC. Half of their students will be doing third year at Henry Ford (which is awesome and arguably better than the DMC) in the near future.

Wayne's med school has actually been around for 143 years, it was founded in 1868 and used to be called the Detroit Medical College.

Finally, while the name of either school is unlikely to impress any program directors when it comes time to apply for residency, it's hard to argue that Wayne has more name recognition than OU. Just another thing to keep in mind.

P.S. The way the curriculum is set up for the first two years really doesn't matter much. In the end, you really teach everything to yourself. If you want to create more of your own schedule, Wayne would be a viable option, as all of their lectures are video streamed and not mandatory to attend.

P.P.S. I'm obviously biased towards Wayne.

 

[Donnie1310]

You know that pharisaical nature of yours is really entertaining... you praise OU on the OU thread and say it's going to be the next Case Western, then come on the Wayne thread and say it's not all that and it's just a loaded battery with no gas...

You can't have it both ways. You say you're maintaining neutrality, yet you tell me that I've drunk the kool aid? hahahaha

Like I said, both are great schools, doesn't matter.

I had to google that, and I'm not even ashamed.

 

[theseeker4]

For me, it has nothing to do with what school is "better." Oakland just has a lot more negatives, to me personally, than Wayne. Things that I find negative are likely another person's positives. I don't want to have mandatory lecture; this is a graduate program, not 4th grade. I much prefer "traditional" to "innovative" teaching, simply because many of the new methods I read about, such as PBL (not sure if Oakland has this or not, just an example) seem more of a time suck than a better way to learn. I like that Wayne is in the center of Detroit for the variety of populations that will offer exposure to. Electives are fine, but it will be much easier rotating at a Wayne-associated school as a Wayne student. The biggest influence to my decision, as a non-traditional student with a wife, child and house, is that Oakland is more than twice as far of a drive as Wayne is. I am glad to say it is a moot point now, but if I was much closer to Oakland than Wayne, I would be hard pressed to commit to 2+ hours of commute time each day just so I can go to a school with a program I like better.

It is entirely a personal decision, and everyone who completes 4 years at any American allopathic school will have an MD after their name, and an excellent chance at a US residency. The school is 4 years of your life. The goal is actually being a physician, not the process of becoming a physician.

 

[CodeBlu]

For me, it has nothing to do with what school is "better." Oakland just has a lot more negatives, to me personally, than Wayne. Things that I find negative are likely another person's positives. I don't want to have mandatory lecture; this is a graduate program, not 4th grade. I much prefer "traditional" to "innovative" teaching, simply because many of the new methods I read about, such as PBL (not sure if Oakland has this or not, just an example) seem more of a time suck than a better way to learn. I like that Wayne is in the center of Detroit for the variety of populations that will offer exposure to. Electives are fine, but it will be much easier rotating at a Wayne-associated school as a Wayne student. The biggest influence to my decision, as a non-traditional student with a wife, child and house, is that Oakland is more than twice as far of a drive as Wayne is. I am glad to say it is a moot point now, but if I was much closer to Oakland than Wayne, I would be hard pressed to commit to 2+ hours of commute time each day just so I can go to a school with a program I like better.

It is entirely a personal decision, and everyone who completes 4 years at any American allopathic school will have an MD after their name, and an excellent chance at a US residency. The school is 4 years of your life. The goal is actually being a physician, not the process of becoming a physician.

Well said.

 

[oaklandguy]

U

You know that pharisaical nature of yours is really entertaining... you praise OU on the OU thread and say it's going to be the next Case Western, then come on the Wayne thread and say it's not all that and it's just a loaded battery with no gas...

You can't have it both ways. You say you're maintaining neutrality, yet you tell me that I've drunk the kool aid? hahahaha

Like I said, both are great schools, doesn't matter.

let's be real, you were Wayne all day and a friend "swayed" you to Oakland yet im the bad guy for being neutral after having seen both schools? You can sit on it dude you know if you interviewed at both you wouldn't be sitting here crowning OU. I stick to my guns and sobt take anything back I've said about either school and would be honored to go to either one, you on the other hand were all for Wayne and now the lack of II got you lathering up in Oakland County butter? Give me a break.

 

[oaklandguy]

And for the record, I say Oakland has a special place in my heart yet you say I'm talking down about it? I don't even understand where your coming from and I'm over here contemplating what I would do if accepted to both. Clearly if Oakland accepts demeaning and pessimistic people such as yourself the choice will be easy for me. Hopefully Tulane works out though we have enough egos in this state as is.

 

[Studly]

You know that pharisaical nature of yours is really entertaining... you praise OU on the OU thread and say it's going to be the next Case Western, then come on the Wayne thread and say it's not all that and it's just a loaded battery with no gas...

You can't have it both ways. You say you're maintaining neutrality, yet you tell me that I've drunk the kool aid? hahahaha

Like I said, both are great schools, doesn't matter.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is a fair analogy. The medical school at Oakland is not accredited. Technically there isn't even a battery or gas or anything. They don't even have USMLE scores or a match list. There are no alumni and there aren't even students in their clinical years. I know that every new medical school has to go through this phase, but you can't say Oakland has anything on Wayne, because it doesn't. There's a chance the school has issues becoming accredited (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania style) and there's a chance that the majority of the class fails board exams. You can't say anything concrete about future plans and goals, the students haven't even taken a final yet! Wayne has an established and recognized school and Oakland doesn't; which is similar to saying Oakland is a loaded battery with no gas.

Going back and reading your previous posts, it is hypocritical of you to say anything about someone changing opinions on a school. You are allowed to change opinions especially after interviews (that's what interviewing is all about). But the fact that you are hassling someone over it is a tad lame.

And oaklandguy has no credibility what-so-ever, this guy is sitting here giving so much false information from the "rumor mill" and talking about the professionalism of the faculty. I don't care how professional faculty is, I mean it would be nice to be in a welcoming atmosphere that promotes learning, but really I don't think any medical school faculty are "unprofessional".

 

[oaklandguy]

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is a fair analogy. The medical school at Oakland is not accredited. Technically there isn't even a battery or gas or anything. They don't even have USMLE scores or a match list. There are no alumni and there aren't even students in their clinical years. I know that every new medical school has to go through this phase, but you can't say Oakland has anything on Wayne, because it doesn't. There's a chance the school has issues becoming accredited (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania style) and there's a chance that the majority of the class fails board exams. You can't say anything concrete about future plans and goals, the students haven't even taken a final yet! Wayne has an established and recognized school and Oakland doesn't; which is similar to saying Oakland is a loaded battery with no gas.

Going back and reading your previous posts, it is hypocritical of you to say anything about someone changing opinions on a school. You are allowed to change opinions especially after interviews (that's what interviewing is all about). But the fact that you are hassling someone over it is a tad lame.

And oaklandguy has no credibility what-so-ever, this guy is sitting here giving so much false information from the "rumor mill" and talking about the professionalism of the faculty. I don't care how professional faculty is, I mean it would be nice to be in a welcoming atmosphere that promotes learning, but really I don't think any medical school faculty are "unprofessional".

First off everything on SDN should be taken with a grain of salt, that being said i go out of my way to try to find pertinent and accurate information on the med school, unfortunately not everyone is transparent.

 

[amandaeleven]

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is a fair analogy. The medical school at Oakland is not accredited. Technically there isn't even a battery or gas or anything. They don't even have USMLE scores or a match list. There are no alumni and there aren't even students in their clinical years. I know that every new medical school has to go through this phase, but you can't say Oakland has anything on Wayne, because it doesn't. There's a chance the school has issues becoming accredited (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania style) and there's a chance that the majority of the class fails board exams. You can't say anything concrete about future plans and goals, the students haven't even taken a final yet! Wayne has an established and recognized school and Oakland doesn't; which is similar to saying Oakland is a loaded battery with no gas.

...

1. OUWB has preliminary accreditation. We will have full accreditation once our class graduates. The LCME doesn't like to grant preliminary accreditation unless a school has what it takes to make it through the whole process [e.g. UC Riverside could not attain preliminary accreditation b/c the LCME recognized a huge weakness].

Also, our Dean is extremely frank and readily willing to discuss how other new medical schools are doing throughout the process. The administration is well aware of the issues other schools are facing and ensuring that we don't even come close.

2. We're taking a final tomorrow.

3. Beaumont has accepted a number of students from other medical schools for years -- I am not concerned with our clinical clerkships whatsoever. In fact, I've heard only positive things from Wayne students I knew who rotated through Beaumont. It would be one thing to say that we're rotating through a hospital new to clerkships or GME, but that's not the case here.

4. Established -- no, OWUB hasn't been around for 100+ years. Recognized -- depends on who you're talking to. Beaumont is a well known hospital across the country and that's enough to put us on the radar [chatting with many of the residents, you'll find that many of them ranked Beaumont over many other top-notch programs].

5. I am not trying to argue [I was set on going to Wayne originally!]; I just want to clarify points for anyone in the application process.

Good luck to everyone! 👍

 

[Studly]

1. OUWB has preliminary accreditation. We will have full accreditation once our class graduates. The LCME doesn't like to grant preliminary accreditation unless a school has what it takes to make it through the whole process [e.g. UC Riverside could not attain preliminary accreditation b/c the LCME recognized a huge weakness].

Also, our Dean is extremely frank and readily willing to discuss how other new medical schools are doing throughout the process. The administration is well aware of the issues other schools are facing and ensuring that we don't even come close.

2. We're taking a final tomorrow.

3. Beaumont has accepted a number of students from other medical schools for years -- I am not concerned with our clinical clerkships whatsoever. In fact, I've heard only positive things from Wayne students I knew who rotated through Beaumont. It would be one thing to say that we're rotating through a hospital new to clerkships or GME, but that's not the case here.

4. Established -- no, OWUB hasn't been around for 100+ years. Recognized -- depends on who you're talking to. Beaumont is a well known hospital across the country and that's enough to put us on the radar [chatting with many of the residents, you'll find that many of them ranked Beaumont over many other top-notch programs].

5. I am not trying to argue [I was set on going to Wayne originally!]; I just want to clarify points for anyone in the application process.

Good luck to everyone! 👍

You can't say we will have full accreditation, you can say that we hope to have full accreditation. Other than that I'm in full agreement with you. I'm just trying to flesh out some obvious differences in the schools. I can easily talk about Wayne State using the same exams for the past 10 years and half of the students study ridiculous amounts while others just use old examinations. Both schools have pros and cons; I just feel like Oakland is being hyped up to be something that it isn't while we all know what Wayne State is.

 

[amandaeleven]

You can't say we will have full accreditation, you can say that we hope to have full accreditation. Other than that I'm in full agreement with you. I'm just trying to flesh out some obvious differences in the schools. I can easily talk about Wayne State using the same exams for the past 10 years and half of the students study ridiculous amounts while others just use old examinations. Both schools have pros and cons; I just feel like Oakland is being hyped up to be something that it isn't while we all know what Wayne State is.

All I can do is be confident in my school about accreditation -- hence the very firm statement. Keep in mind that Commonwealth's money troubles can be attributed to their state subsidy, while OUWB is completely privately-funded.

I can also see where it would seem that OUWB is being hyped up... true, you know exactly what you're getting with Wayne, but to me that was a negative. I knew too much. Plus, I'm not going to say that OUWB isn't trying to sell itself to applicants -- new schools have to do that or no one would be able to see past the "risk" of attending a new school.

Anyway, I really need to get off of SDN...

 

[ConformMe]

Hey everyone!

This thread has really been interesting to read lately, lol.

I was an applicant last year, and I hover around SDN once in a while. So if anyone is interested or has questions about Wayne, feel free to send me a pm.

Personally, I chose Wayne over OUWB last year for countless number of reasons. And quite frankly, it’s quite irrational to compare them – as you would simply be using assumptions of OUWB. That is not to say anything about OUWB, except the obvious – it is new.

I know there’s been a large amount of discussion regarding clinical exposure (the wide diversity of Wayne vs the suburban Beaumont), but I’d also like people to consider the academic and social aspects of your decision.

One of the strongest benefits that I’ve experienced thus far into my first year was the guidance of upper classmen. The enthusiasm in which they’ve provided help has been excitingly surprising. Their guidance has been absolute gold – from countless study aids, to textbook and equipment suggestions, to answering general inquiries and concerns. Everyone felt so lost in the beginning, but having that reassurance was great. And of course, they also prepare you what to look out for. No matter what school you go to, your success will be determined by your Step 1 performance. To have advice and guidance from countless students and faculty who have experienced it is one of the most beneficial aspects of entering an established school – and it's not much, but I am that much more relaxed in knowing that I have all of this support.

Now, to me personally, having to sit in mandatory lectures would be a waste of time. I tried it, and to be honest, many times it’s a waste because the material will be so foreign that the lecture won’t have any meaning unless you go through and become familiar with the material yourself first. You may think that you’ll have the time to do so before the lectures begin, but then you’ll realize how much information there is. For some, it works…and they have that opportunity to attend every day. However, most people end up streaming for a reason – it’s more economic with regards to time and energy. Instead of sitting there sort-of-learning, you can pre-read, learn it, and then quickly stream the lecture to fill in gaps and reaffirm what you’ve learned.

Besides that, there is the existence of:
1) 60 student led organizations that are extremely active. There are seminars and meetings every lunch period (with free food!), as well as clinical opportunities practically every night after class. There are already outreach trips planned for Christmas break, spring break, and summer break – for a chance to travel and practice medicine. The student senate throws post-exam parties, and being in Midtown has really been great for social events in groups, such as sports games.

2) Interest groups led by students and mentored by distinguished faculty in practically every field. You have the opportunity to network and plan for internships and externships, go on various rounds to discover where your interests lie, and learn how to make your application to a particular residency more competitive.

3) Association with countless clinics where you can volunteer, including one founded and student-led by WSU med students. This also provides you with diversity, as the clinics all have different focuses based on ethnicity, language, economic stability, location, health problems, etc.

4) A co-curricular program that allows you to fulfill volunteer hours in several manners for a chance to lighten your load come fourth year. HuMed focuses on humanistic medicine. MPac focuses on Medicine in Political Action. Fabric of Society focuses on Community Outreach and Clinical involvement. ME2 focuses on academic evaluation and progression of curriculum.

5) I'm not sure if OUWB has cadaver dissections or ultrasound training, but a lot of Wayne's learning approaches are hands on; cadaver dissections, opportunity to prosect during your first summer break, ultrasound training, etc. You will apply, explore, and discover what you're learning in a physical sense.

These aspects of Wayne are only a few of what make it far more appealing. It makes it more than just an academic journey, but rather one in which you’re able to apply, get involved, network, enjoy, and be reminded of why you chose this field.

Its location, its affiliations, and its size located midtown makes it feel like you’re a part of a medical community – rather than just attending a school.

The fact is, OUWB is new. No matter which way you put it, you have to realize that it is being pioneered and going through its first journey. That is not to say that it makes it a bad decision. In fact, it has an inherent potential by being associated with Beaumont and I’d bet that it will be successful. But does it compare to all of the establishment, experience, and opportunity that WSU provides?

OUWB’s admissions committee does a great job selling the school, but after considering all the factors…my decision last year was really a simple one. And after having entered, I’m here to say that I’m extremely happy with my decision (one which also included the option to MSUCHM).

Goodluck to this year’s applicants!

 

[Studly]

Hey everyone!

This thread has really been interesting to read lately, lol.

I was an applicant last year, and I hover around SDN once in a while. So if anyone is interested or has questions about Wayne, feel free to send me a pm.

Personally, I chose Wayne over OUWB last year for countless number of reasons. And quite frankly, it’s quite irrational to compare them – as you would simply be using assumptions of OUWB. That is not to say anything about OUWB, except the obvious – it is new.

I know there’s been a large amount of discussion regarding clinical exposure (the wide diversity of Wayne vs the suburban Beaumont), but I’d also like people to consider the academic and social aspects of your decision.

One of the strongest benefits that I’ve experienced thus far into my first year was the guidance of upper classmen. The enthusiasm in which they’ve provided help has been excitingly surprising. Their guidance has been absolute gold – from countless study aids, to textbook and equipment suggestions, to answering general inquiries and concerns. Everyone felt so lost in the beginning, but having that reassurance was great. And of course, they also prepare you what to look out for. No matter what school you go to, your success will be determined by your Step 1 performance. To have advice and guidance from countless students and faculty who have experienced it is one of the most beneficial aspects of entering an established school – and it's not much, but I am that much more relaxed in knowing that I have all of this support.

Now, to me personally, having to sit in mandatory lectures would be a waste of time. I tried it, and to be honest, many times it’s a waste because the material will be so foreign that the lecture won’t have any meaning unless you go through and become familiar with the material yourself first. You may think that you’ll have the time to do so before the lectures begin, but then you’ll realize how much information there is. For some, it works…and they have that opportunity to attend every day. However, most people end up streaming for a reason – it’s more economic with regards to time and energy. Instead of sitting there sort-of-learning, you can pre-read, learn it, and then quickly stream the lecture to fill in gaps and reaffirm what you’ve learned.

Besides that, there is the existence of:
1) 60 student led organizations that are extremely active. There are seminars and meetings every lunch period (with free food!), as well as clinical opportunities practically every night after class. There are already outreach trips planned for Christmas break, spring break, and summer break – for a chance to travel and practice medicine. The student senate throws post-exam parties, and being in Midtown has really been great for social events in groups, such as sports games.

2) Interest groups led by students and mentored by distinguished faculty in practically every field. You have the opportunity to network and plan for internships and externships, go on various rounds to discover where your interests lie, and learn how to make your application to a particular residency more competitive.

3) Association with countless clinics where you can volunteer, including one founded and student-led by WSU med students. This also provides you with diversity, as the clinics all have different focuses based on ethnicity, language, economic stability, location, health problems, etc.

4) A co-curricular program that allows you to fulfill volunteer hours in several manners for a chance to lighten your load come fourth year. HuMed focuses on humanistic medicine. MPac focuses on Medicine in Political Action. Fabric of Society focuses on Community Outreach and Clinical involvement. ME2 focuses on academic evaluation and progression of curriculum.

5) I'm not sure if OUWB has cadaver dissections or ultrasound training, but a lot of Wayne's learning approaches are hands on; cadaver dissections, opportunity to prosect during your first summer break, ultrasound training, etc. You will apply, explore, and discover what you're learning in a physical sense.

These aspects of Wayne are only a few of what make it far more appealing. It makes it more than just an academic journey, but rather one in which you’re able to apply, get involved, network, enjoy, and be reminded of why you chose this field.

Its location, its affiliations, and its size located midtown makes it feel like you’re a part of a medical community – rather than just attending a school.

The fact is, OUWB is new. No matter which way you put it, you have to realize that it is being pioneered and going through its first journey. That is not to say that it makes it a bad decision. In fact, it has an inherent potential by being associated with Beaumont and I’d bet that it will be successful. But does it compare to all of the establishment, experience, and opportunity that WSU provides?

OUWB’s admissions committee does a great job selling the school, but after considering all the factors…my decision last year was really a simple one. And after having entered, I’m here to say that I’m extremely happy with my decision (one which also included the option to MSUCHM).

Goodluck to this year’s applicants!

👍 Quality post.

 

[lunt]

Sorry for breaking the discussion, although I have to say that it is very informative to read.

I received an email for interview 3 weeks ago but still haven't received the mail package. Could anyone tell me if that package contains any crucial information?

 

[PeterPesto]

Just finished with my interview here. I am very impressed with this school so far.

 

[mishaS]

Hey everyone!.....

+1 to this. These reasons are basically what put me over the top when it came to my decision. Also, as far as mandatory lectures, I can't tell you guys how much I love streaming. Unfortunately, time management does become an issue, especially around crunch time, and being able to cut lecture time in half by streaming at 2x is amazingly helpful in this regard. Hell, besides the time management aspect me and a lot of other people have found two things: that it is easier to pay attention because there is no down time to daydream, and that as counter intuitive as it seems, profs with accents who are hard to understand sound like they are speaking almost perfect English with charming accents.

 

[theseeker4]

Sorry for breaking the discussion, although I have to say that it is very informative to read.

I received an email for interview 3 weeks ago but still haven't received the mail package. Could anyone tell me if that package contains any crucial information?

I don't remember any information included in the packet that is not available online. Bring the signed "Technical Standards" sheet and everything else is provided at the interview itself. Good luck, and you have a very laid back interview to look forward to.

 

[theseeker4]

+1 to this. These reasons are basically what put me over the top when it came to my decision. Also, as far as mandatory lectures, I can't tell you guys how much I love streaming. Unfortunately, time management does become an issue, especially around crunch time, and being able to cut lecture time in half by streaming at 2x is amazingly helpful in this regard. Hell, besides the time management aspect me and a lot of other people have found two things: that it is easier to pay attention because there is no down time to daydream, and that as counter intuitive as it seems, profs with accents who are hard to understand sound like they are speaking almost perfect English with charming accents.

Yeah, I have to say if I had to choose between a school with optional lectures and one with mandatory lectures, I would pick the one with optional lectures every time. This is medical school we are applying to, not grade school.

 

[sandzakmd]

Anyone know approximately how many interview invites have been give out? I looked on the site but seems like they don't provide a tracker of any sort

 

[theseeker4]

Anyone know approximately how many interview invites have been give out? I looked on the site but seems like they don't provide a tracker of any sort

No, they don't provide that data in real time. They just released the stats for the 2011 entering class. The adviser I interviewed with at Wayne said he didn't expect them to extend even 1,000 invites this year. Good luck.

 

[theseeker4]

Sending in my letter of acceptance and deposit today! Received the official letter in the mail Saturday, about a week after the e-mail acceptance notification. Wayne also allows three weeks from date of offer letter to when they need to receive your deposit. Good luck everyone, it won't be long before the first set of regular acceptances goes out!

 

[autotroph]

Sending in my letter of acceptance and deposit today! Received the official letter in...

...won't be long before the first set of regular acceptances goes out!

 

[theseeker4]

Lol, applied Early Decision Program, not lying, sorry 😛

 

[autotroph]

Lol, applied Early Decision Program, not lying, sorry 😛

Haha, I know -- hence the second picture.😛 I was just writing out my range of emotions over reading the entirety of your post.

We are not at all on the same wavelength, are we?

Anyway, congratulations! It must feel great!

 

[theseeker4]

Haha, I know -- hence the second picture.😛 I was just writing out my range of emotions over reading the entirety of your post.

We are not at all on the same wavelength, are we?

Anyway, congratulations! It must feel great!

Lol, thanks. It does, though it still doesn't seem real, and probably won't until I am in the midst of exams regretting ever applying . Good luck!

 

[mishaS]

Lol, thanks. It does, though it still doesn't seem real, and probably won't until I am in the midst of exams regretting ever applying . Good luck!

Congrats! I love it so far, it hasn't been nearly as bad as I would have expected, and I'm sure you'll love it to if you end up going to Wayne. My word of advice though, if you haven't taken an anatomy class, in the very least audit or self study, the little bit I did made adjusting much easier. If you're doing your undergrad at Wayne, take histo with Spranger if he still teaches it. Histo is a joke for after taking it with him.

 

[theseeker4]

Congrats! I love it so far, it hasn't been nearly as bad as I would have expected, and I'm sure you'll love it to if you end up going to Wayne. My word of advice though, if you haven't taken an anatomy class, in the very least audit or self study, the little bit I did made adjusting much easier. If you're doing your undergrad at Wayne, take histo with Spranger if he still teaches it. Histo is a joke for after taking it with him.

Thanks! I am definitely going to Wayne; it is my first choice, and since I applied EDP, I am obligated to attend Wayne if accepted (which, obviously, I was). Since I am working full time until matriculation, I will probably not have time for any more courses. I did not take anatomy, but everyone else has said that pre-studying won't do much to help you adjust...do you find the opposite true? I am glad things are going well for you, and hopefully the adjustment will be as easy for me. Thanks.

 

[2010hope]

sooo has anyone else gotten an interview invite/rejection recently?...
I've been complete for over a month and I'm getting a bit antsy waiting.....

 

[docntrainin]

Hi friends! I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but I was wondering if you guys knew how many OOS students are invited to interview after receiving a secondary. Thanks!

 

[mishaS]

Thanks! I am definitely going to Wayne; it is my first choice, and since I applied EDP, I am obligated to attend Wayne if accepted (which, obviously, I was). Since I am working full time until matriculation, I will probably not have time for any more courses. I did not take anatomy, but everyone else has said that pre-studying won't do much to help you adjust...do you find the opposite true? I am glad things are going well for you, and hopefully the adjustment will be as easy for me. Thanks.

For Anatomy it did seem to help, at least at first. What I can say is that it is much easier to learn things the second time around, when you have built a solid foundation, where you only really need to learn the finer details than going in fresh, with nothing available to you. Will you be unable to pass without taking anatomy? No, everyone seems to be doing quite well actually (I'm sure some people have failed an exam, but based on averages, I imagine they are few), but it would mean that much less stress, and it would make it that much easier to honor if that's your goal.

I can attest though that histology to me, after my insane undergrad class, is a complete joke. For the last unit I ignored the class until right before the exam, when I streamed all of the lectures I had missed at 2x, did a tiny bit of outside studying, and rocked it. Histo is the easy class for everyone, but not having to worry about it made it that much easier to focus on embryo (which was new to me), and anatomy especially, I think played a large part in the fact that I'm doing very well.

You'll be fine if you don't take anatomy or other classes to prep, but I think you will feel the pain of adjustment far more keenly than those who have had the advantage of taking the classes.

 

[Restart13]

I can't help but wonder after reading some of these posts...How does Wayne view a low verbal MCAT score? I got a 31Q (12 12 7). My GPA is solid (3.88; 3.8 BCPM). I'm applying next cycle and am thinking about possibly retaking the MCAT, only if I have to though (I actually overshot my average). Any tips I'd appreciate. I'm also IS.

Congrats and Good Luck to everyone!

 

[giantswing]

DMC is the Detroit Medical Center. It's a massive hospital complex with a trauma 1 hospital, the only dedicated children's hospital, a veterans hospital, a cancer institute, an eye institute, a women's hospital, among other hospitals, all concentrated together. Wayne State's campus is in it, as is a satellite campus of MSUCOM.

DMC also has a Beaners, but no Starbucks. I am slowly making the change but have to relearn a bunch of coffee drink names. This is important as coffee will become a food group in medical school.

 

[CodeBlu]

I can't help but wonder after reading some of these posts...How does Wayne view a low verbal MCAT score? I got a 31Q (12 12 7). My GPA is solid (3.88; 3.8 BCPM). I'm applying next cycle and am thinking about possibly retaking the MCAT, only if I have to though (I actually overshot my average). Any tips I'd appreciate. I'm also IS.

Congrats and Good Luck to everyone!

Great scores. I think you should retake the test though. Try to at least get an 8... an 9 would be better.

Pick up EK101 verbal passages. Do them. Retake, and get an awesome score!

 

[Studly]

DMC also has a Beaners, but no Starbucks. I am slowly making the change but have to relearn a bunch of coffee drink names. This is important as coffee will become a food group in medical school.

Beaners is a racist term, the coffee brand you are thinking of is Biggby.

 

[Studly]

Great scores. I think you should retake the test though. Try to at least get an 8... an 9 would be better.

Pick up EK101 verbal passages. Do them. Retake, and get an awesome score!

I know of students who have gotten in with less than a 7, I think you are right in the range of what they are looking for, but you can never truly know.

 

[giantswing]

Beaners is a racist term, the coffee brand you are thinking of is Biggby.

OMG, you're right on both counts! So sorry if I offended anyone! I've been studying way too much...
EDIT: According to Wiki, it was Beaners for awhile before they changed their name because of the association. Thought I was totally losing my mind.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggby_Coffee

 

[Restart13]

I know of students who have gotten in with less than a 7, I think you are right in the range of what they are looking for, but you can never truly know.

Yea same here, but I feel like it's gotten a lot more competitive this year and probably for next year too. We'll see what happens.

 

[theseeker4]

OMG, you're right on both counts! So sorry if I offended anyone! I've been studying way too much...
EDIT: According to Wiki, it was Beaners for awhile before they changed their name because of the association. Thought I was totally losing my mind.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggby_Coffee

Yeah, it used to be called Beaners. My wife's family from California were shocked when they came here that they would have that name, but most people in Michigan weren't aware of the association.

 

[theseeker4]

Yea same here, but I feel like it's gotten a lot more competitive this year and probably for next year too. We'll see what happens.

Well since you have the time before applying, I would say re-take and try to bump up your verbal a bit. Try to mitigate anything that you are able to that could be a negative.

 

[nmed20]

Got screened in for the secondary!! OOS, high grad GPA, 30 on latest MCAT.

Any tips on the secondary questions??