A.T. Still University Kirksville (ATSU-KCOM) Discussion Thread 2015 - 2016

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· Have you applied to KCOM previously? If yes, please describe what has changed.

· What particular qualities do you feel you can bring to KCOM?(Please limit your response to 500 words or less.All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)

· What specific experience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine? How has this influenced your decision to become an osteopathic physician?(Please limit your response to 500 words or less.All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)

· Please list any changes or updates to your AACOMAS application. This section may be left blank if your AACOMAS application is complete and accurate:

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[abolt18]

I've just finished 2nd year here at KCOM and am taking boards in the next couple weeks. I'll be around. If you have any questions feel free to tag me. If you feel those questions are more "specific" feel free to PM me. I'll to my best to answer. Also, I've written plenty of long, detailed posts in last year's thread. Feel free to check that one out. Good luck with the application cycle everyone! KCOM has been a great school for me and my family. I look forward to starting rotations here in just over a month.

 

[deleted158872]

I've heard that Kirksville, MO is the middle of nowhere, is that true?

 

[cuwhenucme]

.

 

[abolt18]

I've heard that Kirksville, MO is the middle of nowhere, is that true?

maps.google.com

 

[deleted158872]

i can't tell from just looking at Google maps/earth, though

 

[abolt18]

i can't tell from just looking at Google maps/earth, though

1.5 hours from Columbia, MO (has malls and Target), basically 3 hours +/- 15 minutes to St. Louis, Kansas City, or Des Moines (nearest major airports) with a small airport in Kirksville that takes you to St. Louis; I believe it's $50 one way. I have to say I didn't mind the size and distance from civilization during the first 1.5 years, but that last 6 months, knowing I was moving for rotations, I was ready to get out of there! There is still plenty of cool stuff to do in Kirksville, especially if you enjoy anything outdoors like cycling, hiking, running, swimming, fishing, hunting, etc.

We made a lot of random trips to Columbia when we just needed to get out of town for the day. Plenty of trips to St. Louis and KC too over the long breaks.

 

[abolt18]

Ive been living in missouri for a long time and went to school in columbia. Yes kirksville is in the middle of nowhere, but it is fairly close to other towns.

The town itself though.... could use some serious upgrades.

Also I cant find any secondaries to prewrite. @abolt18

can you enlighten me on the matter?

SERIOUS upgrades. If the city were maybe double the size (30K people) it would be soooo much better. At least it's temporary. Also, no idea about secondaries. Sorry. Best bet is to look at last year's thread or our last year's secondary prompt thread.

 

[Gandyy]

SERIOUS upgrades. If the city were maybe double the size (30K people) it would be soooo much better. At least it's temporary. Also, no idea about secondaries. Sorry. Best bet is to look at last year's thread or our last year's secondary prompt thread.

Dam, well I looked in the older ones. no luck.

 

[Gandyy]

SERIOUS upgrades. If the city were maybe double the size (30K people) it would be soooo much better. At least it's temporary. Also, no idea about secondaries. Sorry. Best bet is to look at last year's thread or our last year's secondary prompt thread.

What particular qualities do you feel you can bring to KCOM?
(Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)



What specific experience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine? How has this influenced your decision to become an osteopathic physician?
(Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)


Never mind does this seem familiar? ^ This one is from the oldest thread available from 2011 but they dont change much right?

 

[abolt18]

What particular qualities do you feel you can bring to KCOM?
(Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)



What specific experience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine? How has this influenced your decision to become an osteopathic physician?
(Please limit your response to 500 words or less. All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)


Never mind does this seem familiar? ^ This one is from the oldest thread available from 2011 but they dont change much right?

A quick Google search leads you to this thread.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/official-secondary-application-thread-2014-2015.1081175/

 

[moonwake]

Some good things about KCOM (I start school in a month as an OMS1):

Small town = anywhere you live is walking/biking distance from campus (and to be honest, it's not like you will have a ton of spare time anyway).
Even though you are 1.5 hours away from the nearest mall, you are 2 1/2 hours from Des Moines & Kansas City, 3 from St. Louis, and 6 from Chicago. We just came back from Chicago and so you can pick which "big" city you want to visit on breaks.

Super tight-knit community (most students meet up and help each other even before school starts). Locals are super accommodating and friendly too. This town is a medical school/college town. It has the essentials, fast food places, home depot, a HUGE super Walmart, good diners, an awesome beach off of 1000 hills (a lake 5-10 minutes from town). It's also super picturesque in terms of landscape- I know why some people love living here. Driving through the national park right next to town makes that obvious. If you are outdoorsy I think this is a really good place to be. I like it because I live right next to campus with my wife and 3 kids and I can come home/go to school whenever I want (some schools I got accepted to required me to drive for 20-40 mins to get to campus because the safe neighborhoods are relatively far from the campus which in my eyes is an inconvenience and added expense).

My wife and I are city people and we have lived here a month and really like it. Can't speak for everyone but I'd say give it a chance.

 

[abolt18]

Some good things about KCOM (I start school in a month as an OMS1:

Small town = anywhere you live is walking/biking distance from campus (and to be honest, it's not like you will have a ton of spare time anyway).
Even though you are 1.5 hours away from the nearest mall, you are 2 1/2 hours from Des Moines & Kansas City, 3 from St. Louis, and 6 from Chicago. We just came back from Chicago and so you can pick which "big" city you want to visit on breaks.

Super tight-knit community (most students meet up and help each other even before school starts). Locals are super accommodating and friendly too. This town is a medical school/college town. It has the essentials, fast food places, home depot, a HUGE super Walmart, good diners, an awesome beach off of 1000 hills (a lake 5-10 minutes from town). It's also super picturesque in terms of landscape- I know why some people love living here. Driving through the national park right next to town makes that obvious. If you are outdoorsy I think this is a really good place to be. I like it because I live right next to campus with my wife and 3 kids and I can come home/go to school whenever I want (some schools I got accepted to required me to drive for 20-40 mins to get to campus because the safe neighborhoods are relatively far from the campus which in my eyes is an inconvenience and added expense).

My wife and I are city people and we have lived here a month and really like it. Can't speak for everyone but I'd say give it a chance.

State park actually. But everything else is correct. I loved cycling around Kirksville and around Thousand Hills State Park. You ride for a mile or two and you're on rolling green hills surrounded by trees, fields, and cows. And if the small town is too much for you, good news is you can leave for rotations after 2 years!

 

[jennifer1585]

I noticed last year they sent out secondary around June 18. Has anyone received 2nd yet? Anyone know their schedule for this year?

 

[Oh_Gee]

I've just finished 2nd year here at KCOM and am taking boards in the next couple weeks. I'll be around. If you have any questions feel free to tag me. If you feel those questions are more "specific" feel free to PM me. I'll to my best to answer. Also, I've written plenty of long, detailed posts in last year's thread. Feel free to check that one out. Good luck with the application cycle everyone! KCOM has been a great school for me and my family. I look forward to starting rotations here in just over a month.

how's the weather year round? will i freeze? I've lived on southern California coast all my life. 70 degrees Fahrenheit err day baby (usually)

 

[abolt18]

how's the weather year round? will i freeze? I've lived on southern California coast all my life. 70 degrees Fahrenheit err day baby (usually)

With all the money you'll be saving by not living in CA, you'll be able to afford warm clothes for winter 😉

 

[Oh_Gee]

With all the money you'll be saving by not living in CA, you'll be able to afford warm clothes for winter 😉

i despise wearing warm clothes. I shall miss my t shirt and basketball shorts. The sacrifices we make

 

[abolt18]

i despise wearing warm clothes. I shall miss my t shirt and basketball shorts. The sacrifices we make

Luckily, you can move to AZ for rotations 2 years later if you so desire!

 

[MightBeACylon439]

i despise wearing warm clothes. I shall miss my t shirt and basketball shorts. The sacrifices we make

First world problems for sure, we all lament your situation.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Hey all! I start at KCOM this July and figured I'd share this story with y'all thinking about KCOM, and worried about the implications of D.O. Yesterday I accompanied my wife to her knee surgery. While with her in surgical prep the Anesthesiologist came in "Dr.X" on his name tag, none of the physician tags at this hospital have initials (M.D., D.O.). He started a procedure to start a strong local anesthetic, and informed me I could stay if id like. I told him I start medical school in a few weeks, and i would LOVE to watch. He asked me where I was going, and when I said KCOM HIS EYES LIT UP. Turns out he was Dr. X, D.O., an alumnus of KCOM. We then proceeded to talk about Kirksville ( he grew up in a large town but absolutely LOVED the small town atmosphere at KCOM) and med student stuff until the nurse reminded him he actually had a procedure to do. He then let me watch as he ultrasounded her leg, giving me detailed anatomical info as he injected the anesthetic near a nerve bundle. When he left he wished me luck and excitedly told my wife's Orthopedic Surgeon that i was going to the same D.O. Program he went to.

I have found very few people who didn't ultimately love Kirksville, KCOM and the education received there (N=many). Also, recall that he was the anesthesiologist...so if you think you're going to be pigeonholed into primary care, that is untrue. I am very excited to be attending in the coming weeks, and I wish everyone in the upcoming cycle nothing but the best of luck!

 

[tennerd]

a

 

[MightBeACylon439]

does ATSU KCOM have regional bias?

Do a google search and i believe the discuss this on the 2013-14 thread.

 

[67552931811]

i despise wearing warm clothes. I shall miss my t shirt and basketball shorts. The sacrifices we make

Well, you could just buy a massive massive parka that's uber expensive (like really expensive). If I did that instead of the 'layer tenchinque' then I'm sure I could rock a t shirt and basketball shorts in the dead of winter.

 

[Catfish-Cupcake]

.

 

[Oh_Gee]

Well, you could just buy a massive massive parka that's uber expensive (like really expensive). If I did that instead of the 'layer tenchinque' then I'm sure I could rock a t shirt and basketball shorts in the dead of winter.

i'm intrigued. is there an official name for such parkas
i googled "massive parka" and couldn't find anything

 

[67552931811]

i'm intrigued. is there an official name for such parkas
i googled "massive parka" and couldn't find anything

I mean I was more or less being cheeky. I'm sure it's *possible* to do but I have never seen another human attempt it. I haven't owned a winter coat since I was 14 (as I only layer) so my parka knowledge is a little rusty. However, I do have a family member who has a giant parka but it only goes down to her mid shin.

I'd just look on some serious mountain climbing websites.

 

[oceanman]

.

 

[medstar11]

Has anyone received a secondary from here yet? I am very excited to apply here

 

[njtrimed]

Some good things about KCOM (I start school in a month as an OMS1):

Small town = anywhere you live is walking/biking distance from campus (and to be honest, it's not like you will have a ton of spare time anyway).
Even though you are 1.5 hours away from the nearest mall, you are 2 1/2 hours from Des Moines & Kansas City, 3 from St. Louis, and 6 from Chicago. We just came back from Chicago and so you can pick which "big" city you want to visit on breaks.

Super tight-knit community (most students meet up and help each other even before school starts). Locals are super accommodating and friendly too. This town is a medical school/college town. It has the essentials, fast food places, home depot, a HUGE super Walmart, good diners, an awesome beach off of 1000 hills (a lake 5-10 minutes from town). It's also super picturesque in terms of landscape- I know why some people love living here. Driving through the national park right next to town makes that obvious. If you are outdoorsy I think this is a really good place to be. I like it because I live right next to campus with my wife and 3 kids and I can come home/go to school whenever I want (some schools I got accepted to required me to drive for 20-40 mins to get to campus because the safe neighborhoods are relatively far from the campus which in my eyes is an inconvenience and added expense).

My wife and I are city people and we have lived here a month and really like it. Can't speak for everyone but I'd say give it a chance.

Thanks for this info! Now that I have researched everything I can find about schools, the one thing I'm really curious about is how many medical students have families and whether there's a community for them. From what I've gathered from med students I know, at allopathic schools, older students with families tend to be on the periphery socially. At Caribbean schools, I've heard there's a tight-knit community of families since spouses can't work and everyone is in a foreign situation. I have read statistics about DO programs being more non-trad friendly, and would love to know which DO schools are especially good for families who are moving far from their extended families and social networks. We have no problem moving across the country and are open to settling somewhere if we get established and are happy where we are.

How competitive is this school for OOS/out of region applicants? My c/sGPAs are both around 3.6x and May MCAT 80-90th percentile.

 

[abolt18]

Thanks for this info! Now that I have researched everything I can find about schools, the one thing I'm really curious about is how many medical students have families and whether there's a community for them. From what I've gathered from med students I know, at allopathic schools, older students with families tend to be on the periphery socially. At Caribbean schools, I've heard there's a tight-knit community of families since spouses can't work and everyone is in a foreign situation. I have read statistics about DO programs being more non-trad friendly, and would love to know which DO schools are especially good for families who are moving far from their extended families and social networks. We have no problem moving across the country and are open to settling somewhere if we get established and are happy where we are.

How competitive is this school for OOS/out of region applicants? My c/sGPAs are both around 3.6x and May MCAT 80-90th percentile.

I would say KCOM is far and away the most family friendly school I know of. I was accepted to 4 schools and KCOM was a relatively easy choice for us because of this. This shows from the beginning by the fact that you are invited to bring your family with you for the interview. With the SAA (student advocate association-a club for significant others of med students. Mostly wives), the small town, and the school itself, my family always felt very welcome. Having a nursing room on campus was great for my wife as well. I am married with 2 kids. Had the second during 1st year. Plenty of my friends had kids during the first 2 years. The school has been extremely accommodating when we've had kids or had family stuff to take care of. The SAA has a lot of activities for your SO. Free babysitting for date-nights at least monthly I believe. Your family has access along with you to the gym and city pool.

Those stats are great for the school. Must also have good EC's and LOR's. As far as I know there is no regional bias. Good luck!

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Thanks for this info! Now that I have researched everything I can find about schools, the one thing I'm really curious about is how many medical students have families and whether there's a community for them. From what I've gathered from med students I know, at allopathic schools, older students with families tend to be on the periphery socially. At Caribbean schools, I've heard there's a tight-knit community of families since spouses can't work and everyone is in a foreign situation. I have read statistics about DO programs being more non-trad friendly, and would love to know which DO schools are especially good for families who are moving far from their extended families and social networks. We have no problem moving across the country and are open to settling somewhere if we get established and are happy where we are.

How competitive is this school for OOS/out of region applicants? My c/sGPAs are both around 3.6x and May MCAT 80-90th percentile.

KCOM is very, very family friendly. My wife is a part of a Facebook group for spouses and dependents. She gets a lot of good info about Kirksville there and they plan lots of activities and trips to surrounding cities (Kirksville is very small and remotely located). People in the group genuinely want to form a community atmosphere and help each other out.

The one thing you will want to consider is the town is so small, your spouse may find it hard to find work depending on her profession.

With your stats, as long as you have decent EC's you will have a great chance even at DO schools with a STRONG in state preference.

 

[moonwake]

I haven't started yet (we have 3 kids) and we have already met several families before class has started who have kids. The SAA (an organization for significant others) is incredibly invaluable to help make the transition easier. It is also an easy way for the wives (and/or husbands) to make friends. We've lived here a month and a half so far and we have more friends than we did back home.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

@moonwake is there a D&D or fringe boardgame group in Kville?

 

[moonwake]

@moonwake is there a D&D or fringe boardgame group in Kville?

haha good question- I guess if people have time to throw down D&D lol...

 

[MightBeACylon439]

haha good question- I guess if people have time to throw down D&D lol...

If there isnt I might start one as a friday or saturday night activity. We will be damn busy, but we also have to keep our sanity somehow.

 

[njtrimed]

KCOM is very, very family friendly. My wife is a part of a Facebook group for spouses and dependents. She gets a lot of good info about Kirksville there and they plan lots of activities and trips to surrounding cities (Kirksville is very small and remotely located). People in the group genuinely want to form a community atmosphere and help each other out.

The one thing you will want to consider is the town is so small, your spouse may find it hard to find work depending on her profession.

With your stats, as long as you have decent EC's you will have a great chance even at DO schools with a STRONG in state preference.

I haven't started yet (we have 3 kids) and we have already met several families before class has started who have kids. The SAA (an organization for significant others) is incredibly invaluable to help make the transition easier. It is also an easy way for the wives (and/or husbands) to make friends. We've lived here a month and a half so far and we have more friends than we did back home.

Great to hear! I'll definitely be applying here. My husband is very social but not the most outgoing guy. It would definitely be good for him and our little one if we were in a community!

 

[swolebrah]

Secondary for 2015, got to start on this soon after I finish my genetics reading!

· Have you applied to KCOM previously? If yes, please describe what has changed.


· What particular qualities do you feel you can bring to KCOM?(Please limit your response to 500 words or less.All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)


· What specific experience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine? How has this influenced your decision to become an osteopathic physician?(Please limit your response to 500 words or less.All information provided in this section must be the original work of the applicant and not from another author.)



· Please list any changes or updates to your AACOMAS application. This section may be left blank if your AACOMAS application is complete and accurate:

 

[Stephanopolous]

Received secondary invite! So excited

 

[FloresMD]

Just got their secondary!

 

[pmsltechnician]

I just received a secondary as well! Best of luck to everyone!

Edit: For the "Clinical Health Experiences" portion of the secondary, should we write more for the descriptions than we did for the AACOMAS application? There doesn't seem to be a character limit so I'm unsure on how much is expected.

 

[Flux10567]

on the secondary, for the clinical health experience section, they want us to put all our healthcare experiences from AACOMAS into this section, but only have 4 available slots. Is there any way to add more?

 

[Gandyy]

I got their secondary prompt as well. On the clinical experiences portion of it, how are you guys handling it? Are you copy pasting the experience description over for the secondary?

 

[Flux10567]

I got their secondary prompt as well. On the clinical experiences portion of it, how are you guys handling it? Are you copy pasting the experience description over for the secondary?

Essentially that's what I did. But I did add a little more description because there is apparently no character limit.

 

[Gandyy]

Essentially that's what I did. But I did add a little more description because there is apparently no character limit.

Yea and the fact there are only 4 clinical experiences is ridiculous. Lol I have 18 experiences on my AACOMAS and at least half of them are volunteering, shadowing, research or healthcare work experiences.....

 

[pmsltechnician]

Essentially that's what I did. But I did add a little more description because there is apparently no character limit.

I took a look at last year's thread and it seems like most people copied over information from AACOMAS and added information for clarification if necessary.

 

[Flux10567]

it looks like if you need to use more than the 4 allotted slots, email them to admissions using the same format in the secondary application

 

[Gandyy]

it looks like if you need to use more than the 4 allotted slots, email them to admissions using the same format in the secondary application

Dont you think its absolutely silly for us to have to do that though when our primary application is in front of them too?

 

[Flux10567]

Dont you think its absolutely silly for us to have to do that though when our primary application is in front of them too?

Yeah absolutely. But hey I guess it gives us a chance to edit our descriptions lol. If that's any consolation.

 

[Gandyy]

Yeah absolutely. But hey I guess it gives us a chance to edit our descriptions lol. If that's any consolation.

Yea.... since there are only 4 slots, I'm just gonna stop there. I'm putting down the most important healthcare experiences.

 

[Stephanopolous]

I plan on putting my four most important clinical experiences also. Should we just copy what we have in our AACOMAS app?