A.T. Still University- MESA

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Mletter, how was the interview..spill..hope you did well.

Exigente:luck:

Hello all!,
Well, the interview was pritty much exactly how those that have went have said. There were 19 of us. First we listened to Beth Proppre and Joyce Haynie talk about the admission process and they also went over the schedule for the day. We were each split into 4 groups 3 of 5 and one of 4 people. Only during the group exercise were we actually physically sectioned off into these groups. After Joyce and Beth spoke then the dean spoke to us for about an hour about the curriculum and what kind of candidate they are looking for. The kind of candidate they are looking for basically revolves around someone who is VERY dedicated to community and public health. After the dean spoke we went to the cafeteria were we were given sandwiches and drinks. At lunch, we also got to talk to all the faculty and staff including our interviewers, not that you know exactly who your interviewers will be ahead of time.
Then after lunch depending on your schedule, you either go to a file review, an interview, or a tour/presentation on the community health centers they have chosen for students to be at during year 2. First I went to the file review where they basically have questionable sections of your academic and personal file marked. This is where they will ask you things like why did you withdraw there or why the bad grade here. Also, they ask you about your EC's and clinical/job experiences. Then I went to the interview. It is a closed file interview(they have already reviewed your file in another section so why do it again!). There are 2 interviewers, a DO and a representative from a CHC. Bro went over the questions in his post earlier.
Then I went on the tour and CHC presentation. The tour was short cause they haven't finished most of the medical school facilities. We toured much of the dental school facilities where I think if they don't get the medical school fascilities finished in time, the med students will be spending alot of their time. The assistant dean did our presentation on the CHC's. I guess the presentation is usually done by Gary Cloud but he was out of town. We went over each of the 11 CHC's available for us to choose from as potential placements for our 2nd year.
After all that was finished we split up into our groups and went to the group project. Basically, you are in a room with your group mates and you are given a question. In our case it was exactly what bro descibed in his post. We collaborate and are judged on how well we are able to work together and get things accomplished in this group. After we completed that we all went back down to our original meeting place and wrapped up the day. We had the option of turning in our CHC choice list the day of the interview or within 7 days. I am planning on faxing mine in on monday. I thought it was definetly the most grueling interview process I have been through thus far. They are really trying to sift through the candidates to find very specific qualities. I thought everyone was generally very nice. I am not sure if I will get accepted, but now I definetly have a much more broader view of what an interview can entail! Please ask questions and I will try to clarify anything I missed! 🙂
 
Hello all!,
Well, the interview was pritty much exactly how those that have went have said. There were 19 of us. First we listened to Beth Proppre and Joyce Haynie talk about the admission process and they also went over the schedule for the day. We were each split into 4 groups 3 of 5 and one of 4 people. Only during the group exercise were we actually physically sectioned off into these groups. After Joyce and Beth spoke then the dean spoke to us for about an hour about the curriculum and what kind of candidate they are looking for. The kind of candidate they are looking for basically revolves around someone who is VERY dedicated to community and public health. After the dean spoke we went to the cafeteria were we were given sandwiches and drinks. At lunch, we also got to talk to all the faculty and staff including our interviewers, not that you know exactly who your interviewers will be ahead of time.
Then after lunch depending on your schedule, you either go to a file review, an interview, or a tour/presentation on the community health centers they have chosen for students to be at during year 2. First I went to the file review where they basically have questionable sections of your academic and personal file marked. This is where they will ask you things like why did you withdraw there or why the bad grade here. Also, they ask you about your EC's and clinical/job experiences. Then I went to the interview. It is a closed file interview(they have already reviewed your file in another section so why do it again!). There are 2 interviewers, a DO and a representative from a CHC. Bro went over the questions in his post earlier.
Then I went on the tour and CHC presentation. The tour was short cause they haven't finished most of the medical school facilities. We toured much of the dental school facilities where I think if they don't get the medical school fascilities finished in time, the med students will be spending alot of their time. The assistant dean did our presentation on the CHC's. I guess the presentation is usually done by Gary Cloud but he was out of town. We went over each of the 11 CHC's available for us to choose from as potential placements for our 2nd year.
After all that was finished we split up into our groups and went to the group project. Basically, you are in a room with your group mates and you are given a question. In our case it was exactly what bro descibed in his post. We collaborate and are judged on how well we are able to work together and get things accomplished in this group. After we completed that we all went back down to our original meeting place and wrapped up the day. We had the option of turning in our CHC choice list the day of the interview or within 7 days. I am planning on faxing mine in on monday. I thought it was definetly the most grueling interview process I have been through thus far. They are really trying to sift through the candidates to find very specific qualities. I thought everyone was generally very nice. I am not sure if I will get accepted, but now I definetly have a much more broader view of what an interview can entail! Please ask questions and I will try to clarify anything I missed! 🙂

Thank you for the feedback..I'm sure you did well..after you send your CHC form..I bet you will get a nice call:luck:

How are the presentations for the CHC's? What do they tell you about each site? Pics? Housing? Which are urban and rural?

How were the other interviewees, are you instate?

Thanx..exigente..
 
Thank you for the feedback..I'm sure you did well..after you send your CHC form..I bet you will get a nice call:luck:

How are the presentations for the CHC's? What do they tell you about each site? Pics? Housing? Which are urban and rural?

How were the other interviewees, are you instate?

Thanx..exigente..

Thanks exigente for the encouragement. 🙂 Oh and by the way I believe there will be 110 students for the entering class, not 100 as originally posted by the school. I say that because there are 11 sites now not 10. I will ask Joyce on monday. I will post all the sites and next to them post urban or rural and the population generally seen.
Hawaii-urban/rural, native Hawaiians/Pacific islanders
Washington-urban (Seattle), American Eskimos/Native Americans
Oregon-urban (Portland), American Eskimos/Native Americans
California-urban (near Fresno), migrant population from Mexico
Arizona, Tucson and Flagstaff are urban, Phoenix is rural, kinda far outside Phoenix on an Indian rez, Native Americans and Hispanic populations
Ohio-rural, Amish
S. Carolina-rural, African Americans, caucasions
Alabama-rural somewhat, African Americans, caucasions
New York-urban (Brooklyn), immigrants, poor intercity populations

In the future there will be onsite housing but at this time you would have to find yer own house.
I should've gotten pictures, the school/area is definetly easy on the eyes.
I am from New Mexico, everyone that I interviewed with was generally nice/nervous. 😀
 
Thanx for the info, it really helped..wow 110...yeah..even better chances:luck:

Did they mention anything about the curriculm for M1 and M2?

Thanx
 
Hello all!,
Well, the interview was pritty much exactly how those that have went have said. There were 19 of us. First we listened to Beth Proppre and Joyce Haynie talk about the admission process and they also went over the schedule for the day. We were each split into 4 groups 3 of 5 and one of 4 people. Only during the group exercise were we actually physically sectioned off into these groups. After Joyce and Beth spoke then the dean spoke to us for about an hour about the curriculum and what kind of candidate they are looking for. The kind of candidate they are looking for basically revolves around someone who is VERY dedicated to community and public health. After the dean spoke we went to the cafeteria were we were given sandwiches and drinks. At lunch, we also got to talk to all the faculty and staff including our interviewers, not that you know exactly who your interviewers will be ahead of time.
Then after lunch depending on your schedule, you either go to a file review, an interview, or a tour/presentation on the community health centers they have chosen for students to be at during year 2. First I went to the file review where they basically have questionable sections of your academic and personal file marked. This is where they will ask you things like why did you withdraw there or why the bad grade here. Also, they ask you about your EC's and clinical/job experiences. Then I went to the interview. It is a closed file interview(they have already reviewed your file in another section so why do it again!). There are 2 interviewers, a DO and a representative from a CHC. Bro went over the questions in his post earlier.
Then I went on the tour and CHC presentation. The tour was short cause they haven't finished most of the medical school facilities. We toured much of the dental school facilities where I think if they don't get the medical school fascilities finished in time, the med students will be spending alot of their time. The assistant dean did our presentation on the CHC's. I guess the presentation is usually done by Gary Cloud but he was out of town. We went over each of the 11 CHC's available for us to choose from as potential placements for our 2nd year.
After all that was finished we split up into our groups and went to the group project. Basically, you are in a room with your group mates and you are given a question. In our case it was exactly what bro descibed in his post. We collaborate and are judged on how well we are able to work together and get things accomplished in this group. After we completed that we all went back down to our original meeting place and wrapped up the day. We had the option of turning in our CHC choice list the day of the interview or within 7 days. I am planning on faxing mine in on monday. I thought it was definetly the most grueling interview process I have been through thus far. They are really trying to sift through the candidates to find very specific qualities. I thought everyone was generally very nice. I am not sure if I will get accepted, but now I definetly have a much more broader view of what an interview can entail! Please ask questions and I will try to clarify anything I missed! 🙂

If you are accepted, will you attend ATSU-Mesa?
 
Thanks for all of the good info. My file has been placed on hold for the time being🙁
 
Congrats man....I interviewed the same time you did but i didnt get an acceptance yet so I figured I am rejected or on the waiting list. Care to tell why you declined the offer?

My (MD & DO) friends who are currently residents tell me that for competitive residencies, they really scrutinize the curriculum (besides grades, COMLEX scores, etc.) when trying to fill their openings. FYI for those who haven't had the interview yet: the number of electives available in the 4th year is very limited to primary care related courses.

I declined the offer because the curriculum isn't right for me. Being that I have to make a decision pretty soon about other programs I was admitted to, I'm more comfortable right now going with a more traditional/established program.

Honestly, I failed to get into any programs last year so I know how each and every single seat is important to those wanting a seat. I don't want to tie up any spaces for those of you who are strongly considering COM-Mesa.
 
If you are accepted, will you attend ATSU-Mesa?

I would probably go if offered an acceptance. However, you really have to consider what you are getting into. I agree with the above poster, this is NOT a traditional curriculum at all. There will be no formal biochem, pharmacology, microbio, ect. courses. They have the curriculum set up so that you get snippets of everything because they figure that is a better way for students to absorb knowledge. So, there will be no long lectures. Everything we are taught will revolve around clinical scenerios from the begining. I know that sounds confusing! I thought it sounded pritty interesting. I am interested in primary care, so that is another reason why the curriculum sounds good. If you are interested in a specialty that doesn't come under primary care, make your decision about this school very wisely!
 
I would probably go if offered an acceptance. However, you really have to consider what you are getting into. I agree with the above poster, this is NOT a traditional curriculum at all. There will be no formal biochem, pharmacology, microbio, ect. courses. They have the curriculum set up so that you get snippets of everything because they figure that is a better way for students to absorb knowledge. So, there will be no long lectures. Everything we are taught will revolve around clinical scenerios from the begining. I know that sounds confusing! I thought it sounded pritty interesting. I am interested in primary care, so that is another reason why the curriculum sounds good. If you are interested in a specialty that doesn't come under primary care, make your decision about this school very wisely!


How many hours in class/lecture daily? Will there be tests and grades?

A little confused now?
 
How many hours in class/lecture daily? Will there be tests and grades?

A little confused now?

I think the tests will be at the end of the semesters. I believe they said you spend about 4 hours at the school a day. I will find out for sure. The curriculum is geared towards turning students into clinical/diagnostic experts that can take excellent patients histories.
 
If you are accepted, will you attend ATSU-Mesa?


I would probably go as well, but like mletter and drJohnny said that the curriculum is not for everybody. Me personally I like what theyre doing and Im interested in doing primary care.
 
So, I know I already asked, but do any of you know how stable these affiliations with the CHC's are? I would go, but I would hate for them to have this fall apart in the first year and then send ppl to a CHC they did not want. Just a thought/concern....
 
It was my understanding that they had been working with the community health centers for 5 years on this curriculum/structure. No doubts were expressed concerning the CHCs commitments.
 
I would probably go as well, but like mletter and drJohnny said that the curriculum is not for everybody. Me personally I like what theyre doing and Im interested in doing primary care.

I'm interested in primary care also (IM or FP) -- which is why its DO all the way for me. The thing I had to consider at the end of the evening after the interviews were:

1. How will I stack up against other DO's and MD's?
2. I know that the COM-Mesa curriculum will make me a compassionate physician, but will it make me a COMPETENT SCIENTIST?

Dr. Wood talked about Evidence-Based Medical Education (EBME) in creating the curriculum but with no grads of COM-Mesa to talk to, it's hard to gauge how one will do in the real world. All of the new DO schools have a traditional curriculum. Without concrete answers during the Q&A session of interview day, I kept having this nagging feeling that I will probably be behind (compared to other medical doctors) when it comes to knowledge of the hard basic sciences.

Dr. Wood told a story during his presentation that when he was in med school, he was forced to learn about every single detail of the hand's anatomy. He continued to say "we won't do that here at COM-Mesa. It's not practical." Although I agreed with him wholeheartedly, it kinda gave me a red flag ---- wouldn't a good med student want to be taught every little detail, regardless of whether you'll ever use that information? Too much info is probably better than too little.
 
So, I know I already asked, but do any of you know how stable these affiliations with the CHC's are? I would go, but I would hate for them to have this fall apart in the first year and then send ppl to a CHC they did not want. Just a thought/concern....

Somath is right. The affiliations with the CHC's are pretty stable. It's the WHO and HOW the students will be taught that's unclear -- especially for the Phoenix, AZ site, which isn't 100% established yet. I was told though that an effort to separate the class of 100-110 into an equal number of students/CHC will be made.

For those going to an interview, could you ask and post some info on here? THANKS!
 
I'm interested in primary care also (IM or FP) -- which is why its DO all the way for me. The thing I had to consider at the end of the evening after the interviews were:

1. How will I stack up against other DO's and MD's?
2. I know that the COM-Mesa curriculum will make me a compassionate physician, but will it make me a COMPETENT SCIENTIST?

Dr. Wood talked about Evidence-Based Medical Education (EBME) in creating the curriculum but with no grads of COM-Mesa to talk to, it's hard to gauge how one will do in the real world. All of the new DO schools have a traditional curriculum. Without concrete answers during the Q&A session of interview day, I kept having this nagging feeling that I will probably be behind (compared to other medical doctors) when it comes to knowledge of the hard basic sciences.

Dr. Wood told a story during his presentation that when he was in med school, he was forced to learn about every single detail of the hand's anatomy. He continued to say "we won't do that here at COM-Mesa. It's not practical." Although I agreed with him wholeheartedly, it kinda gave me a red flag ---- wouldn't a good med student want to be taught every little detail, regardless of whether you'll ever use that information? Too much info is probably better than too little.


One thing I remember from the Q&A was the impressive (albeit preliminary) stats from other schools who used this method of instruction. I think Dr. Wood mentioned of the 10 or so schools who are using a teaching method like this (in the US and Canada), many of them rank in the top 3 for their regions. That was comforting, but at the same time, I got the feeling COM-Mesa takes that method of instruction to a whole new level.


That said, I worry about the same thing you are saying. Sometimes I prefer too much rather than too little.
 
Hey "bro", I thought the same EXACT thing about COM-Mesa taking the method to a whole new level! I'm pretty sure it'll all work out though -- I mean, they studied the curriculum for 5 years (?). Have you decided to attend or go with another program?

A friend of mine also interviewed at COM-Mesa on 1/11/07. She hasn't received any news from the school and is anxious. Has anyone since then received a rejection or a waitlist notification??
 
here's the website for all chc's, filled with contacts and all kinds of goodies. something to help prep if you have any ones already in mind.

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/chc/
 
Hey "bro", I thought the same EXACT thing about COM-Mesa taking the method to a whole new level! I'm pretty sure it'll all work out though -- I mean, they studied the curriculum for 5 years (?). Have you decided to attend or go with another program?

A friend of mine also interviewed at COM-Mesa on 1/11/07. She hasn't received any news from the school and is anxious. Has anyone since then received a rejection or a waitlist notification??

drjohnny,

I have not decided entirely. I still have one more interview (AZCOM) to go on before I decide. I am very interested in ATSU though. There are some aspects about the curriculum that worry me a little bit, on the other hand, I got such a great feeling about the school and the faculty - it makes me want to be a part of it.
 
For all those with acceptances, how long did it take you to recieve your acceptance email from the time you turned in your CHC ranking list? I interviewed on 1/18 and I faxed in my list of ranked community health centers today, but have not heard anything from the school. I am worried that I should've turned in the CHC list on the day of the interview, now I am not sure when my file/list will be reviewed!! 😕
 
mletter,

I think I remember them saying that the adcom meets on fridays. So for some of us who heard back the next day, it was just because we turned our CHC form in right after the interview, and they reviewed the next day.

So hang in there!!!
 
I don't know if anyone has said this already, but I wrote an email to Mesa to change my interview date and she said they only have a three week interview period... So, I guess they aren't interviewing past Feb... or maybe she's just blowing smoke up my ass to make me feel rushed about the interview... doesn't matter now-

I'm going to VCOM!
 
Don't worry MLETTER you will get a good call..I just think that your CHC paper is holding you up..bad mletter..everyone else that interviews..turn it in the same day..

:laugh:

j/k

good luck:luck:
 
3 week interview period and they just started late last month..noooo😱

you have got to be kidding me...😱

hmm..they did have batches of about 20 at each interview..hmm..and only three so far..so that's 60 if everyone was accepted...doesn't add up.

can someone call and confirm..they know my voice by now..😀
 
Don't worry, I don't think that means that a majority of spots are filled, at least I hope not.🙁 What is your status as of now exigente? Also, is there anyone that can explain a little more about curriculum? I'm confused about how learning "snippets" will give us what we need to know to be able to make a clinical diagnosis. It's one thing to base your diagnosis because you are used to seeing this type of thing everyday, but totally different than actually making a diagnosis according to knowing all the little details. I do agree that it isn't always necessary to know every little detail, but in the world of medicine you never know what you may see or come in contact with. Therefore, I feel like the little details could be extremely important. Does anyone have any more insight?
 
Don't worry, I don't think that means that a majority of spots are filled, at least I hope not.🙁 What is your status as of now exigente? Also, is there anyone that can explain a little more about curriculum? I'm confused about how learning "snippets" will give us what we need to know to be able to make a clinical diagnosis. It's one thing to base your diagnosis because you are used to seeing this type of thing everyday, but totally different than actually making a diagnosis according to knowing all the little details. I do agree that it isn't always necessary to know every little detail, but in the world of medicine you never know what you may see or come in contact with. Therefore, I feel like the little details could be extremely important. Does anyone have any more insight?

They needed another lor so I am waiting for my app to be reviewed..geez..

you update your app or call? good luck..

exigente
 
I just got an email invitation to interview at ATSU-Mesa.

A few questiosn about Mesa:

- Does anyone know how likely it will be to get assigned to one of the CHCs that you want? is it a 1/11 chance or did certin CHCs seem better than others?

- Can you make your acceptance based on which CHC you get into?

- Will there be faculty at each of the 11 clinics teaching classes?

- When will students take OMM classes?

thanks
 
congrats on the interview..how long where you complete and what day are you going?
 
I just got an email invitation to interview at ATSU-Mesa.

A few questiosn about Mesa:

- Does anyone know how likely it will be to get assigned to one of the CHCs that you want? is it a 1/11 chance or did certin CHCs seem better than others?

- Can you make your acceptance based on which CHC you get into?

- Will there be faculty at each of the 11 clinics teaching classes?

- When will students take OMM classes?

thanks

They try to set you up in the CHC clinic that you want, but they certainly don't guarantee that. All you have to do is not put a ranking on the CHC's that you don't want to be at and they will not put you there. Although this may greatly reduce the likelyhood that you will be offered an acceptance. The OMM classes will be done through video much of the time, I think, so this may not be the best school to learn really indepth and comprehensive OMM.
 
Any news mletter?

Well, I think that the post by bro is correct. I think the adcoms meet only on friday so we'll see if I hear anything soon! How about you Exigente? Anything? Did your LOR come through?
 
Thanks for the info.

My secondary application was completed a month ago, thus I was suprised to get an interview so quickly. Considering the nature of the program, the larger wondow for GPA and the fact that they will need to fill all of the spots for specific CHCs, I bet they are interviewing more applicants than usual for a school of this size. I would imagine some CHCs are more popular than others, thus they need to sift through more applicants.

Has anyone heard of anybody has been accepted and is planning on going?

Does anyone have a cheap hotel in Mesa they would recommend?

Maybe I'll call this afternoon and see if they can tell me which CHCs have aready been filled.
 
Thanks for the info.

My secondary application was completed a month ago, thus I was suprised to get an interview so quickly. Considering the nature of the program, the larger wondow for GPA and the fact that they will need to fill all of the spots for specific CHCs, I bet they are interviewing more applicants than usual for a school of this size. I would imagine some CHCs are more popular than others, thus they need to sift through more applicants.

Has anyone heard of anybody has been accepted and is planning on going?

Does anyone have a cheap hotel in Mesa they would recommend?

Maybe I'll call this afternoon and see if they can tell me which CHCs have aready been filled.

A couple people on sdn have been accepted and are going..they are on the class threads..only a few though..

when you find out which chc is filled..let us know.that seems to be important in getting accepted..I suppose?😕
 
I just got an email stating that pre-interview hold files will be reviewed again in March.
 
I just got an email stating that pre-interview hold files will be reviewed again in March.

Hey businessman,

When were you put on hold? I have been on hold for a few weeks now and nothing has come up yet. Who sent you the email stating that the on hold files will be reviewed again in March? I haven't received an email like that, so I am concerned. Has anyone else received the same email?
 
i have been complete for quite awhile now.. and was told that i am on the pre-interview hold list.. i called and found out mid december but didn't get an official letter stating so until mid january. but i'm a little worried because i didn't get an email saying we would be re-reviewed in march... anyone else?
 
I emailed and asked about it...so don't worry if you didn't get the email. It was from Joyce hayne. Sorry for the confusion
 
So, did anyone interview yesterday? If so, have you heard back??
 
Interviewing on the 1st!

So you got off the hold list? Did they say why. That's so great!! Congrats!!:luck:
Did anything change on your app like newly posted grades or anything??? That's kinda weird to have you on hold for a few weeks and then all of a sudden offer you an interview. Don't get me wrong, it's great. It just didn't make any sense.
 
Hey guys just found out the bad news yesterday. I was rejected post interview. I still think its a good school nonetheless I wish all applicants good luck.
 
I didn't do anything different. I did not submit anything new (grades, letters, etc). I just waited and luckily received an invite. I am not sure why I was pulled off the wait list either. I'm sorry I cannot offer you guys more advice. I do hope you guys get interviews soon. All I can offer is my encouragement not to become discouraged! 🙂
 
hey dseattle, i am interviewing on feb 8 also
 
I have a question...

Since they may be pulling people of the hold list, does it mean that they have interviewed those people who interested them in the beginning and now they are going with the hold list? Like all of us who are on the hold list, I am really hoping for an interview and am curious as to when it may be. Has anyone else been pulled off the hold list and offered an interview?
 
hey "little"

i was put on the hold list, but then was offered an interview yesterday.
 
hey "little"

i was put on the hold list, but then was offered an interview yesterday.

That is really cool. Congrats on the interview! If you don't mind me asking, what are your stats? So far you are the second person on here that has mentioned being pulled off of the hold list. It gives some of us other hold people some hope. 🙂

does anyone know the tuitioncost at mesa?

I believe the tuition is right around 35k. It is very similar to AZCOM's tuition.
 
I didn't do anything different. I did not submit anything new (grades, letters, etc). I just waited and luckily received an invite. I am not sure why I was pulled off the wait list either. I'm sorry I cannot offer you guys more advice. I do hope you guys get interviews soon. All I can offer is my encouragement not to become discouraged! 🙂

Nice to see you got off the hold list..I hope you get in.
👍
 
How about you Exigente? Anything? Did your LOR come through?[/QUOTE said:
Hmm...well no..and it's been like 2 weeks..

I called again and found out all my letters were sent to the wrong campus...they were at Mesa and needed to be in KO? :scared: ok, so they said it takes 10 days to process at Mesa and then they have to pony it over to Ko (by mail)..so were looking at another 2 weeks..😱

I am being positive though..😎
 
I believe the tuition is right around 35k. It is very similar to AZCOM's tuition.

So the total will be around 55K a years. 220K for four years is a lot of debt. Can MD/DO pay this off without a problem?
 
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