A.T. Still University- MESA

[DocBR]

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Lastly, does anyone know how common it is to see tarantulas in AZ....I'm not too down with spiders the size of house pets.😱

I am an Az native - tarantulas are nothing to worry about. The ground spiders are the dangerous ones (some people call them Wolff spiders), but they are fairly non-aggressive so if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

More than anything, you have to worry about the Scorpions, but they are far and few between in Mesa. Scottsdale, South Gilbert/Chandler (places where the development is very, very new) is where you find most of them. You will also occasionally find a rattlesnake (all areas of the Valley), but you can just call the fire department and they will come get it.

Interesting thing about the snakes is, a lot of people here will try and kill them when they find one in their door way (for instance a garden hoe behind the neck) and then afterwards they pick up the severed head and get a nasty bite. We used to chuckle at those people when I worked in the ER.

 

[gildas]

Anyone else planning to interview that day? Anyway I was wondering if anyone is willing to talk more about the Collaborative Exercise. What type of problem do they give you? Are you scored on individual or collective performence or how you interact with others in your group?
Thanks

 

[GreenShirt]

Anyone else planning to interview that day? Anyway I was wondering if anyone is willing to talk more about the Collaborative Exercise. What type of problem do they give you? Are you scored on individual or collective performence or how you interact with others in your group?
Thanks

They didn't say how they score it, but it's an exercise in defining professionalism. Your interviewers will be in the room along with the rest of the people who interviewed with that duo (about 5-6 people). It was pretty laid back. Just try to contribute to the group effort and give everyone else a chance to as well. I think the only way you could go wrong is if you sat there and didn't say anything or if you attacked other group members. It was IMO the least stressful part of the interview (not that the rest was all that stressful).

 

[GreenShirt]

I am an Az native - tarantulas are nothing to worry about. The ground spiders are the dangerous ones (some people call them Wolff spiders), but they are fairly non-aggressive so if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

Wolff spiders? Are they big? Poisonous? eeekkkkkkkk😱

 

[GreenShirt]

You guys may already know, but they finally put up an interview feedback forum for Mesa on SDN. So if you want to share your 2 cents about interview day...now's the chance.

 

[v-lander]

You guys may already know, but they finally put up an interview feedback forum for Mesa on SDN. So if you want to share your 2 cents about interview day...now's the chance.

Where's it at? I can't seem to find it.

 

[GreenShirt]

Where's it at? I can't seem to find it.

It should be right below Kirksville on the list (2nd one). (Medicine>pre-med>interview forums)

 

[v-lander]

Ok, call me ******ed, scream at me through your monitor, whatever. I can't find it - how 'bout a link?

 

[GreenShirt]

Ok, call me ******ed, scream at me through your monitor, whatever. I can't find it - how 'bout a link?

Here's the link to the feedback summary page:
http://www.studentdoctor.net/interview/process_read.asp?school=224

If you want to post a feedback...you need to do it off the main feedback page (the one before you select the country)
Link to initial page: http://www.studentdoctor.net/interview/

Remember, the full name of the school is:
A.T. Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Mesa

It's actually the first school on the list.
Link for list: http://www.studentdoctor.net/interview/school_pick.aspx

 

[StringerBell]

It was pretty laid back. Just try to contribute to the group effort and give everyone else a chance to as well. It was IMO the least stressful part of the interview (not that the rest was all that stressful).

As with any group exercise, however, it varies with the other group members. Our group was productive, though there was definitely some jockeying for position, as well as some issues involving communication. I was told that we were judged by our interactions, and not by the "final product," but I feel that our final product could've been better.

And I just found out today...I've been MOVED from the WAITLIST, and have been ACCEPTED! (CA CHC)

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

👍 👍 👍

 

[StringerBell]

👍 👍 👍

Thanks!
I'm sure Joyce Haynie enjoys making those phone calls.
I was freaking ecstatic over the phone.
I'm pretty sure she laughed at my reaction 😀

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

Thanks!
I'm sure Joyce Haynie enjoys making those phone calls.
I was freaking ecstatic over the phone.
I'm pretty sure she laughed at my reaction 😀

ahhh, but no longer the 'waitlist warrior'..... what did you think of the program as compared to the others you visited? Do you have any trepidation over the 'newness' of the school?

 

[StringerBell]

ahhh, but no longer the 'waitlist warrior'..... what did you think of the program as compared to the others you visited? Do you have any trepidation over the 'newness' of the school?

The newness of the school was my major trepidation, yes. And there is, of course, still concern about that. I like how they presented themselves as "The newest school, but also the oldest school."

I have only had the opportunity to visit two schools, and they seem polar opposites, and each accordingly has its advantages and disadvantages. Plus, I still have one more interview to attend.

That said, I really enjoyed the explanation of the curriculum, and as I come from a Systems Physiology background, I get the feeling that I will be very comfortable with it. I also enjoy the prospect of early clinical exposure, since I've been working in the field for a number of years.

There will be a lot to consider, sure. But for now, I'm going to relax, enjoy my acceptance, and sip tea out of my ATSU mug.

 

[GreenShirt]

Congrats StingerBell!!! Yeah, I almost flipped out the other day when I thouhgt one of my roomates had broken my ATSU mug....I keep it in my room now. LOL, we're so funny with those mugs.

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

The newness of the school was my major trepidation, yes. And there is, of course, still concern about that. I like how they presented themselves as "The newest school, but also the oldest school."

I have only had the opportunity to visit two schools, and they seem polar opposites, and each accordingly has its advantages and disadvantages. Plus, I still have one more interview to attend.

That said, I really enjoyed the explanation of the curriculum, and as I come from a Systems Physiology background, I get the feeling that I will be very comfortable with it. I also enjoy the prospect of early clinical exposure, since I've been working in the field for a number of years.

There will be a lot to consider, sure. But for now, I'm going to relax, enjoy my acceptance, and sip tea out of my ATSU mug.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=376376
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=375119
something you may be interested in as it pertains to this issue...

 

[dseattle]

thanks for all the dialogue you've been facilitating. there's been a lot of opinions about comm going around, most of them good, some bad, but that is what is expected. i like the fact that you really care and are trying to see this school from all angles...students/residents/physicians. as it is helping you, it is helping all of us to see those dialogues, and perhaps be silent witnesses. but yah, thanks again!

sippin on some sizzurp....out of the dope mug.

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

Thanks everyone for all of the help. The decision making process in this situation, as with any other, requires the maximum amount of input and information as possible. I realy do feel that the dialogue is helpful to all of us who have the opportunity to go to ATSU MESA, especially given that we have other options to wiegh as well.

 

[Soccergrl03]

Heh I just wanted to let you know that I will be in the hawaii group as well and I am really excited!! I have never been to Hawaii but always wanted to go. In about 20 days I am headed to Oahu to check everything out and get a feel for the island, I am so excited!!! I can't believe you did not get seattle though and that its the most popular site, I would not have thought that at all. Anyways I can't wait to meet you!! I think we are in for a great four years! 😀

 

[StringerBell]

Heh I just wanted to let you know that I will be in the hawaii group as well and I am really excited!!

Hawaii was on my list as well, but I got my first choice in California. (I've been a Californian essentially all of my life, and although Hawaii was definitely appealing, I want to contribute to my own community, so-to-speak.)

I am starting to get really excited! I've been checking out place to live in Mesa, at least for the first year 🙂

 

[GreenShirt]

Thanks everyone for all of the help. The decision making process in this situation, as with any other, requires the maximum amount of input and information as possible. I realy do feel that the dialogue is helpful to all of us who have the opportunity to go to ATSU MESA, especially given that we have other options to wiegh as well.

I agree this dialogue helps. Maybe we can get this thread to rival the length of the DECOM thread....man, that thing's like 10 pages and growing. I say we make ATSU-Mesa the most social thread on SND...who's with me!😀

 

[v-lander]

Anyone interviewing this Thursday? I just found out this morning of the invitation to interview (email was slow getting through). I'm off from school this week so I said what the heck and scheduled my interview for Thursday. I'm excited but kind of numb and overwhelmed, trying to pack and prepare for flying out there tomorrow. I can't wait, though! Definitely one of those trips for which I chose a flight with a longer layover - more time for last-minute interview prep!

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

Anyone interviewing this Thursday? I just found out this morning of the invitation to interview (email was slow getting through). I'm off from school this week so I said what the heck and scheduled my interview for Thursday. I'm excited but kind of numb and overwhelmed, trying to pack and prepare for flying out there tomorrow. I can't wait, though! Definitely one of those trips for which I chose a flight with a longer layover - more time for last-minute interview prep!

good luck! 👍 👍 just signed and sent my contract in.

 

[gildas]

Anyone interviewing this Thursday? I just found out this morning of the invitation to interview (email was slow getting through). I'm off from school this week so I said what the heck and scheduled my interview for Thursday. I'm excited but kind of numb and overwhelmed, trying to pack and prepare for flying out there tomorrow. I can't wait, though! Definitely one of those trips for which I chose a flight with a longer layover - more time for last-minute interview prep!

Hey V-lander,
good luck and let us know how many people are interviewing and how it goes.

 

[capucino123]

hi everyone

i'm interviewing on 03/15. anyone else out there interviewing that day?

also, does anyone know how much a cab would cost to go from the university to the airport?

and how long it would take (mins) at around 6pm?

thanks! ciao.

 

[GreenShirt]

hi everyone

i'm interviewing on 03/15. anyone else out there interviewing that day?

also, does anyone know how much a cab would cost to go from the university to the airport?

and how long it would take (mins) at around 6pm?

thanks! ciao.

The cab would probably be pretty expensive given that everything in Pheonix is really expensive (probably >$40). If you're staying at a hotel, you would be better off taking a complimentary shuttle and just using the cab to get to/from the campus and hotel. Pheonix is a big city, so traffic during rush hour is packed, estimated time might be around ~30-45min. I had a rental car, so these are just my estimates. A native Arizonian might be able to give you a better response.

Good Luck with your interview!!! They have a really organized interview day with a pretty good lunch outside, so it should be enjoyable.

 

[StringerBell]

Would anyone be interested in a real-time Mesa chat site? I could put one up fairly easily, and we could all discuss ATSU, interviewing, curriculum, CHC's, etc.

It would be fairly easy for me to do, and I'd love to do it if there's any interest!

 

[v-lander]

Yes, yes! The interview went well yesterday and just got accepted today!!! Almost lost my voice after hanging up the phone and letting out the yell that came out. What a journey - finally, an acceptance! Can't wait to see everyone. Now to come up with that paper $$$.

Oh, and going home to Hawaii, btw.

 

[exigente chica]

Yes, yes! The interview went well yesterday and just got accepted today!!! Almost lost my voice after hanging up the phone and letting out the yell that came out. What a journey - finally, an acceptance! Can't wait to see everyone. Now to come up with that paper $$$.

Oh, and going home to Hawaii, btw.

YEah!!! Congrats👍

 

[gildas]

Yes, yes! The interview went well yesterday and just got accepted today!!! Almost lost my voice after hanging up the phone and letting out the yell that came out. What a journey - finally, an acceptance! Can't wait to see everyone. Now to come up with that paper $$$.

Oh, and going home to Hawaii, btw.

How many people interviewed this week? and do you have any idea on how many seats are unfilled?

 

[v-lander]

How many people interviewed this week? and do you have any idea on how many seats are unfilled?

There were 19 or 20 of us on Thursday. I think someone at my table at lunch asked how many seats are available. They just said that about 50 acceptances have been extended (before this past week). Of course, not all of those are going to pan out so who knows for sure how many seats are actually available. Safe to say, though, that there are still spots and they're about half way there.

 

[Climber512]

I will be interviewing as well on 3/15 and coming in from Boise, ID. Where are you coming from capucino123? See you there.

 

[dseattle]

presentation by dean wood and dean mcwilliams about the atsu-com-mesa. similar to that during the interview day. followed by a q&a section. the audio is bad but the content is good.

warning: it is 1 hour long.

 

[capucino123]

hey Climber512

I'm coming into Phoenix on Wed. 03/14 from Chicago.

Maybe you want to share a cab ride back to the airport?

Your name by the way?

(I'm Nilofer from Chicago, IL)

See you Thursday! Ciao.

 

[DocBR]

presentation by dean wood and dean mcwilliams about the atsu-com-mesa. similar to that during the interview day. followed by a q&a section. the audio is bad but the content is good.

warning: it is 1 hour long.

HAH!! Check out Dr. Woods' necklace

He's awesome.😀

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

'necklace'.... -a lei and traditional marquesan nuts- normal for Hawaii, especially as he was a guest. I liked that the local physicians also had a plan to keep students in HI for the hospital rotations (if those that they met with U of H about do not work out) by sending them to nearby Islands on which they have hospital affiliations.

 

[DocBR]

'necklace'.... -a lei and traditional marquesan nuts- normal for Hawaii

😀

 

[v-lander]

HAH!! Check out Dr. Woods' necklace

He's awesome.😀

Oh my. Not planning on the Hawaii CHC are you? 😳

 

[dseattle]

did anyone make it all the way through?

ps: whats the difference btw marquesa nuts and kukui nuts?

 

[DocBR]

Oh my. Not planning on the Hawaii CHC are you? 😳

I knew there was a name for the nuts, just had no idea what they were called 😳

I declined the acceptance, I will be going to AZCOM. I am going to Hawaii this summer, so hopefully I will come back more enlightened 😀

 

[dseattle]

as of 3/9/07; there were 1,832 applicants to comm. keep in mind that comm only recieved accreditation and began applications in fall vs may/june.

 

[EastWestN2grt]

I am driving out to Phoenix next Wednesday(3/21) and interviewing on the
22nd. Just wondering if there is any one else interviewing next week? And for those accepted, does anyone have any idea about the availability of the Fresno CHC? Is it still an available option, or is it already filled.

 

[v-lander]

I am driving out to Phoenix next Wednesday(3/21) and interviewing on the
22nd. Just wondering if there is any one else interviewing next week? And for those accepted, does anyone have any idea about the availability of the Fresno CHC? Is it still an available option, or is it already filled.

I didn't get the sense that Fresno was one of the more popular sites but i could be wrong. Seems like only 1 or 2 are getting close to full but I couldn't tell you which those were. I don't think it would be that bad of an idea to call and ask - you never know, they might tell you exact numbers for each CHC (ask tactfully, obviously, and with purpose). After all, they want to put you somewhere where you'll be happy and motivated to fulfill the school's mission.

 

[StringerBell]

I am driving out to Phoenix next Wednesday(3/21) and interviewing on the 22nd... does anyone have any idea about the availability of the Fresno CHC? Is it still an available option, or is it already filled.

I interviewed 2/22 and received Fresno (Visalia, actually - it's a sad note to describe a city by its proximity to Fresno. 🙂 ) From the SDN discussion, I don't think I've noted anyone else who will be at that CHC. I am a lifelong Californian, so it was my first choice. 🙂

Good luck on your interview!

 

[Climber512]

Hey everyone. I figured there are many of you wondering how many seats are still available at ATSU-Mesa. At the interview I asked and Joyce said that as of 3/15 (so not including anyone invited over this past weekend) there were approximately 90 invites for admission with 40 confirmed acceptances (people who have paid the first $1000 deposit). She said that many of those 90 invites had not responded (either yes or no), but I would have to assume that their deadlines for accepting are fast approaching (they only have 14 days to accept from the time of receiving the acceptance package).

Also, I think that they may have re-vamped their presentation a bit that is given at the beginning of the day. Going into the interview day I was still a little uneasy with their education model, CHC choices, etc. After the presentation, any reservations that I had were completely resolved. Any questions concerning their cirriculum were also answered. They had a very, very extensive layout of exactly what is going to be covered, down to the month/week/day and how they were going to assess what has/has not been learned. In my opinion, their model may be the most effective way of teaching medicine.

As another side note, Joyce (the head admission counsler) was very honest with me regarding MCAT scores. She said that they are looking for people who can do well on standardized tests. Obviously they are looking for family practice/rural medicine docs, but they are also looking for people who make the board exam stats look good for a school pushing a new education model and philosophy.

 

[MD/DO ALMOST]

wow, they actually had a brakdown of the curriculum now!?
Nice...

 

[GreenShirt]

As another side note, Joyce (the head admission counsler) was very honest with me regarding MCAT scores. She said that they are looking for people who can do well on standardized tests. Obviously they are looking for family practice/rural medicine docs, but they are also looking for people who make the board exam stats look good for a school pushing a new education model and philosophy.

That last part is a little sleazy....your students are getting good board scores b/c they are good test takers and not necessarily b/c the quality of education is good. (of course every school wants the best MCAT scorers they can get so its somewhat of a mut point, but its still sleazy to blatantly put it in those terms IMO)

 

[Climber512]

That last part is a little sleazy....your students are getting good board scores b/c they are good test takers and not necessarily b/c the quality of education is good. (of course every school wants the best MCAT scorers they can get so its somewhat of a mut point, but its still sleazy to blatantly put it in those terms IMO)

Agreed. Let me clarify just to eliminate any misplaced blame on ATSU. I was told they want good MCAT scores because they correlate to good board scores. I inferred the obvious "that are also looking for people who make the board exam stats look good for a school pushing a new education model and philosophy."

 

[GreenShirt]

Agreed. Let me clarify just to eliminate any misplaced blame on ATSU. I was told they want good MCAT scores because they correlate to good board scores. I inferred the obvious "that are also looking for people who make the board exam stats look good for a school pushing a new education model and philosophy."

Yeah, I'm not trying to bash ATSU or anything. Its what every school wants.

 

[GreenShirt]

They had a very, very extensive layout of exactly what is going to be covered, down to the month/week/day and how they were going to assess what has/has not been learned. In my opinion, their model may be the most effective way of teaching medicine.

Did they give you a handout of the detailed curriculum?