Alabama Schools Thread

[MattD]

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Are we (Alabama folks) really that bad? 😀

Apparently our location of birth will forever color others views of us. We are uncouth bigots of unquestionably foul nature forever and ever amen. Then again, I may have grown up in Alabama, but technically my mother gave birth in Georgia. Does this save me from the base existence I've come to expect?

 

[MattD]

I'm a little nervous about the Alabama-heavy class too. Not that I don't love all you Southerners, I just want to meet lots of different kinds of people.

I think it will be fine though, I don't want to be best buddies with everyone in the whole med school, I just want to meet a few cool people to hang with. 🙂

I do have a question, has anyone filled out loan info. or signed anything for that? Do we need to? I've been out of town for 3 weeks and I'm leaving for Costa Rica on Wednesday. I'm a little nervous about getting all of this stuff done. 😳 🙂

Have you gotten the award letter with the response card yet? If so, and you returned it, you have nothing else to do until they print promissory notes, which apparently will be a while. If not, I'd call ASAP and see what's going on.

Happy hitchin' and have a blast in CR! Take lots and lots of pictures for me, I wish we were still going, but our alternative plans will have to suffice!

 

[BlazerMed]

Apparently our location of birth will forever color others views of us. We are uncouth bigots of unquestionably foul nature forever and ever amen. Then again, I may have grown up in Alabama, but technically my mother gave birth in Georgia. Does this save me from the base existence I've come to expect?

Eh, I'm still stuck.

 

[odrade1]

Apparently our location of birth will forever color others views of us. We are uncouth bigots of unquestionably foul nature forever and ever amen. Then again, I may have grown up in Alabama, but technically my mother gave birth in Georgia. Does this save me from the base existence I've come to expect?

LOL!

No, Matt. Unfortunately, if you live in Alabama for too long several things happen:
1) you become forever tainted in the way you described above. People from what they consider to be "real" states will always view you as a bit of a sub-human or moral pervert for living here.
2) the effects of the mystic black hole in central Alabama begin to manifest, and you will never be able to successfully stay away from the state for very long.
3) you actually start to like Alabama, and eventually you start defending the honor of the state in conversations with Yankees.

I myself was born in Texas, but didn't live there long enough to be indoctrinated into the cult-of-the-great-state-of-Texas mentality. It probably helped that my parents are Alabama natives.

 

[eerapido]

Does anyone know current medical students at UAB?

 

[frederico2]

Does anyone know current medical students at UAB?

Yes
~James

 

[MattD]

Does anyone know current medical students at UAB?

¿Sí, por qué?

 

[sara3426]

Does anyone know current medical students at UAB?

Does anyone know any UAB adcoms I can bribe to get into the school? I love that place soooo much, and I'm not even from AL. Let me in, UAB, I love you!!
(kidding, before someone kills me for unethical practices!)

 

[lion_08]

LOL!

No, Matt. Unfortunately, if you live in Alabama for too long several things happen:
1) you become forever tainted in the way you described above. People from what they consider to be "real" states will always view you as a bit of a sub-human or moral pervert for living here.
2) the effects of the mystic black hole in central Alabama begin to manifest, and you will never be able to successfully stay away from the state for very long.
3) you actually start to like Alabama, and eventually you start defending the honor of the state in conversations with Yankees.

I myself was born in Texas, but didn't live there long enough to be indoctrinated into the cult-of-the-great-state-of-Texas mentality. It probably helped that my parents are Alabama natives.

Sounds like I need to be on the first plane out as soon as I get my degree.

 

[odrade1]

Sounds like I need to be on the first plane out as soon as I get my degree.

Nah.
I am a fan of Alabama (refer to point three above).
I've lived a number of places, and been to many more, and I have to say that Birmingham is a great place to live. I look forward to living here after residency. Of course, if Roy Moore gets elected to govenor, I would be moving to another state.

 

[MattD]

Nah.
I am a fan of Alabama (refer to point three above).
I've lived a number of places, and been to many more, and I have to say that Birmingham is a great place to live. I look forward to living here after residency. Of course, if Roy Moore gets elected to govenor, I would be moving to another state.

Hah, I was worried about him too, but it looks like the voters had sense after all.

It's interesting that all 3 of your points are firmly in place for me 🙂 I'm amazed that you didn't get the Texas ego from your time there, I think it's in the water over there. I was in Dallas in Jan for the Cotton Bowl, listening to them talk about football, my lord! And talk about some bitter, bitter fans after the game! But yeah, I do love Alabama, there are a lot of things here that need improvement, but I figure if all the decent folks move away nothing will ever change. Anybody interested in running for office with me one day? LOL

 

[jammin06]

Does anyone know the actual dates of the blocks? I am guessing that block I is until sept or october, but does anyone know of actual dates for this year (or previous year, for those who are going into MS-2).

 

[lion_08]

Nah.
I am a fan of Alabama (refer to point three above).
I've lived a number of places, and been to many more, and I have to say that Birmingham is a great place to live. I look forward to living here after residency. Of course, if Roy Moore gets elected to govenor, I would be moving to another state.

This is my signature quote, "I hate football, but I love football players." I'm a total ***, I need help seriously. When it comes to the Auburn/Alabama thing, I pick Auburn because the academics are better, not because I give a rats butt about football.

I don't know, maybe something is wrong with me, but I just hate living here. There are open minded people, but they come in limited numbers. It's my life's mission to get out of Alabama. 🙁

I don't want to turn this into a political thread, but only an idiot would vote for Roy Moore. I mean, like seriously. I think he's worse than Bush. In all honesty, any Democrat elected in Alabama is basically a watered down Republican. The day a hard core dem gets elected in Alabama, is the day I will go straight. It ain't gonna happen!

 

[BlazerMed]

Roy Moore got blasted in the Repub primary. I'm sure he'll probably still run for governor under a third party, but there's no way in hell he's going to get elected. He's just got a loud mouth.

Seriously lion, the area where UNA is is nothing like Birmingham. Just because you hate it there doesn't mean you'll hate B'ham.

 

[BlazerMed]

For all those as curious as me, you can click the calender link on the right side of the class website (it's right above the Discussion Board link) and see all the dates for exams through December. No exam dates have been added for the second semester, but you do see when spring break is as well as when classes end for the year.

 

[odrade1]

Seriously lion, the area where UNA is is nothing like Birmingham. Just because you hate it there doesn't mean you'll hate B'ham.

I have to agree. Birmingham is very civilized. Small town life is charming from the outside, but often stifling from the inside. Transfer to UAB, get an apartment downtown, in Highland, or Southside, and get involved in several society or volunteer organizations. You will see what I mean.

 

[lion_08]

Roy Moore got blasted in the Repub primary. I'm sure he'll probably still run for governor under a third party, but there's no way in hell he's going to get elected. He's just got a loud mouth.

Seriously lion, the area where UNA is is nothing like Birmingham. Just because you hate it there doesn't mean you'll hate B'ham.

t

I mean, honestly, Florence is not that bad all things considered. However, I HATE Alabama, I dont want to live here. Not Birmingham, not Hoover, Hunstville, not anywhere. As far as UAB is considered, umm, that would be a complete waste of money that I dont have. Most of the chemistry/biology profs have phds from vandy, stanford, and UAB so I'm getting the same education for less. Plus, I like UNA. It's the only good thing about Florence for me.

 

[eerapido]

Yes
~James

What's up with the new curriculum starting with the class of 2007?

How is it different from the pre-2007 class curriculum?


Thanks.

EE

 

[Twitch]

Any of you guys from TX applied to UAB as OOS? I'm slightly worried about my 29Q not making the cut. My buddy goes to UAB's b-school who I visited at several occastions but that's about all the ties I have there.

 

[BlazerMed]

What's up with the new curriculum starting with the class of 2007?

How is it different from the pre-2007 class curriculum?


Thanks.

EE

Next year they are switching to Organ-based teaching. So instead of going from Anatomy to Biochem/genetics to MCTB etc. they'll (just random off the top of my head) go from Gastro then move to cardiovascular to neuro to musculoskeletal etc.

 

[eerapido]

Does anyone know if UAB SOM offers any instituational scholarships for their students or are students more on their own to pay for this experience called medical school?



EE

 

[odrade1]

Any of you guys from TX applied to UAB as OOS? I'm slightly worried about my 29Q not making the cut. My buddy goes to UAB's b-school who I visited at several occastions but that's about all the ties I have there.

The good news: UAB is increasing their enrollment (& I expect that part of the goal is to nab more out of state students with high mcat, etc.)

The bad news: UABs out of state students typically have much higher stats than 29Q.

Apply. Interview. Show a sincere interest. You never know....

When do you apply? Is there time to move to the 'ham, get resident status, and apply as an in-state student (where a 29Q will usually get you an interview at least?)

 

[eerapido]

Does UABSOM post their match results? If so, does anyone have a link to it on the web?



Thanks.

 

[Doctor&Geek]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=3446065&postcount=2

 

[Twitch]

The good news: UAB is increasing their enrollment (& I expect that part of the goal is to nab more out of state students with high mcat, etc.)

The bad news: UABs out of state students typically have much higher stats than 29Q.

Apply. Interview. Show a sincere interest. You never know....

When do you apply? Is there time to move to the 'ham, get resident status, and apply as an in-state student (where a 29Q will usually get you an interview at least?)

My AMCAS should have been transmitted to UAB early this week. I haven't gotten a secondary yet. For instate, I think you would have to be classified as an instate resident at the time of application - too late for that.

My biggest worry right now is getting an interview @ UAB (assuming I make the cut for secondary).

Hopefullly they will overlook the 29Q for the 4.0 Sci Gpa.

 

[BlazerMed]

My AMCAS should have been transmitted to UAB early this week. I haven't gotten a secondary yet. For instate, I think you would have to be classified as an instate resident at the time of application - too late for that.

My biggest worry right now is getting an interview @ UAB (assuming I make the cut for secondary).

Hopefullly they will overlook the 29Q for the 4.0 Sci Gpa.

You'll get a secondary, the cut-off is reportedly a 24.

 

[odrade1]

You'll get a secondary, the cut-off is reportedly a 24.

I thought that was the cutoff for Alabama residents, not OOS.

 

[BlazerMed]

I thought that was the cutoff for Alabama residents, not OOS.

The first sentence on the Requirements for Admission to UASOM page on the website:

The minimal MCAT of 24 on your most recent exam

Doesn't make any mention of in-state versus out of state.

 

[Twitch]

The first sentence on the Requirements for Admission to UASOM page on the website:

Doesn't make any mention of in-state versus out of state.

There is hope! Thank you guys. I'll let you know once I get the secondary.

 

[eerapido]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=3446065&postcount=2

Thank you.

 

[BooMed]

I hope they get the financial aid ball rolling soon. Necesito mas dinero despues de mi luna de miel en Costa Rica. 😛

 

[BlazerMed]

I hope they get the financial aid ball rolling soon. Necesito mas dinero despues de mi luna de miel en Costa Rica. 😛

They're doing something. I got stuff from them yesterday about signing the Master Promissory note.

The schedule for the first day of orientation has gone up (it actually shows up for all days Tuesday-Friday), and Stephen Smith has said he wants to get atleast 1 more day's schedule added today. The time/date for the Snoozy's party has been posted on the message board.

Anyone know if spouses are welcome/invited to the evening activities (i.e. Civil Rights Institute reception)?

 

[odrade1]

They're doing something. I got stuff from them yesterday about signing the Master Promissory note.

The schedule for the first day of orientation has gone up (it actually shows up for all days Tuesday-Friday), and Stephen Smith has said he wants to get atleast 1 more day's schedule added today. The time/date for the Snoozy's party has been posted on the message board.

Anyone know if spouses are welcome/invited to the evening activities (i.e. Civil Rights Institute reception)?

As of this morning, they had Monday's schedule posted for every day!

I'm still waiting for the learning objectives for ethics to be posted. 🙁

I'm bringing the b/f to the white coat ceremony, but probably not the civil rights museum.

 

[BlazerMed]

As of this morning, they had Monday's schedule posted for every day!

I'm still waiting for the learning objectives for ethics to be posted. 🙁

I'm bringing the b/f to the white coat ceremony, but probably not the civil rights museum.

Wednesday's schedule is up. Thursday and Friday are still showing Tuesday's schedule.

 

[BooMed]

Anyone know if spouses are welcome/invited to the evening activities (i.e. Civil Rights Institute reception)?

I'm fairly sure that they are. My husband (it still feels strange to use that word!) will be coming to any evening event I go to. Punishment for all of the law school things I've attended! Just kidding, I love orientations. They are great. 🙂

I have pictures from Costa Rica! My MySpace Blog

 

[BooMed]

Also, has anyone done the HIPPA training? I can't seem to figure out how to find the course once I am logged in to WebCT. Thanks!

 

[odrade1]

Also, has anyone done the HIPPA training? I can't seem to figure out how to find the course once I am logged in to WebCT. Thanks!

Until last week, every time I tried to do the HIPPA training, it wasn't showing in my list of WebCT classes. Then one day, it magically appeared.

Given the fact that other people now have the HIPPA training available in WebCT, I would try one more time to find the class in WebCT, then call Medical Student Services or IT.

 

[BlazerMed]

Until last week, every time I tried to do the HIPPA training, it wasn't showing in my list of WebCT classes. Then one day, it magically appeared.

Given the fact that other people now have the HIPPA training available in WebCT, I would try one more time to find the class in WebCT, then call Medical Student Services or IT.

It's showing up for me today as well, although I haven't gotten around to actually completing it.

 

[odrade1]

It's showing up for me today as well, although I haven't gotten around to actually completing it.

It's easy as pie. Just read the screens and take a quiz. If you screw up the quiz completely you can retake it. The diversity education site is similar, though it doesn't have a quiz for you to take.

 

[frederico2]

I just thought any of you waiting to get accepted to UAB might want an update. Our class bio page has had 16 new profiles added since June 4 bringing the list to a total of 193. I'm sure many of these people have dropped out but they havent removed anyone yet. Also of note, as far as I can tell every addition is instate, and about 10 are birmingham area residents or UAB students. Also this probably means nothing, but most of them are in the early part of the alphabet. Anyway, I hope this helps someone.
~James

 

[BlazerMed]

So, how's everyone else doing as time winds down? Mixed feelings here. Part of me is ready to get started, as I've been bored out of my freaking mind since January, while the other part of me is freaking out mainly because I have no idea just how hard it is going to be and what it's all going to be like (not a fan of surprises or the unknown).

 

[odrade1]

So, how's everyone else doing as time winds down? Mixed feelings here. Part of me is ready to get started, as I've been bored out of my freaking mind since January, while the other part of me is freaking out mainly because I have no idea just how hard it is going to be and what it's all going to be like (not a fan of surprises or the unknown).

My financial aid just posted to my bank account. Woo!
I was thinking that I was going to need to go to the bank to make a deposit today, and when I checked my balance online I saw a balance bigger than I've ever had in that account before. A quick check on UAB's Access website, & lo & behold: they've posted half of the year's loan money this morning. The funny thing is that it looks like they didn't take out the amounts for tuition, etc., so unfortunately, I won't get to spend the entire amount on toys.

-----
I'm definitely excited and nervous.
Like you, I am not a big fan of surprises. Like many med students (I suspect), I am very control-oriented. I started to feel more comfortable once they sent us that info about which books to read & when our classes would be meeting. I always had a course schedule picked out semesters in advance, so not knowing was killing me. (UAB used to publish a tentative year-in-advance schedule, which allowed you to do long range planning).

I have had almost 2 years out of school, and I am ready to go back. I love school, derive some pleasure out of studying, and can't wait to meet my classmates, or our intro clinical patients. I was EDP, so I've been chomping at the bit since early fall. I'm nervous because I've never had anatomy, biochem, etc..., and I'm not entirely sure if my ass is going to get kicked up and down for the next 10 months or not. To be honest, I am pretty sure I'm going to be fine, but it definitely feels like for the first time I'm not guaranteed to do well.

By the way (I know this is a ****ty thing to say, but I'm evil and can't resist ), Our first exam is now a week and a month away!

 

[eerapido]

I wonder when UAB will send out the secondaries for this years admission process?

 

[odrade1]

I wonder when UAB will send out the secondaries for this years admission process?

I know that some went out early/mid last August.

 

[jammin06]

I wonder when UAB will send out the secondaries for this years admission process?

Assuming you submit your amcas in time, you'll get the first round of secondaries when UAB starts sending them out. the first round of regular decision secondaries went out on Aug. 1 last year. I am pretty sure ED applicants got theirs maybe a week or 2 earlier.

 

[BooMed]

My financial aid just posted to my bank account. Woo!
I was thinking that I was going to need to go to the bank to make a deposit today, and when I checked my balance online I saw a balance bigger than I've ever had in that account before. A quick check on UAB's Access website, & lo & behold: they've posted half of the year's loan money this morning. The funny thing is that it looks like they didn't take out the amounts for tuition, etc., so unfortunately, I won't get to spend the entire amount on toys.

-----
I'm definitely excited and nervous.
Like you, I am not a big fan of surprises. Like many med students (I suspect), I am very control-oriented. I started to feel more comfortable once they sent us that info about which books to read & when our classes would be meeting. I always had a course schedule picked out semesters in advance, so not knowing was killing me. (UAB used to publish a tentative year-in-advance schedule, which allowed you to do long range planning).

I have had almost 2 years out of school, and I am ready to go back. I love school, derive some pleasure out of studying, and can't wait to meet my classmates, or our intro clinical patients. I was EDP, so I've been chomping at the bit since early fall. I'm nervous because I've never had anatomy, biochem, etc..., and I'm not entirely sure if my ass is going to get kicked up and down for the next 10 months or not. To be honest, I am pretty sure I'm going to be fine, but it definitely feels like for the first time I'm not guaranteed to do well.

By the way (I know this is a ****ty thing to say, but I'm evil and can't resist ), Our first exam is now a week and a month away!

First of all, how do you have financial aid money already? They told me we don't get the money until the 26th! And I have to go in and sign something. Good thing I just called them, I had no idea. Honestly, how was I supposed to know that? 😕

That aside, I feel pretty simularly to you about going back to school... a little bit nervous, but also really excited and ready. I'm tired of working my normal (boring) job. I enjoy school and I've pretty much accepted that I might not do so great in our classes. I've never taken anatomy or biochem or anything before either. I mean, I'm going to try my best and study like crazy, but I don't want to be number one or anything close to it. 🙂

 

[odrade1]

First of all, how do you have financial aid money already? They told me we don't get the money until the 26th! And I have to go in and sign something. Good thing I just called them, I had no idea. Honestly, how was I supposed to know that? 😕

That aside, I feel pretty simularly to you about going back to school... a little bit nervous, but also really excited and ready. I'm tired of working my normal (boring) job. I enjoy school and I've pretty much accepted that I might not do so great in our classes. I've never taken anatomy or biochem or anything before either. I mean, I'm going to try my best and study like crazy, but I don't want to be number one or anything close to it. 🙂

I know, when I called last week they told me it would be on or after the first day of classes! If I have to guess, I would say that it is a) possibly a mistake or b) due to the fact that I went to undergrad here & have received financial aid (including direct loans) from them before. I had to return the loan acceptance card, but did not have to sign a promissory note.

The money isn't even helping out right now, since I'm a bit afraid they might realize they made a mistake, then take the money out. Also, I'm not sure what the exact budget will be for our tuition & fees, etc. Oh well.

 

[eerapido]

Assuming you submit your amcas in time, you'll get the first round of secondaries when UAB starts sending them out. the first round of regular decision secondaries went out on Aug. 1 last year. I am pretty sure ED applicants got theirs maybe a week or 2 earlier.

Yup. My AMCAS app was verified on the 30th of June. So, I guess I get to kick back for a few days before the UAB app arrives. Well, not really. I have to go write up some essays for other schools while I wait.


Thanks for the help.

What other details are good to know about UABSOM? Cool facts/activities that you cannot find on their web site.

 

[odrade1]

Yup. My AMCAS app was verified on the 30th of June. So, I guess I get to kick back for a few days before the UAB app arrives. Well, not really. I have to go write up some essays for other schools while I wait.


Thanks for the help.

What other details are good to know about UABSOM? Cool facts/activities that you cannot find on their web site.

The new parts of the med student building are really cool, and they have 2 floors of what essentially amounts to a med-student clubhouse. The campus & hospital tour will suck, unless they improve it from last year. The only reason I know that the hospital is great is because I volunteered there for a year.

The new people in charge of the school are (at least trying) moving it in a more elite direction; a concrete goal of the school is to improve its repuatation even more, attract better students, and advance in the peer review/usnews standings. You can see this if you can find the online copies of some of the letters & memos sent to the med alumni and faculty. I would expect that even though the class size is increasing, that they are trying to attract more high-achieving students.

The website doesn't really capture how ridiculously easy it is to get involved in research at UAB. There is SO much money coming into UAB for research (and not just NIH, where we are top 20), and most labs have spots for both undergrad & professional students. I did several research projects in undergrad here and barely had to look around for them.

If you are academically minded, UAB has a really rich culture of special presentations, visiting scholars, multidisciplinary talks, art shows, performances, etc...

The website doesn't say that it is really, truly, awfully hot in the summer (July & August especially) on campus, though it is comfortable 9-10 months out of the year.

I personally hate live music performance, though I have been told (and can recognize) that Birmingham has a good local music scene. There are a number of key cultural activities in town each year, (music festivals, art festivals, and an independant film festival). Also, there is a really good food scene here, due to the large number (for a city of this size) of talented chef/owners, and to the numerous small immigrant communities here in town.

Maybe some second years or upperclassmen can tell you some additional gossip or information about the school & the administration.

 

[eerapido]

The new parts of the med student building are really cool, and they have 2 floors of what essentially amounts to a med-student clubhouse. The campus & hospital tour will suck, unless they improve it from last year. The only reason I know that the hospital is great is because I volunteered there for a year.

The new people in charge of the school are (at least trying) moving it in a more elite direction; a concrete goal of the school is to improve its repuatation even more, attract better students, and advance in the peer review/usnews standings. You can see this if you can find the online copies of some of the letters & memos sent to the med alumni and faculty. I would expect that even though the class size is increasing, that they are trying to attract more high-achieving students.

The website doesn't really capture how ridiculously easy it is to get involved in research at UAB. There is SO much money coming into UAB for research (and not just NIH, where we are top 20), and most labs have spots for both undergrad & professional students. I did several research projects in undergrad here and barely had to look around for them.

If you are academically minded, UAB has a really rich culture of special presentations, visiting scholars, multidisciplinary talks, art shows, performances, etc...

The website doesn't say that it is really, truly, awfully hot in the summer (July & August especially) on campus, though it is comfortable 9-10 months out of the year.

I personally hate live music performance, though I have been told (and can recognize) that Birmingham has a good local music scene. There are a number of key cultural activities in town each year, (music festivals, art festivals, and an independant film festival). Also, there is a really good food scene here, due to the large number (for a city of this size) of talented chef/owners, and to the numerous small immigrant communities here in town.

Maybe some second years or upperclassmen can tell you some additional gossip or information about the school & the administration.

Sweet.. keep the info coming! I believe it is better to talk to someone who is actually in the school instead of having to read a basic information page on the web site.

BTW- I'm from Jacksonville (North of Anniston)..., so I am familiar with much of the cultural/city life of B'ham.

Hummm.... Med student club house... something like "Club Med" 😀 to help you relax when you have finals?


If any of you other med students want to throw in some more UABSOM info that you would tell a pre-med wanting to goto UABSOM, go ahead and keep sending it!

Thanks