All Things OHSU

[DrBubbles]

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Tropicana--congratulations on your decision to attend University of Wisconsin. Are you an MPH candidate as well? I wish you all the best!

pj--I think the last interview date was sometime during the second week of April--mid-April-ish. I think there is one more meeting left to review the last interviewees. After that, they'll probably start attacking the list! Best of luck!

 

[reezer4]

My hold letter dated April 24th says they will discuss applicants through the beginning of May and that I will be notified no later than May15th. I'm not sure if this applies to everyone...or rather those who haven't heard so far, but it seems like May 15th is the magic waitinglist-set-up-day. yeah?

 

[[pj]]

pj--I think the last interview date was sometime during the second week of April--mid-April-ish. I think there is one more meeting left to review the last interviewees. After that, they'll probably start attacking the list! Best of luck!

Thanks for the info.

 

[neuroprotector]

Wisconsin has great cheese, just sayin.

First of all, Tillamook. Second of all, Tillamook Cheese Factory.

 

[jameshgo]

Just got in to OHSU! There are so many different OHSU threads I'm not sure which one to write this on! I'm originally from Oregon, years ago, so going back there would be great!

 

[searun]

First of all, Tillamook. Second of all, Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Yeah, I have to agree with you, Tillamook, extra sharp aged cheddar in the dark red package. Also, great salmon fishing in Tillamook Bay. But if you are really serious about cheese, then the blue cheese from the Rogue Valley Creamery, it recently won the best cheese in the world competition in Paris. It is really expensive, so buy a small block of this blue cheese, and blast off of planet earth.

 

[neuroprotector]

Just got in to OHSU! There are so many different OHSU threads I'm not sure which one to write this on! I'm originally from Oregon, years ago, so going back there would be great!

I just got in too. When did you interview? Will you be in the class?

Yeah, I have to agree with you, Tillamook, extra sharp aged cheddar in the dark red package. Also, great salmon fishing in Tillamook Bay. But if you are really serious about cheese, then the blue cheese from the Rogue Valley Creamery, it recently won the best cheese in the world competition in Paris. It is really expensive, so buy a small block of this blue cheese, and blast off of planet earth.

No joke. Rogue Valley is great. But really, you can use it for fishing? Doesn't that just seem wrong? I can't think of any evolutionary reason why a fish would like a dairy product. It blows my mind.

 

[ZagDoc]

No joke. Rogue Valley is great. But really, you can use it for fishing? Doesn't that just seem wrong? I can't think of any evolutionary reason why a fish would like a dairy product. It blows my mind.

When I was a kid we used to sit on my uncle's dock on the Willamette and fish for bass and other bottom-feeders using velveeta "cheese". Don't ask me why, but it worked like a charm. Always catch at least 5 in a day.

Congrats to everyone on their acceptances. OHSU may have its flaws, that have been discussed ad nauseum here, but its also a great school, and I've had a great time there so far. Look forward to meeting y'all in the fall!

 

[TouchOfGrey]

Congrats to everyone on their acceptances. OHSU may have its flaws, that have been discussed ad nauseum here, but its also a great school, and I've had a great time there so far. Look forward to meeting y'all in the fall!

Top 5 OHSU flaws and top 5 attributes!

Go!

 

[ZagDoc]

Since most schools are pretty similar during MS3/4, I'll focus on the first two years, since they seem to be the area most med school experiences differ the most.

Flaws:
-Financial health of the institution (though the SoM isn't in nearly as bad of straits as most areas)
-PCM (can elaborate later if necessary)
-Poor Step 1 preparation and some questionable curriculum decisions
-Technologically inept and old-ish BS facilities (though the lecture hall chairs are comfy... sometimes too comfy)
-Losing its assistant dean of medicine this year (could end up being a + depending on the new hire in the next 2 months)

Gold Stars:
-Some really all star faculty (both in administration and education)
-A pretty non-competitive and very cooperative student atmosphere and very-willing-to-educate physician body in the hospitals
-Fosters great clinical skills (OHSU scores very well on Step 2 and OHSU grads generally do very well in PGY1)
-a strict 24 hours of class a week during BS years means more free time than some other schools
-Portland, the pacific northwest, etc (cheap rent, a really vibrant downtown for a "small" city, within 1-2 hours of the coast, the mountain, some awesome golf courses, some beautiful hiking/camping, all that hippy pacific NW crap)
...and a 6th for good measure...
-The tram (sorry... I had to)

 

[jameshgo]

I just got in too. When did you interview? Will you be in the class?

I interviewed on April 2nd. I was a very late interview, but I guess that was ok at OHSU. As of right now I'm planning on joining the class, I'm waiting on a couple waitlist schools, but OHSU would a great school for me!

 

[olivesolivia]

Since most schools are pretty similar during MS3/4, I'll focus on the first two years, since they seem to be the area most med school experiences differ the most.

Flaws:
-Financial health of the institution (though the SoM isn't in nearly as bad of straits as most areas)
-PCM (can elaborate later if necessary)
-Poor Step 1 preparation and some questionable curriculum decisions
-Technologically inept and old-ish BS facilities
-Losing its assistant dean of medicine this year (could end up being a + depending on the new hire in the next 2 months)

Gold Stars:
-Some really all star faculty (both in administration and education)
-A pretty non-competitive and very cooperative student atmosphere and very-willing-to-educate physician body in the hospitals
-Fosters great clinical skills (OHSU scores very well on Step 2 and OHSU grads generally do very well in PGY1)
-a strict 24 hours of class a week during BS years means more free time than some other schools
-Portland, the pacific northwest, etc (cheap rent, a really vibrant downtown for a "small" city, within 1-2 hours of the coast, the mountain, some awesome golf courses, some beautiful hiking/camping, all that hippy pacific NW crap)
...and a 6th for good measure...
-The tram (sorry... I had to)

ZagDoc...thanks for the input. My friend Parisa directed me to your blog...it is awesome! I love it. I'm applying to OHSU next month and I love to read about your experience there.

 

[DrBubbles]

Hey, congrats to those with recent acceptances! I'm stoked you'll be here in the Fall (hopefully 🙂)

Top 5 Flaws
1) Tort Cap Loss means higher tuition
2) Less Step 1 prep than some other schools
3) Not very technologically caught up
4) Can be tough to keep physicians in Oregon, since people interested in academic medicine have only one option: matching to a residency spot at OHSU, and it's pretty tough to get into. Otherwise, there are other residency programs in Oregon, mostly in Portland. But again, there's a huge healthcare crisis outside the I-5 corridor, and it's tough to address
5) I'm having trouble coming up with a #5...maybe there are only 4 negatives about OHSU!

Top 5 Attritbutes
1) The people are second to none--the students, professors, administration, and physician mentors are some of the most driven, socially conscious, good-hearted, hard-working people I've had the privilege of working with
2) Lots and early clinical experience
3) Very responsive administration to student concerns
4) People are so responsive, willing to help, and available if you try to get in touch with them--I'm amazed at how many amazing physicians don't just give me the time of day, but will email back and forth, sit down and have a conversation, volunteer their time at student-organized events--they're pretty awesome, and it makes it a lot easier to get things done, and done well
5) It's in Oregon! Pacific Northwest, bikeable, socially and environmentally concsious, beautiful, clean

 

[Doc Henry]

Since most schools are pretty similar during MS3/4, I'll focus on the first two years, since they seem to be the area most med school experiences differ the most.

Flaws:
-Financial health of the institution (though the SoM isn't in nearly as bad of straits as most areas)
-PCM (can elaborate later if necessary)
-Poor Step 1 preparation and some questionable curriculum decisions
-Technologically inept and old-ish BS facilities (though the lecture hall chairs are comfy... sometimes too comfy)
-Losing its assistant dean of medicine this year (could end up being a + depending on the new hire in the next 2 months)

Gold Stars:
-Some really all star faculty (both in administration and education)
-A pretty non-competitive and very cooperative student atmosphere and very-willing-to-educate physician body in the hospitals
-Fosters great clinical skills (OHSU scores very well on Step 2 and OHSU grads generally do very well in PGY1)
-a strict 24 hours of class a week during BS years means more free time than some other schools
-Portland, the pacific northwest, etc (cheap rent, a really vibrant downtown for a "small" city, within 1-2 hours of the coast, the mountain, some awesome golf courses, some beautiful hiking/camping, all that hippy pacific NW crap)
...and a 6th for good measure...
-The tram (sorry... I had to)

 

[reezer4]

congrats neuroprotector and jameshgo!

I wonder if there is any method to the order they send out acceptances...does it depend on interview date?

btw: I agree about Tillamook, yum- but I'd pass up the cheese for some Tillamook Brown Cow Ice Cream on a Waffle Cone...to-die-for.

 

[primadonna22274]

I'm a purist. Tillamook French Vanilla.
There is no decent ice cream here in South Carolina. No good beer either come to think of it.......

congrats neuroprotector and jameshgo!

I wonder if there is any method to the order they send out acceptances...does it depend on interview date?

btw: I agree about Tillamook, yum- but I'd pass up the cheese for some Tillamook Brown Cow Ice Cream on a Waffle Cone...to-die-for.

 

[WellWornLad]

Congrats on the acceptances - I am now officially on edge.

My hold letter was dated May 1st. Here's hoping that my letter is in the mail (I'm in Massachusetts)...

 

[neuroprotector]

congrats neuroprotector and jameshgo!

I wonder if there is any method to the order they send out acceptances...does it depend on interview date?

btw: I agree about Tillamook, yum- but I'd pass up the cheese for some Tillamook Brown Cow Ice Cream on a Waffle Cone...to-die-for.

Thanks! My general impression is that the letters correspond to the interview dates. People who had earlier dates seemed to hear earlier. I really have no idea, though.

It's going to be exciting to meet the OHSU crew here. As for Tillamook, it might have been a major factor in my decision...

 

[Lshapley]

Thanks! My general impression is that the letters correspond to the interview dates. People who had earlier dates seemed to hear earlier. I really have no idea, though.

I am 99% certain that this is the case.

 

[[pj]]

For those who just got in, was it your first contact post-interview?

 

[jameshgo]

For those who just got in, was it your first contact post-interview?

Yes this was the first thing I heard from the school post interview. I didn't interview there until April 2nd though, so it was just over a month after my interview that I got the acceptance letter.

 

[WellWornLad]

Have those accepted received any financial aid information? I'm curious whether they've settled on tuition yet...

 

[natureboy]

I just got word that letters were mailed out yesterday. Let the fun begin!!!

 

[phomp]

bah. on hold. more limbo.. how great.

 

[natureboy]

bah. on hold. more limbo.. how great.

Do you mean waitlist? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they rank those who were on hold and thus creating the waitlist at this time... I wasn't aware you could still be on hold after the waitlist was created.

 

[Lshapley]

Have those accepted received any financial aid information? I'm curious whether they've settled on tuition yet...

No aid packages until well into June, perhaps even July! I spoke to the dean's office the other day and they gave me the tuition breakdown. I spelled it out on the "OHSU Class of 2012" thread over in the Allopathic class threads. Check it out there.

 

[LEdaddy]

Since most schools are pretty similar during MS3/4, I'll focus on the first two years, since they seem to be the area most med school experiences differ the most.

Flaws:
-Financial health of the institution (though the SoM isn't in nearly as bad of straits as most areas)
-PCM (can elaborate later if necessary)
-Poor Step 1 preparation and some questionable curriculum decisions
-Technologically inept and old-ish BS facilities (though the lecture hall chairs are comfy... sometimes too comfy)
-Losing its assistant dean of medicine this year (could end up being a + depending on the new hire in the next 2 months)

Gold Stars:
-Some really all star faculty (both in administration and education)
-A pretty non-competitive and very cooperative student atmosphere and very-willing-to-educate physician body in the hospitals
-Fosters great clinical skills (OHSU scores very well on Step 2 and OHSU grads generally do very well in PGY1)
-a strict 24 hours of class a week during BS years means more free time than some other schools
-Portland, the pacific northwest, etc (cheap rent, a really vibrant downtown for a "small" city, within 1-2 hours of the coast, the mountain, some awesome golf courses, some beautiful hiking/camping, all that hippy pacific NW crap)
...and a 6th for good measure...
-The tram (sorry... I had to)

I'm curious what some of the questionable curriculum decisions were. I'm coming regardless (especially since I withdrew from all the other schools), but I just wanted to be prepared.

 

[[pj]]

I just got word that letters were mailed out yesterday. Let the fun begin!!!

Letters regarding people who were already put on hold? Fun indeed!

 

[TouchOfGrey]

I'm curious what some of the questionable curriculum decisions were. I'm coming regardless (especially since I withdrew from all the other schools), but I just wanted to be prepared.

I'm also curious about the PCM...

 

[reezer4]

Well I got rejected after being on hold for a month- very dissappointed...but such is life.
Good luck to everyone else- especially now that I'm not vying for a spot 😀

 

[WellWornLad]

No aid packages until well into June, perhaps even July! I spoke to the dean's office the other day and they gave me the tuition breakdown. I spelled it out on the "OHSU Class of 2012" thread over in the Allopathic class threads. Check it out there.

I don't get it. How are people supposed to choose between schools if they don't know the financial aid situation?

 

[TheCheat]

Financial Aid at OHSU has been discussed elsewhere in these fora. My basic understanding is there is a $2-3000 scholarship that is awarded to ~80% of each class sometime in the first year. After that, there's very little aid other than the standard federal Stafford Loans/etc. that are always available...

 

[squirrelking]

so bit of a repeat... but does anyone know if we should expect a ranked wait-list soon after may 15th as has happened in the past, or will it not come out till sometime in June? It is so annoying that this can't all be sorted out sooner. I would really like to know ahead of time whether I have to rewrite my personal statement...

 

[searun]

so bit of a repeat... but does anyone know if we should expect a ranked wait-list soon after may 15th as has happened in the past, or will it not come out till sometime in June? It is so annoying that this can't all be sorted out sooner. I would really like to know ahead of time whether I have to rewrite my personal statement...

As I recall, last summer the ranked wait list was revealed in mid June. If you are ranked 50 or lower, you probably will be admitted. 50-75, the odds are pretty good. 75-100, who knows. If you are ranked 90 or below, you have a shot. Keep the faith folks. And good luck to all.

Revere Tillamook cheese and ice cream. And catch and release Oregon trout.
Fish with barbless hooks.

 

[phomp]

Do you mean waitlist? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they rank those who were on hold and thus creating the waitlist at this time... I wasn't aware you could still be on hold after the waitlist was created.

i don't know. i just got notified that i was on hold by email today (my interviewer emailed me..i am an md/mph candidate..i don't think that is standard). they rank the waitlist after the 15th so i don't think that is the same thing. 😕

 

[ZagDoc]

Even though they rank the waitlist "after the 15th" you will not hear of your place until mid-June. Last year I was in the hold group after my interview, and didn't hear anything more from OHSU until I received my acceptance on June 6th. I never knew my rank on the wait list, or if I ever was ranked, but when the the rank list finally came out two weeks later on the website they had accepted through #8. I have no idea what that means or if they start accepting people post-may 15th before or while ranking, but just don't expect to hear right away where you are at. Phone calls will only get you the "just be patient" response.

 

[squirrelking]

interesting. though looking back on some older threads, it looks like lots of people last year were told right about the 15th whether they were rejected outright or placed on the alternate list. mmmmmmmm....... alternate list still sounds better than hold. Maybe they will get the waitlist ranked before june, as it seems has happened in years past (other than this last year, as many have pointed out).

 

[[pj]]

I never knew my rank on the wait list, or if I ever was ranked, but when the the rank list finally came out two weeks later on the website they had accepted through #8.

You don't know your actual ranking? Then what was searun referring to? How would you know you had a good chance, okay change, etc.?

interesting. though looking back on some older threads, it looks like lots of people last year were told right about the 15th whether they were rejected outright or placed on the alternate list. mmmmmmmm....... alternate list still sounds better than hold. Maybe they will get the waitlist ranked before june, as it seems has happened in years past (other than this last year, as many have pointed out).

Don't they create the alternate list from people on the hold list that weren't accepted?

 

[natureboy]

interesting. though looking back on some older threads, it looks like lots of people last year were told right about the 15th whether they were rejected outright or placed on the alternate list. mmmmmmmm....... alternate list still sounds better than hold. Maybe they will get the waitlist ranked before june, as it seems has happened in years past (other than this last year, as many have pointed out).

Wait...so is there a distinction between the wait list and the alternate list?

 

[rawr88]

just found out i was accepted to OHSU and incredibly excited! i really loved it there when i visited...unfortunately i'm debating in state versus out of state because of the significant difference in cost of attendance...100K+ over the years...

does anyone know:
1) if OHSU ends up supplementing finaid with scholarships/grants?
2) if i just found out, do i have to make a final decision in two days?! that seems kind of wrong for them to string ppl along until two days before may 15th and then expect a quick decision! after all, this is an important life decision!

i'm confused 😕 it's gonna be a rough few days...

 

[ZagDoc]

You don't know your actual ranking? Then what was searun referring to? How would you know you had a good chance, okay change, etc.?

Don't they create the alternate list from people on the hold list that weren't accepted?

From my understanding, the way OHSU does it is that post May 15th the people in the hold group undergo one of 3 fates. You're either rejected outright, accepted outright, or placed in the alternate list (which is eventually ranked). So yes, the "hold list" and the "ranked alternate list" are two different things. In theory, you should be receiving a letter within the next week or so letting you know whether you made the second cut or not (and it looks like from this thread that some have already received their correspondence).

Like I said, me personally, I never received any letter any way until my acceptance letter June 6th. I may have been in the ranked alternate list or may have been a straight post-15th acceptance (though receiving this acceptance a whole month later I doubt it), they never let me know. But when they posted the alternate list status on the website two weeks later they had already accepted through #8 on the list.

 

[natureboy]

OHSU fills the majority of its class from the waitlist. Unless my memory is faulty, OHSU went to number 77 on the waitlist last year, and somewhere into the 90's two years ago. So if you are on the waitlist, you should have a good chance at admission.

Good luck

I was just going through their website and this is what I found:

Applicants Interviewed: 420+
Number of acceptance offers made: 218
Class size: 120

Wouldn't that mean they went down to #98 on the alternate list in order to make 218 acceptance offers and fill their class?

 

[Lshapley]

Wouldn't that mean they went down to #98 on the alternate list in order to make 218 acceptance offers and fill their class?

No. People do turn them down before the waitlist is ranked. Tropicana100 is an example of that this year. I believe last year's list went down to about 77, so if those numbers you found on the website are current (which isn't likely, from my experience with the OHSU website) than that would translate into 21 people withdrawing their acceptances from OHSU before the waitlist was ranked.

 

[ZagDoc]

Lshapely is correct. They made it to 77 last year (I only remember because I knew someone who was #82... ouch)

 

[squirrelking]

I got a letter from OHSU yesterday, I am on the alternate lists, but up just above one hundred. No go for me, I guess. Good luck to the rest of you.

 

[phomp]

bummer, squirrelking. so the letter shows your rank on the list? were you on hold previously or is this the first one you've gotten from them?

wish you the best for the rest of your cycle!

 

[squirrelking]

bummer, squirrelking. so the letter shows your rank on the list? were you on hold previously or is this the first one you've gotten from them?

wish you the best for the rest of your cycle!

yup. shows my rank. I was on hold previously. thanks........ still got two other waitlists to hope for...

 

[LEdaddy]

so, at least this year they got the ranked waitlist out before May 15.

 

[ZagDoc]

I got a letter from OHSU yesterday, I am on the alternate lists, but up just above one hundred. No go for me, I guess. Good luck to the rest of you.

Hold on hope. Two or three years age they definitely cracked 100.

 

[natureboy]

Hold on hope. Two or three years age they definitely cracked 100.

Yeah, hopefully that will happen again this year because I'm pretty far down the list as well. Maybe the increased tuition will help deter some applicants...who knows.