Azcom 2013!!

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Are the Friday schedule's generally light?

I am a bit concerned, as I have to present at a conference in Tucson as a requirement to complete my master's degree that I'm working on this summer (the conference will be on a Friday afternoon either the 2nd or 3rd week of August). So I'm going to have to leave Phoenix around lunch time that Friday to reach in Tucson on time. So I'll have to miss whatever class is directly after lunch. I hope the professor will be understanding about it, and will let me make-up the material for that one class. I know there is a pre-conference presentation practice the day before (Thursday) in Tucson, but I'm hoping that I'll be excused from that since I'll be in school in Phoenix.
 
Has anyone heard anything about a book list? I assume we will be getting all the information we need during orientation but I'm hoping to know which books I need to buy prior to then. I feel like I'm in the dark about a lot of things right now. Anyone else feel the same way?

About 7 weeks until orientation!! 😀
 
Does anyone know of anybody looking for a roommate?!?!

I live in California so can't come to check out housing and can't seem to find anyone who is looking.

Please let me know ASAP!!!

Thanks!
 
Sunshine20 said:
Has anyone heard anything about a book list? I assume we will be getting all the information we need during orientation but I'm hoping to know which books I need to buy prior to then. I feel like I'm in the dark about a lot of things right now. Anyone else feel the same way?

About 7 weeks until orientation!! 😀
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I'm with you Sunshine, no clue as to what we are going to need or what we will have to buy in terms of books. I really liked AZCOM's atmosphere, but they are quite vague about a few things (such as books, upcoming schedules, and on-campus housing layouts, which would be really nice to know). But whatever, I guess we will find out in due time....
 
Has anyone looked into the various loan lenders? I'm going through the list, but am not sure which one is best. I called financial aid, and heard that most people choose MWU as their lender by default, though I don't necessarily know if it has the best rates or not. The Discover Student Loans seems to have no loans fees (which is very good), but I don't know if there are any hidden or fine print that I should know about. I figure MWU would be the safest best since most people choose that one, but I don't know if I'd save money by picking a different lender.

Thoughts??
 
here's multiple replies to multiple people's questions:

kraz --> generally they are about the same as everyother day. If you are going to present something 1st quarter, just ditch class...they won't know the difference (unless there is an exam- which you won't likely have the 1st two weeks of class anyways. Also, you shouldn't have any workshops going on that day 1st quarter). They expect you to come to class, but they also understand that many students at AZCOM have things going on or have families and things come up.

everyone else books:

Anatomy
netter and rohen (both musts)

Embryo
Saddler- I would reccommend it

Histo:
Wheaters and Jaunquiers (JC) - Wheater's is better, but I would reccommend both as JC has topics that Wheaters doesn't in it.

Biochem-
Notes are sufficient, but if you really want one- Lipponcotts Review

Psych- none

Physio- (starts 2nd quarter) Notes are generally sufficient, but if you haven't had physio before- Costanzo review


Interdisp- no books

ICM- maxwell's guide, steth, bp cuff, reflex hammer, oto/opthlamoscope kit , and a watch (nearly everyone buys the welch-allyn oto/opthlamo kit and a litmann steth, some do the welch-allyn steth---> you order it during 1st week of classes-which maybe more like the 3rd week for you guys, the companies come and give a talk during ICM and give you a discount on the equipment) (opthalmoscopes- most people get the panoptic, but you should learn how to use a coaxial (ie. old school version) also)

Neuro- 3rd quarter- Hanes text and atlas

OMM- most people survive with out any, but I have heard the OMT review (green softcover) is useful for the writtens.
 
rkaz said:
Are the Friday schedule's generally light?

I am a bit concerned, as I have to present at a conference in Tucson as a requirement to complete my master's degree that I'm working on this summer (the conference will be on a Friday afternoon either the 2nd or 3rd week of August). So I'm going to have to leave Phoenix around lunch time that Friday to reach in Tucson on time. So I'll have to miss whatever class is directly after lunch. I hope the professor will be understanding about it, and will let me make-up the material for that one class. I know there is a pre-conference presentation practice the day before (Thursday) in Tucson, but I'm hoping that I'll be excused from that since I'll be in school in Phoenix.
Click to expand...

This post is a joke right?

I simply cannot fathom someone being this concerned about missing a single (maybe two) day(s) of class.
 
SchrodingersCat said:
This post is a joke right?

I simply cannot fathom someone being this concerned about missing a single (maybe two) day(s) of class.
Click to expand...

No there is no joke in my post. If there was (theoretically) an exam on that day, it could have made the situation more complicated. Also, I have heard of some schools having attendance policies... which I wasn't sure if AZCOM has or not. So there is nothing at all inappropriate in my asking a question about my particular situation.
 
rkaz said:
No there is no joke in my post. If there was (theoretically) an exam on that day, it could have made the situation more complicated. Also, I have heard of some schools having attendance policies... which I wasn't sure if AZCOM has or not. So there is nothing at all inappropriate in my asking a question about my particular situation.
Click to expand...


I agree. It may seem overeager, but you're just covering all your bases. I don't really know why this guy is being so snippy on this thread and the pre-med AZCOM thread. Don't worry; you have plenty of people here who will take good notes for you 🙂
 
fratelli said:
I agree. It may seem overeager, but you're just covering all your bases. I don't really know why this guy is being so snippy on this thread and the pre-med AZCOM thread. Don't worry; you have plenty of people here who will take good notes for you 🙂
Click to expand...

+1

Good to cover your bases..But you should be okay missing a day of class.👍
 
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fratelli said:
I agree. It may seem overeager, but you're just covering all your bases. I don't really know why this guy is being so snippy on this thread and the pre-med AZCOM thread. Don't worry; you have plenty of people here who will take good notes for you 🙂
Click to expand...

Thank you. That would be most appreciated. 🙂
 
anyone else out there get really excited when they think about starting classes? then all of a sudden get nervous to the point they dont want to think about it anymore? haha. My emotions are up and down...! Cant wait to start, but also know it wont be easy. 😀
 
boats8 said:
anyone else out there get really excited when they think about starting classes? then all of a sudden get nervous to the point they dont want to think about it anymore? haha. My emotions are up and down...! Cant wait to start, but also know it wont be easy. 😀
Click to expand...


Funny, I couldn't sleep at all last night bc of the excitement. It's terrible ! I did finally fall asleep and get a few hours of sleep but had a weird dream in which i relived my entire life over again... with some interesting twists ... anyways, I certainly am experiencing anxiety
 
Are most of you all sticking with the school's Aetna health insurance plan? I've been using Aetna the last several years, and think they aren't that great as they don't cover much - however, I don't have experience with other plans and don't know how they compare. There is a thread in the pre-osteo forum discussing health insurance plans, and some people have said that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a better choice. Does anyone know if they have student health plans for those of us living in AZ? Anyone have other suggestions?
 
rkaz said:
Are most of you all sticking with the school's Aetna health insurance plan? I've been using Aetna the last several years, and think they aren't that great as they don't cover much - however, I don't have experience with other plans and don't know how they compare. There is a thread in the pre-osteo forum discussing health insurance plans, and some people have said that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a better choice. Does anyone know if they have student health plans for those of us living in AZ? Anyone have other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Hey rkaz,

I don't know if this will help you at all, but my dad works for a hospital and gets health insurance (a PPO) through the hospital. We just filled out some form that allows me to be covered through his health insurance until I am 25 (I am 22 right now...). I dunno how old you are, but maybe you could look into clinging on to you parents health insurance... Good luck and see u in August! 🙂
 
rkaz said:
Are most of you all sticking with the school's Aetna health insurance plan? I've been using Aetna the last several years, and think they aren't that great as they don't cover much - however, I don't have experience with other plans and don't know how they compare. There is a thread in the pre-osteo forum discussing health insurance plans, and some people have said that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a better choice. Does anyone know if they have student health plans for those of us living in AZ? Anyone have other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Hi Incoming first years,
Congrats on your acceptance.

I would highly suggest that you do NOT use the school's plan. I used it during first year (two years ago) and it was terrible. They refused to authorize almost everything. They wouldn't pay for me to go to the Dr. for sinusitis, they wouldn't pay for med checks - in fact the only thing I got an authorization for was a hand surgeon when I broke my hand during an intramural basketball game. I was told "This is an authorized visit, and as such will be applied to your unmet deductable of $500"

I got married between 1st and 2nd year, and switched to my wife's plan immediately. I know some people in the past have used Blue Cross/Blue Shield and thought it was decent, but I do not have first hand knowledge of it.
 
rkaz said:
Are most of you all sticking with the school's Aetna health insurance plan? I've been using Aetna the last several years, and think they aren't that great as they don't cover much - however, I don't have experience with other plans and don't know how they compare. There is a thread in the pre-osteo forum discussing health insurance plans, and some people have said that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a better choice. Does anyone know if they have student health plans for those of us living in AZ? Anyone have other suggestions?
Click to expand...

rkaz- From the previous posters and through my own researching I would not go with Aetna (school's insurance). We received an email from the Dean of student services here at CCOM saying that this year the benefits are even less than last yr in order to keep the premium the same. I would suggest getting BCBS-Select Blue as I am paying $24 LESS /month and getting MORE benefits (though it could be different if you have history of medical conditions and/or smoke,etc).

Moral of the story- Do not get the school's insurance.
 
I just called BCBS to ask about policies. They said if you don't have a pre-existing condition, you could be under their insurance in 5-10 business days; an existing condition would bump that to about 3 weeks. They also said most students choose the Blue Essential at $90 per month and that covers Midwestern's requirements for insurance. I think, after looking at it, that I'm going to go with that one. Hope this helps everyone else!

www.azblue.com
 
Thanks Dciple, DocBR, fj4288, and fratelli for your suggestions about insurance. I'm certainly going to look into the BCBS plan. Since I'm an adult now, I'm not sure if I could still do a family insurance plan with my parents - though I'll also consider that option. My parents also happen to have BCBS; though I don't know if it will be more cost effective to do some kind of group plan with them, or if it is cheaper to do the student plan on my own. If I get any answers about this, I'll get back to you all.
 
Just an FYI.. I uploaded pictures of the luxury 1 bedroom apartment (that I took last week) on our class' Facebook page. I tried to upload them here, but the files are too large - so if you want to see the pictures, check them out there!
 
rkaz said:
Thanks Dciple, DocBR, fj4288, and fratelli for your suggestions about insurance. I'm certainly going to look into the BCBS plan. Since I'm an adult now, I'm not sure if I could still do a family insurance plan with my parents - though I'll also consider that option. My parents also happen to have BCBS; though I don't know if it will be more cost effective to do some kind of group plan with them, or if it is cheaper to do the student plan on my own. If I get any answers about this, I'll get back to you all.
Click to expand...

Well if your under 26 yrs of age you can still be on your parents plan since the moved the age from 21 I believe to 25 or 26..
 
Classmates,

If you haven't signed a lease yet for the upcoming academic year, you may want to visit Adobe Ridge Apartments. They are conveniently located 2 miles from campus. The complex was built in 2005 and features several floor plans. Most of the students from Midwestern staying here live in an A1 floor plan (812 sq. ft.). The current price is $693.60 for a 10/12 month contract. If you decide to visit the leasing office mention you're a Midwestern student and my name (Tim O'Brien).
 
Timothy OBrien said:
Classmates,

If you haven't signed a lease yet for the upcoming academic year, you may want to visit Adobe Ridge Apartments. They are conveniently located 2 miles from campus. The complex was built in 2005 and features several floor plans. Most of the students from Midwestern staying here live in an A1 floor plan (812 sq. ft.). The current price is $693.60 for a 10/12 month contract. If you decide to visit the leasing office mention you're a Midwestern student and my name (Tim O'Brien).
Click to expand...

I second that, I will be moving into Adobe Ridge tomorrow and am looking forward to it!!
 
I saw that someone posted what they suggest as good books for certain classes. Does the school print out a list of required texts or just suggested ones?
 
You'll get a syllabus for every class and they'll list the required and recommended books (these lists can get pretty long). But you won't need every book they require/ suggest, you have to find what works for you. If you have never taken a physiology class you may want to get the required text. If you have a degree in physiology, you probably won't need it.

Most books are mainly used to supplement the notes for topics you’re unclear or struggle with; so consider your strengths and weaknesses when buying books. Anatomy/ embryo/ histo books are mainly used for the pictures- so if you don’t want to spend a ton of money buying you can check them out at the library.
 
There is a thread going on right now in the Osteo forum regarding which computer is best. I just thought I'd ask the same thing to any current AZCOM students if they have any suggestions on which laptop they recommend.

I still have one year of warranty left on my current Dell laptop, but the quality of Dells really seem to have gone down over the years. I'm wondering if I should sell it now and get something better, or just replace it next year. Everyone seems to say great things about the Mac, but unfornately I'm still a bit uncomfortable with it since I've rarely used it (and am thus not fully acquainted with using the interface). My sister was very uncomfortable with a Mac 4 years ago, but she had to purchase one as her dental school required it for their students - and now she loves it so much that she'd never go back to a PC. I recently heard something about a Mac that resembles a PC, so I may have to look into that.
 
rkaz said:
There is a thread going on right now in the Osteo forum regarding which computer is best. I just thought I'd ask the same thing to any current AZCOM students if they have any suggestions on which laptop they recommend.

I still have one year of warranty left on my current Dell laptop, but the quality of Dells really seem to have gone down over the years. I'm wondering if I should sell it now and get something better, or just replace it next year. Everyone seems to say great things about the Mac, but unfornately I'm still a bit uncomfortable with it since I've rarely used it (and am thus not fully acquainted with using the interface). My sister was very uncomfortable with a Mac 4 years ago, but she had to purchase one as her dental school required it for their students - and now she loves it so much that she'd never go back to a PC. I recently heard something about a Mac that resembles a PC, so I may have to look into that.
Click to expand...

I have owned PC my entire life...however, today I just bought a 13.3" Macbook Pro. It is great. The interface really is quite simple, although it will take a little bit of adjusting...if anything Windows Vista is quite possibly the worst operating system in the world. If you have 1099 (you get 100 off the 1199 price) then you should definitely get a Mac. Plus you get a free iPod Touch and 100 off a printer as well!! All you have to do is type in "Midwestern University" if you order online or tell them the name of the school when you go to the apple store. Like I said b4, this is my first mac, but I know for sure I will not regret it! As for your sister, the macs have gotten easier over the years and even more stylish, just go to the store and if you can't find the internet on it or do some simple things than I would be quite surprised. If you really need help you can ask a "genius" there or you can knock on C106 anytime if you're living on campus and I'll help you lol. Good luck finding a comp and def good luck to you if you go for another PC....lol.

Hope this helps 🙂
 
Hey incoming class of 2013! I just graduated from AZCOM last month and am now a week and a half into intern year. After going through the ups and downs of med school, I would be happy to field any questions you might have about AZCOM or med school in general. My best word of advice would be that you study hard the first two years, do well on step 1 of both the COMLEX and USMLE, and be extremely proactive when setting up clinical rotations. Don't fall into the trap of doing lots of easy preceptor based rotations since these will not prepare you for how residency really is. For example in the valley, try to rotate at banner good sam, maricopa med center, mayo, st. joes, scottsdale healthcare, and phoenix baptist since these are teaching hospitals with residency programs. Rotations at other valley hospitals are preceptor based experiences.

Anyhow enjoy the rest of your summer and good luck to you all!
 
For what its worth, do not buy the equipment from the school that they try to peddle to you in the first few weeks. Find a decent BP cuff and opthalmoscope/otoscope online used. Get a good (new) stethoscope. Once you are out of first year, you will (almost) never use anything but your stethoscope again. Mine have been collecting dust since the end of 1st year. I use my stethoscope daily. So, my advice is to find cheap stuff that will get you through the 5-6 times you need them first year, get yourself a nice stethoscope, and use the hundreds of dollars you saved to buy yourself and your now poor (because they were lemmings and bought into the whole "but I NEED to buy that stuff brand new!") friends a drink.

Just my 2cents.
 
Inquiringmind24 said:
Hey incoming class of 2013! I just graduated from AZCOM last month and am now a week and a half into intern year. After going through the ups and downs of med school, I would be happy to field any questions you might have about AZCOM or med school in general. My best word of advice would be that you study hard the first two years, do well on step 1 of both the COMLEX and USMLE, and be extremely proactive when setting up clinical rotations. Don't fall into the trap of doing lots of easy preceptor based rotations since these will not prepare you for how residency really is. For example in the valley, try to rotate at banner good sam, maricopa med center, mayo, st. joes, scottsdale healthcare, and phoenix baptist since these are teaching hospitals with residency programs. Rotations at other valley hospitals are preceptor based experiences.

Anyhow enjoy the rest of your summer and good luck to you all!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the tips. I bet there are as many questions, probably more, than there are incoming students. Maybe the few I have can help them as well:

My questions to you:
1) is there competition/difficulty in getting placement at one of the teaching hospitals for 3rd & 4th yrs as opposed to the other "preceptor based" hospitals?
2) in your opinion, how well does the match process work for AZCOM grads?
3) how beneficial to a residency app. is the optional research project done during yrs 1-2? Does it matter how the research topic relates to the specialty one applies to?
4) am I the only one looking at >$300k debt after 4 years at AZCOM?
 
married n broke said:
Thanks for the tips. I bet there are as many questions, probably more, than there are incoming students. Maybe the few I have can help them as well:

My questions to you:
1) is there competition/difficulty in getting placement at one of the teaching hospitals for 3rd & 4th yrs as opposed to the other "preceptor based" hospitals?
2) in your opinion, how well does the match process work for AZCOM grads?
3) how beneficial to a residency app. is the optional research project done during yrs 1-2? Does it matter how the research topic relates to the specialty one applies to?
4) am I the only one looking at >$300k debt after 4 years at AZCOM?
Click to expand...

Here are my answers:
1) I don't know if it's necessarily competitive but I remember that it was first come first serve so get those apps out early as the school does not set those up for you. If you let the school setup your rotations, there will likely be a lot of preceptor setups. The only rotation in my opinion that should be preceptor based your third year is family med. Everything else should be ward based. So get on top of those hospital apps early!
2) The match process works well as long as you do well in school, do well on your boards, and get good letters of recommendation at teaching hospitals.
3) Research is most helpful if you want to do something competitive like derm, radiology, urology, etc. For IM you really need to do research in residency if you want to do cards or GI. It wouldn't hurt to do research, but don't feel like you have to. Also you can do a research elective during third or fourth year.
4) The way tuition increases at Midwe$tern University, don't be suprised if you walk away with more than 300K. My total debt is about 250 K. But do get through med school you gotta borrow money so there's no reason to worry about it really. Unless you are like some of my classmates with filthy rich parents, you gotta borrow mega buck. Remember DO stands for "Debt Overload" and MD for "Mega Debt" 😀
 
do we need to dress up the first day of orientation or just not wear a hat?
 
chinagal said:
do we need to dress up the first day of orientation or just not wear a hat?
Click to expand...

Just don't wear a hat. And if you care, wear a shirt that you'd like in your ID picture, you'll see from the shoulders up pretty much. Last year I just wore a casual tank top and shorts. Some people were more dressed up, but there definitely wasn't any reason to be, and you'll be doing a lot of sitting so dress comfy.
 
Dciple said:
Daannnnggg, lol. 7AM tests every monday 🙁
Click to expand...
thats just the first quarter...then it turns into Monday AND Friday tests every week for the next 5 quarters
 
Hello AZCOM Class of 2013,

From the Student Government Association and the Class of 2012, we welcome and congratulate you all! I had been working with Denton Shanks to get the website up, but I decided since the time was coming up soon, I decided to take it upon myself to put it up. I would like you all to have some time to register on it and become familiar with it.

Please go register immediately at www.azcom2013.com and register with your azwebmail.midwestern.edu email address. After registering and logging into the website you will see a link to the Forums on the front page. This will get you to the center of your communication portal and the place where all the magic happens.

Please hop on there as soon as possible as my Class (AZCOM Class of 2012) has found this type of communication to be an amazing resource! We will close user registration midway through this quarter so that it can be locked down.

Mansoor Jatoi, OMS-II
AZCOM Student Government President

--
www.azcom2013.com has a list of important links that may help you gather information in your first year. Listed below:

-AZCOM Blackboard
-AZWebMail
-AZCOM Directory
-MWU-AZ Calendar
-2009-2010 Academic Calendar
-AZCOM Block Schedule

I also posted the list of first year items (books / equimnt) that Sarah Crowley, OMS-II kindly posted on facebook groups onto the website as well. Thanks to Sarah for putting this together.
 
rkaz said:
Are the Friday schedule's generally light?

I am a bit concerned, as I have to present at a conference in Tucson as a requirement to complete my master's degree that I'm working on this summer (the conference will be on a Friday afternoon either the 2nd or 3rd week of August). So I'm going to have to leave Phoenix around lunch time that Friday to reach in Tucson on time. So I'll have to miss whatever class is directly after lunch. I hope the professor will be understanding about it, and will let me make-up the material for that one class. I know there is a pre-conference presentation practice the day before (Thursday) in Tucson, but I'm hoping that I'll be excused from that since I'll be in school in Phoenix.
Click to expand...

The professors are really understanding of this, just make sure you let them know ahead of time. Just have a colleague of yours record the lectures so you can go over it when you get back. That should cover you.
 
rkaz said:
No there is no joke in my post. If there was (theoretically) an exam on that day, it could have made the situation more complicated. Also, I have heard of some schools having attendance policies... which I wasn't sure if AZCOM has or not. So there is nothing at all inappropriate in my asking a question about my particular situation.
Click to expand...

Just so you know, we do have clickers at AZCOM and certain classes that were having issues related to attendance and it seemed to correlate with class averages, those professors are putting in pop quizes using the clickers. In essence, this is an attendance policy for certain classes.

On average though, we have pretty good attendance in almost all of our classes, but don't come into AZCOM assuming there is absolutely no attendance policy, this is slowly changing for certain classes (IE: pharm, micro). You shouldn't really see much of this until 2nd year, but OMM has a strict attendance policy as well.
 
4Doc4 said:
Is AZCOM going out and making sure we are getting more spots at these local hospitals? Could ease the burden of 40 or so 3rd/4th year clinical spots in Ohio. This is a big market and we need our share of the pie.
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2007/01/29/story1.html?page=1
Click to expand...

If I am not mistaken that article is back from 2007, rest assured, we will have great clinical rotations come third and fourth year. I have been attending the Dean's council meetings all last year (because I was the Class Council President) and we get the reports from our various department heads on the progress of our clinical rotations.

Just to clarify, in order for COCA to allow for the expansion of our class of 250, AZCOM had to secure rotation spots for all 250 the year that they apply for the expansion. We are starting to see the fruits of their hard work this year with our third year class.

The Student Government Association (SGA) will keep a close eye on Ohio and other rotations spots and with the creation of your AZCOM2013.com site we will make sure to post this relevant information to you. My Class, Class of 2012, will also make sure to keep everyone of the AZCOM Class of 2013 updated on rotations that are great and not so great.

Mansoor Jatoi, OMS-II
AZCOM Student Government President
 
Lastly, if you are a part of the Class of 2013, please make sure to sign up and visit the student website (www.azcom2013.com) and post ANY questions you may have about your upcoming year there. I sit on those forums for hours on end, I am a bit of a forum nut when it comes to that. I just periodically check the student doctor forums. 👍
 
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