AZCOM Class of 2008

[melmc]

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From those with experience with on-campus housing, tell me more....

Do you have problems with noise (thin walls?), maintenance, etc?
Is living on campus any advantage for studying, community activities, etc?

I'm leaning more toward Arrowhead Highlands, but I want to make sure that I'm not passing up a great deal by living off campus (1-bed lux avail on-campus if I want it).

 

[irish79]

I lived on campus this past year and I think I am this next year too. I have had NO problems with noise or anything else. It has actually been pretty convenient. I like being close to campus and the ability to come and go from the library throughout the night/weekend. As far as cost goes, it seems to be a good deal. You only pay your rent and electric (internet, phone, cable are all included--and no need to commute and spend money on GAS). But, I have heard the apts around campus aren't bad either...so, who knows... 🙂

 

[adamj_ut]

From those with experience with on-campus housing, tell me more....

Do you have problems with noise (thin walls?), maintenance, etc?
Is living on campus any advantage for studying, community activities, etc?

I'm leaning more toward Arrowhead Highlands, but I want to make sure that I'm not passing up a great deal by living off campus (1-bed lux avail on-campus if I want it).

My wife and I live on campus in the smaller two-bedroom apartments. As far as price is concerned, you can't beat it. If you plan to stay throughout the summer, you get half price rent. Internet is free, cable is free. I've lived in my apt. for two years now, and maintenance has always been great. If you call in a maintenance request it is usually performed on the same day. However, I have had issues with noise. A couple of times this past year, the pharmacy students have had a couple of pretty big beer bashes at someone's apartment and the fire alarm has been pulled at like 4 in the morning. I wasn't a very happy camper about that one. Also, if you have an apartment that faces the grassy area/pool area, you get a lot of noise that echoes into your apartment. This can be frustrating at times, being that I almost always study at home for my exams. However, these annoyances aside, I am happy with where I'm at and will continue to live there until rotations. 😎

 

[jhug]

the only noise i heard came from our neighbors above us...they too were pharm students... 😉
i'll never understand how two littler looking girls made sooooo much noise!!! then again, with three kidlets i'm sure we made enough of our own. Maintenance is super at the school!!! they fixed our door a couple times and even came to fill up my car tire a few times...they are really nice/attentive.

 

[MDmiracle]

the only noise i heard came from our neighbors above us...they too were pharm students... 😉
i'll never understand how two littler looking girls made sooooo much noise!!! then again, with three kidlets i'm sure we made enough of our own. Maintenance is super at the school!!! they fixed our door a couple times and even came to fill up my car tire a few times...they are really nice/attentive.

Can someone PM me with the on campus two bedroom rent, the large two bedroom?

 

[irish79]

I think the luxury two bedrooms are already filled...

 

[squirrelly]

Congratulations to all, Class of 2008! I also will be starting at AZCOM in the fall. I am thrilled to be attending a school where people seem so nice and dedicated. One question, though: what is the white coat ceremony?

Oh, yes, I know there were a couple of people from the Chicagoland area--me, too! I'm Indiana born and bred. Maybe we'll carpool sometime. 😉

 

[squirrelly]

when do we get to meet our big bro/sis? how did they choose us?

 

[Azcomstud]

Hey everybody, what's up?

The white coat ceremony is an event to recognize new students that are beginning their training in the health profession. The president of the university speaks and each student is given "the white coat" by the dean of their college. At AZCOM, the ceremony is combined with the other colleges at Midwestern (pharmacy, nurse anesthetists, PAs and others). Last year also, for the first time, they held it outside under a canopy. Students have varying opinions about this event. You'll hear those that complain that AZCOM should have their own ceremony apart from other colleges and that the university doesn't put enough time and planning into making it a special event. As for me, I felt it was a neat experience. The only drawback last year was that it was 100 degrees outside. 🙂

As far as big bro/sis goes, a list of students for the class of 2008 was emailed to us and we chose who we wanted. I chose I guy I knew already- Some classmates chose people from their hometowns or just did it random. I would highly suggest that you talk with your big bro/sis often and get to know them, especially once school starts. Most of us have books you can borrow and helpful CDs with practice tests. Last year, the class of 2006 put on a BBQ so that we all could meet and mingle with our big bro/sis.

I hope this helps

 

[DrJenn]

Wow, I'm not alone. It's so good to see other class of 2008ers out there.

I am planning moving to AZ from Los Angeles sometime in July. Right now my husband is trying to find a job out there. He works in non-profit and the AZ market isn't like CA's. After he finds a job we can find a place to live. Can anyone suggest any housing complexes? We really want to buy a home- nothing fancy but something we can own.

Well, I am REALLY excited about meeting all of you soon. Until then, congratulations to everyone and have a great summer! 🙂

 

[melmc]

I guess since this thread has been kinda quiet lately, I will see if I can start a new trend... would everyone mind introducing yourselves and give a little bit about your backgrounds so we can start to get to know one another a little better?

I'm originally from Wyoming, and my husband and I will be making the big move down to Glendale early in July. Currently we have our eyes on living off, but near, campus and my husband is looking for work in student services (theoretically in one of the many colleges/universities around the Phoenix area). I plan on starting work study as soon as we get there so I can get a headstart on finances. Is anyone else planning on doing work study?

Well, that's all for now, I look forward to meeting you all soon. Enjoy the summer!

 

[snooze7]

As I am sure this question has been asked inthe past, I'll keep it simple. Do any health insurance companies offer discounts to students of AZCOM? If so, how do we get in touch with them/will they be at orientation? Any other info. on low cost health insurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, snooze.

 

[MDmiracle]

I plan on starting work study as soon as we get there so I can get a headstart on finances. Is anyone else planning on doing work study?

Hey melmc,
have you recieved your Financial aid package yet? I applied for work study, but I haven't recieved anything yet.

 

[melmc]

Hey melmc,
have you recieved your Financial aid package yet? I applied for work study, but I haven't recieved anything yet.

No, actually I haven't received my fin aid package yet (they told me they're not being sent until mid June). But because I am moving down to Glendale early, I called ahead to find out whether I got work study in order to help decide whether or not I need to get a temp. job for July and August to make some extra cash before school starts.

 

[exia80]

HEJ were we supposed 2 recieve an e-mail telling us who our big bro/sis is??? i haven't recieved anything yet.

 

[melmc]

HEJ were we supposed 2 recieve an e-mail telling us who our big bro/sis is??? i haven't recieved anything yet.

No, our big bro/sis is supposed to get in touch with us. Some have already, other's may wait till orientation because of their own summer obligations/preferences. So don't worry, you just may have to wait to hear from them.

 

[adamj_ut]

As I am sure this question has been asked inthe past, I'll keep it simple. Do any health insurance companies offer discounts to students of AZCOM? If so, how do we get in touch with them/will they be at orientation? Any other info. on low cost health insurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, snooze.

As far as health insurance goes, you have a few options. The school offers insurance through Aetna. From what I recall, the school goes over their insurance plan with you at orientation and they also have a rep come out to the school a couple of times a year to answer any questions you may have about your plan. Last time I looked at Aetna, they seemed kind of expensive based upon the cost of other plans available in the area. Some people purchase their coverage through SOMA. Some are fine with having the SOMA insurance -- it is monetarily cheap -- but I have a problem with it providing low levels of coverage. To find out more about Aetna, contact student services. Additional info. about the SOMA plan can be found at www.studentdo.com. You can check out blue cross blue shield of AZ at www.bcbsaz.com. Other insurance plans popular in AZ include Cigna, United Healthcare, and Pacificare to name a few of the more popular that I have heard of. Good luck.

 

[jhug]

they didn't give us (at least me) any way to contact my little bro...all i know is his name and that he is from gilbert, az.
i do work study and LOVE IT!!! then again i have a really easy job and the person i work with/for is super nice. One word of caution, make sure they don't overpay your or they will request it back...one girl in my class was overpaid through loans and work study and she ended up having to pay back a lot of money (that she doesn't have)

 

[MDmiracle]

Hey just Fyi,
I just got off the phone with FA and they have just finished the current student aid reports. They hope to be done with first years in a few weeks. See everyone in a month or so.

 

[irish79]

Jason,

You can call the lady who made the list and ask for contact information for your little sib if you need to. I had to do that for mine...and have contacted him already. I think that might have been the problem last year. I still don't know who my Big Sib was supposed to be (or if I even had one).

 

[jmanwaring]

One thing about the school's health insurance: they will charge you for it (the school's Aetna insurance) automatically on your first bill. If you have your own personal insurance, you have to give them a copy of it within like two weeks after school starts for them to refund your money. I know alot of students in our class didn't have anything arranged and were charged like $600 for the first quarter of insurance. I would HIGHLY recommend that you find a cheap PPO plan or something like that before you get to school. I found one during the first week of school that cost me like $30/month for a PPO plan--that's compared to the $600 you pay in the first quarter (like $200/month). You can go to healthnet.com to find an inexpensive PPO plan--the deductibles may be higher, but if you don't require regular health care visits, it may be worth it. PM me for more questions. Also, if you're looking for a home here, I'm working for a real estate magazine this summer and have a brother who does mortgages. PM me for that too, if you'd like some information.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

PM me for more questions.

Hey, I've got a question. How in the world can you take Van Hagar over Diamond Dave?

Hope you're having a good summer.

 

[jhug]

sjs,
did you stay in town? if you are we should plan a little golf outing...open it up to any 2008-ers.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

No, I won't be back until mid-August. Maybe early August, but I don't really know yet.

How are you guys doing? Was California good?

 

[theags]

Has anyone gotten a list of books that we will need come August? I know you can get them at the bookstore, but I was hoping to buy them cheaper elsewhere. From reading other posts, it sounds like most books are unnecessary. Which ones are vital?

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

Has anyone gotten a list of books that we will need come August? I know you can get them at the bookstore, but I was hoping to buy them cheaper elsewhere. From reading other posts, it sounds like most books are unnecessary. Which ones are vital?

Anatomy: Netter's anatomy atlas, no question. I also had Rhoen's (which has color pictures. I didn't use it a whole lot. I'll sell it to you! 🙂 ).

Histology: Most people had a Gartner and Hiatt atlas (some had the text too). It's good to have if you don't spend much time in the library. As for me, I would check out the ten or so histo books in the library, and look at every specimen in every book. The instructor's take pics for exams from several books, so it was a nice way to cover all the bases. It worked really well.

Biochem: Only a few people bought the book. The notes from the instructor's are excellent.

Physiology: The Notes here were pretty good too. The Book (Costanzo) is supposed to be good board review though. I didn't buy it, but I'll likely buy the smaller companion version of the text soon.

Neuroanatomy: the atlas is a must, and the book pretty much is too. This is 3rd quarter, so I wouldn't worry about it until you actually get to school.

ICM (kind of a clinical correlates class): This class may change the test format. For us, all you needed was the previous year's exams. 🙂 But that will probably change. Going to class will help you the most, the book (Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination 4th ed.) is really detailed, and is probably a waste of time to read. On the other hand, you'll have all the info you'll ever need for a physical exam.

OMM: no book needed, unless you are hardcore. Although many of us will by Savarese's OMT Review for board study.


Basically, if you can get a great price on a Netter's, do it now. I would wait until I got to school to see what else I wanted. Also, talk to your big bro/sis. Maybe they will give you some of their old books, and they'll definately have good advice for you.

This is all my opinion above, if you have more question: fire away. Also, if you want to add something: rock on!

 

[irish79]

I liked Rhoen a lot. I used that to study more than going into the lab. I found it helpful (but then again, I hated anatomy lab) and it worked for me, I ended with a good grade. For Histo, I found the G&H atlas helpful and the Wheater helpful. The book wasn't all that great. Also, no need to buy the book for the "developmental" section. I liked the Physiology book (it made some of Dr./Mr. Standley's lectures a little more clearer (no, "necessarily..." statements). Other than that, I agree with the previous poster.

I think it is basically up to you (yours study habits). I was one of those dorks who bought ALL the books. I was glad to have them, just in case I needed to look something up after waking at 3:00 am in a cold sweat in fear of not remembering something before the test. But like others have said, there are only a few of the books that you will use religiously.

 

[theags]

Thank for the input! SJS, I just might take you up on buying that book.

 

[jhug]

i would be sure to check with your big bro/sis...i need to email mine🙂
i'm sure many of us are excited to get rid of all the books we bought/were given. I LOVED rhoen! i would say that is a must for anatomy (personally)

SJS, cali was fun, i'm TA'ing anatomy this summer and that has been a great experience!! we miss you guys around here...

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

i'm sure many of us are excited to get rid of all the books we bought/were given. I LOVED rhoen! i would say that is a must for anatomy (personally)

This is a good example of where people's styles differ. I used Netter's almost exclusively during the week, and then would spend 4-5 hours on the weekends in the lab.

One other thing, there will be a used book sale the first or second week of school. We'll cook some hot dogs and sit around and buy/sell books for cheap.

jhug, summer is going pretty good. I've been teaching this summer, and it's been an adventure. You guys like the new house. We need to get some Halo going when we come back in August.

 

[mlmlupica]

Hey everybody - just wanted to let you know that a bunch of MSII's, a PA student, and other random people get together Tuesday nights from 7:30-9pm to play soccer. We have the field reserved at ASU west, which is right off of Thunderbird and 51st. It's not formal or anything... you don't even have to know how to play soccer, but if anyone is bored (and I know you are because I moved in early last year), in need of exercise, and wanting to meet people I'll see ya out there. Email me if you have questions.

[email protected]

 

[melmc]

Hey everybody - just wanted to let you know that a bunch of MSII's, a PA student, and other random people get together Tuesday nights from 7:30-9pm to play soccer.

Fabulous! I would love to join in. 😛
I am moving down to Glendale somewhere around the 8th of July, and will actually be leaving in the middle of my summer rec. soccer season here at home.
Can't wait, I'll email you once I'm moved in and settled. Thanks for the invite!

-Melissa

 

[AztecDO2008]

Now the big question arises...where to live?

Since I have a puppy I will be living off campus. I have been checking out quite a few web sites and I really like the SAGE STONE. Does anyone know if it is a quality place? Any other places close by the campus I should be looking at?

cya soon
__________________
AZCOM Class of 2008



Ive seen Sage Stone, and its nice...but Im leaning more towards renting a house because I have a doggie too. I am worried about my dog getting bored and not having a yard. She's a character. lol. Does anyone recommend a managment company that really helps renters find a good home?

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

Ive seen Sage Stone, and its nice...but Im leaning more towards renting a house because I have a doggie too. I am worried about my dog getting bored and not having a yard. She's a character. lol. Does anyone recommend a managment company that really helps renters find a good home?

Homes are a dime a dozen in AZ. Call Student Services and they will get you some info. But also realize that you can buy a home cheaper than you'll likely spend renting.

 

[AztecDO2008]

Homes are a dime a dozen in AZ. Call Student Services and they will get you some info. But also realize that you can buy a home cheaper than you'll likely spend renting.

Ya Im definetly starting to realize that- but its way too much responsibility for me to be a home owner right now. Im used to California rent so Im stoked that I actually can split rent with my boyfriend and get a 3 bedroom house and actually afford it. So renting is no problem...I might change my mind down the line somewhere though. We'll see.

 

[jhug]

aztec...
sage stone seemed nice...i'll ask around to see what people there think, my wife and i really liked sierra canyon (the management was super friendly)...don't know about the dog thing though...
SJS, we LOVE our new house, it is so great to feel that we own something!!
what are you teaching? i'm teaching anatomy to the PA's and have had a great time...it has been such a rewarding experience! (i love the halo idea)

....................................2008 AZCOMER'S.............................................
I am the AMA president and want you all to know that we are going to have a great upcoming year...full of activities, service projects, and speakers (most importantly, THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMA IS COMING TO SPEAK!!!)
you've talked about books so i wanted to let you know that a 4 year membership will get you a ton of resources on the net (which i used for biochem projects and stuff), a 4 yr subscribtion to JAMA, plus a free (only not really because you had to pay to join) medical dictionary (The membership alone costs less that a dictionary at the bookstore so don't buy one yet🙂)
we just had our yearly meeting in chicago where about 70% of our resolutions passed through the HOD of the AMA to become policy... please let me know if you want to know more about what's passed.

 

[exia80]

i am geting a laptop and i was trying to remember if the classrooms have internet access. also, do we get PDAs? i am gonna get one anyways but am wondering whether AZCOM requires one.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

i am geting a laptop and i was trying to remember if the classrooms have internet access. also, do we get PDAs? i am gonna get one anyways but am wondering whether AZCOM requires one.

No PDAs. AS far as labtops go, I'm pretty sure that the library has something for internet access (maybe wireless, someone help me out here?).

 

[jhug]

there are some "hot spots" for wireless internet access. One is the big cafeteria/game room area and the 24 hr quiet study area is too...i'm not sure about the classrooms & library. The school doesn't require PDA's or computers (i really wanted them to so my scholarship would buy me a new one🙂)

 

[exia80]

The school doesn't require PDA's or computers (i really wanted them to so my scholarship would buy me a new one🙂)

yea i wish they required them so that scholarship woudl pay for it. It actually aggrevates me that in this day and age the school does not find it important to require such things. sigh

 

[irish79]

I am pretty sure the library is wireless as well. As for classrooms, I don't think anyone brings their laptop to class...or at least I didn't see anyone (then again, I sat in the COLD front).

 

[jhug]

I sat in the COLD front

 

[bla_3x]

Jason,
How's the anatomy thing going this summer??

 

[theags]

jhug mentioned the AMA. What other organizations/societies do we need to know about or be familiar with?

 

[jhug]

bla-- anatomy has been awesome!!! working with the anatomy fac. has been such a rewarding experience and i've really learned to appreciate all it takes to teach anatomy (plus it has been a great refresher course)

What other organizations/societies do we need to know about or be familiar with?

none, the ama is it🙂
you'll have a club week at the beginning of school where we will all come and campaign for your time and $$. Personally, i think the biggies are the AMA, SOMA, and UAAO (these are all national organizations that represent everyone), others cater to your individual likes (ie: emergency med, fp, peds, sports med, family matters...)

we are trying to figure out a way to have a club wide pre-start-of-school activity...like to a diamondbacks game or something...what are some ideas you all have?

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

none, the ama is it🙂
you'll have a club week at the beginning of school where we will all come and campaign for your time and $$. Personally, i think the biggies are the AMA, SOMA, and UAAO (these are all national organizations that represent everyone), others cater to your individual likes (ie: emergency med, fp, peds, sports med, family matters...)

You and I both know that the Emer. Med. club runs things.🙂

bla3x... how's your summer going?

 

[bla_3x]

SJS
My summer is going great! I could get used to all this relaxing and stuff?wait?it?s our last summer!!! 😱 😱 AHHH

Definitely be a part of your various student professional societies (SOMA, AMA, UAAO, AMSA). These are the organizations through which OUR voice is heard in medicine. I believe that all of them require only one fee for 4 years. Is this right for AMA Jason?
EM Club was a great club last year. I highly rec this club. 👍

I am helping to start a Radiology interest group for next year too. ?AZCOM Radiological and Technical Society?. It should be cool. We will meet and go over radiology images, how to interpret films and etc. As well as the usual guest speakers talking on life as a radiologist and stuff. It?s definitely not just for people wanting to go into rads, heck, I?m not. It?s just to buff us all up on radiographic anatomy and pathology.

 

[minoos]

Hey everybody, I recieved my fin. aid letter via email today and realized that I'm going to need more than just stafford to cover everything. So, anyone know/have experience with private loans? My budget is basically the full allotment, but of course only part of that is filled via stafford. Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[exia80]

hej what is the website 2 access our mail? i sent all my stuff 2 arizona last week but am still in chcago and i forgot how 2 access the mail...i know my password and secreen name jut not the site.

 

[fozzy40]

http://azwebmail.midwestern.edu