AZCOM Discussion thread 2007-2008

[DrMidlife]

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okokokokok so how about anyone interviewing on feb 4th? yes and takers? I was debating whether to fly or drive to azcom. Does anyone know the driving time from the airport to the school in real time at around 4pm or so? In LA google will say it takes 20 minutes to get to downtown, but we all know we have to multiply that but a factor of 2 or 3 or more during peak hours.

I'd say multiply all time estimates by about 100, due to the Super Bowl.

 

[goosemac]

is traffic really gonna be that bad? im gonna be there tomorrow night

someone willing to answer my prev posted question, are there opportunities for research at midwestern?

 

[dancer2002]

is traffic really gonna be that bad? im gonna be there tomorrow night

someone willing to answer my prev posted question, are there opportunities for research at midwestern?

traffic might be heavier then normal, but not horrible. At the peak of rush hour, I would leave an hour to an hour and a half to get to the airport. It could take less time, but just in case. Without rush hour it still takes about 30-40 minutes to get to the airport from the school. Sorry, I can't answer your research question because I am not interested in research, so it never caught my attention when someone was talking about it during my interview day. I assume there is some? Just not sure on the details.

 

[EEL08]

There are research opportunites. My husband said at his interview they talked a little bit about it. There's a sheet in his folder that lists some areas of research so once I finish my lunch I can post it for you.

 

[goosemac]

There are research opportunites. My husband said at his interview they talked a little bit about it. There's a sheet in his folder that lists some areas of research so once I finish my lunch I can post it for you.

thanks a lot EEL id really appreciate it, i got a lot of ideas for research, so its gives me a lil more to talk about during the interview if the school does do some research

 

[EEL08]

thanks a lot EEL id really appreciate it, i got a lot of ideas for research, so its gives me a lil more to talk about during the interview if the school does do some research

Okay here is what it says verbatim:

Research
--Elective first available in spring quarter of MS1 year
--Competitive fellowship for summer between MS1 and MS2 years

Potential areas of research available at MWU (growing as we add faculty)

Respiratory Physiology of Arthropods
Epithelial Physiology
Molecular Microbiology
Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics
Embryology
Paleobiology/Evolution of lacertilians
Primate Functional Morphology
Visual system evolution
Exercise/Diabetes physiology
Gender & heart function
Pulmonary hypertension physiology
Neuromuscular development
Endoparasite microbiology
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (animal model)

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Okay I think that's about it. Or all that's listed on this sheet of paper. I hope that helps some. When are you interviewing?

 

[goosemac]

Okay here is what it says verbatim:

Research
--Elective first available in spring quarter of MS1 year
--Competitive fellowship for summer between MS1 and MS2 years

Potential areas of research available at MWU (growing as we add faculty)

Respiratory Physiology of Arthropods
Epithelial Physiology
Molecular Microbiology
Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics
Embryology
Paleobiology/Evolution of lacertilians
Primate Functional Morphology
Visual system evolution
Exercise/Diabetes physiology
Gender & heart function
Pulmonary hypertension physiology
Neuromuscular development
Endoparasite microbiology
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (animal model)

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Okay I think that's about it. Or all that's listed on this sheet of paper. I hope that helps some. When are you interviewing?

Thanks a lot, it does help, Im assuming that all of these are OMM oriented? I am a kinesiology major and have read TONS of exercise phys, and musculoskeletal based research, I was also an assistant for a geriatric research at my university's musculoskeletal biomechanics lab.

I interview this tuesday, Im flying out tomorrow at 4, very excited, i have a friend who goes to SOMA that Im gonna be meeting up with,

Thanks again, it really helps, and i really appreciate it

 

[Ki45toryu]

are there opportunities for research at AZCOM?

Yes there is...a lot of prof's have some kind of research going on...ER medicine all the way to Paleontology.

They are also expanding the research facility as we speak.

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

OK. I am debating whether or not I should still attend my AZCOM interview after my LECOM B interview.. I am not into research.. or lectures.. but is there anything very spectacular about this school? Clinical places.. etc.? Id love to do some rotations in Chicago, would that work?

 

[DrMidlife]

OK. I am debating whether or not I should still attend my AZCOM interview after my LECOM B interview.. I am not into research.. or lectures.. but is there anything very spectacular about this school? Clinical places.. etc.? Id love to do some rotations in Chicago, would that work?

It's warm. No dress code. Well-established. Good board scores. Mothership is IN CHICAGO and I'd bet $57 you could do all of 3rd/4th year there, and avoid the whole "Arizona's not big enough for 100 more med students" thing. Plus you should give me your LECOM-B spot. PLUS if we're both interviewing there then you KNOW you'll get accepted and I'll get waitlisted.

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

^^ I thought they were trying to keep all the students around ariz area for rotations?? anyone know anything about this?

 

[DrMidlife]

^^ I thought they were trying to keep all the students around ariz area for rotations?? anyone know anything about this?

I'll make sure I get ALL the rotations info, and I'm interviewing before you.

Ask in the CCOM forums about whether AZCOM MSIII/IV's can lottery in.

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

Thanks DrMidLife 🙂 you are the best!!

 

[DrMidlife]

Thanks DrMidLife 🙂 you are the best!!

Evidently not!

 

[dancer2002]

^^ I thought they were trying to keep all the students around ariz area for rotations?? anyone know anything about this?

where did you get that information? I know of opportunities through AZCOM to do all 3rd and 4th year rotations in California. That is what I am interested in, so that caught my eye. I am sure there are other locations outside of Cali and AZ as well. Just ask for what you are interested in.

 

[PistolPete]

Supposedly now they only allow 3 rotations outside of Arizona 3rd year.

 

[ThisIsYourLife]

^^yeah see that is what I am wondering about.. I heard that they were trying to cut back on people leaving.. I emailed an admissions counselor about it, and a current ccom student, hopefully i'll get a reply.

 

[Nitty452]

After looking at hotel rates for Feb 1st I'm thinking that I should look for someone to share a room. If anyone is interested please let me know.

P.S I plan to rent a car, so i how be happy to give someone a lift.

 

[slim78]

How long does AZCOM take to get back to you after an interview? Do you get an email in addition to waiting for the snail mail? I interviewed there today and LOVED it.

 

[Crt428]

How long does AZCOM take to get back to you after an interview? Do you get an email in addition to waiting for the snail mail? I interviewed there today and LOVED it.

I got a phone call from the director of admissions (Jim Waldron was his name I believe?) exactly a week after the interview. I know several people who interviewed around the same time as me who also got calls around this time, although I've also heard of others who were accepted earlier in the cycle and had to either call themselves and wait for snail mail. I remember not getting my official letter till about 2-3 weeks after the phone call, so if you don't hear anything after 2 weeks I'd just call (they'll tell you over the phone if you're accepted👍)

 

[EEL08]

Jim Walter is the director of admissions. My husband got the acceptance call 9-10 days after interviewing but it was someone else in the admissions office, can't remember her name right now. Oh and it also took a couple weeks before he received the letter.

 

[spazzz]

Hey guys/gals, I have an interview next week at AZCOM and I didn't ever receive the DVD/Book that AZCOM sends their interviewees. Can anyone tell me what i should bring in accordance to the booklet? I don't want to forget anything I would need at home. Thanks.

 

[EEL08]

Hey guys/gals, I have an interview next week at AZCOM and I didn't ever receive the DVD/Book that AZCOM sends their interviewees. Can anyone tell me what i should bring in accordance to the booklet? I don't want to forget anything I would need at home. Thanks.

It just says to bring your list of questions and a small professional looking notebook although I'm pretty sure my husband had neither of those with him.

 

[gregor34]

I just returned from interviewing at AZCOM and I loved the school. There is a lot pulling me there, but the idea of almost doubling the class size concerns me.
I asked them what they are doing to handle the increase as far as tuition increases, student to instructor and student to cadaver ratio, and rotation opportunities. They answered my questions very well, but is any one else concerned about being the guinea-pig class? Anybody have more info or opinions?

 

[slim78]

Hey guys/gals, I have an interview next week at AZCOM and I didn't ever receive the DVD/Book that AZCOM sends their interviewees. Can anyone tell me what i should bring in accordance to the booklet? I don't want to forget anything I would need at home. Thanks.

They say to bring some questions prepared and a small notebook to write answers in. You really don't need either of those things though.

I would for sure bring a Pen to write on whatever they give you in their packet but that is really all you NEED.

 

[slim78]

This is kind of an odd question but....

Did anyone else get a hug after their interview? Seriously, one of the DOs that I interviewed with asked me if she could give me a hug. I was cool with it because she was a really nice person.

I just hope it was like a congratulatory hug and not a consolatory hug! I'm leaning toward congratulatory because she also said to me during the course of the interview "Call me after you finish medical school because I will have a job for you."

I'm just curious as to whether everyone else is getting hugs or if this was something more genuine. Basically I REALLY want to get in to this school and the wait to hear back from them is killing me so I'm searching for every possible reason to be optimistic.

 

[spazzz]

well if she said she'd have a job for you, you probably did pretty good...congrats.

 

[EEL08]

well if she said she'd have a job for you, you probably did pretty good...congrats.

I agree that sounds like a good sign. Now you're making me nervous for my interview.

 

[slim78]

I agree that sounds like a good sign. Now you're making me nervous for my interview.

I wouldn't be nervous about your interview. They were really really nice. I had heard about how chill the interviews were at Touro-NV and I had my Touro-NV interview the day before my AZCOM interview. I can tell you the AZCOM interview was by far a better experience.

I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[EEL08]

I wouldn't be nervous about your interview. They were really really nice. I had heard about how chill the interviews were at Touro-NV and I had my Touro-NV interview the day before my AZCOM interview. I can tell you the AZCOM interview was by far a better experience.

I really wouldn't worry about it.

My husband interviewed at three schools and said it was definitely the most laid back atmosphere and interview. I think I'm more nervous now because it's less than a month away. I hope you get in!!

 

[EEL08]

I'm so excited! I just got my AZCOM DVD in the mail today. I'm a dork I know. I've already watched my husband's about three times but it just feels more real to have my own copy. 😳

 

[DocBR]

This is kind of an odd question but....

Did anyone else get a hug after their interview? Seriously, one of the DOs that I interviewed with asked me if she could give me a hug. I was cool with it because she was a really nice person.

I just hope it was like a congratulatory hug and not a consolatory hug! I'm leaning toward congratulatory because she also said to me during the course of the interview "Call me after you finish medical school because I will have a job for you."

I'm just curious as to whether everyone else is getting hugs or if this was something more genuine. Basically I REALLY want to get in to this school and the wait to hear back from them is killing me so I'm searching for every possible reason to be optimistic.

Who were your interviewers?

 

[medicalkiss]

I can answer almost all questions on this page.

Research- another option is to do a combo degree with a biomed masters MS where you can actually do a complete research project.

Hearing back- For those who interview this week or next, you can call next friday.

Class size issue- we are not going to be an experiment. The professors have been planning for over a year. None of them are worried (I spoke to my anatomy prof. today who teaches for AZCOM). They would tell us if they had concerns (us being the MBS students).

Traffic- I can see the stadium from my house, and I can tell you traffic has not been bad...it normally takes me 15 mins to get to school and i have been taking 20. This is because their are SPEEDING CAMERAS on parked cop cars on the freeway in random spots that usually are on the other side of town. THEY TAKE YOUR INFO IF YOU ARE DRIVING 11 MILES OVER THE LIMIT! So 75 mph good... 76 mph bad. They are also on surface streets.

THAT BEING SAID... from the airport at 4pm there is ALWAYS traffic. Plan about 45 mins to an hour.

Tuition- the bottom line is, coming from the dental school dean anyway, they will always raise tution. People will always fill seats. It is a basic economic problem: more demand than supply.

Dress- Interview: I dont know why people keep thinking that because it is the southwest you can dress down. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. I have talked with both Heather Kim and Jim Walters about this point. LOOK AS POLISHED AND PROFESSIONAL AS YOU CAN.

Class: No official dress code. If you ask the dean of students he will tell you that he likes to see students dressed "buisness casual". I dress nice when I can... but you bet if I have an 8am class after a 6am test I am in scrubs or track pants with my hair pulled back in a hat.

Any other issues let me know. Like I have said, I am a current masters student and start AZCOM in fall. Chances are if u want to know something, I have already asked it.

 

[DocBR]

Class size issue- we are not going to be an experiment. The professors have been planning for over a year. None of them are worried (I spoke to my anatomy prof. today who teaches for AZCOM). They would tell us if they had concerns (us being the MBS students).

To add to what was said by medicalkiss, Dean Kemper has set up an university wide 'AZCOM class expansion committee' that incorporates admissions, security, financial aid, faculty, etc into a problem solving/planning group that is exploring the potential problems that can arise next year and addressing them now. There are also a few of students on the committee. I can assure you, if you've thought of it, we have probably addressed it. If we haven't, let me know your concerns and I will make sure to bring it up at the next meeting.

There has been a lot of work and consideration put into the expansion and I can honestly say AZCOM is handling this expansion well and preserving the integrity of the program for the incomming students. There are also a lot of very exciting additions and upgrades that are coming along with the class increase.

 

[A18Devil]

all im hearing is good stuff. i love it. thx for the updates peeps!

 

[goosemac]

OK. I am debating whether or not I should still attend my AZCOM interview after my LECOM B interview.. I am not into research.. or lectures.. but is there anything very spectacular about this school? Clinical places.. etc.? Id love to do some rotations in Chicago, would that work?

I just came back from my AZCOM interview, and I asked about rotations sites and Dr. Shulman said in their regional sites it doesn't include chicago. Its like california and colorado and nearby states. Although he did say you can apply to get sites in chicago, but its difficult because those sites are reserved for CCOM students, being from chicago i'd love to do rotations in the summer and go back to arizona during january and feburary.

 

[AlaskaHopeful]

Goosemac

Did you get any more details on rotations? I was wondering if they permit rotations in Alaska?

 

[goosemac]

Goosemac

Did you get any more details on rotations? I was wondering if they permit rotations in Alaska?

I'm not sure what they necessarily permit outside of their regional sites, but from what I heard you can pretty much go anywhere but you have to then set everything up on their own. Im not sure if Alaska has sites for this but they have a rural/underserved medicine rotation for 4 weeks which im guessing is in reservations. But everything is subject to change, and I am sure there rotations policy will with the increased class size and all

 

[EEL08]

I just came back from my AZCOM interview, and I asked about rotations sites and Dr. Shulman said in their regional sites it doesn't include chicago. Its like california and colorado and nearby states. Although he did say you can apply to get sites in chicago, but its difficult because those sites are reserved for CCOM students, being from chicago i'd love to do rotations in the summer and go back to arizona during january and feburary.

How did your interview go and what did you think about the school? Do you have other acceptances already?

Oh and also about what time was the interview day over? I'm trying to figure out if I can squeeze in some time before my flight out to visit some daycare centers. Sorry for all the questions! Thanks!

 

[rezin385]

Hey, quick question for anyone that already interviewed at AZCOM. Were there any guests allowed during the interview day? My parents are interested in visiting, especially during the tour.
Thanks

 

[spazzz]

Goosemac

Did you get any more details on rotations? I was wondering if they permit rotations in Alaska?

they mentioned they are restricting the student set up rotations because they didn't feel they could gauge the quality of outside set up rotations. I think the rotations problem is one of the biggest weakness of this school IMO.

 

[goosemac]

How did your interview go and what did you think about the school? Do you have other acceptances already?

Oh and also about what time was the interview day over? I'm trying to figure out if I can squeeze in some time before my flight out to visit some daycare centers. Sorry for all the questions! Thanks!

Such a busy weekend, its kept me off SDN, sorry about the late response,
Honestly its hard to tell how the interview went because the interviewers are SO nice and everyone leaves the interview room feeling good, but not everyone can get in, so to answer ur question, not bad, but not sure what that really means. No other acceptances, so I really hope I get this.

The interview is over around 2:30, but there is SOOO much downtime, u actually spend about 2 and half hours actually doing things, most of the time you sit around. But traffic isn't that bad in Phoenix (tho being from chicago any kinda traffic doesn't seem as bad) and getting around is easy (also a chicago perspective) so depending on your flight you can check out daycares, and glendale is like a residential suburb so you should be able to find something, i assume

Hey, quick question for anyone that already interviewed at AZCOM. Were there any guests allowed during the interview day? My parents are interested in visiting, especially during the tour.
Thanks

I didn't see anyone with guests but I dont think they mind, there is a sitting area before u interview where i assume ur parents would wait, Although im not sure about if they can use meal cards

 

[sereen09]

Hey, quick question for anyone that already interviewed at AZCOM. Were there any guests allowed during the interview day? My parents are interested in visiting, especially during the tour.
Thanks

There was actually an interviewee's mom that rode along on our tour, lunch etc. So I believe they are open to guests. I would just suggest you call administration and ask/let them know your parents are interested in visiting. It didn't seem to be a problem.

 

[EEL08]

Thanks for the reply goose!! I was able to get a flight that leaves Phoenix at 7:59 p.m. so I will be able to squeeze a little time to visit some daycares. It's a good thing I have GPS! 😀

 

[goosemac]

Thanks for the reply goose!! I was able to get a flight that leaves Phoenix at 7:59 p.m. so I will be able to squeeze a little time to visit some daycares. It's a good thing I have GPS! 😀

No problem EEL, thank you for asking about my interview, 7:59 should give you enough time to search for daycares, especially if you have GPS to guide you, my flight left at 5:25 and I had plenty of time to change, shoot baskets at their courts for about 45 minutes, went to the Arrowhead mall, returned my rentacar and got my flight(although my flight already started boarding and you need to check in half an hour before, so that was a little stupid on my part being that risky about it)

 

[StriveToBeDr]

Does anyone know what is the acceptance rate for after an interview? Especially for those who are interviewed at the end of Feburary. Are those for spots on waitlist?

thanks

 

[Ki45toryu]

^^ I thought they were trying to keep all the students around ariz area for rotations?? anyone know anything about this?

Kindof. 3rd year rotations, non-elective are done mostly in state and surrounding area. 4th year they allow some leeway, and of course electives are open.

 

[EEL08]

Does anyone know what is the acceptance rate for after an interview? Especially for those who are interviewed at the end of Feburary. Are those for spots on waitlist?

thanks

I was just wondering when are you interviewing?

 

[StriveToBeDr]

I was just wondering when are you interviewing?

Feb 26

 

[EEL08]

Feb 26

Just a few days before me. Well I'm hoping there's still a good chance to get in but of course I don't know. I'm trying to hunt down anyone who is interviewing on 2/29 but no luck so far.