AZCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[matlabsux]

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I mostly agree. However, there are some pros to having less dissection time.

Any current students want to tell us how they feel about having so many students per body? Pros/Cons?

I have studies anatomy at the graduate level already. One of the best ways I found to learn such a brute force memorization heavy subject (like antomy) was to see it.

Maybe it's just me, but I find being active with the information and actually seeing the arteries, veins and nerves you were studying helped to make the massive amount of info stick. It's like math, if you learn to solve the problem yourself, you remember it better. If someone just solves it for you and gives it to you, you never get to make that journey yourself. I know UMich has good videos, but it's not the same. That's why I am wary of schools that minimze diessection time or use prosected bodies. Thankfully my antomy class was only 4 people total per body and we got to do it al ourselves with minimal help from instructors.

Cbear, besides the extra time that would be given to your schedule, what do you see as the advantages to minimal dissection?

 

[MossPoh]

Any idea why this could have happened, esp. considering you've already been accepted elsewhere? Please PM me if you don't want to post here and if you have the time -- I was looking at the interview FB site and I have to admit some of the questions looked a bit tough :/

I suppose they just didn't see what they wanted in me. I don't think I answered the "Why DO?" question to their liking. The interviewers were nice and friendly though. We laughed and it was all very relaxed...they do give that damn swiveling chair which I realized by the end was probably distracting them as I moved back and forth. I also kind of danced around a question a bit. It wasn't a hard interview, but I think I went in a bit cocky and with my mind on other things. One important thing is to never take it personally. It is very hard for me to NOT take it personally, but it is just the nature of the game.

 

[Cp22kjer]

besides the extra time that would be given to your schedule, what do you see as the advantages to minimal dissection?

You didn't ask me but.....less time wasted cutting past/around/through things. Get in. Identify. Conceptualize. Get out. I just think it would make the process quicker.....but hey some people want to experience EVERY thing pertaining to dissection.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I have studies anatomy at the graduate level already. One of the best ways I found to learn such a brute force memorization heavy subject (like antomy) was to see it.

Maybe it's just me, but I find being active with the information and actually seeing the arteries, veins and nerves you were studying helped to make the massive amount of info stick. It's like math, if you learn to solve the problem yourself, you remember it better. If someone just solves it for you and gives it to you, you never get to make that journey yourself. I know UMich has good videos, but it's not the same. That's why I am wary of schools that minimze diessection time or use prosected bodies. Thankfully my antomy class was only 4 people total per body and we got to do it al ourselves with minimal help from instructors.

Cbear, besides the extra time that would be given to your schedule, what do you see as the advantages to minimal dissection?

These two pretty much say what I would have. I like hands-on learning, but I still see a silver lining of more time. However, perhaps some wouldn't need the extra time if they had done the cuts...

It seems really difficult for me to say what would work better for me, let alone everyone else. Thus, I won't worry about it so much, but was curious as to what I might be getting myself into.

Some of us barely have enough time to study as much as we need to for the classes we have, I can't even imagine trying to (or even wanting to) squeeze more dissection time in. There are people who like dissecting more than others so if you're one of those gung-ho people you can get plenty of dissection time, imo. I don't think having four students per body is a lot at all but I don't know how other schools do it.

It works out well that sometimes when we're doing something on both sides (e.g. palm) we can have two students working on each side. Plus there are things we need to identify and case questions we have so someone can always be looking at those and talking them over with the others while they're dissecting. I know someone asked about how late you can be in the lab and I'm not entirely sure since I live a good distance from the school and I'm not on campus that late. I believe we were told the lab is open as late as the building is which I thought someone said was 8 p.m but don't quote me on that.

My looming question is: Is it irritating/offputting/counterproductive to come back to your body and someone else has made new cuts? You missed the part about navigating through that area. Thoughts?

You didn't ask me but.....less time wasted cutting past/around/through things. Get in. Identify. Conceptualize. Get out. I just think it would make the process quicker.....but hey some people want to experience EVERY thing pertaining to dissection.

I definitely might feel the same way. But it's hard to tell after only having undergrad anatomy.

 

[kund2]

I am just finishing up my CV and I am debating if I should include physician shadowing on it. I did not include it in my primary app because I didnt think that it fit into any of the categories. Does anyone have any advice for me??? Thanks!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I am just finishing up my CV and I am debating if I should include physician shadowing on it. I did not include it in my primary app because I didnt think that it fit into any of the categories. Does anyone have any advice for me??? Thanks!

My advice would have been to put it in both. You sure better include it in your CV, at least! 👍

 

[kund2]

Thanks CB!

 

[213965]

CB, what happens if I'm no longer doing an activity that was on my primaries and/or doing something new that wasn't on my primaries? Do I enclose a clarification and update letter in the secondary? I don't want to be accused of falsifying my app or even worse, be asked about how an activity is going that ended months ago at the interview!!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

CB, what happens if I'm no longer doing an activity that was on my primaries and/or doing something new that wasn't on my primaries? Do I enclose a clarification and update letter in the secondary? I don't want to be accused of falsifying my app or even worse, be asked about how an activity is going that ended months ago at the interview!!

It'd be fine to send an update, if you think they're worth mentioning or they're interesting things that you're likely to be asked about in an interview.

BTW I had one item in my primary that didn't end up happening. I got asked about it in one interview and I just explained why it was no longer applicable. No biggie.

 

[deleted172531]

CB, is AZCOM one of your top choices?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

CB, is AZCOM one of your top choices?

Many places to still hear from and consider. Just gathering info at the moment. Great school, though!


You?

 

[deleted172531]

Many places to still hear from and consider. Just gathering info at the moment. Great school, though!


You?

It's tied for second with Touro-CA for now. I think the school has a lot going for it in regards to its facilities and emphasis on doing well on the boards. If I don't get into Western it will be tough to choice between the two.

 

[slim78]

I'll chime in on the cadaver question. Much of the dissection process is tedious and sometimes I'm wondering what I could be studying while I'm sitting there removing fat or fascia. I, personally, would rather get in, learn what I need to on my own time, and then get out instead of waiting around.


I like doing the dissections, but a couple/few hours of that a week is enough for me. Especially since I can always come back on my own time and look at structures.

 

[qtpig]

anyone else interviewing on the 4th of Nov?!

 

[HCW212]

got my acceptance letter today, finally.

however, i also got my rejection letter CCOM today as well, which was my #1 choice. I guess today was a good and bad day.

good luck to everyone!

 

[deleted172531]

got my acceptance letter today, finally.

however, i also got my rejection letter CCOM today as well, which was my #1 choice. I guess today was a good and bad day.

good luck to everyone!

That's interesting.. I got those two letters on the same day as well. Good thing I prefer AZCOM. 😀 congrats👍

 

[Kal222]

Anyone interviewing on Nov. 10th?

 

[kdstephy]

anyone else interviewing on the 4th of Nov?!

I am!!! Does anybody have any suggestions on where to fly into or stay? Thanks!

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I am!!! Does anybody have any suggestions on where to fly into or stay? Thanks!

Check the interview feedback. You'll get a lot more great info there, too! 👍

 

[kdstephy]

Check the interview feedback. You'll get a lot more great info there, too! 👍

Thanks, CB- I checked my email after posting my comment because I was so excited to receive the invite...

You are right, it contains a bunch of useful information!

 

[rajaholick]

I'm finally submitted my AZCOM secondary, then was going to send in my letters of rec when I realized I never received an official email from AZCOM asking to complete the secondary...
Is this done through snail mail for AZCOM? maybe I misplaced the letter or something...

 

[Spooner13]

I'm finally submitted my AZCOM secondary, then was going to send in my letters of rec when I realized I never received an official email from AZCOM asking to complete the secondary...
Is this done through snail mail for AZCOM? maybe I misplaced the letter or something...

I got mine through email. And like others have said on SDN, make sure to check the junkbox of your email because sometimes secondaries end up in there.

Good luck

 

[ScaldingLake]

anyone else interviewing on the 4th of Nov?!

See you there!

 

[skiracr456]

That's interesting.. I got those two letters on the same day as well. Good thing I prefer AZCOM. 😀 congrats👍

Did you interview at CCOM? or just get a rejection letter?

 

[213965]

If any current INTERVIEWED or ATTENDING students have the time, can you please PM me with why AZCOM, why you chose the school over others, and honest assessments of strengths/weaknesses?

For personal and financial reasons, I've decided to withdraw all other applications and interviews for this cycle except AZCOM's and one other state school.

Also, under the "why AZCOM" secondary or interview question, would it help or hurt my case to mention I've decided to only apply to 2 schools this cycle?

Thanks guys.

 

[deleted172531]

Did you interview at CCOM? or just get a rejection letter?

Just a post-secondary rejection letter.

 

[Character]

any acceptances lately??

 

[shlifer]

Just interviewed at AZCOM on monday. I liked the school. really nice facilities...but i gotta say....the kids we met were not that excited about the school. In particular, one complained about the changing class schedules and the ;ack of time to study for the boards due to some new class the new dean added.

Peronally, i was more impressed with Western but they jsut put me on the alternate list so im very bummed. Im really hoping i get into AZCOM now so i can have some secuarity about next year.

Has anyone heard of these issues with the new dean? any AZCOM students have postitive things to say about the changing situation at AZCOM.

Thanks.

 

[French MD]

Hey man interviewed with you at AZCOM monday... sorry to hear about the waitlist... if it makes you feel any better I still don't have an interview invite...

I am also hoping to secure one acceptance so I can breath a sigh of releif!

 

[shlifer]

HEy French MD. I do beleive we flew back together. Remember how i said that i dont feel good until i have that acceptance in hand.....welll, this is exactly why. im now really hoping that i didnt mess up my interview at AZCOM. I would really love to get an acceptance.....lets jsut stay postitive....and hopefully i will see you in 9 months at Western 🙂

 

[Proctodoc]

Does anyone know if AZCOM is ok with rescheduling interviews once scheduled? I am waiting to hear from some schools before I go out there to interview. If I get into CCOM I won't be going out to AZCOM. Also, are they able to schedule me in for sometime in January, which is pretty far out? I have this whole schematic drawn out but basically, if I don't get into CCOM or UIC or Touro-Harlem, I want to combine AZCOM, SOMA, Western U, and Touro-NV into one big west coast tour of interviews in January (when my PTO days at work are reset). Think these schools would be willing to work with me on that?

 

[matlabsux]

I interviewed @ azcom on 10/14 and I want to see how long you guys or gals had to wait after the interview to hear from azcom about a decision.

 

[meganmarie]

Does anyone know if AZCOM is ok with rescheduling interviews once scheduled? I am waiting to hear from some schools before I go out there to interview. If I get into CCOM I won't be going out to AZCOM. Also, are they able to schedule me in for sometime in January, which is pretty far out? I have this whole schematic drawn out but basically, if I don't get into CCOM or UIC or Touro-Harlem, I want to combine AZCOM, SOMA, Western U, and Touro-NV into one big west coast tour of interviews in January (when my PTO days at work are reset). Think these schools would be willing to work with me on that?

Honestly, I rescheduled my AZCOM interview like 3 times because I could not find any reasonable airfare, and it was easy to do online. I think CCOM limits to one reschedule, but AZCOM doesn't seem to limit. Good luck!!

 

[French MD]

I know how you feel ( yeah that was me). Hey but my western intervie is on Jan 15 so I think I may put the deposit down for AZCOM bc I really liked the school... still got the touros to do though so we will see good luck.

HEy French MD. I do beleive we flew back together. Remember how i said that i dont feel good until i have that acceptance in hand.....welll, this is exactly why. im now really hoping that i didnt mess up my interview at AZCOM. I would really love to get an acceptance.....lets jsut stay postitive....and hopefully i will see you in 9 months at Western 🙂

 

[Proctodoc]

Thanks much for the info meganmarie!

 

[whoknows2008]

sorry it cut off my post ... see below!

 

[whoknows2008]

I interviewed @ azcom on 10/14 and I want to see how long you guys or gals had to wait after the interview to hear from azcom about a decision.

It look me about two weeks, but I think it depends where you interview during the month. If I remember right, the ADCOM only meets once a month, toward the end of the month. Hope that helps! Good luck!

 

[Dciple]

A couple quick questions:

1. Since AZ is relatively hot, did you guys leave your suit jackets on the entire time? Is it appropriate to take it off?

2. Can anyone give a definitive answer for how long it takes to hear back from AZCOM? Has it taken anyone over 2 weeks to hear back? My interview is 10/31...

3. What exactly happens during the interview day for those of you that interviewed? 7:45 - 2:30 seems like a LONG day....lol

Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[HCW212]

A couple quick questions:

1. Since AZ is relatively hot, did you guys leave your suit jackets on the entire time? Is it appropriate to take it off?

2. Can anyone give a definitive answer for how long it takes to hear back from AZCOM? Has it taken anyone over 2 weeks to hear back? My interview is 10/31...

3. What exactly happens during the interview day for those of you that interviewed? 7:45 - 2:30 seems like a LONG day....lol

Thanks in advance 🙂

I interviewed sometime in mid/late September and I'll try to address your questions with as much as i can remember:

1) nobody took their coats off; it wasn't THAT hot to take it off since you do go insdie buildings which are AC'd, and i believe it has gotten cooler in AZ now than in september, so you shouldn't have to worry about the heat.

2) i dont remember how long it took to hear back...but 2 weeks sounds about right...i think lol

3) there is A LOT of downtime during interviews. you'll be sitting and waiting for about an hour while everyone else is interviewing. then you get lunch, tour, financial aid presentation, and the usual.

 

[225397]

.=)

 

[Chocolate Bear]

A couple quick questions:

1. Since AZ is relatively hot, did you guys leave your suit jackets on the entire time? Is it appropriate to take it off?

2. Can anyone give a definitive answer for how long it takes to hear back from AZCOM? Has it taken anyone over 2 weeks to hear back? My interview is 10/31...

3. What exactly happens during the interview day for those of you that interviewed? 7:45 - 2:30 seems like a LONG day....lol

Thanks in advance 🙂

1. Yes, a bunch of people took off their coats. It's fine, regardless of which school's interview you're talking about. Just leave the jacket on during the actual interview. The rest of the day, it's completely acceptable to take it off. Though you'll find that no one is comfortable enough to do so upon arrival--everyone loosens up as the day goes on.

2. Don't they meet once a month? It could take a month, if that's the case.

3. A couple of presentations, lunch, a tour, the interview, and a few hours of waiting--though it's mostly while others are around, so it's not so bad.

Check out the interview feedback page for some more info (in my signature, if you need a link).

 

[slim78]

Hey everyone-- interviewed 10/14, accepted 10/24 !
Looking forward to meeting my future classmates!
Can someone start a facebook group?

Also I would love to hear more feedback from current students =)

What would you like to know?

AZCOM is great so far. I'm really glad I decided to come here. Professors are intelligent and engaging, the administration is helpful and supportive, students all seem to get along great with each other.

I hope you enjoy taking exams because you will be doing a lot of it. We spend almost all day every Monday taking exams. It feels like taking the MCAT once a week. You may ask yourself "How is it possible to cover that much testable information in one week?" And you'd be surprised how much info they can cram into 7 hours a day of lecture. Also you usually alternate between subjects. Like anatomy/histo/embryo exams one Monday and then biochem the next. So like this Monday since we haven't had a biochem test in 2 weeks our exam will cover 15 lectures and 2 workshops.

Basically this means that you go to class for 7 hours a day, study for 4-5 hours at night, and then study ~12 hours on Saturday and again on Sunday to be ready for your Monday exams. Friday is the worst day of the week and Monday after the exams is the best.

Anything else you want to know, just ask. I've had a few people ask me about rotation stuff and the truth is that as a first year I have very little info on that.

-Slim

 

[Character]

Hey everyone-- interviewed 10/14, accepted 10/24 !
Looking forward to meeting my future classmates!
Can someone start a facebook group?

Also I would love to hear more feedback from current students =)

How DID YOU FIND OUT??????? PLEASE!! is your matriculation payment status page updated??

 

[Character]

btw, congrats!!

 

[Dciple]

Thanks for the quick responses 🙂

1 more quick question:

For the interview question, "why medicine?" Is it cool to basically go off of your personaly statement? Obviously not word for word and I would add in a little more depth, but isn't that basically the same thing?

Is that what other people did?

Thanks in advance!!

-DCiple

 

[xavier2000]

How does the "waitlist for an interview" work at AZCOM? Does it move at all? Kind of sucks to even be put on the waitlist for just an interview.

 

[yogitoe]

Any Jews going to AZCOM next fall? I noticed there's not a hillel or JSA.Does anyone know if you can do clinical at the native american reservations in Arizona?

 

[robertoniinii]

For those who are awaiting an acceptance letter, I called in two Fridays after my interview and the Secretary in the front office told me over the phone that I had been accepted. Good luck and maybe we'll see you in August!

 

[matlabsux]

I am in. finally after 2 wait-list decisions! AZCOM is a bit too expensive ($70k/year) but hey, beggars can't be choosers. For thos of you interested in a timeframe.

AACOMAS Submitted: 7/20
AZCOM Secondary Received: 8/14
AZCOM complete: 9/4
Invite: 9/15
Interview: 10/14
Acceptance: 10/27

 

[French MD]

Interviewed on 10/20 and I just called them to find out i got in!!!