AZCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

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Did you get an email from CCOM for your pre-rejection or something else? I'm just curious as to how you found out about that.

Like Runner, I got my rejection snail mail months after the cycle ended. I don't know why I didn't hear from them, but I didn't hear from a lot of places, so the more I look into it, the more I'm glad things worked out. Like they say, you only need 1 😉
 
interviewed at AzCOM and preinterview rejection from CCOM
Same here. I received an interview invite for AZCOM in september, only about 2 days after submitting my secondary (submitted AZCOM and CCOM secondaries at the same time). I heard nothing from CCOM for 2.5 months and got a pre-interview rejection letter in the mail.

Oh well, I'd take AZCOM over CCOM annnyyy day- love the Phoenix area way more than Chicago (among other things).
 
Just cancelled my interview scheduled for January 22. Best of luck to everyone and Happy New Year! 🙂
 
hey guys,

just wanted to make it known I cancelled my interview for jan. 26.

good luck everyone and happy new year
 
Wow, I hope people who posted earlier for spots check this. There are some nice openings now.

Good luck to you all who canceled and thanks for letting us know 🙂
 
Anyone else interviewing on jan 25th? Also for anyone who has been accepted any tips or info for me? Any help could be appreciated
 
Hey all,

I'm really late applying to AZCOM. I already submitted my secondaries to a bunch of MD schools and have been rejected at about a quarter of them. I'm filling out my DO apps now, and trying to answer this question:

Why do you believe AZCOM/CCOM would provide you with the type of osteopathic medical education you are seeking?

What do you guys think about AZCOM? What should I write about? I've heard that students at CCOM take a few of their classes mixed with other programs... like pharmacology will have DO students and pharm students. Is this the same at AZCOM? Are a decent amount of the classes like this? Are the lectures posted online?

For those of you who go to AZCOM, or have visited, what do you specifically like about AZCOM? Thanks guys.
 
Anyone else interviewing on jan 25th? Also for anyone who has been accepted any tips or info for me? Any help could be appreciated

Yeah man I'll be there. I'll be the tall kid with glasses from Texas. Are you staying with a current student or at a hotel? I have a buddy going to AT Still right now who should let me stay with him but I haven't heard form him so I'm thinking about asking if there are any current students that might let me crash at their place the night before the interview.

If there are any current students willing to let me crash that sunday night the 24th I would appreciate it. pm me.
 
Are some classes mixed with students from different schools? For example, Is pharmacology taken with pharm students? Or biochem taken with other types of students?
 
Are some classes mixed with students from different schools? For example, Is pharmacology taken with pharm students? Or biochem taken with other types of students?


We take classes with the Podiatry students. There's about 40ish of them and 250 of us, so our classes (with the exception of OMM) have around 300. Every other week we have a one hour interdisciplinary class with the first years from every other program.
 
I'm super excited to start AZCOM this fall.

Anyway, I've been out of school for a few years now and am worried that I'll have a hard time keeping up once school starts. Are there any textbooks I can read in order to prepare myself? Suggestions?
 
I'm super excited to start AZCOM this fall.

Anyway, I've been out of school for a few years now and am worried that I'll have a hard time keeping up once school starts. Are there any textbooks I can read in order to prepare myself? Suggestions?


I had that attitude before school too, and didn't believe it when people told me to just enjoy my time before M1 because I'll have plenty to study then. I thought it made sense to get a leg up by trying to read textbooks and learning all I could beforehand. But now that I'm on the other side, I agree with the advice I was given. Don't worry about med school until you're in med school. It's hard to commit to memory the concepts that individual professors consider important when you haven't even met the instructors. I was out of school for a few years too, and yeah it's a bit of an adjustment, but the extended first quarter is a great transition back into school. You'll be just fine without studying a single page before orientation.

But, if you're really gung-ho about looking into some reading, I recommend Lippincott's Biochemistry and BRS Physiology. Those are two of the four books I've actually cracked open so far this year and should provide a lot of reading material 🙂
 
+1 to what fratelli said. Enjoy your time off and get things settled for when the start. If you must read something, I suggest Netter for the pretty pictures 🙂 Don't bother trying to memorize or get concepts down. You'll have plenty of time for that.
 
Yeah man I'll be there. I'll be the tall kid with glasses from Texas. Are you staying with a current student or at a hotel? I have a buddy going to AT Still right now who should let me stay with him but I haven't heard form him so I'm thinking about asking if there are any current students that might let me crash at their place the night before the interview.

If there are any current students willing to let me crash that sunday night the 24th I would appreciate it. pm me.

Ill be staying at the candelwood suites? it was one of the ones on AZCOM's interview page. right now im reading up on the interview feedback page to see what to expect, but it should be interesting!
 
From the interview feedback it looks like all the ethical questions they ask are pretty standard questions. Shouldn't be too intense from what I've read so far. I can't wait to visit phoenix.
 
Hey everyone- I am going to be withdrawing my application and freeing up my interview on 1/25 (in like 2 minutes). It's only 2 weeks away, but maybe if someone is close they'll be able to snatch it up. Good luck!
 
Hey everyone- I am going to be withdrawing my application and freeing up my interview on 1/25 (in like 2 minutes). It's only 2 weeks away, but maybe if someone is close they'll be able to snatch it up. Good luck!


Thanks. I snatched it.
 
I just cancelled my interview for Feb 23rd b/c i deposited elsewhere..hopefully that helps someone out! good luck!
 
From the interview feedback it looks like all the ethical questions they ask are pretty standard questions. Shouldn't be too intense from what I've read so far. I can't wait to visit phoenix.

Yeah, it's pretty standard, but remember, some interviewers focus on that resume you submitted because that might be all they have time to read. I made my undergrad research fairly prominent on it so we spent a good 50% of the time talking just about that back and forth. Just my situation.

Good luck to you 🙂
 
I just canceled my interview for Jan. 22nd (Friday)...just a heads up for whoever wants to move their date up
 
Yeah, it's pretty standard, but remember, some interviewers focus on that resume you submitted because that might be all they have time to read. I made my undergrad research fairly prominent on it so we spent a good 50% of the time talking just about that back and forth. Just my situation.

Good luck to you 🙂

Thanks man. I have a bunch of clinical physics stuff on there as well so I'm gonna have to brush up on that a little bit.

Aren't you a first year flushot? If you are how's it going so far?
 
hey everyone - I'm interviewing January 27th, had some questions about travel and hotel. What airport this every fly to? Phoenix? And how exactly do people get to glendale, renting a car? and what is the closest place to stay in order to get to the campus? any help would be appreciated, looked on the interview feedback but that wasn't much help
 
hey everyone - I'm interviewing January 27th, had some questions about travel and hotel. What airport this every fly to? Phoenix? And how exactly do people get to glendale, renting a car? and what is the closest place to stay in order to get to the campus? any help would be appreciated, looked on the interview feedback but that wasn't much help


When I interviewed last year, I flew into Sky Harbor and got a Supershuttle to the hotel. It was $24 and you literally walk out of baggage claim and find a blue-shirted Supershuttle employee (you can also ask around if you're unsure where to go). I stayed at the Comfort Inn on 19th and Union Hills because it offered a free shuttle to the school (I think it was 80 for a night). If you'd like something closer, considering that's 50 blocks away, I'd probably recommend something by Arrowhead Mall. If you Google Map the zipcode 85308 and then do a hotel search in that area, a whole bunch of things will come up. I'd recommend the free shuttle thing though. They know where they're going, so if you don't have to find your own way, it's one less stressor for you that morning.

Hope that helps; let me know if you have any other questions!
 
Hi, just wondering if anyone that was placed under "waitlist for interview" got called for one... Thanks!
 
Hi, just wondering if anyone that was placed under "waitlist for interview" got called for one... Thanks!

It does happen. I would continue to inquire about your position, but from just anecdotal experience, my classmates (from AZCOM's SMP) were on it until March-April, in which they went in for their interview. It worked out in the end for most of them, but that might to stressful. Just keep calling them and see if you can send any additional materials.
 
It does happen. I would continue to inquire about your position, but from just anecdotal experience, my classmates (from AZCOM's SMP) were on it until March-April, in which they went in for their interview. It worked out in the end for most of them, but that might to stressful. Just keep calling them and see if you can send any additional materials.

Thanks flushot! I'll continue to find out my status, so hopefully some good news soon...:xf::xf:
 
hey everyone - I'm interviewing January 27th, had some questions about travel and hotel. What airport this every fly to? Phoenix? And how exactly do people get to glendale, renting a car? and what is the closest place to stay in order to get to the campus? any help would be appreciated, looked on the interview feedback but that wasn't much help

When I interviewed I flew into Phoenix, which was a 20 minute drive from Glendale. My mom met me there so we could have a little mother/daughter weekend (I live 2,000 miles away from her so it was really nice). She rented us a car and we stayed in Peoria, which is about a 15 minute drive from the campus. It's definitely not the closest area to stay in, but the Phoenix airport was easy if you're planning on renting a car.
 
Anyone else interviewing on jan 25th? Also for anyone who has been accepted any tips or info for me? Any help could be appreciated

I'll be at least the second Texan there that day.

Also, does anybody know if there is anything planned for family/friends traveling with us, such as their own tour, presentations, etc?
 
I'll be at least the second Texan there that day.

Also, does anybody know if there is anything planned for family/friends traveling with us, such as their own tour, presentations, etc?

I'm pretty sure there's nothing organized for parents/friends, but I doubt anyone would stop them from wandering around the campus a little bit...
 
Hello. I'm really hoping to spend my clinical years in CA which is where I'm from. What's the likelihood of me getting assigned to a CA hospital? Good? Bad? I know it's lottery based... is it purely random?
 
Hello. I'm really hoping to spend my clinical years in CA which is where I'm from. What's the likelihood of me getting assigned to a CA hospital? Good? Bad? I know it's lottery based... is it purely random?


Our class actually has a meeting with the deans on Thursday to talk about our questions on rotations. We might be able to give better answers later this week.🙂
 
Our class actually has a meeting with the deans on Thursday to talk about our questions on rotations. We might be able to give better answers later this week.🙂

Ooh, I would be extremely interested in learning more about CA rotations as well 🙂
 
The only CA rotations are in L.A. and Turlock which is in the central valley between Merced and Modesto. From what I heard from 2nd years, if you want the Turlock rotation site, you can pretty much grab it without conflict. The LA rotation might be a little bit more desirable though.

Bring an umbrella if you are interviewing this week because the heavens have opened.
 
just dropped my interview for feb. 1st if anyone needs it.
 
Hello everyone, I currently have an interview at Western in the beginning of February, so if anyone is giving up their interview spot during that time period, feel free to PM me so I don't have to fly out to the west coast twice!! I live in NC, so I'd try to make this trip as cost efficient as possible!
 
I have an interview at AZCOM next month and am debating on whether or not to attend bc I've been accepted at ATSU-KCOM. I really like KCOM but want to check out AZCOM too. Unfortunately plane tickets are not cheap!

Has anyone interviewed at both or have any thoughts?
 
I have an interview at AZCOM next month and am debating on whether or not to attend bc I've been accepted at ATSU-KCOM. I really like KCOM but want to check out AZCOM too. Unfortunately plane tickets are not cheap!

Has anyone interviewed at both or have any thoughts?

I don't know anything about KCOM so it's really up to you. If you have any specific questions about AZCOM, I'll try to help but really, I would check it out if you can.

I got this question PM and here is my response.
Hi Flushot,

MWU has sim labs for a couple of programs, but there is nothing mentioned about there being one for AZCOM? Also, do they utilize standardized patients?
Also, if you had any suggestions for the interview, I'd greatly appreciate them.
Thanks for the help and your time!

Hey,

We do standardized patients and the new complex is going to expand on AZCOM's current rooms. You could ask them about the progress for this, since most of the hype is currently for dental and optometry.

My suggestions would be to prepare to go in depth about your resume, because sometimes, that will be all they ever read. Other than that, just relax and get ready for the usual questions (why medicine, why DO, why AZCOM, etc.).

Good luck and let us know in the thread how it goes.
 
So, I'm curious what happened with the regional rotations? In the powerpoint FluShot gave, it says that students would find out their results on Dec. 21 (unless you go to the lottery in January).
Did they have to go to the lottery system, or did everyone get the region that they wanted?

Also, when it says "Rotation spin will occur in Spring 2010," does that mean that you don't get any preferences? Is it purely random? Or is it like Touro where you get to rank a few preferences like pediatrics at such-and-such hospital, vacation in september for wedding, etc.
 
So, I'm curious what happened with the regional rotations? In the powerpoint FluShot gave, it says that students would find out their results on Dec. 21 (unless you go to the lottery in January).
Did they have to go to the lottery system, or did everyone get the region that they wanted?

Also, when it says "Rotation spin will occur in Spring 2010," does that mean that you don't get any preferences? Is it purely random? Or is it like Touro where you get to rank a few preferences like pediatrics at such-and-such hospital, vacation in september for wedding, etc.

You know, we just had a presentation about this today. I don't have the powerpoint, but once I get the time, I will summarize and explain everything about the 3 'spins' the second years will take to decide their 3rd year.

Just stay tuned; if you don't see me post anything by this Sunday, shoot me a PM.
 
You know, we just had a presentation about this today. I don't have the powerpoint, but once I get the time, I will summarize and explain everything about the 3 'spins' the second years will take to decide their 3rd year.

Just stay tuned; if you don't see me post anything by this Sunday, shoot me a PM.

Great, thanks! 🙂
 
I'm dying to know, too. Thanks for the help.

You know, we just had a presentation about this today. I don't have the powerpoint, but once I get the time, I will summarize and explain everything about the 3 'spins' the second years will take to decide their 3rd year.

Just stay tuned; if you don't see me post anything by this Sunday, shoot me a PM.
 
I received a letter today saying I was "on hold" and will continue to be re-reviewed... I was pretty happy to see this, as I figured it was a rejection due to my low stats... anyways... does anyone have any experience with this situation??? Do I have a realistic shot at getting an interview later...or is this just putting off the inevitable rejection? Also, would a letter of interest be appropriate here? I also have two additional LORs I can send. Would any of this be helpful??AZCOM is definitely in my top couple of schools.
 
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Ok I should be studying, but I'll give a quick explanation. I'll add in more later but feel free to ask questions.

The first spin done back in Dec 2009 was for location. 2nd years would submit their top choices for region and they were assigned accordingly. Note that 2012 students were allowed to trade/sell their assignments, but Dr. Kemper said she will discontinue it, presumably due to the mess it creates.

The next spin will decide which hospitals in the region that each student will rotate in. Several hospitals require selection by Midwestern's committee such as Phoenix Children's hospital, due to its high profile status. More on this later...

The final spin will occur sometime in Spring quarter, and this will decide the order of rotations (FM first or IM, etc.). After this is decided, your 3rd year is set.

Note that specific hospitals may be required for all students in a region if it is the only hospital in the area with ward based teaching. Also, if you choose a rural area, you gain an additional elective. Otherwise, you will have to live in one of the rural areas for that rotation, but they will provide you housing if you choose one of the areas in the powerpoint I posted way back.

Some extra info: rotations in CA are still on and LA is one of them (22 spots for 2012 I believe). The Ohio CORE is still there, but far from mandatory. I'll make this clear that there are plenty of spots within AZ and with more opening up in CA, people will get their top 3 choice location at the very least. That said, things change every year, so it might be a little different when you all step up. At least you can see what happens to us beforehand.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll post more information as I recall it or when I get the powerpoint.
 
I received a letter today saying I was "on hold" and will continue to be re-reviewed... I was pretty happy to see this, as I figured it was a rejection due to my low stats... anyways... does anyone have any experience with this situation??? Do I have a realistic shot at getting an interview later...or is this just putting off the inevitable rejection? Also, would a letter of interest be appropriate here? I also have two additional LORs I can send. Would any of this be helpful??AZCOM is definitely in my top couple of schools.

Sorry, I didn't see your post.

From my understanding, you are on pre-interview hold, correct? I do not believe the additional LoRs will help, but talk to them first about your situation before you send off a LoI. In my experience, those haven't helped too much but it might be worth a shot.

I think it is important to call both admissions offices (there are two...the general one and AZCOM) and talk to them about your situation. Tell us what they said and maybe I can help more. Good luck.
 
Ok I should be studying, but I'll give a quick explanation. I'll add in more later but feel free to ask questions.

The first spin done back in Dec 2009 was for location. 2nd years would submit their top choices for region and they were assigned accordingly. Note that 2012 students were allowed to trade/sell their assignments, but Dr. Kemper said she will discontinue it, presumably due to the mess it creates.

The next spin will decide which hospitals in the region that each student will rotate in. Several hospitals require selection by Midwestern's committee such as Phoenix Children's hospital, due to its high profile status. More on this later...

The final spin will occur sometime in Spring quarter, and this will decide the order of rotations (FM first or IM, etc.). After this is decided, your 3rd year is set.

Note that specific hospitals may be required for all students in a region if it is the only hospital in the area with ward based teaching. Also, if you choose a rural area, you gain an additional elective. Otherwise, you will have to live in one of the rural areas for that rotation, but they will provide you housing if you choose one of the areas in the powerpoint I posted way back.

Some extra info: rotations in CA are still on and LA is one of them (22 spots for 2012 I believe). The Ohio CORE is still there, but far from mandatory. I'll make this clear that there are plenty of spots within AZ and with more opening up in CA, people will get their top 3 choice location at the very least. That said, things change every year, so it might be a little different when you all step up. At least you can see what happens to us beforehand.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll post more information as I recall it or when I get the powerpoint.

Just to clarify, the Class of 2012 was not allowed to sell any of their blocks. The associating prices to regional trades were started as soon as we were given our regional site from the lottery and was immediately banned by the Dean. We are allowed to currently do a individual block trade (which is a complete mess) that may not be allowed next year.

Just wanted to clear up the misinformation.

Mansoor Jatoi, OMS-II
AZCOM '12
Student Government President
 
Just to clarify, the Class of 2012 was not allowed to sell any of their blocks. The associating prices to regional trades were started as soon as we were given our regional site from the lottery and was immediately banned by the Dean. We are allowed to currently do a individual block trade (which is a complete mess) that may not be allowed next year.

Just wanted to clear up the misinformation.

Mansoor Jatoi, OMS-II
AZCOM '12
Student Government President

Would you mind telling us how many people got their first choice region?
 
Just to clarify, the Class of 2012 was not allowed to sell any of their blocks. The associating prices to regional trades were started as soon as we were given our regional site from the lottery and was immediately banned by the Dean. We are allowed to currently do a individual block trade (which is a complete mess) that may not be allowed next year.

Just wanted to clear up the misinformation.

Mansoor Jatoi, OMS-II
AZCOM '12
Student Government President

Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification.
 
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