AZCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

[Flushot]

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Don't forget you can waive your health insurance requirement if you're under your parents' plan. That's what I did.

And yes, the dental is a separate add-on to the Aetna plan.

 

[Compwarrior]

Hey all,

Just a reminder to those of you who have been accepted recently - join the AZCOM 2015 facebook group! Tell us about yourselves on the discussions tab... it has been interesting to get to know some of you before class starts. Everyone so far is surprisingly outdoorsy/athletic, no musicians yet though.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=158051064214073

There is also some information on places to rent, realtors, etc.

 

[fakeyellowlight]

I'm looking to justify the purchase of an iPad 2... Does anyone know anything in regards to whether or not AZCOM's required books and supplemental readings are available in a digital format? Thanks!

 

[randomusername]

I'm looking to justify the purchase of an iPad 2... Does anyone know anything in regards to whether or not AZCOM's required books and supplemental readings are available in a digital format? Thanks!

Honestly, the vast majority of classes all you need are the lecture notes (provided in .pdf or .ppt, 90% are .pdf) and Wikipedia. There are a number of the required texts (for us at least, they may change for 2015) available digitally though. There used to be a list in the 2014 Facebook group but it seems to have disappeared with the user that posted it...

 

[supermang]

I'm looking to justify the purchase of an iPad 2... Does anyone know anything in regards to whether or not AZCOM's required books and supplemental readings are available in a digital format? Thanks!

lol i bought one already with this very purpose in mind! make sure you get a good stylus to annotate the notes with. i got the Boxwave from Amazon, and am quite impressed.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

Anybody able to find a 2011 match list? I know it rarely means anything but the MDs have there's up! Are the AOA match lists published later or what?

 

[theone1979]

Can anyone comment on the overall quality of the rotations at AZCOM.

I believe they are primarily preceptor-based, which I honestly don't know whether that is a good thing or not.

I would also like to hear specifically about the quality of the LA rotation sites. Thanks.

 

[Umm]

I'm looking to justify the purchase of an iPad 2... Does anyone know anything in regards to whether or not AZCOM's required books and supplemental readings are available in a digital format? Thanks!

Like Random said, you won't really need most of the books (the one book I used most was my Netter's). That being said, some of the books have been passed down as ebooks. The only problem is, assuming the iPad is like a Macbook, I had to download a .Chm program to open many of them and I'm not sure iPad has a program for that. However, it's not like you'll be reading the books in class, so as long as you have a PC at home, you'll be ok.

 

[randomusername]

Anybody able to find a 2011 match list? I know it rarely means anything but the MDs have there's up! Are the AOA match lists published later or what?

Speicher's working on it. I don't know when the list will be available, but as previously mentioned by Flushot, rest assured it'll show up once it is.

 

[randomusername]

Can anyone comment on the overall quality of the rotations at AZCOM.

I believe they are primarily preceptor-based, which I honestly don't know whether that is a good thing or not.

I would also like to hear specifically about the quality of the LA rotation sites. Thanks.

Unfortunately, MS3s and MS4s don't really participate much on here nor are there a bunch of them running around on campus, so the best I can give is hearsay. The hearsay is: I haven't heard anything negative about any of the sites to suggest you shouldn't go there. Sure there are some preceptors that the school has to drop here and there (yes, they're mostly preceptor-based which has pros and cons just like ward-based does), but from the sounds of it the school does in fact deal with that when needed, which isn't often. As for LA, it's all the same hearsay as mentioned above. My class had web-meetings with regional liaisons when we were picking our regions and even after all of those chats, LA and Turlock/Modesto (and East and West Valley) had no trouble whatsoever filling up.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

Speicher's working on it. I don't know when the list will be available, but as previously mentioned by Flushot, rest assured it'll show up once it is.

Thanks dude.

Another quick question since we already picked third year rotations, how does selecting fourth year rotations work? Any chance we can do all of those in AZ?

 

[randomusername]

Thanks dude.

Another quick question since we already picked third year rotations, how does selecting fourth year rotations work? Any chance we can do all of those in AZ?

I believe your 4th year core rotations are done in your region and the other 20+ weeks are entirely up to you and where you want to rotate. So if you wanted to stay in Arizona all of 4th year, it likely won't be any issue whatsoever.

 

[Dyingduck]

When are you financial aid usually disburse?

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

I believe your 4th year core rotations are done in your region and the other 20+ weeks are entirely up to you and where you want to rotate. So if you wanted to stay in Arizona all of 4th year, it likely won't be any issue whatsoever.

That's pretty cool that they give you that time to do audition rotations and stuff. Hopefully scheduling those won't be too hard. Pretty set on EM, just hoping I can do it in a place that'll stress me (in a good way) and at the same time prepare me for whatever life throws my way. Do you have any idea what you're leaning towards?

 

[randomusername]

When are you financial aid usually disburse?

About 1-2 weeks after the quarter actually starts. Here's when our refund dates were for this year:
http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_...ccounts_Receivable/Refund_Dates_Glendale.html

Do you have any idea what you're leaning towards?

Nah, I just know I don't want to do psych or surgery.

 

[theone1979]

That's pretty cool that they give you that time to do audition rotations and stuff. Hopefully scheduling those won't be too hard. Pretty set on EM, just hoping I can do it in a place that'll stress me (in a good way) and at the same time prepare me for whatever life throws my way. Do you have any idea what you're leaning towards?

You may already know this, but all schools (as far as I know) give you the majority of year 4 to do your elective (audition) rotations. You usually have just a few core rotations left for year 4 but the rest can be spent anywhere you want, doing anything you want.

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

You may already know this, but all schools (as far as I know) give you the majority of year 4 to do your elective (audition) rotations. You usually have just a few core rotations left for year 4 but the rest can be spent anywhere you want, doing anything you want.

Honestly, I was surprised to hear that schools do this but I guess I was just misinformed for a long time. I remember when I was applying, everyone talked about how DMU is one of the better schools for this purpose, as if other schools don't leave much time for audition rotations. I didn't really know what was true and what wasn't back then. But I'm happy to hear that going to AZCOM won't keep me from this. There are quite a few places I'd love to check out if they'll have me during my fourth year.

 

[Flushot]

I have two friends who are moving out of the state for their 4th year. They're coming back when graduation hits. So, if you get in the paperwork on time, you don't have to be anywhere near the state or in the system for 4th year, even for the cores. I could be wrong about the core part since that's what they told me, but it seems it is possible.


It does seem like there are a lot of questions about the quality of 3rd and 4th year. I love posting on SDN and keeping people up to date, so I will undoubtedly keep posting next year. If 2015 people keep stopping by, I'm certain you'll hear a post or two about how things are going.

 

[Dyingduck]

Anyone else getting the cold shoulder from Dr. Speicher? It's been well over a week since I've submitted my rotation preferences and he hasn't answered my e-mails/returned my calls (and no I haven't been harassing). I hope this isn't a preview of what we'll be dealing with as students here 🙁.

The best way seems to be calling to confirm if he has received your email.

 

[theone1979]

Anyone else getting the cold shoulder from Dr. Speicher? It's been well over a week since I've submitted my rotation preferences and he hasn't answered my e-mails/returned my calls (and no I haven't been harassing). I hope this isn't a preview of what we'll be dealing with as students here 🙁.

It took almost 2 weeks for him to get back to me and I made several phone calls and 2 emails. He did eventually get back to me though and secured my first choice for rotations (LA). I honestly don't blame him for the delay. He must be getting FLOODED with phone calls and emails from recently accepted students. I'm sure he will get back to you, it might just take a bit.

 

[randomusername]

Anyone else getting the cold shoulder from Dr. Speicher? It's been well over a week since I've submitted my rotation preferences and he hasn't answered my e-mails/returned my calls (and no I haven't been harassing). I hope this isn't a preview of what we'll be dealing with as students here 🙁.

This has been discussed recently but in his defense for right now, there is a lot going on (2nd year tracks [the actual layout of their rotations] to deal with, the match material to compile, interviews still ongoing, and a ton of 2015ers trying to send in their requests). Just sit tight and if you haven't heard back from him in another week or two, try contacting him again.

 

[Flushot]

I think he's mostly dealing with current 3rd years trying to figure out their 4th year, not to mention dealing with us 2nd years for next year. Just wait a week or two and give him or his office a call.

 

[DocMiles]

Speaking of 3rd year rotations, I just got assigned to my 1st choice: West Valley!!! Sent my rotation preferences off two weeks ago. There were several other names attached to the email I received so they might be beginning to go out today.

 

[supermang]

Speaking of 3rd year rotations, I just got assigned to my 1st choice: West Valley!!! Sent my rotation preferences off two weeks ago. There were several other names attached to the email I received so they might be beginning to go out today.

Indeed they are. I finally got confirmation to my #1 as well: TUCSON!!! 😍Any SDNers spending 2013-14 in the Dirty T with me?

 

[Chowda]

Update: I guess I complained too soon. 1st choice location secured! Whooo 👍

 

[supermang]

Update: I guess I complained too soon. 1st choice location secured! Whooo 👍

where ya goin??

 

[Chowda]

where ya goin??

Cali grown so I gotta go to LA!

 

[Ellie08]

Hi All!

I am wondering if anyone knows about how full the upcoming entering class is? I had an interview this week but had to reschedule for April. I am wondering if there will still be spots open?

Thanks!
El

 

[lftbndlbrnchblk]

Hi All!

I am wondering if anyone knows about how full the upcoming entering class is? I had an interview this week but had to reschedule for April. I am wondering if there will still be spots open?

Thanks!
El

I have no idea how full the class is, but if they're still willing to interview you in April, they probably like you 🙂 Good luck!

 

[noshie]

Hi All!

I am wondering if anyone knows about how full the upcoming entering class is? I had an interview this week but had to reschedule for April. I am wondering if there will still be spots open?

Thanks!
El

Even if the class is full, which I bet it isn't since they seem to try and fill it a little at a time, there will be many accepted applicants that drop their acceptance this summer when they get off of other school waitlists... Having an interview this late won't hurt you too much I think.

 

[randomusername]

For those of you wondering about projected tuition costs for this upcoming school year, it will reflect only a "nominal" increase to $50,129...

 

[AGLAIA]

For those of you wondering about projected tuition costs for this upcoming school year, it will reflect only a "nominal" increase to $50,129...

Is that just tuition or does that include fees?

 

[pPKB]

Is that just tuition or does that include fees?

Nope. Just tuition.

 

[Flushot]

For those of you wondering about projected tuition costs for this upcoming school year, it will reflect only a "nominal" increase to $50,129...

Although this is kind of standard (~$4-5k increase per year), it's been a major factor dragging AZCOM down. No one is really happy about it and it should play a factor on whether or not you want to come here.

That said, think hard about the years ahead and be smart about spending. I think it is insane that students are getting married during these years and even worse having children, even if there is an extra source of income. If you already have these costs, do what you can, but try your best to live way below your means for a few years and it'll be paid off before you know it.

For example, I have no couch, TV, dresser or table (beyond my desk of course) in my studio. I also have no plan on getting anything of the sort in the next 7 years. I don't need it and will not need it in residency either. I still laugh when I have a friend or classmate come over to see the vast emptiness of my place

EDIT - I'd like to add that even though a lot of it is kind of a drop in the bucket in terms of cost, it's more about the mentality. I don't need new gadgets (ex. iPad) or furniture. I don't need to buy or even rent a house anytime in the next 10 years. I can live like a poor student even as an attending with no problem and I think this is what you need to get used to if you hope to pay off the debt in 3 years or so.

 

[fratelli]

Although this is kind of standard (~$4-5k increase per year), it's been a major factor dragging AZCOM down. No one is really happy about it and it should play a factor on whether or not you want to come here.

That said, think hard about the years ahead and be smart about spending. I think it is insane that students are getting married during these years and even worse having children, even if there is an extra source of income. If you already have these costs, do what you can, but try your best to live way below your means for a few years and it'll be paid off before you know it.

For example, I have no couch, TV, dresser or table (beyond my desk of course) in my studio. I also have no plan on getting anything of the sort in the next 7 years. I don't need it and will not need it in residency either. I still laugh when I have a friend or classmate come over to see the vast emptiness of my place

EDIT - I'd like to add that even though a lot of it is kind of a drop in the bucket in terms of cost, it's more about the mentality. I don't need new gadgets (ex. iPad) or furniture. I don't need to buy or even rent a house anytime in the next 10 years. I can live like a poor student even as an attending with no problem and I think this is what you need to get used to if you hope to pay off the debt in 3 years or so.

Wow, I think you might be going a bit overboard here. We're not in a buddhist monastery here; we're in an expensive medical school. When I moved here, I perused Craigslist and got a bed, dresser, TV, desk, bookshelf and endtable from a guy for $100. Living cheaply does not mean you have to deprive yourself of a cozy standard of living. No, I don't own a Porche or a beemer like some people who live here do, but I'd like to think that I live comfortably. And no, I don't take out the maximum in student loans.

Be careful telling people that you think it's "insane" to get married or have kids in med school. Sometimes love and family is a bit more important than getting an A on an anatomy exam.

With that said, tuition here blows. Especially for people who want to go into primary care. It definitely is something to consider if you hold mulitple acceptances.

 

[Flushot]

Wow, I think you might be going a bit overboard here. We're not in a buddhist monastery here; we're in an expensive medical school. When I moved here, I perused Craigslist and got a bed, dresser, TV, desk, bookshelf and endtable from a guy for $100. Living cheaply does not mean you have to deprive yourself of a cozy standard of living. No, I don't own a Porche or a beemer like some people who live here do, but I'd like to think that I live comfortably. And no, I don't take out the maximum in student loans.

Be careful telling people that you think it's "insane" to get married or have kids in med school. Sometimes love and family is a bit more important than getting an A on an anatomy exam.

With that said, tuition here blows. Especially for people who want to go into primary care. It definitely is something to consider if you hold mulitple acceptances.

Yeah I went a little overboard with my living conditions. I do stand by it though; I could live like this for years and it would be no problem.

I should've chosen my words better, as it is not "insane" but rather unwise. I'm not saying as at all that people shouldn't put family or love aside, but there are monetary costs to marriage and children. If you can put off these financial burdens until the time is better, it would be best to do so. Also, I didn't say anything about doing better on a test. It's about the money and that is what is important here.

If people are already married or have children, then of course put them first. I talk about cases where my classmates are actively planning weddings. Whatever floats your boat, but if I had any say in it, I'd would recommend holding off until you at least get a resident paycheck.

 

[randomusername]

Although this is kind of standard (~$4-5k increase per year), it's been a major factor dragging AZCOM down. No one is really happy about it and it should play a factor on whether or not you want to come here.

That said, think hard about the years ahead and be smart about spending.

EDIT - I'd like to add that even though a lot of it is kind of a drop in the bucket in terms of cost, it's more about the mentality. I don't need new gadgets (ex. iPad) or furniture. I don't need to buy or even rent a house anytime in the next 10 years. I can live like a poor student even as an attending with no problem and I think this is what you need to get used to if you hope to pay off the debt in 3 years or so.

For the most part I'd agree with all of this. I do feel like AZCOM loses out on a lot of quality students because it's hard for somebody to rationalize potentially spending $70k+ a year for four years when they can go elsewhere for $20k less. That being said, I'm also a proponent of living within your means and not borrowing the COA if possible, which is entirely possible whether you have other sources of support or are entirely on your own because the COA calculated for AZCOM is fairly liberal as far as I can tell.

 

[Flushot]

For the most part I'd agree with all of this. I do feel like AZCOM loses out on a lot of quality students because it's hard for somebody to rationalize potentially spending $70k+ a year for four years when they can go elsewhere for $20k less. That being said, I'm also a proponent of living within your means and not borrowing the COA if possible, which is entirely possible whether you have other sources of support or are entirely on your own because the COA calculated for AZCOM is fairly liberal as far as I can tell.

Yeah, I mean, I'm far from the norm and if a few hundred here and there will make your quarters (and potentially primary study place) nicer, then it's not a big deal. The point here is the mentality; if you feel comfortable living with the bare essentials, then the debt won't seem to bad to pay off.

For example, we had a residency director come and talk to us about how newly minted interns are often struck by their paychecks and proceed to spend money on "essentials" like a house. He harped on not buying a house mainly due to the cost and commitment. He says it's even more apparent once you start moon lighting and get ~$100 an hour. It can be a strange thing to actually have money.

The mentality I mean is one that removes excess and makes as few commitments as possible. I remember how weird it was not to have a TV sophomore year of undergrad when I switched roommates and he didn't bring one, but after that year, I just got used to it. Sure, it's not that big of a deal in the long run to pay a TV bill but it's not so much about the money, but how you think about it.

 

[DbDan]

Ouch... 50k a year now for tuition. If they keep raising it its going to just get completely out of hand. I'd hope that they aren't planning on raising it 3k a year each year... looking at 60k tuition for year 4 would be absurd. Not too much we can do about it though. Wish I qualified for some kind of scholarship.... groan.

In other news, the admin is slacking this year lol Last year the match list was posted on 3/20 and the housing assignments were out by 3/22. lol I want to know where I'm living >.<

 

[DbDan]

For Flu/Random,

Just out of curiosity which books do you guys study from? Do you buy the "required" texts listed through the school or do you get by well with the step 1 review materials? BRS, FA, etc.

Are the lectures generally powerpoint/pdf which you then print to take notes?

 

[Dyingduck]

Ouch... 50k a year now for tuition. If they keep raising it its going to just get completely out of hand. I'd hope that they aren't planning on raising it 3k a year each year... looking at 60k tuition for year 4 would be absurd. Not too much we can do about it though. Wish I qualified for some kind of scholarship.... groan.

In other news, the admin is slacking this year lol Last year the match list was posted on 3/20 and the housing assignments were out by 3/22. lol I want to know where I'm living >.<

Ouch, I want to know where I am living too. When did you submit your housing application? I thought they already assigned/gave out assignments.

 

[randomusername]

For Flu/Random,

Just out of curiosity which books do you guys study from? Do you buy the "required" texts listed through the school or do you get by well with the step 1 review materials? BRS, FA, etc.

Are the lectures generally powerpoint/pdf which you then print to take notes?

Virtually all lectures are made available in predominantly pdf format with a few coming out in ppt too.

As for books, I'm sure somebody will start a suggestions discussion in the 2015 group once summer gets here, but for now, the only book I've used much at all has been Rohen's anatomy atlas.

 

[Flushot]

For Flu/Random,

Just out of curiosity which books do you guys study from? Do you buy the "required" texts listed through the school or do you get by well with the step 1 review materials? BRS, FA, etc.

Are the lectures generally powerpoint/pdf which you then print to take notes?

For phys, I only used the BRS constanzo book. The textbook is okay but only sparingly, which the library can help you with.

For biochem, I borrowed lippincott every now and then, but they give you all of the info you'll ever need in the notes. I don't know about a review book.

For anatomy, I used Netter and Rohen, but I borrowed those from the library. I actually never bought an anatomy textbook, which might've not been the best decision in retrospect but I have one now.

For psych, I used the little handbook that Dr. Ricardi should mention day one. It's like 10 dollars or something in the store.

For neuro, I used only the Atlas. I wish I had the High Yield neuroanatomy book to review.

For histo, I borrowed Wheaters at the library and went online. No textbooks here.

For embyro, I won the Saddler book from SDN and just used that. I wouldn't recommend buying it; just borrow it from the lib or use the ebook online which I think the school provides.

For ICM, I only had the Maxwell guide.

For OMM, I had the First Aid for COMLEX but that wasn't too helpful for their exams. I think the green book is good for review too but I don't have it.

That should be everything.

 

[nfsonpowday]

Ouch, I want to know where I am living too. When did you submit your housing application? I thought they already assigned/gave out assignments.

I spoke with Jose (Housing director) and he said that new housing assignments (starting in early August) were going to be finished at the end of this week or the middle of next.

I turned in my housing application in mid December and he said that there probably won't be any luxury studios (ones with a washer and dryer) which is what I picked as my number one but there will some regular studios. He also said that there were quite a few applications in before mine. Hope this helps!

 

[theone1979]

For those of you wondering about projected tuition costs for this upcoming school year, it will reflect only a "nominal" increase to $50,129...

Uggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg. WHY?? WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO ME???

How can they justify this tuition? Everyone criticizes UNECOM for their tuition and yet somehow AZCOM seems to escape similar criticism despite the fact that they have the higher tuition.

 

[Dyingduck]

Ouch... 50k a year now for tuition. If they keep raising it its going to just get completely out of hand. I'd hope that they aren't planning on raising it 3k a year each year... looking at 60k tuition for year 4 would be absurd. Not too much we can do about it though. Wish I qualified for some kind of scholarship.... groan.

In other news, the admin is slacking this year lol Last year the match list was posted on 3/20 and the housing assignments were out by 3/22. lol I want to know where I'm living >.<

What's the tuition like last year or the year before that? Is it always increasing?

 

[randomusername]

What's the tuition like last year or the year before that? Is it always increasing?

When I was applying last year, tuition was ~$45.5k, while this year I'm actually paying ~$47.7k. It is pretty standard for schools to raise tuition and fees from year to year, but I sure was hoping to not cross the $50k mark until I was a third-year; now I just hope it stays under $60k by the time I graduate. They say it's gone up for us because there's been an 8% increase in utilities and an 11% increase in insurance costs. I personally think they could divert money away from things like grass and grass maintenance (maintenance and utility costs allegedly make up 30% of the budget)...in the middle of a desert...and help offset their utilities and maintenance costs and further embrace their "environmentally-mindful" beliefs they espouse when we're told notes won't be printed out for us anymore... 🙄

 

[DbDan]

I spoke with Jose (Housing director) and he said that new housing assignments (starting in early August) were going to be finished at the end of this week or the middle of next.

I turned in my housing application in mid December and he said that there probably won't be any luxury studios (ones with a washer and dryer) which is what I picked as my number one but there will some regular studios. He also said that there were quite a few applications in before mine. Hope this helps!

Thats not good for me... I just hope that I land a studio because I don't know that I can afford the 1BR other that I selected as a super backup. Plus I haven't even begun looking at off-campus because we were told during our interviews that pretty much everyone that wants to live on campus is able to do so. Granted I turned it in in early Jan I didn't think there would be too many people already jumping on it because I don't think the app even opened until Dec.

For phys, I only used the BRS constanzo book. The textbook is okay but only sparingly, which the library can help you with.

For biochem, I borrowed lippincott every now and then, but they give you all of the info you'll ever need in the notes. I don't know about a review book.

For anatomy, I used Netter and Rohen, but I borrowed those from the library. I actually never bought an anatomy textbook, which might've not been the best decision in retrospect but I have one now.

For psych, I used the little handbook that Dr. Ricardi should mention day one. It's like 10 dollars or something in the store.

For neuro, I used only the Atlas. I wish I had the High Yield neuroanatomy book to review.

For histo, I borrowed Wheaters at the library and went online. No textbooks here.

For embyro, I won the Saddler book from SDN and just used that. I wouldn't recommend buying it; just borrow it from the lib or use the ebook online which I think the school provides.

For ICM, I only had the Maxwell guide.

For OMM, I had the First Aid for COMLEX but that wasn't too helpful for their exams. I think the green book is good for review too but I don't have it.

That should be everything.

Thanks for an extensive list!

 

[Ellie08]

Thanks for the response. I'm hopeful!

Even if the class is full, which I bet it isn't since they seem to try and fill it a little at a time, there will be many accepted applicants that drop their acceptance this summer when they get off of other school waitlists... Having an interview this late won't hurt you too much I think.

 

[pPKB]

There is always hope! I didn't interview till March but snuck in mid June