AZCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

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placed on hold here :/ i found it strange cus i don't have anything pending. Does anyone know the reasons people get put on hold and the chances of getting an interview after being put on hold?

It is possible to get an interview after being placed on hold. There should be recommendations ~pages 7-9 addressing this (just to help you in the search, the suggestions will be the same as if you've interviewed and been wait-listed).
 
I know nothing about rotations except possibly that preceptor hospitals allow more hands on and ward based allows better networking for residency programs there. Looking at the rotation site preference it seems the only place that has labeled ward rotation sites is Champagne/Urbana, IL. So does that mean the other locations don't have ward based rotations? or maybe it was not specified?

Edit: All this information is on page 5, Flushot posted it.
 
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I know nothing about rotations except possibly that preceptor hospitals allow more hands on and ward based allows better networking for residency programs there. Looking at the rotation site preference it seems the only place that has labeled ward rotation sites is Champagne/Urbana, IL. So does that mean the other locations don't have ward based rotations? or maybe it was not specified?

Third year everybody has a month of IM-ward (and another month of preceptor-IM) regardless of location. If the region you're in doesn't offer an IM-ward there, the school drags you back to AZ to do IM-ward (I believe Turlock/Modesto is the only region that this currently applies to). Additionally, if you want to do ward-pediatrics, ward-surgery, or ward-FP (I'm not sure if there are other ward-options available through the school or not...) you can talk to the head of that clinical department and arrange to rotate in the wards if space is available; again, even if you are based out of Timbuktu, the school will drag you back to wherever (depends on the ward-rotation) to do that specific rotation, and they will provide housing for that month at a nominal cost.

Also, as I keep suggesting to people for various inquiries, track back on the forum and what you've inquired about has been addressed in detail (for your particular case, if I'm remembering correctly you want a lengthy entry by Flushot ~ pages 4-6).
 
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I posted all of the information regarding 3rd year and the link to the clinical sites on the 1st page where I introduced myself. If anyone else asks about it, please direct them there.
 
I posted all of the information regarding 3rd year and the link to the clinical sites on the 1st page where I introduced myself. If anyone else asks about it, please direct them there.

Good call, that simplifies this whole redirecting thing.
 
Hello, I was wondering if someone could tell me how much is the deposit due in December? Thank you.
 
When I interviewed I couldn't help but feel that there wasn't much to do outside of school in terms of social life. When I asked what people do after midterms to some of the ambassadors they said not much, maybe just hang out with friends for a bit and then perhaps get back to studying at night. I really want to go to a school that's balanced academically and socially and has activities I can participate in outside of school - ie nightlife, recreational things, etc.

Also, is the competition really as cutthroat as I've heard? One of my friends is currently a first year and she says she is dying. She is a strong student, too, did well at UC Berkeley, so all I can come up with is that the competition is fierce. I'm not afraid of working hard, I just don't want it to be impossible to be in the top third of the class.

I was talking to a fellow classmate (2014) and neither of us feel like our class is cutthroat at all. People thinking an A- is poor are just way too hard on themselves and likely stressing themselves out for exams, I don't really find that as being cutthroat. Our class seems pretty helpful when others have a question and this is reflected in our forums and our facebook group.

In regards to your social activities question, there are groups that try to do something every week; I suppose it depends on the friends you make. (This also brings me to a suggestion: if you're moving somewhere, move at least 2 weeks ahead of orientation, if possible, and befriend classmates, hopefully ones that know how to have fun, yet know when to buckle down.) Also, take into consideration that sometimes people don't go out because they are simply exhausted, which you will be. Reinforcing what Randomusername said, there are activities going on related to MWU that you can always choose to partake in. So long story short, if you're worried about a social life, don't be, there are plenty of opportunities get out and about (if you do come here, Salty Senorita's is excellent!)
 
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know when we will be confirmed our rotation site? I have sent an email to Dr. Mark Speicher but no response yet. Have anyone had any experience or opinions about LA rotation? I don't if LA rotation is better than Phoenix.

Thank you
 
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know when we will be confirmed our rotation site? I have sent an email to Dr. Mark Speicher but no response yet. Have anyone had any experience or opinions about LA rotation? I don't if LA rotation is better than Phoenix.

Thank you

Generally, all of the regions are pretty much considered equal in terms of "quality of education."
 
I was talking to a fellow classmate (2014) and neither of us feel like our class is cutthroat at all. People thinking an A- is poor are just way too hard on themselves and likely stressing themselves out for exams, I don't really find that as being cutthroat. Our class seems pretty helpful when others have a question and this is reflected in our forums and our facebook group.

In regards to your social activities question, there are groups that try to do something every week; I suppose it depends on the friends you make. (This also brings me to a suggestion: if you're moving somewhere, move at least 2 weeks ahead of orientation, if possible, and befriend classmates, hopefully ones that know how to have fun, yet know when to buckle down.) Also, take into consideration that sometimes people don't go out because they are simply exhausted, which you will be. Reinforcing what Randomusername said, there are activities going on related to MWU that you can always choose to partake in. So long story short, if you're worried about a social life, don't be, there are plenty of opportunities get out and about (if you do come here, Salty Senorita's is excellent!)

Haha, thanks that's good to hear. I really liked the basketball courts and the heavy involvement in intramurals, so those along with going out every so often should keep me appeased I hope. I'll keep in mind the moving early thing too, that sounds like a good idea.
 
Haha, thanks that's good to hear. I really liked the basketball courts and the heavy involvement in intramurals, so those along with going out every so often should keep me appeased I hope. I'll keep in mind the moving early thing too, that sounds like a good idea.

Does this mean you're going to azcom??
 
Does this mean you're going to azcom??

No, not yet. I guess I just meant if I decided to go I'd be fine keeping those things in mind. Still waiting on KCUMB and then it's going to be a tough choice between AZCOM, KCUMB, and NSU (LOVED south Florida).
 
Yeah man, this is gonna be such a tough choice. I'm definitely going to be second guessing myself all the way 'til school starts.
 
I agree. It almost seems like it would be easier if you only had 1 acceptance, then you wouldn't have to second guess yourself and worry you're making the wrong choice.

Sorry - I'm sure people waiting to get their first acceptance think we're a bunch of complaining whiners. :laugh:
 
Hi! I am new to sdn (mostly been lurking). I have an interview on Oct. 18th (changed from 1/11) to AZCOM...Yeah! I was wondering from those who have interview and been accepted -is there any specific advice for interview day? I know there is a 3 person panel and it is an open file. In what areas of the app. did they seem to focus on most?

Also -I am sorry if this is posted somewhere else but does anyone know what percentage of applicants interviewed are accepted?

Thanks for any advice -I am super excited/nervous 😀
 
Hi! I am new to sdn (mostly been lurking). I have an interview on Oct. 18th (changed from 1/11) to AZCOM...Yeah! I was wondering from those who have interview and been accepted -is there any specific advice for interview day? I know there is a 3 person panel and it is an open file. In what areas of the app. did they seem to focus on most?

Also -I am sorry if this is posted somewhere else but does anyone know what percentage of applicants interviewed are accepted?

Thanks for any advice -I am super excited/nervous 😀

Hey, i'm interviewing on the 18th as well, so I'll see you there...

I believe it's not an open file-they don't know your gpa or mcat. They have your personal statement, secondaries, and resume.

They accept roughly 60% or so of the interviewers. I would assume it's highly due to being an earlier interview... or so I hope!
 
Is there many people on hold? I was put on hold a few weeks ago and still heard nothing🙁
 
Hi! I am new to sdn (mostly been lurking). I have an interview on Oct. 18th (changed from 1/11) to AZCOM...Yeah! I was wondering from those who have interview and been accepted -is there any specific advice for interview day? I know there is a 3 person panel and it is an open file. In what areas of the app. did they seem to focus on most?

Also -I am sorry if this is posted somewhere else but does anyone know what percentage of applicants interviewed are accepted?

Thanks for any advice -I am super excited/nervous 😀

Interview is semi-blind; the interviewers do not have access to your MCAT or GPA.
 
Hey, i'm interviewing on the 18th as well, so I'll see you there...

I believe it's not an open file-they don't know your gpa or mcat. They have your personal statement, secondaries, and resume.

They accept roughly 60% or so of the interviewers. I would assume it's highly due to being an earlier interview... or so I hope!


I am so glad a spot opened up -I checked last night. However, to change my ticket and book everything last night was so expensive! I hope it's worth it though... :xf:
 
I am so glad a spot opened up -I checked last night. However, to change my ticket and book everything last night was so expensive! I hope it's worth it though... :xf:

Oh wow. I am sure it will be worth it - 3 months is a major bump up! Good find.
 
Is there many people on hold? I was put on hold a few weeks ago and still heard nothing🙁


I was put on hold in early August, and I just emailed the admissions a letter today explaining certain specifics of my application briefly, updating information, and stating that I was still strongly interested.

I got a nice short email stating that they will not be reviewing any held files until January depending on the spots available. It was worth a shot I guess.. but maybe try doing the same!
 
I'll be in Glendale on the 19th for my Oct. 20th interview 🙂 Anyone else interviewing that day?
 
Guys, Question- is interviewing on Jan 21st too late? 🙁

Well, earlier is ALWAYS better. Continue to periodically check the portal because earlier dates can open up. If you actually can't make it until Jan. 21st and your stats and ECs are pretty solid I wouldn't worry too much about it.
 
I'm new to this thread and was just wondering - is anybody else on here still waiting to hear back about an interview? I'm applying to both MD and DO programs, and the sense I'm getting is that for MD schools, October is still relatively early so not hearing back yet isn't necessarily a bad thing, but for DO, they tend to accept earlier so if I haven't heard anything yet, my chances are pretty low. Is that true?
 
I'm new to this thread and was just wondering - is anybody else on here still waiting to hear back about an interview? I'm applying to both MD and DO programs, and the sense I'm getting is that for MD schools, October is still relatively early so not hearing back yet isn't necessarily a bad thing, but for DO, they tend to accept earlier so if I haven't heard anything yet, my chances are pretty low. Is that true?

Depends on how long you've been complete. Certainly if you're just now completing it's not ideal, but nothing that the appropriate stats couldn't overcome since interviews at schools like AZCOM go on up through late-April/early-May.
 
Can anyone tell me about AZCOM's clinical rotations? Is it true you pick your own rotations? And how is the location? Any near cities?
 
Guys, Question- is interviewing on Jan 21st too late? 🙁


What AutumChild said is true about checking the portal. I was scheduled for a Jan. 11th interview and after reading this thread I checked the portal and low and behold...an October 19th interview date!
 
Hey all,

I rarely post but I'd like to ask a huge favor of you all. I just heard back from this school and they've given me an interview. Right now the only spots that are open are in January. I'll be out of the country from January 15th-May doing a medical research program in Denmark so I won't be able to make any of the Janurary dates. I called admissions and they said there is nothing they could do and I should just keep checking the portal. Its a lot to ask especially since I know earlier is always better but would someone be willing to trade me a Oct/Nov/Dec interview date? If anyone has any suggestions for any alternatives I'd love to hear them.
 
Hey all,

I rarely post but I'd like to ask a huge favor of you all. I just heard back from this school and they've given me an interview. Right now the only spots that are open are in January. I'll be out of the country from January 15th-May doing a medical research program in Denmark so I won't be able to make any of the Janurary dates. I called admissions and they said there is nothing they could do and I should just keep checking the portal. Its a lot to ask especially since I know earlier is always better but would someone be willing to trade me a Oct/Nov/Dec interview date? If anyone has any suggestions for any alternatives I'd love to hear them.

Seems like a mistake on your part for scheduling a trip during the application cycle. You will surely need to check that portal quite often.
 
Hey all,

I rarely post but I'd like to ask a huge favor of you all. I just heard back from this school and they've given me an interview. Right now the only spots that are open are in January. I'll be out of the country from January 15th-May doing a medical research program in Denmark so I won't be able to make any of the Janurary dates. I called admissions and they said there is nothing they could do and I should just keep checking the portal. Its a lot to ask especially since I know earlier is always better but would someone be willing to trade me a Oct/Nov/Dec interview date? If anyone has any suggestions for any alternatives I'd love to hear them.

Keep checking the portal hyper-religiously between now and December (if they do like last year, the school doesn't actually interview DO applicants during December, so November is really your only shot). The only other chance you've got is if you come back in early May and take one of the latest interview spots or if you schedule an interview while you're away and pony-up to fly back just for that interview (certainly that would be ridiculously expensive).
 
Ok, I've been getting a lot of PMs on which rotations are best. I want to remind anyone who might be lurking that I'm a 2nd year and my interaction with 3rd years is limited, so it's hard to objectively say which one is the best or even the best for people's individual situations.

It seems like ever since I updated the first post, people believe that I have some inside knowledge on what's really going down, which I don't. All of this information is available to everyone and unfortunately, you'll have to make this decision yourself.

That said, don't believe everything you are told by the administration. Dr. Speicher says that choose mainly on where you want to live, but I take this with tons of salt. There's a good chance that things aren't as clear or as smooth as they would like, especially since some sites are brand new to us as 2013.

The next two years will be much better, I presume. Just take what we have for you now and make the best decision possible. That's all I can say.
 
Is there anyone got confirmed for rotation site? I sent an email last week regarding rotation selection, but there's no response from him.
 
Is there anyone got confirmed for rotation site? I sent an email last week regarding rotation selection, but there's no response from him.

Speicher's probably fairly busy right now because the 2014 regional spin is this upcoming week, so I'm sure that's likely a top-priority.
Sit tight, relax, and don't fret about it. Try again in a week or two.
 
Of all the times I didn't add the attachment... :laugh: I just sent out my rotation site preference to Dr. Speicher, and forgot to attach it... So that email was followed by another that had the attachment. I hate it when that happens! It's annoying! And it makes me look dumb...
 
Of all the times I didn't add the attachment... :laugh: I just sent out my rotation site preference to Dr. Speicher, and forgot to attach it... So that email was followed by another that had the attachment. I hate it when that happens! It's annoying! And it makes me look dumb...


Umm...what attachment? :scared:
 
Umm...what attachment? :scared:

i think she scanned the document from the mail or something. i just wrote my top choices in the message.

also, can someone explain to me the PC rotation? its part of the FM dept but you get your choice of IM, Peds, FM, Surg, and OBGYN? is it part of the region that we chose? not sure how it works, so if someone could explain it i would appreciate it.
 
i think she scanned the document from the mail or something. i just wrote my top choices in the message.

also, can someone explain to me the PC rotation? its part of the FM dept but you get your choice of IM, Peds, FM, Surg, and OBGYN? is it part of the region that we chose? not sure how it works, so if someone could explain it i would appreciate it.

Yes, primary care gives you the choice between those because they all are considered primary care, they just have to lump it in somewhere and chose family med. As far as whether or not it's part of the region you're assigned to, it seems like somewhere in one of the 800-million communications we've received from either the Deans or our class council, it was mentioned that it didn't necessarily have to take place in your region, but I would confirm elsewhere before taking that to the bank. I wouldn't sweat it too much right now though, you're about four years away from that point still.
 
Hey guys,

So as my interview draws closer I'm starting to really do some research into the school, which is going well. They actually seem to have some really neat electives. Where I'm having difficultly though is on another question:

Why Glendale/Phoenix?

From what I've been able to find, it seems like Glendale is a relatively safe place to live. Further, everyone who I've met from there is always really nice and loves it, so it seems like it would be an excellent place to raise a family. Is there anything else really positive about the area? Any first hand experience about the hospitals or school system?

Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

Cheers

PS: I don't know what I'd do without SDN. You folks = awesome. Hopefully the interview goes well so I can meet some of you in person this summer =)
 
Hey guys,

Is there anything else really positive about the area?

It's just about the easiest place in the world to find anything because virtually everything that isn't housing is off of Bell Rd. or the 101. Also, if you want to do something recreational there are a number of neighborhood parks and recreational areas in the general area.

There is some crime around here, but from the sounds of it the bulk of it is just poor-decision making on the victims' parts (leaving cars unlocked/electronics or purses visible/being stupid with craigslist/not paying their hookers [seriously]) or it's localized in older neighborhoods and most of the crimes are vehicle, property, or identity related and not violent.

As for the more important questions of schools and hospitals, hopefully somebody else can chime in...
 
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