AZCOM Discussion Thread 2011-2012

[Docsted]

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Can anyone comment on public transportation around Glendale and AZCOM?

 

[DrWily]

My fiance' is considering moving to AZ with me now so I need to start looking for housing for the both of us. Having a garage is pretty important so we'd probably need to rent a house I assume. Any comments on good areas to look? Price isn't that much of a factor. Would need something close to school and also close to phoenix for her job.

 

[walkerahl]

My fiance' is considering moving to AZ with me now so I need to start looking for housing for the both of us. Having a garage is pretty important so we'd probably need to rent a house I assume. Any comments on good areas to look? Price isn't that much of a factor. Would need something close to school and also close to phoenix for her job.

For a place closer to Phoenix, check out http://www.9920az.com

Its about 15 min from school and has everything you could ask for. Gated community, standard garages, volleyball courts, complimentary coffee every morning, 10 foot ceilings etc, this place has it all.

For a place closer to school, check out San Prado although apartments equipped with garages here are more expensive.

 

[randomusername]

Can anyone comment on public transportation around Glendale and AZCOM?

I could be mistaken, but I think Union Hills is about as far north as Valley Metro gets to AZCOM (for reference, that's about a block south of the road MWU is on (Utopia).

You can check out coverage via their website:
http://www.valleymetro.org/

 

[angldrps]

To people who have been accepted, do you guys mind sharing your stats? (GPA/MCAT)?

 

[Whiskeypunch]

.

 

[walkerahl]

Ahh I chickened out my stats are probably personally identifiable.

Or possibly withholding them makes you more so 😉

 

[DbDan]

Do students typically use the gym on campus or is it more common for students to use 24 fitness/LA fitness/Golds?

If you are serious at all about weight lifting I recommend LA fitness/24 Hour. There is a nearby 24 hour sport club and LA fitness (where I go) isn't too far either, just a few blocks south. It's 30 a month for LA fitness.

If you are just looking for a gym to swim, play raquetball, etc. they will send out an e-mail about Thunderbird recreation and a student deal for 2 years. Its a great deal, but really there isn't much in the way of weights at all there.

 

[DbDan]

To people who have been accepted, do you guys mind sharing your stats? (GPA/MCAT)?

Not in the incoming class but you can see my stats when I got in on my mdapp page. Average for my class was something like a 3.6/28 I think.

 

[DrWily]

For a place closer to Phoenix, check out http://www.9920az.com

Its about 15 min from school and has everything you could ask for. Gated community, standard garages, volleyball courts, complimentary coffee every morning, 10 foot ceilings etc, this place has it all.

For a place closer to school, check out San Prado although apartments equipped with garages here are more expensive.

Wow, this place looks perfect for us. Thanks a lot

 

[walkerahl]

How common is it for students to work while in school? Ive been told work-study is part of a student's financial aid package meaning students can be employed if they so choose.

 

[randomusername]

How common is it for students to work while in school? Ive been told work-study is part of a student's financial aid package meaning students can be employed if they so choose.

In a class of over 250, there are likely <10 people who do any sort of work during the school-year (including tutoring, being anatomy TAs, etc).

 

[Whiskeypunch]

.

 

[WaffleDoc]

So I'm filling out my FAFSA, and I qualify as an independent student, or whatever, but it says that some medical schools require or want information about a student's parents. Does anyone know if AZCOM wants or requires this information?

 

[cougardiver]

So I'm filling out my FAFSA, and I qualify as an independent student, or whatever, but it says that some medical schools require or want information about a student's parents. Does anyone know if AZCOM wants or requires this information?

They don't, but you can always give it later if they ask for it. You won't miss out on anything for withholding that information now...as long as you give it later if requested.

 

[cougardiver]

someone should post the link to the class dropbox in the facebook group.

+1

 

[WaffleDoc]

Thanks, Cougar. 🙂

 

[randomusername]

I can't think of a word that adequately captures how terrible of an idea it is to think of doing work study.

Earnings from scoring higher on step 1/higher grades>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> whatever you make with work study.

Someone should post the link to the class dropbox in the facebook group.

I can definitely think of the words for it, but they're not SDN-approved. It's definitely not unheard of for people to wonder about it though. I always just tell people to wait until after their first quarter before they even contemplate work-study.

Unless somebody in your class has set up a dropbox, you don't have one. It really wouldn't do you much good to have access to 2015's or 2014's either, as any material that will ever be of use to your class will be passed down to multiple people (one way or another) and has long since been removed to free up space for material for new units.

 

[Whiskeypunch]

.

 

[crmellon]

For current students, do you remember how much the blood titers were? I heard they were in the $250 range with the Midwestern discount.

 

[randomusername]

Ahh some guy had a referral link I used. Guess that must have been to increase 2015's size.

Probably. There's always somebody looking to up their storage space for free.

For current students, do you remember how much the blood titers were? I heard they were in the $250 range with the Midwestern discount.

I don't remember what people were paying with the MWU discount but I had my FP back home do everything (including the 2-step TB) before I started and insurance covered it all, so that's an option to consider looking into if you currently have insurance.

 

[walkerahl]

I've got Dropbox should I start 2016's?

yea go for it

 

[walkerahl]

What are some things students do for fun at AZCOM?

 

[Docsted]

Here is the link to the Dropbox file for 2016: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lyfogdj4fifpzwp/il3cfe3GRd

PM me with your email address and I'll add you into it.

 

[samiam87]

How practical would it be to live in on-campus housing during 3rd and 4th year if I'm doing my rotations in East Valley?

 

[walkerahl]

How practical would it be to live in on-campus housing during 3rd and 4th year if I'm doing my rotations in East Valley?

I second this question but for West Valley.

 

[samiam87]

One other question. Looking at the curriculum it looks like we are required to take two elective credits sometime between first and second year. What kind of classes do they offer for these electives?

 

[Flushot]

Courses include EKG, radiology, and EM skills course, which I took. Research is also another thing that can fulfill these requirements. Remember that you only need the credits for the first 2 years combined, so if you complete it 1st year, you don't need to do it again next year, unless they changed it since then.

 

[randomusername]

One other question. Looking at the curriculum it looks like we are required to take two elective credits sometime between first and second year. What kind of classes do they offer for these electives?

It varies from year to year but since I've been here they've offered stuff like Medical Spanish, EKG interpretation, pediatrics, EM cases (I think this has been offered...), hypnosis for medicine, table-trainer for OMM (MS2s only), shadowing (during summer after MS1), advanced dissection, research elective, etc.

Regarding the question about living on-campus for rotations, I'm WV and plan on living on-campus for rotations but I don't know any EV people who plan on staying on-campus (though there may be some). I think it's more feasible for WV people to do just because MWU is a bit on the west-side of the valley (and there are three hospitals within five minutes of campus which = a lot of doctors' offices nearby) and traffic is usually thinner in the WV than in EV.

 

[crmellon]

How practical would it be to live in on-campus housing during 3rd and 4th year if I'm doing my rotations in East Valley?

I second this question but for West Valley.

Both are within driving distance. I live in the east valley, it takes me 30 minutes to get to Midwestern if that, and midwestern is in the west valley. It's not far.

 

[DbDan]

It varies from year to year but since I've been here they've offered stuff like Medical Spanish, EKG interpretation, pediatrics, EM cases (I think this has been offered...), hypnosis for medicine, table-trainer for OMM (MS2s only), shadowing (during summer after MS1), advanced dissection, research elective, etc.

Regarding the question about living on-campus for rotations, I'm WV and plan on living on-campus for rotations but I don't know any EV people who plan on staying on-campus (though there may be some). I think it's more feasible for WV people to do just because MWU is a bit on the west-side of the valley (and there are three hospitals within five minutes of campus which = a lot of doctors' offices nearby) and traffic is usually thinner in the WV than in EV.

This years electives also included Clinical Skills (my elective that is fantastic and run by the Deans), evolutionary med, addiction med and a few others. Medical Hypnosis, Emergency Medicine Skills, Table-Trainer and one other were reserved for MS-2 only.

None of you guys have to worry about electives until Spring (the first time you can take them) and there will be plenty of explanation when that time comes. Don't worry

 

[DbDan]

How common is it for students to work while in school? Ive been told work-study is part of a student's financial aid package meaning students can be employed if they so choose.

Uncommon but not unheard of. I did some work-study work this year. There are opportunities for it that won't be too bad. I had plenty of free time to spend as I chose. I could have worked, I chose to go out with friends and have a few drinks from time to time.

In a class of over 250, there are likely <10 people who do any sort of work during the school-year (including tutoring, being anatomy TAs, etc).

I respectfully disagree, at least in our class. I have a few friends who work through their church, are doing work-study research, and one who is actually working 2-3 12s a week overnight as a radiology tech in a local hospital (he held the job before starting school). All are doing fine in school, its about managing your time.

I can't think of a word that adequately captures how terrible of an idea it is to think of doing work study.

Earnings from scoring higher on step 1/higher grades>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> whatever you make with work study.

Someone should post the link to the class dropbox in the facebook group.

I do fine in school and I've done some work study work... Like I said, manage your time.

I can definitely think of the words for it, but they're not SDN-approved. It's definitely not unheard of for people to wonder about it though. I always just tell people to wait until after their first quarter before they even contemplate work-study.

Unless somebody in your class has set up a dropbox, you don't have one. It really wouldn't do you much good to have access to 2015's or 2014's either, as any material that will ever be of use to your class will be passed down to multiple people (one way or another) and has long since been removed to free up space for material for new units.

I'll agree with that. First quarter was hard to adjust to after being out of school a while. I did better in Winter which is supposedly the "harder" of the first two quarters information and time wise.

As for the useful material, wait until the first week of school for you incoming first years. You or a classmate will likely get plenty from your Big Sib. I know whoever my little sib is will be getting a pretty epic compilation of study material.

 

[cougardiver]

May I be your chosen little sib 🙂

This years electives also included Clinical Skills (my elective that is fantastic and run by the Deans), evolutionary med, addiction med and a few others. Medical Hypnosis, Emergency Medicine Skills, Table-Trainer and one other were reserved for MS-2 only.

None of you guys have to worry about electives until Spring (the first time you can take them) and there will be plenty of explanation when that time comes. Don't worry

What is Table-Trainer?

 

[randomusername]

What is Table-Trainer?

Table-trainers are MS2s who walk around in the MS1 OMM lab and help them learn how to diagnose somatic dysfunctions or perform treatments. They also excel at shooting the breeze.

 

[randomusername]

I respectfully disagree, at least in our class. I have a few friends who work through their church, are doing work-study research, and one who is actually working 2-3 12s a week overnight as a radiology tech in a local hospital (he held the job before starting school). All are doing fine in school, its about managing your time.

I'm sure my <10 people is a slight exaggeration on my part for my class (especially if we're taking church-work into account), but they're all definitely in the tiniest of minorities.

I'm glad you and Flushot are frequenting the forum again; it's nice (and I'm sure helpful for applicants/incoming students) to have some contrast to my observations/opinions once more. 👍

 

[torch2ndalltrch]

Hey, the guy who was going to have me as a roommate chose someone else instead. Now I need to find someone.

I'm looking at places near campus. If anyone has a room available, or is in the same boat, let me know.

 

[cougardiver]

Hey current students...two questions:

(1) Is there a pedestrian/bike entrance to campus near the 59th and Behrand intersection?
(2) Where on campus is the place to lock your bikes up?

I'm trying to decide between SageStone and On Campus. I want to be close so I can come home for lunches and quick breaks between studying to see my wife and son. From google maps it looks like 4-6 minute walk to class from on campus apartments and 12-15 minute walk from SageStone. With a bike, I could cut the SageStone commute in half...or at least...that's what I'm thinking...Opinions?

 

[randomusername]

Hey current students...two questions:

(1) Is there a pedestrian/bike entrance to campus near the 59th and Behrand intersection?
(2) Where on campus is the place to lock your bikes up?

1) I'm not sure. You can always just go to Utopia.

2) There are plenty of spots. You can lock them up outside the lecture hall, library, gym, and I'm sure there are other spots I'm not remembering as well. If you end up living on campus, all of the buildings have racks too.

 

[DbDan]

Hey current students...two questions:

(1) Is there a pedestrian/bike entrance to campus near the 59th and Behrand intersection?
(2) Where on campus is the place to lock your bikes up?

I'm trying to decide between SageStone and On Campus. I want to be close so I can come home for lunches and quick breaks between studying to see my wife and son. From google maps it looks like 4-6 minute walk to class from on campus apartments and 12-15 minute walk from SageStone. With a bike, I could cut the SageStone commute in half...or at least...that's what I'm thinking...Opinions?

1) Yes, there is a back entrance on Behrend next to the clinical sim lab that is a gated door you use your ID to get in and out of. Also useful for a quick walk over to Subway or Hot Bagel for lunch or breakfast after a test.

2) There are bike racks all over campus so you should be fine on that part.

I'm sure my <10 people is a slight exaggeration on my part for my class (especially if we're taking church-work into account), but they're all definitely in the tiniest of minorities.

I'm glad you and Flushot are frequenting the forum again; it's nice (and I'm sure helpful for applicants/incoming students) to have some contrast to my observations/opinions once more. 👍

Trying, I know that this time for me was super helpful last year so I figured I'd try to get back on a bit. I'll probably disappear again in a week or so when finals studying starts. As of now, I'm only on between breaks of studying Neuro/Immuno for tomorrow and Monday. Then OMM on Wed and SPE on Thursday, this week is gonna be busy.

I'll be back on more during the summer though to try to help some people out.

 

[Flushot]

I'm glad you and Flushot are frequenting the forum again; it's nice (and I'm sure helpful for applicants/incoming students) to have some contrast to my observations/opinions once more. 👍

It's really good to post again and help out. I don't intend on stopping anytime soon so I'm glad you two are back to join in. It'd be really cool if next year, we had someone from each year so fill everyone in on what's up and also help with the incoming class. It might be a first for AZCOM on SDN 😀

 

[RC Plane]

For those on the waitlist, I will be withdrawing my acceptance. It is a great school and a difficult decision, but I decided to stay closer to home. Best of luck!

 

[topsurgeon2020]

Hey, I was wondering if it would be difficult for someone in the East to be accepted into a Western DO school?

 

[randomusername]

Hey, I was wondering if it would be difficult for someone in the East to be accepted into a Western DO school?

Plenty of my classmates hail from east of the Mississippi but it's all very school-dependent.

 

[torch2ndalltrch]

Hey, I was wondering if it would be difficult for someone in the East to be accepted into a Western DO school?

I am going to be attending and I'm from the Chicago area myself.

 

[topsurgeon2020]

Thanks guys, was just wondering. I'm from Philadelphia, i've been here since I was 10, so i feel like i need a change. AZCOM is one of my top choices

 

[samiam87]

So, I checked my on-campus housing assignment just to make sure that everything is in order, and I'm pretty sure that it changed. The apartment number is the same, but the building changed from "E" to "F". Is that normal?

 

[Flushot]

How practical would it be to live in on-campus housing during 3rd and 4th year if I'm doing my rotations in East Valley?

I second this question but for West Valley.

I just noticed this question, so I'll answer it to the best of my ability.

I was Tucson region but I've heard of East and West Valley blurring frequently, meaning there were times you'd have to head out to Mesa even though you are WV and West Peoria as EV. They might have gotten better, but in reality, valley is just valley.

I don't know how much freedom they'll give you or how much you'd be willing to fight them to get spots within a reasonable distance, but I will have to face that soon next year. I'll let you know how it goes, but you should be prepared to spend several months away, even if they give you housing. Cottonwood, Prescott and Kingman are all fair game and you will be taken care of, but region won't guarantee much unless you're out of state.

 

[DbDan]

I just noticed this question, so I'll answer it to the best of my ability.

I was Tucson region but I've heard of East and West Valley blurring frequently, meaning there were times you'd have to head out to Mesa even though you are WV and West Peoria as EV. They might have gotten better, but in reality, valley is just valley.

I don't know how much freedom they'll give you or how much you'd be willing to fight them to get spots within a reasonable distance, but I will have to face that soon next year. I'll let you know how it goes, but you should be prepared to spend several months away, even if they give you housing. Cottonwood, Prescott and Kingman are all fair game and you will be taken care of, but region won't guarantee much unless you're out of state.

For the class of 2015 there is no longer a East/West Valley difference. The entire group is now just "Greater Phoenix." Take that for whatever its worth.

Now back to prepping for my SPE

 

[randomusername]

I was Tucson region but I've heard of East and West Valley blurring frequently, meaning there were times you'd have to head out to Mesa even though you are WV and West Peoria as EV. They might have gotten better, but in reality, valley is just valley.

It's definitely still a possibility to have this happen. I'm WV and when I was doing my preceptor selection, of the three IM preceptors available, one was in Mesa.

 

[Flushot]

For the class of 2015 there is no longer a East/West Valley difference. The entire group is now just "Greater Phoenix." Take that for whatever its worth.

Now back to prepping for my SPE

It's definitely still a possibility to have this happen. I'm WV and when I was doing my preceptor selection, of the three IM preceptors available, one was in Mesa.

It makes sense that they're finally merging the two regions because honestly, that's how it really is in practice.

Also, that preceptor list is useless. There are many to choose from and if you know any by name, you can switch to them later on. For example, Dr. Hawks is a great, laid back FM doc that my friend rotated with and since he is new in the system, he is not on the list nor is he used often when assigning people. He's in Peoria too so very close to campus. They'd probably end up shipping you out to East PHX before giving you to him if you were technically WV based on their system.

Again, do not let AZCOM just throw you into whatever is convenient for them and 3rd year can be pretty good despite the relentless shelves. Just be ready to provide the mountains of paperwork that may be needed to be done to get these spots.