COMP Class of 2008 part 01

[Ryan]

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that's the other secret- there were some people in ISAC who hadn't taken anatomy before. of the two i know of off-hand, one is facilitating (very smart person and super nice), and the other is in the extra lucky position of having passed the class but not having to facilitate. watch out, this person is going to kick all our butts in biochem.

here's how i differentiated between nerves, arteries and veins:

nerves are whitish, luminous and you can see many fasicles running the length of the nerve when you look at the structure up-close. they are very cord-like and don't have any small wobbles, curves and the like. very strong, won't break as readily as blood vessels. get a nice penlight for the practical to see them. they will make a sound like a guitar string when plucked, but don't try to do that on the practical.

arteries are thicker, more meaty or muscular looking and can have some little curves and windiness in them. if one has been cut, the cross-section will be very round and you can appreciate the muscularity. they won't make any sound when plucked.

veins are flat and are often filled with old nasty brown blood (but not always!) in cross section they are very thin and aren't as nice and round as arteries.

if you want to come see the difference, i'll show you anytime on a cadaver.

Dr. Jack... Congrats on becoming our new Curric. Rep!!!!!!

-Ryan
PS cool advice, I've not heard of the Guitar method of differentiation b/t nn., aa. and vv. 😀

 

[friedcfood]

congrats...dr jack!

 

[Seputro]

Wow...i haven't been on here for a while. I'm in the OPP lecture right now.

BORING.

haha...anyways, how's everyone handling it?

I think i met you friedcfood at the vet bbq and we talked briefly about poker. I'm the one that went all in with pocket J's against KJo.

ok..back to lecture.

 

[FowlersGap]

It's cool. Feel free to post in our thread whenever. I kind of wish I did ISAC but I never took an anatomy class in undergrad so I couldn't do it.

i'm not sure if having anatomy for undergrad is required; the last time i took anatomy was in high school, and i was invited to do isac; i couldn't do it though cause i was still working; its not bad though- you just have to make sure to study each day and keep up with it

 

[instrumental]

The best advice I can give for studying anatomy is to get into lab and get your hands dirty (literally). In my experience, you may be good at memorizing the name of the muscle, attachment, innervation, and blood supply, but its a different thing to understand the material and have it stick for the long run. For that, you have to see it in the body. I sometimes pass by the lab during non-lab hours and don't see as many people studying in there as I hope to see. I really encourage everyone to do this. And to stick around during dissections even if its not your assigned day.

Also, don't study structures in isolation because they're not in isolation in the body. At times during the practical exam, you won't get to see the entire body, parts will get covered up, or a muscle may get pinned from the underside and upside-down, a perspective you're not used to. So study things in terms of relationships - whats anterior, poterior, superficial, and deep to it?

I too, didn't have the minimum GPA for ISAC, but I did do well on my MCAT. I emailed Dr. Kuehn and harassed him until I got in. But it helped that I took anatomy in college and also taught anatomy to grade school students. But it goes to show that GPA is not always indicative of how you will perform in medical school. And yes, "here atlast," I am a facilitator.

Best to all.

 

[Sense]

Thanks drjack and instrumental for the anatomy advice.

 

[Sense]

I sometimes pass by the lab during non-lab hours and don't see as many people studying in there as I hope to see. I really encourage everyone to do this.

By the way, does anyone know what hours during the weekdays and weekends the anatomy lab is open for people to study in?

 

[here atlast]

Is everyone busy studying for anatomy? where is everyone!!! echo...echo... 😎

 

[AbuJadenDO]

I believe I deserve an alcoholic beverage and an evening with my lady tonight...I DESERVE IT DAMN IT!

not to mention i have the next 48 hrs. to catch up on 3 weeks of madness! 🙄

who's goin to fried's bbq???

he told me he's havin poker for the fellas and mudwrestlin' for the ladies...and also some steaks for the vegetarians...should be nice

it'll be my 1 - 2 hr. study break manana

PPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEE in the middle east

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

Is everyone busy studying for anatomy? where is everyone!!! echo...echo... 😎

Guilty as charged your honor.

Pharm break-out room 113. Brachial plexus is now my b*tch. That's right BP get on all 5 of your roots (ventral rami) and beg me for mercy. 😡 Hmm, now off to the other 3 dozen or so useful landmarks/structures that have escaped me in the past week or so.

F*ck I hate feeling so far behind (pick a subject, any subject)...what's a brother to do?

I gotta tell you though, I dig the vibe from our classmates. Attention prospective students...I think you will like it here (to include: classmates, facilities and faculty). Check back with me in a few weeks, after our first series of smackdowns.

 

[Dr. Don]

I believe I deserve an alcoholic beverage and an evening with my lady tonight...I DESERVE IT DAMN IT!

not to mention i have the next 48 hrs. to catch up on 3 weeks of madness! 🙄

who's goin to fried's bbq???

he told me he's havin poker for the fellas and mudwrestlin' for the ladies...and also some steaks for the vegetarians...should be nice

it'll be my 1 - 2 hr. study break manana

PPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEE in the middle east

WAZZ UPP people, hellz yeah I'm studying that anatomy, Brachial Plexus, you know who your daddy is? by the way, just so you guys know, Fried's bbq should be off the hook and like LLP said, it will be MY 2 hr break. Come on guys, we all need a break and he lives really close to the school so it's not like it's going to take us forever to get there and we can easily not loose too much time getting back to studying at school/home/etc. Most of us poker aficionados will be there between 2:30pm-3:00 pm so that we can hit the bbq, get some eating on, poker on, and off to the books. Hope to see you guys there! Dr. DOn

 

[dodobird]

Hi everyone,

A few of the MSII's were talking about setting up student panels for your class to answer ANY of your questions, give advice, etc. hopefully without any faculty/administration attendance. I remember last year thinking I was the only one with feelings of inadequacy, etc. and felt really lost. You do get over it, but it would have been nice to hear the MSII's talk about how they dealt with things. I know you had one during orientation, but how different do you feel right now compared to that first week???!! and just wait until "Black Tuesday" 😱

So....if anyone would be interested, please respond/pm whatever and let us know if there are any topics you want to address, etc. If you're just too overwhelmed to give a rat's ass what we have to say, that's cool, too!! We were there and truly empathize!!

One more thing regarding studying (especially anatomy)....you may not THINK you're memorizing, but it DOES sink in with repetition, so don't get too frustrated when you can't seem to recall something you studied 2 minutes ago. That anxiety and frustration only gets in the way of studying.

 

[friedcfood]

One more thing regarding studying (especially anatomy)....you may not THINK you're memorizing, but it DOES sink in with repetition, so don't get too frustrated when you can't seem to recall something you studied 2 minutes ago. That anxiety and frustration only gets in the way of studying.

hahah...that sounds like me when i study.
thanks for the comments/advice...some of us are getting a little stressed over the first set of tests. not really sure what to expect. study study study...

 

[coolness]

How's everyone feeling so far. This will be week #4.

 

[friedcfood]

thanks for those who stopped by the party...it wouldn't of been as fun if you guys didn't come. next party coming soon! lolz.

 

[AbuJadenDO]

Anybody goin to that time managment workshop on tues. @ noon or do u guys think it'll be a waste of time?

 

[AbuJadenDO]

Anybody goin to that time managment workshop on tues. @ noon or do u guys think it'll be a waste of time?

I just realized the irony in that...

 

[arlsoonDO]

Hi everyone,

A few of the MSII's were talking about setting up student panels for your class to answer ANY of your questions, give advice, etc. hopefully without any faculty/administration attendance. I remember last year thinking I was the only one with feelings of inadequacy, etc. and felt really lost. You do get over it, but it would have been nice to hear the MSII's talk about how they dealt with things. I know you had one during orientation, but how different do you feel right now compared to that first week???!! and just wait until "Black Tuesday" 😱

So....if anyone would be interested, please respond/pm whatever and let us know if there are any topics you want to address, etc. If you're just too overwhelmed to give a rat's ass what we have to say, that's cool, too!! We were there and truly empathize!!

One more thing regarding studying (especially anatomy)....you may not THINK you're memorizing, but it DOES sink in with repetition, so don't get too frustrated when you can't seem to recall something you studied 2 minutes ago. That anxiety and frustration only gets in the way of studying.

Hi everyone,

wow I haven't been on our forum since beginning of summer. It's nice to see new usernames, and old ones too....

I have a question (for MSII) or MSI. First I think your idea is great we can always use good advice, like right now I am confused w/ overwhelming amounts of clubs that we have been offered. I don't know which ones to choose that would benefit me and that give opportunity to learn and that I can contribute to as well. which ones would you guys recommend? Some of them require high fees. some don't. which ones are worth it? I am interested in ED club, but it's $35. Also, peds club is interesting too. Also, there is n't a lot of time during 1st year. Will we have time to participate in them? In any case what would anyone suggest? Please let me know. Sorry for so many questions 😳

thanks a lot.

 

[AbuJadenDO]

 

[friedcfood]

Hi everyone,

wow I haven't been on our forum since beginning of summer. It's nice to see new usernames, and old ones too....

I have a question (for MSII) or MSI. First I think your idea is great we can always use good advice, like right now I am confused w/ overwhelming amounts of clubs that we have been offered. I don't know which ones to choose that would benefit me and that give opportunity to learn and that I can contribute to as well. which ones would you guys recommend? Some of them require high fees. some don't. which ones are worth it? I am interested in ED club, but it's $35. Also, peds club is interesting too. Also, there is n't a lot of time during 1st year. Will we have time to participate in them? In any case what would anyone suggest? Please let me know. Sorry for so many questions 😳

thanks a lot.

I'm MSI and this is based on my personal opinion...clubs are good for volunteering and getting involved in the communityl...good for taking on a leadership position...good to meet people. But as things are going this semester, I doubt I'll have any time to do much. I joined clubs I know I'll be interested in for next semester, where I think I'll more time to get involved. Then why join now? I think if you plan to run as a officier, it'll be a good thing, maybe even required to be a member for X number of months or whatever.

 

[friedcfood]

tell me about it....don't sweat it dood. for luck. 🙂

 

[AbuJadenDO]

tell me about it....don't sweat it dood. for luck. 🙂

don't know if i believe in luck but i guess it won't hurt for you to toss some my way.

 

[melancholy]

Regarding clubs as a MS-I: The general rule in the past has seemed to be to try and focus more on getting through that first semester and most of the second semester. In the past, quite a few students have gotten into a little (to a lot) of academic difficulty and it weighs upon the academic progress committee as to whether or not there were other factors that could account for lower grades including commitments to different organizations.

That being said, clubs are really fun and if you can handle it, you should try joining a few for fun. Most clubs have some positives depending on what your needs or interests are. I forgot that Emergency Med club was quite a bit, but it usually includes a polo shirt, opportunities to shadow at local ER's, EKG workshops (hopefully), etc.... things may have changed though. I don't know how the other clubs are being run. SOMA, while expensive, does have some decent health insurance coverage.. at least better than the one provided by the school. PCHAT is fun to do as well when you have time although it can be a bit tedious and slow at times. I'd say to pick a select few to invest time in (if possible) and then join a few others strictly for options when you need a social event to de-stress. Still.. first priority should be hitting the books for the first year at least. Enjoy!

 

[AbuJadenDO]

feels like my brain has been autoclaved

😱

 

[DrDOdo]

Me, too. I can't believe it is only 10:40pm! I am dying here!

 

[OnMyWayThere]

When are you all having your first exams?

 

[Sense]

When are you all having your first exams?

We have our histology/embryology final and our biochem midterm on Tuesday. It has been appropriately dubbed Black Tuesday. Then the Monday after that is the killer anatomy test and practical. 🙄

 

[asyoung]

😱 😱 😱 😱 😱

 

[friedcfood]

Good lucks peoples!!!!

May the force be with you all! 👍

 

[instrumental]

We have our histology/embryology final and our biochem midterm on Tuesday. It has been appropriately dubbed Black Tuesday. Then the Monday after that is the killer anatomy test and practical. 🙄

The best thing to do for anatomy is to NOT stress out. I know it seems like a lot of information, and it is. But the more you stress, the less you'll retain. I remember the first exam we took for ISAC. Everyone was pulling their hair out. But like someone said in an earlier post, it may not seem like anything is sticking, but just have some faith that it is.

This Friday, there will be a mock practical for anatomy during the review lab. So that should give you a good idea as to where your strengths and weaknesses are. Remember, the key to passing gross anatomy is realtionships, relationships, relationships.

Best of luck to all.

 

[coolness]

Did any of you guys hear about 15-20 people from our class have completely dropped out? That's scary. I guess they couldn't stand studying everyday.

 

[Sense]

Did any of you guys hear about 15-20 people from our class have completely dropped out? That's scary. I guess they couldn't stand studying everyday.

Are you sure? That sounds like too many people. What is your source?

 

[coolness]

3 people have told me already, which has totally shocked me. One individual indicated that the actual number was 15, while the other individual indicated 20 was the actual number.

 

[Sense]

3 people have told me already, which has totally shocked me. One individual indicated that the actual number was 15, while the other individual indicated 20 was the actual number.

That's pretty crazy. I can believe it though because if I wasn't really dedicated to become a physician, I probably wouldn't think all the work was worth it. They probably figure that if they get out now, they get most of their money back.

 

[docquaker]

crazy...i just thought people were deciding not to come to lectures anymore...

 

[docquaker]

maybe some went to another school. i know someone that got off the waitlist at albany in mid august or so...

 

[Sense]

maybe some went to another school. i know someone that got off the waitlist at albany in mid august or so...

Yea she told me about that. She actually was a regular poster on SDN at one point. 🙂

I'm sure some of the 15 probably did this.

 

[coolness]

That's crazy. To be committed to COMP and then decide to attend another school...they took a spot away from someone who really wanted to be at COMP...

 

[that dr. jack]

That's crazy. To be committed to COMP and then decide to attend another school...they took a spot away from someone who really wanted to be at COMP...

ahh, now there's just that much more fun for us. i'm not so sure if it's really 15 or 20- not until i see some proof.

 

[Ryan]

According to the roll we have exactly 202 people still with us...

😀

 

[that dr. jack]

According to the roll we have exactly 202 people still with us...

😀

so who dropped out? anyone you know?

you gotta hand it to them because if they simply did not like being there then it's better to bow out now than a few years down the road with a lot more debt and equal amounts of bitterness.

 

[AbuJadenDO]

so who dropped out? anyone you know?

you gotta hand it to them because if they simply did not like being there then it's better to bow out now than a few years down the road with a lot more debt and equal amounts of bitterness.

i quit


hahahaha

ya right
😎

 

[Ryan]

so who dropped out? anyone you know?

you gotta hand it to them because if they simply did not like being there then it's better to bow out now than a few years down the road with a lot more debt and equal amounts of bitterness.

True Dat'... I only know one of the people who dropped.

 

[friedcfood]

True Dat'... I only know one of the people who dropped.

sorry hear people go...best wishes to their future endeavors.

 

[that dr. jack]

i just wanted to congratulate everyone on kicking a$$ so hard on that biochem exam. let's hope for good things for histo/embryo, and keep the high scores coming for gross.

maybe what the administration said about us being the smartest class ever is true. however, if so, we're all screwed on curving. here i thought i was finally gonna get to experience a curved class, and you guys get such a high mean. they didn't curve ISAC either. will i ever see this 86%=A i've heard so much about?

 

[here atlast]

yeah, i was hoping for that 86%=A thing too! but since our class is so smart... I don't think it is very likely to happen 🙂

 

[asyoung]

yeah, i was hoping for that 86%=A thing too! but since our class is so smart... I don't think it is very likely to happen 🙂

sleepy....

😴

anatomy is a bit daunting right now.

 

[instrumental]

Hey everyone,

The time is approaching for your first Gross Anatomy exam. If you're nervous, its O.K. You're supposed to be nervous. After taking the mock practical, you should have a good idea of your areas of weakness and strengths. Don't waste your time on the stuff you already know. Instead, focus your energy on stuff that still trip you up. Remember, the key to passing anatomy is relationships, relationships, relationships.

Study a lot today and Sunday and leave Monday for just reviewing notes, but no hardcore studying. The more you stress yourself out, the more you forget. Do something physical Sunday evening, like exercise, to relieve some steam. Get at lease eight hours of sleep Sunday night, and have a good full breakfast Monday morning - your brain needs energy to work. Have faith in yourself and don't second guess whether or not you can do it. It can be done. Lastly, always keep in mind why you are in medical school...to become great physicians, not anal medical students.

Best of luck to all.

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

not anal medical students.

Nice try Instrumental...can't have one without the other. Its like separating enantiomers.

But thanks for the kind words...I am feeling the COMP/ISAC love...mad props to our class. The academic climate and camaraderie among our classmates is altogether refreshing. Just hope I make it to the end with you. 😳

 

[that dr. jack]

Nice try Instrumental...can't have one without the other. Its like separating enantiomers.

But thanks for the kind words...I am feeling the COMP/ISAC love...mad props to our class. The academic climate and camaraderie among our classmates is altogether refreshing. Just hope I make it to the end with you. 😳

let's hope you make it? no way man, you're absolutely gonna make it. you don't strike me as the type to fail anything.