COMP Class of 2010

[wazzudoc]

---

Members do not see this ad.

. i've been accepted to tucom-mi and have paid the $3000.00 to hold my spot. i'm also on the alternate list at comp. for superficial reasons and the system-based curriculum, i would like to attend comp. but is it really worth the extra $2000.00 if accepted? 😕

Tough predicament to be in. From my own experience, I chose COMP over Des Moines University for several reasons. First, I read a document claiming COMP was the hardest private D.O. school to get in to based on MCAT and GPA. I think ( but am not completely sure) residencies will look at this as part of the prestige of the university. I'm still a believer in the "it's not where you go to school but what you do with your degree when you get out of school" but more and more people are pointing out school reputation is important. Secondly, I chose COMP because I thought dean adam's was more enthusiastic about his job then the guy at DMU (sorry, don't remember his name). This is important because he provides the leadership for school and it's vision for the future. When we met at interview day he discussed trying to get more scientists to COMP to start ph.d. programs and eventually one day a D.O./Ph.D. program. Seems like a good idea, because everytime I read journal articles in JAMA or NEJM they are authored by M.D.'s. Where are the D.O.'s in research? Though, research is not for me, having D.O.'s in research will help our profession gain respect from our fellow healthcare professionals. Third, I thought COMP provides good extra-curricular activities for students, including international medicine opportunities. Finally, there are always personal reasons for school selection. I wanted to stay on the westcoast and have family in the area. The only reason I would not have gone to COMP would have been purely financial. Had I been accepted to a public D.O. school where tuition would have been half the amount we pay, I would have jumped ship for the less debt accumulation but DMU and COMP have similar tuitions so finances was not an option for me. As far as the boards pass rate, I'm not sure on that you'll have to get a response from somebody else. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Dr. Don]

latest data on board passing rate is 92%. Hopefully my class (DO 2008) can surpass that 😀

As far as the comment on NSU being a better school than COMP....I would really do my research on that..because I don't think it's true, and I'm not just saying that because I go to COMP (I actually turned down my interview at NSUCOM-while I was applying). Now if you were to tell me that you felt you got a better "vibe" from NSU COM than COMP, then that's a different story, but that's a personal decision, I got a better vibe at COMP than at some of the other schools I interviewed at (including MD schools).

Dr. Adams is amazing, a true student friendly Dean, and he's putting his plan into work for making COMP a top medical school, regardless of MD/DO distinction. Good luck in your decision, and now back to boards studying (which by the way with the new curriculum you'll get about 6 weeks OFF, kind of cool huh?)

 

[Dr. 90605]

Good luck Dr. Don!!!

 

[fuzziefoo]

thank you so much for the advice! i love it how we can toss around a couple of thousands of dollars like it's pocket change just to go to school. actually, i'm probably going to work over time in case i get accepted to comp and decide to go. take care everybody! 🙂

 

[emeraldcity]

Good luck in your decision, and now back to boards studying (which by the way with the new curriculum you'll get about 6 weeks OFF, kind of cool huh?)

Dude. that 6 weeks off to study for the boards might sway me more than anything... 😀

btw: does COMP provide QBANK for their students? I know that it's technically for the USMLE, but I'm assuming COMLEX (minus the OMM section) is pretty similar in regards...

 

[Red Beard]

Hello friends,

I have a 12" Mac Powerbook that still functions just fine, and I would like to use this rather than spend money on a new machine this fall. Do any of you posting or lurking here know if OSX is going to be a problem for me at any point? Is there any software or anything that I will need to use which won't work on a Mac?

I have read the 'requirements' section for the laptop, but if their is no particular PC-only software we need to run, then it shouldn't matter which platform we are using, right?

Thanks for your help 👍

 

[Dr. Don]

Dude. that 6 weeks off to study for the boards might sway me more than anything... 😀

btw: does COMP provide QBANK for their students? I know that it's technically for the USMLE, but I'm assuming COMLEX (minus the OMM section) is pretty similar in regards...

you'll get a discount for Qbank and if you'd like to get the books, and attend live classes it'll cost you a little more, but of course at a discounted price. I'm not a lecture person, so I just got qbank and I'm studying with my own sources (First aid, high yield, lippincotts, brs, etc)

 

[emeraldcity]

you'll get a discount for Qbank and if you'd like to get the books, and attend live classes it'll cost you a little more, but of course at a discounted price. I'm not a lecture person, so I just got qbank and I'm studying with my own sources (First aid, high yield, lippincotts, brs, etc)

sweet. thanks for the info!
yeah. brs and high yield saved my ass the last couple of years in my post-bac program 🙂

 

[kdkdshah]

Is anyone here doing the Summer Medical Sciences Prep Program? I got the application today in the mail. I was wondering if any of you reccomend this program and if so, do you know if we get an actual grade for the program once it is completed?

 

[deezballas]

Is anyone here doing the Summer Medical Sciences Prep Program? I got the application today in the mail. I was wondering if any of you reccomend this program and if so, do you know if we get an actual grade for the program once it is completed?

No grade, just knowledge.

 

[jenniemh]

Do any of you posting or lurking here know if OSX is going to be a problem for me at any point? Is there any software or anything that I will need to use which won't work on a Mac?

Quite a few people in DO2009 have Macs, and for the most part they haven't had issues. PM me if you'd like to contact some Mac Owners for details


Also -the person who was trying to decide if they were coming to COMP and hopes to do rotations in SF - Comp doesn't do San Fransisco area rotations. They used to, but as of right now, they don't. You can do electives at most any hospital in the nation (and some overseas) that proves that it has teaching capability, but your "core" electives have to be at a COMP-approved site.

 

[Red Beard]

Thanks Jennie, glad to see I can save a little money on that.

On another note, I was reading the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association's Spring newsletter and found the following bit regarding Western's NW track.

NW Track Students Head North - Preceptors Wanted

Western U’s Northwest Track thirdyear
students start on June 26, 2006 and
will be working in Washington and
Oregon exclusively. The program has
had some challenges obtaining adequate
rotations in Washington State. Their
areas of greatest need are greater Seattle
physicians in the following disciplines:
(1)General Surgery; (2)OBG (6 weeks);
(3) Psychiatry; (4) Peds (6 weeks) and
(5) OMM.
According to Michael Finley, DO,
Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs,
“While we are happy with any physician
who might be willing to work with us we
follow the “typing” model when it comes
to faculty appointments and
commitments to mentor 3rd year
students. We really are looking for those
physician faculty who are willing to
mentor for at least 4-6 rotations minimum/
year - hence the typing analogy - with
NW Track Students Head North - Preceptors Wanted
regular teaching like typing you get better
at it, can go faster, with less error.”
If you can help, contact Dirk Foley,
Executive Director for Educational
Development Northwest Region, College
of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
(503) 319-0886; [email protected].

 

[kafrinkabluejay]

yea. so is every COMP 2010 student going to be non-traditional? haha oh well, it doens't effect me. that just means more jokes yall be hearing from me 😉

It depends on your definition of non-traditional...jk!

I'll be starting at COMP this August and I just graduated in May, if that answers your question!

 

[kafrinkabluejay]

Hello friends,

I have a 12" Mac Powerbook that still functions just fine, and I would like to use this rather than spend money on a new machine this fall. Do any of you posting or lurking here know if OSX is going to be a problem for me at any point? Is there any software or anything that I will need to use which won't work on a Mac?

I have read the 'requirements' section for the laptop, but if their is no particular PC-only software we need to run, then it shouldn't matter which platform we are using, right?

Thanks for your help 👍

What other laptops are people getting? I'm going to have get a new one soon and I wanted to see other good recommendations. I have an HP now that's on its last leg, but I'm open to new brands 🙂

 

[kafrinkabluejay]

Hi there,

I am almost 100% sure that I will be Class of 2010 at COMP 🙂 , but I am trying to figure out a few things before signing the dotted line...

Would someone tell me how they made/will make the move from the East Coast (or the MidWest, for that matter) to Pomona? I don't have much to ship - mainly clothes, etc and a few pieces of furniture. I'm going to buy a car wherever I end up, so driving would require me renting a van, etc (not entirely out of the question). I've heard about partial shipping and I've thought about just sending several boxes to my new address.

Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!

And, BTW - just based on the people on this thread, the COMP Class of 2010 will be awesome!

I just graduated from Creighton, in Omaha, and I flew most of my stuff back with my family! I did end up shipping a few tubs of stuff, via Greyhound. It's not as glamorous as UPS, but it's only $1 per pound (I ended up shipping about 200 pounds of stuff...books!). I cleaned out a lot of the stuff I had collected while in college, but it all made it back here safely and is now shoved in a corner in my basement until August 🙂

 

[wazzudoc]

Thanks Jennie, glad to see I can save a little money on that.

On another note, I was reading the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association's Spring newsletter and found the following bit regarding Western's NW track.

I read this too, it makes me nervous. If they can't provide us with rotations can we opt out of the NW track? I did this option because I would eventually like to practice in the pacific northwest but I want my rotations to prepare me as best possible for residency.

 

[Khenon]

What other laptops are people getting? I'm going to have get a new one soon and I wanted to see other good recommendations. I have an HP now that's on its last leg, but I'm open to new brands 🙂

We get a discount at my current job through Dell, so I'll probably use that. I'm looking at the Dell Latitudes. They seem to be more "upper-end" laptops (for Dell) and have alot of options you can add to the basic systems.

 

[Red Beard]

I read this too, it makes me nervous. If they can't provide us with rotations can we opt out of the NW track? I did this option because I would eventually like to practice in the pacific northwest but I want my rotations to prepare me as best possible for residency.

Sounds like a good question for:

Dirk Foley,
Executive Director for Educational
Development Northwest Region, College
of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
(503) 319-0886; [email protected].

Let us know what he says. 👍

 

[Junkster]

Does anyone have the 06~07 schedule calender? I haven't recieved it yet. PM, si vous plait.

As for laptop, I'm giving my one year old HP dv1400 to my brother and getting a new one, probably a HP T3100. Does anyone have the linky that explains when we buy the computer and when we turn in the reciept to get the funds from the school?

 

[Khenon]

As for laptop, I'm giving my one year old HP dv1400 to my brother and getting a new one, probably a HP T3100. Does anyone have the linky that explains when we buy the computer and when we turn in the reciept to get the funds from the school?

I called the financial aid office a couple of weeks ago and asked this. Who ever I talked to said that we just bring in our receipt for our laptops and they will increase our financial aid award so we receive the extra loan money. She said it had to be purchased within the '06-'07 school year, so I asked if purchasing in June was okay. She said a purchase anytime after June 1st would be fine. However, technically the school year starts in July, so if someone would like to call and confirm this that would be adviseable.

 

[Junkster]

Thanks. I'll call tommorow and verify.

 

[jenniemh]

If they can't provide us with rotations can we opt out of the NW track? I did this option because I would eventually like to practice in the pacific northwest but I want my rotations to prepare me as best possible for residency.

I understand you guys being concerned about rotations - believe me, those who've gone before you have also worried. Everyone wants to know what lies ahead. But the bottom line is: the rotations are there. They had just a couple open slots in OB and surg, at last report, which should be fine by the end of next month. I think they just would like more "back ups" for when docs have to unexpectedly backout (personal issues, injuries, etc) so that they don't have to scramble at the last minute. And more sites would mean more options...

There are 2 people in DO2009 who've been appointed to communicate with Dirk Foley and Dr. Finley and then relay the message to the rest of the NWT folks. As the 3rd set, things will be much more solidified for you guys. I'm sure we'll have some kind of NWT gathering around the beginning of the year and we can help put some of your fears to rest.

The 2008 crew seem pretty happy with their rotation assignments, and Do2009 will be keeping in touch with them to see how next year goes.

I hope this allays some of your concerns. Don't worry about rotations at this point. If you really want something to focus on, go memorize the brachial plexus. 🙂 You'll be up to your eyebrows in school soon enough. 🙂

Good luck with the moving and transitions - I look fwd to meeting you guys in August. 🙂

 

[kdkdshah]

hey there , congrats on your acceptance. by non-traditional i was referring to those who take time off after graduating from college! (eventhough this is becoming more popular!!) i was just curious as to how many students there were in COMP 2010 who were about my age (20)..that's cool that you just graduated...congrats on that! i just graduated as well may 14 from pitzer college in claremont!!

its kinda cool how people can take a few years off after graduating and still have the aspirations of going to medical school. i always thought that people who took time off would become lazy and not want to do medicine anymore and totally change their career pathways but yall just made me realize that perserverence and patience is key!

ohh, and dell laptops are awesome, i have one..i've always used dell - they have amazing service and their products are reliable.

im kinda looking forward to SMSPP program...i decided not to apply for ISAC...i mean, sure, it would have its benefits, but i contacted a couple of students and they told me that many studetns who take anatomy in fall usually have higher grades in anatomy than those who took anatomy in the summer thru isac...plus, SMSPP covers a good portion of anatomy and it will be a good lil course leadin up to the start of the school year. im looking forward to meeting ISACers and SMSPPers in June...

i still need a roomate in helix..i have a double...but i dont have a roomate...so if anyone is still lookin, or knows someone looking, please let me know!

-keval

 

[wazzudoc]

I understand you guys being concerned about rotations - believe me, those who've gone before you have also worried. Everyone wants to know what lies ahead. But the bottom line is: the rotations are there. They had just a couple open slots in OB and surg, at last report, which should be fine by the end of next month. I think they just would like more "back ups" for when docs have to unexpectedly backout (personal issues, injuries, etc) so that they don't have to scramble at the last minute. And more sites would mean more options...

There are 2 people in DO2009 who've been appointed to communicate with Dirk Foley and Dr. Finley and then relay the message to the rest of the NWT folks. As the 3rd set, things will be much more solidified for you guys. I'm sure we'll have some kind of NWT gathering around the beginning of the year and we can help put some of your fears to rest.

The 2008 crew seem pretty happy with their rotation assignments, and Do2009 will be keeping in touch with them to see how next year goes.

I hope this allays some of your concerns. Don't worry about rotations at this point. If you really want something to focus on, go memorize the brachial plexus. 🙂 You'll be up to your eyebrows in school soon enough. 🙂

Good luck with the moving and transitions - I look fwd to meeting you guys in August. 🙂

Thanks for the message, hey guys, I did email Dirk Foley and he assured me there would be rotations and that they were expanding the program not trying to fill a shortage of preceptors. Brachial plexus ???? Run to Drink Cold Beer (Roots, trunks , divisions, cords, branches). I think i'll wait until the school year to work on the rest.

 

[Junkster]

Okay... here's what I got from Admin and financial aid.

As pertaining to the laptop: You must purchase the laptop after June 1st, upon which you can either a.) show receipt to financial aid in person, b.) mail in a copy of reciept, or c.) fax in reciept. Remember to include your name and SSN when you fax or mail in your copy.

06/07 Academic Schedule: They don't have a final calender which they are sending out, but here are some dates for ya...

8/7: Orientation

8/10: Ice Cream Shindig/hootnanny

8/12: White Coating Day

8/14: First day of torture/lifelessness/sleeplessness/no drinky time

11/22: Class ends at noon for Turkey/Take land from native americans day

11/27: Resume torture


The homepage of COMP also has some updates coming up listed on the right hand corner of the page, set up as links. This will have registration dates and further info listed in those links as they come up.

That's it for naw.

 

[Khenon]

8/14: First day of torture/lifelessness/sleeplessness/no drinky time

I thought this is WHEN the drinking started! 😕

Thanks for confirming the laptop purchase dates. 🙂

 

[Junkster]

I thought this is WHEN the drinking started! 😕

Thanks for confirming the laptop purchase dates. 🙂

I'm just worried that all the stress might make me go back to smoking... bad, bad.

 

[ny2cali]

Hey, i just got a letter from COMP saying that they cant accept me immediately. They informed me of my "High alternate" status. Has anyone in this thread been accepted from the same pool of applicants?

i'm flipping out.

 

[jenniemh]

Hey, i just got a letter from COMP saying that they cant accept me immediately. They informed me of my "High alternate" status. Has anyone in this thread been accepted from the same pool of applicants?

i'm flipping out.

I believe 4 or 5 people in DO2009 were accepted from that high alternate status during or shortly before orientation. Call the admin office and chat with them about it - they'll be able to give you the most accurate info on your status & chances. Good Luck!

 

[kdkdshah]

I believe 4 or 5 people in DO2009 were accepted from that high alternate status during or shortly before orientation. Call the admin office and chat with them about it - they'll be able to give you the most accurate info on your status & chances. Good Luck!

why would they hold out 4 or 5 spots like that ALL the way until the day of orientation? that seems kind of weird...

 

[wazzudoc]

why would they hold out 4 or 5 spots like that ALL the way until the day of orientation? that seems kind of weird...

Because medical education is a business, they want their class completely full and know that there are enough potential students, willing to attend no matter what. 4 -5 students extra at 37,000 tuition is a lot of money. Sure, it's inconvenient for the student to have to move as school is starting, but most schools don't have a problem filling the spots.

 

[tkim]

why would they hold out 4 or 5 spots like that ALL the way until the day of orientation? that seems kind of weird...

It's not really then holding out spots, but those 4 or 5 people never showed up or withdrew within days of orientation. But the previous poster was correct - it's about the money.

 

[star22]

Hi All--
I am not a COMP 2010 class member, but I was wondering if any of you are from WA and getting the WICHE scholarship? How hard are they to get? Does anyone know what proportion of those who apply will get funded?

Thanks!!

 

[wazzudoc]

Hi All--
I am not a COMP 2010 class member, but I was wondering if any of you are from WA and getting the WICHE scholarship? How hard are they to get? Does anyone know what proportion of those who apply will get funded?

Thanks!!

Hi,

I have the application materials for the 2007-2008 school year. From what I understood it is to late for 2006-2007 school year. They are very hard to get and I think they award on a "financial needs based" criteria. It sounds like a cool program because they allow you to do any medical specialty so long as you serve in one of the towns listed on the info sheet or they allow you to practice at a place which serves 40% medicare/medicaid. I'm not sure on the proportion who actually gets awarded but it can't be that high.
Below is the contact info. for the person I spoke with when I inquired about the process. She would probably know who gets awarded out of the total number of applicants. Hey, if anybody else is from washington I'd recommend checking this WICHE deal out. The some of the WICHE states I know are WA, OR, ID. They'll give you 17,500 of support for an academic year.

Dawn Cypriano-McAferty
Certifying Officer
Washington State HECB
917 Lakeridge Way
PO Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
360.753.7846
360.704.6246 - fax
[email protected]

 

[Red Beard]

I have the application materials for the 2007-2008 school year. From what I understood it is to late for 2006-2007 school year....It sounds like a cool program because they allow you to do any medical specialty so long as you serve in one of the towns listed on the info sheet or they allow you to practice at a place which serves 40% medicare/medicaid.

Interesting, I wonder if they have changed their policy then? I was set to apply for the 2006-2007 year, but the info packet I received definitely stated that you must commit to a primary care specialty so I chose not to apply.

Where exactly did you get that information--in writing or over the phone?

Thanks!

 

[star22]

Interesting, I wonder if they have changed their policy then? I was set to apply for the 2006-2007 year, but the info packet I received definitely stated that you must commit to a primary care specialty so I chose not to apply.

Where exactly did you get that information--in writing or over the phone?

Thanks!

Do you know what they included as primary care? Some places say only FP, peds, IM others include OB/GYN, ER, and psych too.

 

[Red Beard]

Do you know what they included as primary care? Some places say only FP, peds, IM others include OB/GYN, ER, and psych too.

I have to dig it out when I get home, but I distinctly remember that EM was not included.

EDIT:

Wazzudoc---did they say you could apply for the scholarship for second year?

 

[lllangelicalll]

Wazzudoc---did they say you could apply for the scholarship for second year?

I called and asked about this a few weeks ago and was told yes, you could apply for the scholarship for second year.

 

[Flyfisher]

you guys might be confusing two scholarships... admittedly i'm not from the NW so i know nothing about the WICHE stuff, but there is another scholarship just for primary care specialties that might be what some or all of you are thinking of.

😕

 

[wazzudoc]

I have to dig it out when I get home, but I distinctly remember that EM was not included.

EDIT:

Wazzudoc---did they say you could apply for the scholarship for second year?

Yeah, you can apply for the second year, the due date is Oct. 15th I think. I've attached the application forms for you to look over. I know it's confusing. I too have seen different WICHE websites contending different criteria.

 

[wazzudoc]

Interesting, I wonder if they have changed their policy then? I was set to apply for the 2006-2007 year, but the info packet I received definitely stated that you must commit to a primary care specialty so I chose not to apply.

Where exactly did you get that information--in writing or over the phone?

Thanks!

Sorry, forgot to answer this one, if you read the information sheet, the list "osteopathic physicians and surgeons" towards the bottom of the first page of the info sheet. I guess i'm kinda making an inference on them allowing you to practice any specialty. But if you were a GI doctor and 40% of your patients were medicare I don't think they would mind. Read the sheet and tell me if you agree. I could be making too big an inference.

 

[Red Beard]

duplicate

 

[Red Beard]

Sorry, forgot to answer this one, if you read the information sheet, the list "osteopathic physicians and surgeons" towards the bottom of the first page of the info sheet. I guess i'm kinda making an inference on them allowing you to practice any specialty. But if you were a GI doctor and 40% of your patients were medicare I don't think they would mind. Read the sheet and tell me if you agree. I could be making too big an inference.

Yeah, it does read the way you describe. Its a different document than what I recieved last year, and doesn't seem to rule out any specific specialty.

Thanks for going through all the trouble to put that up for us!

Take care

 

[wazzudoc]

I had a question for everyone. The book store gives a list of textbooks for 1st year students. Is this the list for us or for the 2005-2006 class? I know some of the links on the Western U. website still are for this years class schedule and not ours. I'm curious about this because I need the book list to research where i'm going to buy books from. I'd like to get the books used, from amazon or another seller. I'd even get an older edition. Do you guys think the 5th edition of a book is that much different from the 4th edition (e.g. biochem ). From my experience they usually just change the color of a few of the figures and add a trendy c.d. to the back that you can play with on the computer. The book stores list also gives prices and these will be costly. Any thoughts?

 

[Khenon]

I had a question for everyone. The book store gives a list of textbooks for 1st year students. Is this the list for us or for the 2005-2006 class? I know some of the links on the Western U. website still are for this years class schedule and not ours. I'm curious about this because I need the book list to research where i'm going to buy books from. I'd like to get the books used, from amazon or another seller. I'd even get an older edition. Do you guys think the 5th edition of a book is that much different from the 4th edition (e.g. biochem ). From my experience they usually just change the color of a few of the figures and add a trendy c.d. to the back that you can play with on the computer. The book stores list also gives prices and these will be costly. Any thoughts?

Because I deferred from last year, I received a couple of helpful emails for the 2009 class. One of the messages was about books, and basically it said don't buy ANYTHING until you get to class. Most books are apparently completely unnecessary, and you won't have the time to read them regardless (with everything else you're expected to study). The email did list some books that this particular person thought was helpful though. If anyone is interested PM me with your email address and I'll forward you the message.

 

[star22]

Yeah, you can apply for the second year, the due date is Oct. 15th I think. I've attached the application forms for you to look over. I know it's confusing. I too have seen different WICHE websites contending different criteria.

Wow, thanks for all of the info!!

 

[GA Girl]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone is looking to sublet June 20 to July 31. I'm most likely attending the summer program and need to find a place! Thanks!

 

[wazzudoc]

Nothing to say, just bored at work : )

 

[Red Beard]

Me too...

 

[Junkster]

Checking in from my 2 week vacation in Korea. 🙂

Anyone get the full schedule for 06~07 yet?