Des Moines University (DMU-COM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

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michow87 said:
it's not about the substance, but the tone that qualifies it as "crying" in my eyes.

anyways, that's just my opinion. My approach to med school was simply to get into the best one I could get into. If I have to travel during the second two years, then so be it. I knew the path of becoming a physician would require many sacrifices and I consider "moving" an inconvenience rather than a sacrifice.
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I think that's everyone's approach. Like I said though, I'm spoiled because I live with someone who doesn't need to travel during M3 and I realize that's what I want for myself. M4 is going to be full of traveling for aways and I'm fine with that. I have a problem with any school who cannot or will not provide its M3s with convenient rotation sites.


Edit: And by convenient I mean <20 minute commute. I'm moderately ok with schools that have their students spend the majority of M3 at a site >20 minutes from the pre-clinical campus because at least those students can move to that area. But I don't like that schools will have you doing different clerkships at completely different locations that may be dozens of miles apart.
 
MedPR said:
I think that's everyone's approach. Like I said though, I'm spoiled because I live with someone who doesn't need to travel during M3 and I realize that's what I want for myself. M4 is going to be full of traveling for aways and I'm fine with that. I have a problem with any school who cannot or will not provide its M3s with convenient rotation sites.
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Ditto. Moving blows.
 
MedPR said:
I think that's everyone's approach. Like I said though, I'm spoiled because I live with someone who doesn't need to travel during M3 and I realize that's what I want for myself. M4 is going to be full of traveling for aways and I'm fine with that. I have a problem with any school who cannot or will not provide its M3s with convenient rotation sites.


Edit: And by convenient I mean <20 minute commute. I'm moderately ok with schools that have their students spend the majority of M3 at a site >20 minutes from the pre-clinical campus because at least those students can move to that area. But I don't like that schools will have you doing different clerkships at completely different locations that may be dozens of miles apart.
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You do realize that the Des Moines metropolitan area has a population just over 500,000 and we have 220 students per class. These two factors make it very difficult to provide quality rotations for every student in Des Moines. Also Iowa does not have a lot of OB-Gyns. Most deliveries are done by family med doctors which requires us to go other places to satisfy that requirement. The University of Iowa's medical school also has rotations that they use in Des Moines. Iowa City is about two hours away.

Even my in state allopathic medical school has their students move around for rotations. My cousin was all over the state during his third and fourth year and he actually enjoyed it. Some of the other hospitals had stronger programs than the big university hospital. When he went to smaller hospitals, it would just be him and the doc which gave him a lot more opportunities.

I know the system isn't perfect and this is an area of the curriculum that they are always trying to improve. We had our first meeting about our rotations two weeks ago and the department is working on securing more sites with strong preceptors.
 
I am interested to know how large of an area I'd be moving around in at Michigan or Ohio for year 3. Anyone?
 
So I was initially somewhat "iffy" about having to move for rotations myself. I was also hoping establish a home base where I currently live and just drive to the different rotation sites (although, I"m completely fine driving an hour to and from wherever I need to go... driving is a great way to mentally prepare for a long day/unwind after a long day).

However, these things aren't perfect. Badgers obviously knows more about this stuff than all of us since he's a second year. From what I hear, DMU does a great job aiding you in the rotations process, as long as you pull your weight as well. The main thing I'm concerned about is having to move all my stuff from location to location to location. But it's a necessary sacrifice. I do agree that rotations matter and is something to consider when picking a school, so if DMU's rotations aren't your cup of tea, consider going elsewhere. But you'll find the same issue at many, many schools... so you aren't going to get everything you want from a school, in which case, you pick the one that feels right.

Good luck to all the upcoming interviewers, and congrats to all those who have finished their interviews! 🙂
 
Iliketoytles said:
So I was initially somewhat "iffy" about having to move for rotations myself. I was also hoping establish a home base where I currently live and just drive to the different rotation sites (although, I"m completely fine driving an hour to and from wherever I need to go... driving is a great way to mentally prepare for a long day/unwind after a long day).

🙂
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What planet have you been driving on? Lol 😀. For most people , driving long distances is a huge inconvenience.
 
5 hours and 40 minutes later I'm here. Des Moines doesn't seem as small or quiet as I expected.

Is anyone else interviewing tomorrow?
 
MedPR said:
5 hours and 40 minutes later I'm here. Des Moines doesn't seem as small or quiet as I expected.

Is anyone else interviewing tomorrow?
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Hope you enjoy your visit to Des Moines! Best of luck with your interview!
 
So I drove over to check out the campus and figure out where we're meeting for interviews. Looks really nice and very new.

Even the guest WiFi has a password though.. 🙁
Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
MedPR said:
So I drove over to check out the campus and figure out where we're meeting for interviews. Looks really nice and very new.
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Looking forward to hearing your views on DMU. I'm not sure if I should go to my Nova interview or not but you seemed very impressed with Nova, so I'm curious to hear how Nova compares to DMU...
 
virtuoso735 said:
Looking forward to hearing your views on DMU. I'm not sure if I should go to my Nova interview or not but you seemed very impressed with Nova, so I'm curious to hear how Nova compares to DMU...
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I'm sure I'll be impressed by DMU as well. The fact that it's closer to my girlfriend than NSU already gives it a leg up.
 
MedPR said:
5 hours and 40 minutes later I'm here. Des Moines doesn't seem as small or quiet as I expected.

Is anyone else interviewing tomorrow?
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which way did you drive MedPR? I'm headed up there Thursday and thought it would take longer
 
felix2929 said:
which way did you drive MedPR? I'm headed up there Thursday and thought it would take longer
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The "shortest time" route my GPS gave me. It was almost all on single-lane state roads. Hardly any interstate once I got out of st. louis. I'm not sure if I'll go the same way back...
 
MedPR said:
The "shortest time" route my GPS gave me. It was almost all on single-lane state roads. Hardly any interstate once I got out of st. louis. I'm not sure if I'll go the same way back...
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going back to st. louis definitely take 163 to 63 to 34 to 218. It sounds confusing but 163 turns into 63 which then turns into 34 which also turns into 218 which takes you straight to st. louis. MUCH faster and it is now ALL four lane highways.
 
Had anyone stayed at the Hampton? If so, how was it?

1 week today! 😎
 
I'm excited to hear about the interview, MedPR. Keep us posted
 
FrkyBgStok said:
going back to st. louis definitely take 163 to 63 to 34 to 218. It sounds confusing but 163 turns into 63 which then turns into 34 which also turns into 218 which takes you straight to st. louis. MUCH faster and it is now ALL four lane highways.
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Yesh, take the 163 route, all 4 lane until you hit Ottumwa. It is the way I take from Des Moines to KVegas.
 
Badgers326 said:
You do realize that the Des Moines metropolitan area has a population just over 500,000 and we have 220 students per class. These two factors make it very difficult to provide quality rotations for every student in Des Moines. Also Iowa does not have a lot of OB-Gyns. Most deliveries are done by family med doctors which requires us to go other places to satisfy that requirement.

Do you think if that is the area of medicine I'm most interested in my education might be lacking in some way at this school?
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cmagic84 said:
Had anyone stayed at the Hampton? If so, how was it?

1 week today! 😎
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I did, at the one by the airport. It was nice, pretty good breakfast as well (make sure you eat something there, or bring your own because at DMU there is only a couple of granola bars...)

They have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and that same shuttle will take you to DMU. I enjoyed my stay there.
 
felix2929 said:
Do you think if that is the area of medicine I'm most interested in my education might be lacking in some way at this school?
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OB-Gyn? I wouldn't worry about it. You have to have that rotation and since Iowa doesn't have many they have to look elsewhere. Apparently one of the places is spending four weeks in San Antonio with one that loves to teach and people really enjoy it even if you are in Texas for the rotation. This is just my theory, but since we don't have many OB-Gyns that the ones you will be with are doing a lot more high risk, complicated issues since the FPs can take the easier cases.
 
Great! Thanks for the info. Even if you had said yes it would be hard to use that as a decision making factor since I am sure I will change my mind a time or two in med school. I'm really looking forward to seeing the DMU campus as I have really heard nothing but good things. No one on this thread has mentioned the cold weather and snow though...
 
felix2929 said:
Great! Thanks for the info. Even if you had said yes it would be hard to use that as a decision making factor since I am sure I will change my mind a time or two in med school. I'm really looking forward to seeing the DMU campus as I have really heard nothing but good things. No one on this thread has mentioned the cold weather and snow though...
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My husband lived in Iowa for two years and has warned me about it! LOL he says the first things he's getting me if I'm accepted is a heavier winter coat! One of the things I liked about this school is that the buildings are connected in the basement so you don't have to run outside in the snow to go from the classrooms to the labs.
 
jrporte3 said:
I did, at the one by the airport. It was nice, pretty good breakfast as well (make sure you eat something there, or bring your own because at DMU there is only a couple of granola bars...)

They have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and that same shuttle will take you to DMU. I enjoyed my stay there.
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Agreed! It was a really nice place to stay and not very expensive.
 
jrporte3 said:
I did, at the one by the airport. It was nice, pretty good breakfast as well (make sure you eat something there, or bring your own because at DMU there is only a couple of granola bars...)

They have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and that same shuttle will take you to DMU. I enjoyed my stay there.
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Not like our AZCOM interview which had TONS of goodies to munch on, huh? Good to know.
 
dudeliness said:
Not like our AZCOM interview which had TONS of goodies to munch on, huh? Good to know.
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Yeah AZCOM had plenty of snacks, DMU had only a couple of granola bars, I was really really happy I ate before my interview....

Although DMU had a better lunch service, with no price limit. AZCOM limited our lunch to 8 dollars.
 
jrporte3 said:
Although DMU had a better lunch service, with no price limit.
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O rlly? I was kinda sad I couldn't get stuffed shells AND a naked juice at AZCOM. I'm getting hungry for DMU's lunch already!
 
jrporte3 said:
I did, at the one by the airport. It was nice, pretty good breakfast as well (make sure you eat something there, or bring your own because at DMU there is only a couple of granola bars...)

They have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, and that same shuttle will take you to DMU. I enjoyed my stay there.
Click to expand...


Great! I booked a room there and just wanted to make sure it was the right move. Thanks! I'm looking forward to Monday! 🙄
 
cmagic84 said:
Great! I booked a room there and just wanted to make sure it was the right move. Thanks! I'm looking forward to Monday! 🙄
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make sure to mention that you are interviewing at DMU and they should give you a student discount. I did not mention it when i booked my room, but asked them about it when i arrived, reduced my price by about 20 bucks or so.
 
felix2929 said:
Great! Thanks for the info. Even if you had said yes it would be hard to use that as a decision making factor since I am sure I will change my mind a time or two in med school. I'm really looking forward to seeing the DMU campus as I have really heard nothing but good things. No one on this thread has mentioned the cold weather and snow though...
Click to expand...

BabyDoc86 said:
My husband lived in Iowa for two years and has warned me about it! LOL he says the first things he's getting me if I'm accepted is a heavier winter coat! One of the things I liked about this school is that the buildings are connected in the basement so you don't have to run outside in the snow to go from the classrooms to the labs.
Click to expand...

Iowa winters can be bad, but it's variable. Last winter we only had snow on the ground 2-3 times and it melted the next day, no big deal. But other winters we've been buried under quite a bit of snow. You get used to it!
 
jrporte3 said:
make sure to mention that you are interviewing at DMU and they should give you a student discount. I did not mention it when i booked my room, but asked them about it when i arrived, reduced my price by about 20 bucks or so.
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Thanks! You're exactly right. The student rate dropped my estimated bill by quite a bit. 👍

futchadoc89 said:
Iowa winters can be bad, but it's variable. Last winter we only had snow on the ground 2-3 times and it melted the next day, no big deal. But other winters we've been buried under quite a bit of snow. You get used to it!
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You should all try North Dakota winters. - 40F in February 😱
 
cmagic84 said:
You should all try North Dakota winters. - 40F in February 😱
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I've been camping in -40F before, but that was many years ago growing up in northern Michigan. After living in the desert for a few years I am not used to that kind of cold any more.
 
Hi everyone
Just check back in to sdn! Anyone interview on 10/18 at DMU? One of my top choice for DO
! Anyone from Bay area, California?
btw anyone stay in Day Inn and suit near the airport?
 
jrporte3 said:
Yeah AZCOM had plenty of snacks, DMU had only a couple of granola bars, I was really really happy I ate before my interview....

Although DMU had a better lunch service, with no price limit. AZCOM limited our lunch to 8 dollars.
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that is almost sinful considering that they charge the most out of any med school in the country

dudeliness said:
I've been camping in -40F before, but that was many years ago growing up in northern Michigan. After living in the desert for a few years I am not used to that kind of cold any more.
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how the heck do you go camping in -40f???? wow, i am spoiled Californian brat... where in the desert do you live dude? did you say that you live in utah?
 
Tri Nguyen said:
Hi everyone
Just check back in to sdn! Anyone interview on 10/18 at DMU? One of my top choice for DO
! Anyone from Bay area, California?
btw anyone stay in Day Inn and suit near the airport?
Click to expand...

I'm from the BA, but I already interviewed last week.
 
dudeliness said:
I've been camping in -40F before, but that was many years ago growing up in northern Michigan. After living in the desert for a few years I am not used to that kind of cold any more.
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that sounds brutal man
 
I swear I've been reading the thread, but did I miss the second round of interview invites? Just wondering where I stand with DMU...other than apparently out in the cold.....

Thanks!
 
I am really excited for this interview. I'm interviewing a week from today. Anyone else interviewing on 9/24?
 
FrkyBgStok said:
going back to st. louis definitely take 163 to 63 to 34 to 218. It sounds confusing but 163 turns into 63 which then turns into 34 which also turns into 218 which takes you straight to st. louis. MUCH faster and it is now ALL four lane highways.
Click to expand...

Wish I read this before leaving. I'm 30 miles outside st louis stuck in traffic.

Anyway, DMU was cool.. better than nova. Some guy called me out for being sarcastic on sdn but then wouldn't tell me who he is on sdn. Some asian guy from california. It was pretty obvious he was looking forward to telling me that. I don't think I saw him talk to any other people in the interview group.

Interview was a little tough. Will post more when I get home.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
MedPR said:
Wish I read this before leaving. I'm 30 miles outside st louis stuck in traffic.

Anyway, DMU was cool.. better than nova. Some guy called me out for being sarcastic on sdn but then wouldn't tell me who he is on sdn. Some asian guy from california. It was pretty obvious he was looking forward to telling me that. I don't think I saw him talk to any other people in the interview group.

Interview was a little tough. Will post more when I get home.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
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how would he know what you look like? 😕
 
MedPR said:
Wish I read this before leaving. I'm 30 miles outside st louis stuck in traffic.

Anyway, DMU was cool.. better than nova. Some guy called me out for being sarcastic on sdn but then wouldn't tell me who he is on sdn. Some asian guy from california. It was pretty obvious he was looking forward to telling me that. I don't think I saw him talk to any other people in the interview group.

Interview was a little tough. Will post more when I get home.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
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Wow bro, yer famous! 😀

Can wait to hear your take on this school, especially if you think its better than nova. Lol
 
dudeliness said:
Wow bro, yer famous! 😀

Can wait to hear your take on this school, especially if you think its better than nova. Lol
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Eh mightve jumped the gun. They're both good, but dmu seems like a better fit for me.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
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