Des Moines University (DMU-COM) Discussion Thread 2013 - 2014

[felix2929]

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T
Dislikes

-the class number sizes. The majority of our first year is spent a large lecture hall with other programs, which makes up the large amount of people going to a class.

-they didn't allow us to go into the anatomy lab because they didn't want us to see bodies.

-two of my fellow interviewees took the last chocolate chip cookies, which apparently another selling point at the school lol.

Please post or pm me any question you have about the interview and I will be as candid as possible.

class size is large ill agree though the number of people who attend most classes is not.
At DMU they really emphasize the gift of body donation and the tremendous amount of respect and responsibility that comes with that. That cadaver is someone's loved one who has generously given their body as a gift to future doctors. They dont allow you in the lab because that would mean hundreds of people paraded past the bodies as they are exposed on the table. I never really thought about it either prior to coming here but now that I'm doing the dissecting I actually much prefer DMU's approach. The lab is up to the same standard as the rest of the school's facilities.
Sucks about the cookies. They are good.

 

[Ateosp]

I also interviewed today and I have to say that the school is great! Dr. Mueller talked with us first thing in the morning, he introduced himself and the school but also gave us an opportunity to get to know the other interviewee's. From here, we met the dean (he really is an exceptional individual) before going on a brief tour of various labs on campus. After lunch and another tour we settled down by admissions off and was able to talk with current students before being pulled in for our interviews. The interview process was enjoyable, and quite laid back. I had four interviewers (2 physicians and 2 students) and they each cycled through asking me questions about my application. Here is the important part, the interviewers will know your application and they do care about you and your experiences. I recommend going through your application and evaluating why osteopathic medicine is right for you. Further, evaluate why DMU will be a good fit for you (what do you like about DMU? What do you not like?). Below are some of the questions that I was asked during my interview.

What would you do if a patient is non compliant?
Why D.O.?
Tell me more about the correlation between experience X and experience Y.
Why medicine?
What will you contribute to DMU?
We've looked through your application and we see that you have imperfection XYZ, can you explain why this imperfection occurred and what you changed in order to avoid it in the future?
Why are you so passionate about experience X

Towards the end of the interview it seemed like the questions picked up speed but that may have just been my anxiety coming back.

P.S. I missed out on the cookies as well.

 

[bhandal]

class size is large ill agree though the number of people who attend most classes is not.
At DMU they really emphasize the gift of body donation and the tremendous amount of respect and responsibility that comes with that. That cadaver is someone's loved one who has generously given their body as a gift to future doctors. They dont allow you in the lab because that would mean hundreds of people paraded past the bodies as they are exposed on the table. I never really thought about it either prior to coming here but now that I'm doing the dissecting I actually much prefer DMU's approach. The lab is up to the same standard as the rest of the school's facilities.
Sucks about the cookies. They are good.

Thanks this basically null an voids my dislikes meaning I must go here now. Yea I would have just there were no dissections going in just so that I can see what the facility looks like, but I suppose ill plenty of time in there if I get in. Thanks again

 

[touchpause13]

Thanks for the indepth review of the interview day guys!!!!

 

[touchpause13]

This is kinda random but can anyone speak to how gay friendly DMU is? I'm assuming it's fine being Iowa and all but I'd love to hear a student perspective

 

[mnspice]

My first II here today! So excited, so far it is my top school. Although the earliest date I could snatch up was November 22...I guess I have a lot of time to prep! I'll post my stats because I know I like seeing other's stats who get invites:

MCAT: 29 (10/9/10)
sGPA: 3.51
cGPA: 3.73
File complete on 8/26

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

we had an AWESOME batch of interviewees today and I seriously hope that ALL of you get in. Best of luck on the big decision!

 

[PSimon]

we had an AWESOME batch of interviewees today and I seriously hope that ALL of you get in. Best of luck on the big decision!

Aww what about yesterday😔. We had awesome group tooo😊...

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Aww what about yesterday😔. We had awesome group tooo😊...

I didn't get a chance to meet the group from yesterday. I'm sure you guys were equally as awesome. Thats why your interviewing here...because you guys are awesome! Best of luck to you guys too. Hopefully you guys get a quick turnaround.

 

[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

There's not a single instant that I see you guys here on campus and I don't wish you the best of luck. I was there a very short time ago. I'd bet money that the vast majority of my classmates are of a similar mind, especially coldweather. 😉

 

[ph7]

There's not a single instant that I see you guys here on campus and I don't wish you the best of luck. I was there a very short time ago. I'd bet money that the vast majority of my classmates are of a similar mind, especially coldweather. 😉

Yeah I must admit you students made us hopefuls feel very welcome! Another something special about this school...🙂

 

[PSimon]

Yeah I must admit you students made us hopefuls feel very welcome! Another something special about this school...🙂

Agree with this. You guys stopped by to hang out with us, it was awesome 😍

 

[Skeeks]

Today was AMAZING! I loved the interview and honestly DMU just shot up to the top of my list! Thanks everyone who was involved with today! You really made today a spectacular experience for me.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

This is kinda random but can anyone speak to how gay friendly DMU is? I'm assuming it's fine being Iowa and all but I'd love to hear a student perspective

ironically, i just got back from a GSA potluck.

 

[touchpause13]

ironically, i just got back from a GSA potluck.

Dude thats awesome. Are there any LGBT health topics covered in classes? Thats sweet that med students can b involved in a GSA I would love that!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Dude thats awesome. Are there any LGBT health topics covered in classes? Thats sweet that med students can b involved in a GSA I would love that!

there are. we got a new multicultural director last year and he is doing awesome. things move slowly in academia, but there are definitely positive changes within the curriculum. we can only do so much given what we have. for example, we have a diversity health series that is fantastic and very popular, and we have even started having LGBT standardized patients.

 

[touchpause13]

there are. we got a new multicultural director last year and he is doing awesome. things move slowly in academia, but there are definitely positive changes within the curriculum. we can only do so much given what we have. for example, we have a diversity health series that is fantastic and very popular, and we have even started having LGBT standardized patients.

Sploosh.

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Today was AMAZING! I loved the interview and honestly DMU just shot up to the top of my list! Thanks everyone who was involved with today! You really made today a spectacular experience for me.

Perfect. Exactly the kind of feedback we all hope to hear! Glad you enjoyed the day. I would encourage the future interviewees to ask as many questions as possible. The students that sit with you at lunch and those that sit with you prior to your interview can offer the best insight about the school. So please take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you have and would like to have answered so that you can make the most informed decision regarding where you will attend medical school, whether it be at DMU or elsewhere.

 

[iowamedic]

I got an email about the hold status like iowamedic. Hold status email was received on 9/13 and I was complete 8/21. My stats are cgpa 3.59 sgpa 3.52 MCAT 31. I did lots of ECs, shadowing, research, and I have one publication. I'm not sure what they didn't like about my application :/. Anyways, good luck to all of us still in the process! Whether we are waiting for an interview or waiting to hear back from the interview

WOW you got a hold status? That is surprising to me with your excellent MCAT score. Mine was less than stellar and it was a long shot for me to submit with such a low score but I am working on getting it up and should get a score close to yours. P.S. I am still grateful that I am at least on hold status!! I wonder if once their interview spots are full for the first few months they put everyone else on hold??? I just hope I can stay on the hold list until my new MCAT scores.

 

[Elevencents]

Anyone know if DMU has OMM rotations in 3rd and/or 4th year? Would it be a dumb question to ask at an interview?

http://www.dmu.edu/do/program-strengths/clinical-rotations/

 

[Eremba]

Anyone know if DMU has OMM rotations in 3rd and/or 4th year? Would it be a dumb question to ask at an interview?

I don't know about actual OMM rotations but DMU does have an OMM Fellowship you can apply to at the end of your 2nd year. You then spread out your 3rd and 4th years to a 5th year and get to do specific OMM rotations at 4 month intervals. You do 4 months OMM then 4 months clinical site rotations (like FM, IM, EM, etc)....They allow 4 people per year per class into the fellowship.

 

[Maeby Funke]

Dumb question but if I'm complete does that mean the school accepted my prerequisites? Before submitting I forgot to ask if they'd accept my WICs for the English requirement or my one quarter of biochem instead of one semester.

 

[XFireMedic]

Dumb question but if I'm complete does that mean the school accepted my prerequisites? Before submitting I forgot to ask if they'd accept my WICs for the English requirement or my one quarter of biochem instead of one semester.

Not necessarily, because I believe that it is still possible to be interviewed and accepted with the understanding that you have to complete the courses before matriculation in you are deficient in any area. I would call them, in my experience they are very nice and helpful!

 

[iowamedic]

Dumb question but if I'm complete does that mean the school accepted my prerequisites? Before submitting I forgot to ask if they'd accept my WICs for the English requirement or my one quarter of biochem instead of one semester.

I would call and ask someone at the admissions office if your english and biochem courses will complete your requirments. They are very nice and helpful and will let you know what you need. You can still get an interview and acceptance if you have all prereq's finished prior to matriculation.

 

[sudo]

If anyone decides to reschedule their 11/27 interview, please let me know! I'd love to interview that day since I'll likely be in the area but the interview slots are full 🙁

 

[wjs010]

So I was unaware of the exposure to medicine thing. I'm pretty sure my letter writer, a DO, said in the letter that I shadowed him.. I just don't know to what extent. Could this be a problem? It sure would be a pain in the ass to have to annoy the doc again.

 

[Eremba]

So I was unaware of the exposure to medicine thing. I'm pretty sure my letter writer, a DO, said in the letter that I shadowed him.. I just don't know to what extent. Could this be a problem? It sure would be a pain in the ass to have to annoy the doc again.

In your secondary there are places to document your exposure...which doctors you've shadowed, type of doctor, and what you did/saw with each doctor. I think if you filled this portion out adequately you'll be fine in showing you've had exposure to medicine even in your DO letter is not in depth regarding your exposure. At least that is my thought.... 🙂

 

[jstrathe]

friends of my who attend DMU said they felt the same way...but they are students there now! Good luck!

 

[geh926]

What time has everyone been getting done with the interview day? I want to coordinate transportation to make my flight in time. Excited to interview! 🙂

 

[felix2929]

I already looked there but I didn't see anything about OMM. I guess that means they don't have them?

Not really sure what you mean by OMM rotations. Do you mean in a clinic that soley provides OMM? 3rd year is pretty structured with the standard stuff but 4th year is mostly elective so if you wanted to do a bunch of PM&R or some sort of neuromuscular thing you could. I do vaguely remember hearing something about a new OMM requirement during the clinical years but I can't recall if that was DMU specific.

 

[HH8911]

What time has everyone been getting done with the interview day? I want to coordinate transportation to make my flight in time. Excited to interview! 🙂

The interviews are divided into 3 time slots: 1:15, 2:00 and 2:45. I was in the first group and was done with the interview/tour before 3:00 and was free to go. The last interview group probably didn't get done until 3:15 or 3:30.

 

[scarecrow90]

I know that this is a bit off topic (since everyone's talking about interviews), but what is the LGBT life/scene like at DMU?

 

[touchpause13]

ironically, i just got back from a GSA potluck.

there are. we got a new multicultural director last year and he is doing awesome. things move slowly in academia, but there are definitely positive changes within the curriculum. we can only do so much given what we have. for example, we have a diversity health series that is fantastic and very popular, and we have even started having LGBT standardized patients.

I asked pretty much the same thing a few pages back. This is the response I got

 

[scarecrow90]

I asked pretty much the same thing a few pages back. This is the response I got

Haha! A GSA potluck either sounds wonderful or absolutely dreadful. xD

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Haha! A GSA potluck either sounds wonderful or absolutely dreadful. xD

Dreadful potluck? Don't be ridiculous.

 

[scarecrow90]

Dreadful potluck? Don't be ridiculous.

Ha! 👍

 

[asanch]

Had to cancel my interview for this Fri, 9/27. If someone can do the short notice, go get it!

 

[mtb1507]

I know that this is a bit off topic (since everyone's talking about interviews), but what is the LGBT life/scene like at DMU?

While I cannot answer this question from experience within the LGBT DMU community, I can tell you a bit about my interview experience. Essentially, I was open about being gay within my interview, and the panel did not blink an eye. Additionally, one of the physicians from the panel walked me over to their diversity center afterwards and introduced me to the coordinator, reassuring me that the information I had shared with them would have no consequence on my application. I've seen many reactions over the years, and the response by the DMU committee was nothing short of warm and welcoming.

 

[touchpause13]

While I cannot answer this question from experience within the LGBT DMU community, I can tell you a bit about my interview experience. Essentially, I was open about being gay within my interview, and the panel did not blink an eye. Additionally, one of the physicians from the panel walked me over to their diversity center afterwards and introduced me to the coordinator, reassuring me that the information I had shared with them would have no consequence on my application. I've seen many reactions over the years, and the response by the DMU committee was nothing short of warm and welcoming.

Thanks for this. Ive been questioning whether or not to mention it in the interview (its not anywhere in my written applications) if asked about what difficult things I have gone through or diversity.

 

[Elevencents]

TJ if you see this, pm me. I wanna know what you end up deciding 😉

 

[seap3]

You can do an OMM rotation during your elective time in either 3rd or 4th yr. It's not required though. They are at the DMU clinic with the OMM dept. They also attent the labs and lectures for the 1st/2nd yrs and help with lab.

 

[kp11]

So hopefully someone can shed some light. How many people get put on hold for interviews (im guessing the purgatory between rejection and ii)? I'm just trying to figure out my statistical position at getting an ii. If this is a repeat question, well then I humbly apologize!

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

So hopefully someone can shed some light. How many people get put on hold for interviews (im guessing the purgatory between rejection and ii)? I'm just trying to figure out my statistical position at getting an ii. If this is a repeat question, well then I humbly apologize!

I think that realistically, it would be very hard to gauge this unless you are an adcom at the school with specific data/numbers. I know thats not what you want to hear, but my best advice here would be to just be optimistic and remain hopeful. Again, I knew of several people who did not get put on hold until late and waited over 60 years for an interview--but things happened, people changed their minds about what school they wanted to attend (a few people did this this year just weeks before school started)--and now those who waited are now first years with us. So again, remain hopeful and best of luck. And now...back to biochem

 

[UVU Guy]

i think that realistically, it would be very hard to gauge this unless you are an adcom at the school with specific data/numbers. I know thats not what you want to hear, but my best advice here would be to just be optimistic and remain hopeful. Again, i knew of several people who did not get put on hold until late and waited over 60 years for an interview--but things happened, people changed their minds about what school they wanted to attend (a few people did this this year just weeks before school started)--and now those who waited are now first years with us. So again, remain hopeful and best of luck. And now...back to biochem

60 years!!!!!

 

[UVU Guy]

This is what BioChem can do to your head...

 

[touchpause13]

This is what BioChem can do to your head...

Good luck on tomorrow s exam

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

This is what BioChem can do to your head...

hahah! good catch!...and no kidding.

 

[touchpause13]

Just got here. Creeped around on campus for a little bit. Holy balls this place is awesome

 

[geh926]

Does DMU ask the ever so scary 'Tell me about yourself'? Least favorite interview question by far 😛

 

[touchpause13]

Does DMU ask the ever so scary 'Tell me about yourself'? Least favorite interview question by far 😛

I effing hate that question