DMU Class of 2007 part 01

[Popoy]

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Originally posted by Docgeorge
Jane, I think that only the US DO's get the medical training, The other DO's in the world only get the OMM

There was a DO in either Argentina or Chile.... that got fully licensed to practice medicine as long as he has an MD as a partner in practice.... There are advocates out there. I read this in the last "the DO" - medical student journal from SOMA (Student Osteopathic Medical Association)

 

[Docgeorge]

Did you know that you can work for the Navy, Air Force, and the NHSC with only 1 PGY. My cousin is going to do his navy obligation as a GMO, and then when he finishes his 4 year obligation he going to do his residency.

 

[luckystar]

We'll promise we'll keep ourselves, and our classmates entertained...😀

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Yeah, how are the coffee shops in the area? I like to study in cafes. Are they close to campus?

I did consider NHSC, but I think I'd like to specialize...but if I change my mind, I can always apply for the next school year, right?

Grounds of Celebrations is close to campus.... a couple of blocks west.... its a wonderful place to grab coffee and study.... There are also a couple downtown like Java Joes.... Barnes and Noble and Borders are in West Des Moines which are 10-15mins drive....

 

[Docgeorge]

Stand up commedian, was my back up plan in case I did'nt get into med school. Thank god I dont have to fall back on that, I would have starved to death.

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
Did you know that you can work for the Navy, Air Force, and the NHSC with only 1 PGY. My cousin is going to do his navy obligation as a GMO, and then when he finishes his 4 year obligation he going to do his residency.

Sorry, but when I saw "GMO" I thought genetically modified organism

It's definitely something I need to think about and seriously consider...the NHSC, that is...

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
Did you know that you can work for the Navy, Air Force, and the NHSC with only 1 PGY. My cousin is going to do his navy obligation as a GMO, and then when he finishes his 4 year obligation he going to do his residency.

That's the reason I went to NHSC.... the armed forces have these other rules that scared me due to the time.... NHSC is simply a year for a year.... and none of that serve 40 days every year thing.... I sit back and study while the check comes rollin' along....

It's really nice to have but like Jane said you can't specialize until you serve your time....

 

[luckystar]

😱 There's a B&N there?? Lovely...and is there a Starbucks in it too??

 

[Docgeorge]

Coffee!!!!ummm...must have coffee...

Caffine, my favorite drug😍

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Sorry, but when I saw "GMO" I thought genetically modified organism

It's definitely something I need to think about and seriously consider...the NHSC, that is...

GMO = General Medical Officer

NHSC is NOT an armed forces scholarship.... It's federally funded but not armed forces. Though 8% of the NHSC scholars opt to serve their time in the Public Health Corps.

 

[luckystar]

I'll be your coffee-junkie buddy...😀

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
😱 There's a B&N there?? Lovely...and is there a Starbucks in it too??

Yup.... starbucks... I personally know the manager there too... her name is Kim.... when you get a chance tell her that you know of JP.... 🙂

Docgeorge.... Caffeine.... I was just studyin for preventative medicine is actually the MOST COMMON addictive drug.... second is Nicotine....

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Popoy
GMO = General Medical Officer

NHSC is NOT an armed forces scholarship.... It's federally funded but not armed forces. Though 8% of the NHSC scholars opt to serve their time in the Public Health Corps.

Which is why I'd consider this before I even think about the Navy HPSP...

 

[Docgeorge]

Jane, you can be my coffee buddy any time. But I do have to warn you, you have to watch your coffee like a hawk. I have been accused (although not convicted) of stealing friends coffee.😀 😀 😀

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Popoy
Yup.... starbucks... I personally know the manager there too... her name is Kim.... when you get a chance tell her that you know of JP.... 🙂

Docgeorge.... Caffeine.... I was just studyin for preventative medicine is actually the MOST COMMON addictive drug.... second is Nicotine....

Ok, now I'm convinced I'll survive...as long as there's a Starbucks, there's a way...

Hmm, next thing you know, a bunch of people will be suing coffee companies for not disclosing caffeine's addictive properties...🙄

 

[Popoy]

There are also academic based scholarships available at DMU.... so there are other means to get financial help....

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
Jane, you can be my coffee buddy any time. But I do have to warn you, you have to watch your coffee like a hawk. I have been accused (although not convicted) of stealing friends coffee.😀 😀 😀

😱 ok, you're not sitting anywhere near me during lecture...that's when I NEED the stuff like a fiend...

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Popoy
There are also academic based scholarships available at DMU.... so there are other means to get financial help....

Oh yeah, I remember hearing about those! There are some that depend on how you do the previous year, right?

 

[Docgeorge]

I'm not surrpised about the addictive qualities of caffine. I really feel it when I dont get my coffee.

 

[Docgeorge]

he guys, I have to leave for a while, talk to you guys later.

 

[luckystar]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
I'm not surrpised about the addictive qualities of caffine. I really feel it when I dont get my coffee.

ooooooohhh....the headaches.....

 

[Popoy]

Alrighty.... I have only a few minutes left... I would have to get something called.... wait a minute... I know I can remember this..... ohhh yeahh...... sleep 😉

We have the Dean from the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine teaching us about Fibromyalgia and the Osteopathic Approach to Treatment... tomorrow at 9am.... More OMM techniques to learn... yeepeeskeepee... 😉

 

[luckystar]

Talk to you later Prad! Have a great weekend!!

 

[luckystar]

Sleep?? That was a habit to have been abandoned at the start of med school!! Anyway, thanks for everything JP!!! Have a great weekend!

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Oh yeah, I remember hearing about those! There are some that depend on how you do the previous year, right?

I think some of it is actually posted on the DMU website under financial aid, if you'd like to check it out....

There are other scholarships that have certain weird requirements..... suggestion, just apply when you can. I heard one of my classmates is actually able to pay his way or most of it via small scholarship opportunities....

😎

Later Prad.... enjoy your georgious weather....

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Sleep?? That was a habit to have been abandoned at the start of med school!! Anyway, thanks for everything JP!!! Have a great weekend!

IT was great chattin' with ya' both.... with you two here at DMU next year, I'm sure I can go to Ohio knowing I'm leaving DMU in good hands.... 😉

Have a great weekend as well....

 

[craniotomy]

Hey JP... boards advice... hmmmm. Well, I hope that you've already started studying. I only took the USMLE so I can't say with any certainty what the COMLEX is like. Areas that nailed me on the USMLE were statistics and genetics which I think are very weak at DMU (opinion). I passed comfortably but did not do as well as I had hoped. The books I used: first aid, step-up, UCV, and a few random high-yield books. I started studying in feb/march and took it in may. In retrospect, I wish that I had started earlier like in october. I would recomend limiting yourself to only three or four books and just hitting those really hard. do an abbreviated COMLEX/USMLE test (like 100-150 questions) every three weeks to see were you stand and what you need to study more. Take the night off before the test and relax!!! I know you and have faith that you will do very well.
Good job with the research. That will certainly help give you the choice as to where you end up doing a residency. I am currently doing four clinical research projects with the dept of neurosurg here in hopes of boosting my CV for neurosurg residency.
I hope your wife is doing well and that your both still "loving" des moines.

Craniotomy

 

[luckystar]

Craniotomy,

Do you go to Creighton? How do you know so much about DMU?
*edit: Nevermind, I see UNMC in your profile...

If you don't mind me asking, do you know if there are many opportunities for DOs in Nebraska?

Thanks,

Jane

 

[docstarwars]

hey luckystar and docgeorge,

boy, i was gone for like two days, and then there's a million new posts!

ok, another californian is going to add to the mix. listen to whatever jp has to say. i'm sure glad i did! awh jp, i was going to email out that intro to omm file! you stole my thunder! 🙂 anywho, both of you caffeine addicts will be happy to learn that starbucks will actually be serving our campus soon. i'm sad that the cafe ladies are leaving though. 🙁 if you guys have any questions, i can try to help, but i'm not as knowledgeable as katie or jp. well, enjoy the weather!

kimberlee 🙂

 

[Popoy]

Jane
craniotomy was a DMU student before he decided to transfer to UNMC.... He transfered between 2nd and 3rd year to be closer to his fiance, now wife.... 🙂 Unfortunately, Nebraska is not a place that DMU student are placed for rotations, thus craniotomy's transferring status....

Craniotomy
THANKS FOR THE BOARD Advice!!! I hope that you end up getting a neurosurgery residency.... yup.... I can see ya' doin' that for the rest of your life... More power to ya' buddy!!! I'm sure you'll do well.... Your notes and books have been very helpful specially during the times of changes here at DMU with the Intergrated systems curriculum.... for that I will always be in debted!!! About DSM.... me wife and I love it here still.... funny how things work out for the best.... 😀

Jane and Prad.... listen to Kimberlee.... She's the bombdigadeenodoubt!!! She'll be your best resources next year.... Everyone knows who Kimberlee is 😉 When you get to meet her in person, I'm sure you'll understand why....

Ohhh yeahhh, I forgot about that.... Starbucks will be on campus starting March 24th.... More caffeine addicts on campus, no doubt.... 😀

Later gators, 😎

 

[Docgeorge]

hey Popoy, hope you got your sleep last nigt. I had to run to this middle eastern cafe right down the street to get some grub before they closed. Beef over humus ...mmmm....good. Are there any midlle eastern resturants near campus?

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
hey Popoy, hope you got your sleep last nigt. I had to run to this middle eastern cafe right down the street to get some grub before they closed. Beef over humus ...mmmm....good. Are there any midlle eastern resturants near campus?

Near campus.... I don't recall anything near campus, but there are some in Urbandale and West Des Moines... Its' out there, you just have to look for them.

Beef over humus.... yummmm.... makin' me hungry.... 🙂

 

[craniotomy]

Jane, there are opportunities for DO's everywhere... it just depends on what you are specifically asking about though. With two MD schools in Omaha, as a DO you are competing against all of their graduates for residency positions. There are a few DO residents but mostly in FP/IM. There are a couple (one in rad and one in surg) here at UNMC in more competetive fields but its pretty few and far between. NE is fairly MD dominated to be honest. However, I have yet to hear a bad word said about any of the DO's they work with or know of. I really think that DO's make a much bigger issue of the DO/MD dicotomy (sp?) than do MD's. Most of my classmates (at UNMC) have a friend or know of someone who went to DO schools and could really care less about the letters behind thier name.
As a 4th year student at DMU, you can elect to do a rotation at UNMC. I've seen a few 4th year DO students here doing a rotation.

JP, glad to know that my notes have been of good use and worth the money. Des Moines is actually a pretty nice city, you just have to keep an open mind and search the town for some of the things that you enjoy. And, you have IMMC there... some of the best surgeons that I have ever worked with! I am going to be doing a month of trauma there during my 4th year. The surgery residency program there is EXTREMELY competetive and has a nationwide reputation for their excellent training. When I was surg club pres at DMU, I work very closely with them trying to get their program involved with DMU.

Craniotomy

 

[Popoy]

I most definitely agree regarding the surgery residents that have gone through here.... I recently finished my Basic Surgical Skills Lab and if I could do it over again, I would have been a TA for that class....

I wonder when you'll be around, craniotomy, in DMU doing rotations.... maybe I'll swing around and we can get together for dinner or somethin' .... ON me of course 😀

 

[luckystar]

Thanks for the info, craniotomy. I was thinking more specifically about opportunities for doing rotations or residency, and not practice, in NE. And no, I promise you that I am not and will not be a whiner about the letters behing my name 🙂

Kimberlee, good to hear from you! I am way excited about that Starbucks that will open on campus 😀 As for apartments, what do you think about the Imperial? It looks nicer than the Grand Prix, and it's about the same price.

JP, we'd have to take the Surgical Skills lab before we can TA for it, right? I'm a little confused about the curriculum. Is it a systems based approach?

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Thanks for the info, craniotomy. I was thinking more specifically about opportunities for doing rotations or residency, and not practice, in NE. And no, I promise you that I am not and will not be a whiner about the letters behing my name 🙂

Kimberlee, good to hear from you! I am way excited about that Starbucks that will open on campus 😀 As for apartments, what do you think about the Imperial? It looks nicer than the Grand Prix, and it's about the same price.

JP, we'd have to take the Surgical Skills lab before we can TA for it, right? I'm a little confused about the curriculum. Is it a systems based approach?

NEVER, NEVER go to Grand Prix!!! Unless you want to smell like cigarette smoke...

Imperial is better but it is arranged in a hotel like style. Look to Windsor Terrace. That's where Kimberlee and I live.... It's been a great place to stay..... And historically, if you end up coming back to Des Moines for a few weeks of rotation the owners will be more than happy to lend you a place for the those weeks (as long as theirs apartments available).... and as long as you leave in good faith.

I would most certainly suggest "The Pink Palace" - located in 31st street. That's not the real name but that's what we call it.... I'm sorry but I forgot what the address was. There is also Windsor Terrace as I mentioned above. Or if you're filty rich you can look into 3000 Grand Avenue.... It's pretty darn expensive but not as expensive as anything in California. Those are the three places I would suggest that's near by. BUT Don't go to Grand Prix.... you may regret it.... Imperial, it's nice and I have a few classmates but it feels too much like a hotel.... not much window and view.... Here at Windsor, I see our grassy knoll area... 🙂

SURGERY: You can train as a first year to become a TA.... you need not have done the surgery lab. Apply when you get here.... you'll see signs posted for positions.

The new curriculum is SYSTEMS based but everything is "integrated" meaning you may have cardio but renal in the same test because issues like Hypertension affect both.... So the old systems were cardio starts and ends, then renal starts and ends are LONG GONE.... everything is mixed....

I'll explain more later if I'm not being clear, but I gotta go to church 😉

 

[Dr.Dicky]

Has anyobody gotten their "packet" in the mail from DMU yet?....Or am I just the only one who hasn't?

 

[vwracer06]

Hey guys, I have an interview at DMU next month. Does anyone know how many spaces are still available?

 

[Docgeorge]

Hey guys, thanks for the tips about living places. IMMC? Is that Methodist or Memorial?

Hey Rick if your talking about the financial aid packet, the FA office said that we should have by St. Paddy's day.

Popy, have you heard anything about the shirt?

 

[Popoy]

IMMC = Iowa Methodist Medical Center

No word on those shirt.... I think Dr. Lee Burnett is busy. 😉

vwracer, as of a week ago there are 118 spots TAKEN.... There's approximately 200 spots per year.... you still have a shot.... I know of classmates that didn't interview till april or may.... DMU seems very picky about who to allow interviews to. I'm sure you'll see me during your visit with us. When is your interview???

 

[Docgeorge]

Womansurg who is a gs resident at IMMC says that they dont generally even interview DO's at IMMC. You think that going to change any time soon?

vwracer06 Good luck on your interview!!!!

 

[luckystar]

Hey everyone!

JP: What do you mean by "hotel-like style"? I don't think I know of any other way apartments can be arranged, except for the ones with no main entrance door, but accessible doors for all the units on the outside. And coming from the Bay Area where everyone gets screwed with enormous rents and views of the roof from the next building, I would be happy with a clean place, next to campus, with a parking spot. So I guess that rules out Grand Prix because I cannot stand cigarette smoke! From what you say about the systems curriculum, I think I'd like it...but we'll see...

Prad: Womansurg did mention that there was once an exceptional student from DMU, to whom they did grant an interview for residency, but the student turned them down for another place. So it's possible, just make sure you do a rotation there and knock their socks off...I'd say that a good approach would be to view every place like that, and seriously work our butts off so that we'll keep all our options open.

Anyway, I think I should send in my transcript soon, and the second installment of my deposit...Have a great Monday, folks! 🙂

 

[macman]

If any soon to be DMUers have any further questions I'll be glad to try to answer them. I am a third year at DMU and have my third year rotations in Philly/NJ/Detroit. I know that I had a lot of questions prior to attending DMu from which books to buy, to should I go to every lecture, to housing, to how to start studying for boards the first day you get there.

One of the perspectives I can provide from approx six months of rotations is that if you are intersted in OMM/OMT you are attaending the right school. The approach you will learn will allow you to shine on rotations and help many patients.

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by luckystar
Hey everyone!

JP: What do you mean by "hotel-like style"? I don't think I know of any other way apartments can be arranged, except for the ones with no main entrance door, but accessible doors for all the units on the outside. And coming from the Bay Area where everyone gets screwed with enormous rents and views of the roof from the next building, I would be happy with a clean place, next to campus, with a parking spot. So I guess that rules out Grand Prix because I cannot stand cigarette smoke! From what you say about the systems curriculum, I think I'd like it...but we'll see...

I guess you're right.... most are "hotel-like." Here at Windsor Terrace, you have about 4 neighbors and as soon as you walk out the door you're pretty much out in the court yard....

Imperial is good to be at, but does have a "funny" smell that you can get used to.... It's not bad, its just somethin' I can't put my finger on. 3000 Grand looks and smells best, I guess.... but would cost you bundles.

Ohhh, I got that address of the "Pink Palace" It's 500 31st Street.... and believe it or not, it's actually the name of the place as well.

BTW, I too hate cigarettes and unfortunately there are smoking and non-smoking restaurants here.... if you're interested I'll let you know which restaurants you can go to.... The Department of Public Health also have a list of restaurants that are non-smoking ONLY....

-----------------------------------------------------

For y'all first year, please take advantage of macman and craniotomy being around.... they have been a great help for me during my transition and are still helping through med school....

Not many third years are willing to answer questions and, I'm not sure if Macman would like his identity revealed, but I can tell you folks he is the person to ask questions about regarding BOARDS, BOOKS, OMM, etc... He's been a "master Yoda" for me with OMM and has been a great advocate of our profession....

We're also lucky to have Craniotomy around as he has experienced both DO and MD.... craniotomy was a great help for me when I first came to DMU. I knew no one here and he opened up his place and we went out to dinner and answered every conceivable question a first year could have.... for that I owe him big time...

 

[Docgeorge]

Oh great and learned masters (Popoy, Kimberlee, craniotomy, and macman) who have slained the dragons and seen the promised land. Share with us some of your wisdom and insights that we neophytes (the class of 2007) may also slay the dragon and see the promised land.

Your Humble Pupil:

DocGeorge

 

[Popoy]

Ha, ha.... No one said anything about dragons 😉

It'll be interesting meeting you Prad.... I think I'll enjoy your sarcasm.... 🙂 So go forth grasshopper....

Later
😎

 

[macman]

docgeorge and others-

I'm happy to answer questions-I think that will work better than me randomly spouting off. What are you curious about, what concerns you, or like I was in your place--what are you worried about?

macman

popoy-is it possible to retrieve the FAQ I wrote last summer?--I think it was in August (?)

also-how is your class doing with board prep?

 

[Popoy]

Macman, my friend, ask and you shall receive....

Originally posted by macman
I thought this might be helpful for incoming first years: (a little FAQ action)

Whats up with housing?:
a: Unfortunately that blue book they gave you is not so hot-I live at 3000 Grand and pay big money-the best apartments are not in the blue book-however I really feel like living near school is key-we had MANY tests with a blizzard as a side dish and those that had to drive in waited in traffic and sweated bullets while I sat on my couch and crammed at 7 am. And if your car breaks down you can still get to school! (I have a friend that needs a roomate in his condo-e-mail me)

Do I have to be albert einstein to pass first year? I wasn't a sciene major, am I screwed?
a: No and No. But you do have to be disciplined and willing to adapt your study methods-I had friends that liked to study only one way and took hits as a result-the better you can adapt the better-every professor is different-even within the same class-listen to 2nd years and filter through the bad info e.g. DO03 told us that for the first path exam just to stody the questions in a certain review book-a good chunk of people did this and paid the price--
I was a non-science major and ended up taking all my prereq's at a community college-this had not hurt me-I , unlike many classmates, had not seen a single first year course before (biochem, etc.) and I did fine--of course there were people that had material before and (in my opinion) did not put in the time and didn't do well
I was scared ****less the first few weeks and that probably helped me do well-itis tough to know what to expect and your experience will be different than ours--find yourself a 'deepthroat' in the 2nd year class, someone that has sound advice-and that will put you at an advantage

Is it competitive there?
a: yes and no--some people here are very competitve-however people see through that **** fast and you wont make too many friends-help and be helped people! The second years helped us quite a bit and I was in a study group that saved my ass a few times--we will set up a BBQ near the beginning of the year for you guys--GO TO THIS (and things like it)-at a party like this in the beginning of the year a made friends that right now are my support net. Admittedly our class is more a commuter class than DO03 but hopefully that will change

What books should I buy?
a: you will NOT have time to read textbooks-at least not for all classes--review books are in my opinion a better choice-concise and board driven--at least dont buy the book right away-plus you can use that leftover money for BEER!
definite books (myopiniongrain of salt):
Anatomy: "anatomy recall",Netters, also Rohen
Histo: paulsen review book (saved my ass)
Biochem: none (notes rock)
Neuro: none for me but individual decision
Phys: Kingsley (neuro phys.) is actually and excellent book and if you buy it during neuro it will help
PD: I didn't buy-look at friends-and I split a medical kit with a friend b/c we were in diffrent lab groups and saved beaucoup $$$
Pharm: "Pharm recall" buy this please!
Path: none
OMM: Unless you are a jaded M.D. didn't work out student-get a portable table -these will be sold by UAAO at beginning of year


What clubs are good?
a: tough call-I am actually very impressed with our clubs--total personal deciscion though

Is Des Moines fun?
a: yea, it is fine-it depends on your attitiude--I like to spend me weekends at a good restaurant /brewpub/bar and des moines has plenty--nightclubs are another matter-not exactly NYC but whaddityouexpect?

Does first year suck?
A: I actually had fun but there was plenty of stress-attitude is everything and good friends; I know A students that are miserable and C students loving life
--I enjoyed but wouldn't want to do it again-kind of like drinking too much whiskey

Please give me more q's--I feel as though I gained some useful knowledge this year in terms of coming in without a heavy science backround and feeling intimidated and exceeding my own expectations---reading comp is very important -if you do anything this summer read heavy literature to get your brain torqued up!


Good luck and let me know if I can help!

email to [email protected] or just post it


__________________
macman MS III

 

[Popoy]

Originally posted by macman
popoy-is it possible to retrieve the FAQ I wrote last summer?--I think it was in August (?)

also-how is your class doing with board prep?

Board prep is Kaplan and they are doing a good job so far.... though it seems, for the majority, its really more like a slighly expanded teaching based on First Aid...

I did talk to Karen A. about Kaplan and I guess the USMLE books are more systems and basic science.... the books we got are basically "Basic Science" only.... So I'm not sure if we're gettin' enough bang for our buck, sort of speak...

The class were almost a split decision between Kaplan and Youel's Prep.... or so I've heard.... But in the end it was Kaplan that won.... We started in January and will end by April.... plenty of time to go over things again for ourselves....

BTW, about Convo.... I will be able to pick you up.... I hope you're not late though as I have a meeting at 11:45am... I'll tell ya' more via email....

Late, 😎

 

[macman]

popoy-nice work!

its funny to read that post from last summer, fyi to DMU 2007, the BBQ is over! But seriously, thanks popoy