DMU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[millepora]

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I hope this isn't an offensive question, but it is really a curiosity of mine. Does anyone know why 40-50% of the class is always mormons? I didn't think there was a lot of mormons in Des Moines, and most seem to come to the school from Utah. I guess I just wondering, because they seems like a pretty large number to be a coincidence.

 

[DOHopeful2014]

I hope this isn't an offensive question, but it is really a curiosity of mine. Does anyone know why 40-50% of the class is always mormons? I didn't think there was a lot of mormons in Des Moines, and most seem to come to the school from Utah. I guess I just wondering, because they seems like a pretty large number to be a coincidence.

Where did you hear that 40-50% of the class is Mormon?

 

[916to619]

Hey! A fellow californian 🙂 I'm a little hung up on the location. Did you feel like it was a nice area? I'm just a little concerned because I do prefer being near a coast.. (east or west) and I guess the ability to see familiy/friends/bf. But the school sounds amazing, hopefully I have the option of going there.

I liked how green Iowa was!

Looking at Des Moines, it didn't seem bad at all. I stayed in Des Moines for two days prior to my interview to check out the place. It was weird; It didn't seem like a big city like everyone says it is. It felt like a small town to me. That is because I have lived in San Diego for over 7 years now

However, overall, I liked Des Moines. I loved the school and I feel blessed to be accepted there.

I'm going to miss my family and friends since I have been around my whole life (23 years going to be 24 years in a few monthes). But it is something I'm going to have to overcome in order to excel at and become what I have always wanted to become: a doctor.

I am curious. What part of California are you from? What schools, don't mind me asking, are you leaning to? I liked TUCOM-NV a lot, second to DMU-COM.

 

[drplease]

I liked how green Iowa was!

Looking at Des Moines, it didn't seem bad at all. I stayed in Des Moines for two days prior to my interview to check out the place. It was weird; It didn't seem like a big city like everyone says it is. It felt like a small town to me. That is because I have lived in San Diego for over 7 years now

However, overall, I liked Des Moines. I loved the school and I feel blessed to be accepted there.

I'm going to miss my family and friends since I have been around my whole life (23 years going to be 24 years in a few monthes). But it is something I'm going to have to overcome in order to excel at and become what I have always wanted to become: a doctor.

I am curious. What part of California are you from? What schools, don't mind me asking, are you leaning to? I liked TUCOM-NV a lot, second to DMU-COM.

I'm from norcal and also 23 :]] .. but I currently don't have that much interest in staying in CA for med school right now (the only reasons why i'm leaning in that direction is for family, friends, and bf). I've traveled quite a bit and am currently living in NY so its not so much about being out of california that gets me. It's more like.. being isolated lol.. since my family will be on the west coast and my bf will be in school on the east (but hes also from the west)... so if I go to a midwest school it'll be far from both and $$$ to visit.

As to what options I have, I've only been complete for about two weeks 🙁 but I have interviews scheduled for Touro NV and DMU and I'm awaiting my status at Touro NY. I'm really hoping my top choice schools get back to me before I have to shell out a painful amount of money just to test out the waters at several schools..... but I think if it comes down to those three schoosl, I'll be deciding between Touro NY and DMU. NYC is just much more me 😍 but DMU seems to be a very solid school............ sigh!!!

 

[drplease]

ALSO! Living in NYC for the past couple months.. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be SHOCKED (ie. 😱) once I set foot in Iowa.. despite how big of a "CITY" it is. But maybe 3-4 years won't feel so long?? I'm glad you liked it though!! Very encouraging... except all the interviews are packed until January 🙁

 

[Spooner13]

Just got an invite! Trying to decide when to schedule.

Also, I was searching for the forum and saw the deposit is 1000 to hold your seat if you're accepted. Is it non-refundable? Thanks! 🙂

yeah, it's non-refundable. they break it up into two $500 payments, so it's not all at once. And it does suck, but i guess in the long run, it's a small price (even though it feels like a big price now). Congrats on your invite!

 

[HawkGuy]

For those who interviewed and were accepted at DMU-COM, how many of you have already made the decision to attend DMU-COM in 2010?

I have already made up my mind to attend DMU-COM next fall and would love to get to know some people starting, like, right now. LOL!

Anyway, looking to hear back from some DMU-COMers (hopefully) and good luck to all those expecting news any second

DMU is an AMAZING school.

916...I have made the decision to attend DMU next fall, and I couldn't be more excited! I am an Iowa boy (so I'm a little biased about Iowa and Des Moines' awesomeness), but I have always loved living in the area.

Although, I do imagine California isn't too shabby of a place...

 

[premed541]

I'm going to DMU next year! I loved the school when I interviewed. 👍 My number 1 choice so can't wait. The people in Iowa seem so nice too!

 

[916to619]

I'm from norcal and also 23 :]] .. but I currently don't have that much interest in staying in CA for med school right now (the only reasons why i'm leaning in that direction is for family, friends, and bf). I've traveled quite a bit and am currently living in NY so its not so much about being out of california that gets me. It's more like.. being isolated lol.. since my family will be on the west coast and my bf will be in school on the east (but hes also from the west)... so if I go to a midwest school it'll be far from both and $$$ to visit.

As to what options I have, I've only been complete for about two weeks 🙁 but I have interviews scheduled for Touro NV and DMU and I'm awaiting my status at Touro NY. I'm really hoping my top choice schools get back to me before I have to shell out a painful amount of money just to test out the waters at several schools..... but I think if it comes down to those three schoosl, I'll be deciding between Touro NY and DMU. NYC is just much more me 😍 but DMU seems to be a very solid school............ sigh!!!

I wish you good luck. I hope you get accepted at TUCOM-NY and be happy there. You reminded me, though. I will cancel my interviews at TUCOM-NY to give others a chance. I totally forgot about that. DOH!

 

[916to619]

916...I have made the decision to attend DMU next fall, and I couldn't be more excited! I am an Iowa boy (so I'm a little biased about Iowa and Des Moines' awesomeness), but I have always loved living in the area.

Although, I do imagine California isn't too shabby of a place...

Can I pick your brains out about Iowa? LOL! I would love to get to know as much as I can about the state I am going to be living in for, at least, 4 years.

I have never seen snow. How long does it snow for in Iowa?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Can I pick your brains out about Iowa? LOL! I would love to get to know as much as I can about the state I am going to be living in for, at least, 4 years.

I have never seen snow. How long does it snow for in Iowa?

Cali -> Iowa is going to be a treat for you 😉 Your going to see so much snow over those next four years. Enjoy the warmth while you can.

 

[HawkGuy]

Can I pick your brains out about Iowa? LOL! I would love to get to know as much as I can about the state I am going to be living in for, at least, 4 years.

I have never seen snow. How long does it snow for in Iowa?

916, MSUSpartan is correct...you are definitely in for a treat. Iowa's weather is usually pretty unpredictable. We've had snow in October, or we've had decent weather through much of November (kind of like now...it's been hovering around the mid-50's for a while). It usually stays pretty cold in Iowa until March or so. It will make cozying up in a warm apartment/house/library with a textbook all the better.

By the way, it blows my mind that you haven't seen snow before. I can't imagine a winter without cold temps and plenty of snow.

 

[Marathon0503]

How long did it take you guys to hear about an interview invite after all your app materials were in?

 

[docdeojos]

How long did it take you guys to hear about an interview invite after all your app materials were in?

2 weeks, so hang in there! you should hear back soon 🙂

 

[AZDOmed]

I just got got some good news from DMU today! I interviewed 10/23...I can't believe I actually have a 'choice' to make for medical school Woo!

 

[BassCaster]

Congrats!

 

[916to619]

What have you done so far to reserve your seat for the Class of 2014 at DMU-COM? Besides the two payments (combined $1,000), what else have you sent in/done?

 

[916to619]

I just got got some good news from DMU today! I interviewed 10/23...I can't believe I actually have a 'choice' to make for medical school Woo!

Congratulations, AZDOmed. It is exciting to have a choice of places to go, especially if the places are your top choices. That must have made your Friday

 

[HawkGuy]

What have you done so far to reserve your seat for the Class of 2014 at DMU-COM? Besides the two payments (combined $1,000), what else have you sent in/done?

Besides the payment, I sent in my signed conditions for acceptance sheet and also sent in transcripts from schools. Have you been receiving letters from the school? They sent a car window decal the other day...it was pretty exciting.

 

[dudechiefboss]

How many Fas Track interviews does DMU-COM do? I'm happy I have an interview, but I feel like I only have an interview because of my numbers - not because of "total" application. It just seems like they offer a lot of interviews.

 

[Spooner13]

How many Fas Track interviews does DMU-COM do? I'm happy I have an interview, but I feel like I only have an interview because of my numbers - not because of "total" application. It just seems like they offer a lot of interviews.

I don't know how many Fast Track interviews they give. However, you should know that getting an interview is the hardest part at DMU (well at least statistically). Yes, DMU offers a lot of interviews, but that's because it's the 15th largest medical school in the nation (DO and MD). Something like 70-75% of people offered an interview will also be offered an acceptance.

So the reason they offered you an interview is because they are seriously considering you for a spot in the class of 2014.

Congratulations on the interview!

 

[dudechiefboss]

Thank you Spooner13. That makes me feel better about the interview.

 

[evenflowcarter]

class of 2009er here, its interesting to think about the class of 2014 lol!

 

[amichalo]

Accepted to the Class of 2014! I also got into KCUMB and NOVA, but I am sending in my $500 deposit, because DMU blows them out of the water! PM if you have any questions about the interview or anything else.

 

[Spooner13]

Thank you Spooner13. That makes me feel better about the interview.

Dude, was that a Dumb and Dumber reference? I love that movie. Also, I'd say that you have a little better chance than Lloyd.

 

[dudechiefboss]

Dude, was that a Dumb and Dumber reference? I love that movie. Also, I'd say that you have a little better chance than Lloyd.

Well, if I don't get accepted I could always start a worm farm.

 

[BassCaster]

Accepted to the Class of 2014! I also got into KCUMB and NOVA, but I am sending in my $500 deposit, because DMU blows them out of the water! PM if you have any questions about the interview or anything else.

What did you like about DMU that blew KCUMB and NOVA out of the water? I also put in my $500 deposit for DMU, but I was just curious seeing as I still have a little voice inside of me saying NOVA and Western still seem like great options. I'd like to shut it up once and for all. 🙂

 

[Dissected]

What did you like about DMU that blew KCUMB and NOVA out of the water? I also put in my $500 deposit for DMU, but I was just curious seeing as I still have a little voice inside of me saying NOVA and Western still seem like great options. I'd like to shut it up once and for all. 🙂

Western is pretty bomb, but honestly, you don't want to live in LA county. Its a **** hole. Des Moines has better facilities, a more comfortable campus, and a better surrounding community. Plus its waaay cheaper at DMU. I had a tough time turning down that COMP acceptance, but DMU had everything Western did and more.

 

[kbrinsky1]

What did you like about DMU that blew KCUMB and NOVA out of the water? I also put in my $500 deposit for DMU, but I was just curious seeing as I still have a little voice inside of me saying NOVA and Western still seem like great options. I'd like to shut it up once and for all. 🙂

I know the question wasn't directed at me but NOVA had amazing facilities and the people were great, and I was accepted to both NOVA and DMU. But I had a really bad feeling about the Davie/Ft. Lauderdale area. I just did not like the town at all. Plus not that Miami isn't a good place, but you'd probably have to move there or somewhere else in FL for years 3-4...and I would never want to live in Miami. It was also when I realized I want to get out of CA bc FL is so similar (I just canceled my app/interview for Western for that reason - I just hate LA). These are all personal preferences though, so it probably won't help the decision process but I figured I'd throw it out there what shut my little voice up.

 

[amichalo]

Basscaster,

Nova made me uneasy because of how disorganized the admissions department was (It took 6 calls for them to send me an interview confirmation e-mail and they told me on interview day that they did not have my committee letter.....3 phone calls later they said it had been in the inbox for weeks). Also, the way they acquainted us with the university was through a lame, 30 minute video that did not detail anything. Finally, they required three rotations in rural medicine and I was told that some students had lived out of their cars for a time because they got moved from place to place so often...

I enjoyed KCUMB, but the patient simulators at DMU are far superior and the area was not ideal around the KCUMB campus. I did not feel unsafe, but there was not much off-campus to do. The residency placements were excellent at KCUMB, but after talking to students, it seemed as though many people there chose the military scholarship just because of the high tuition. In the end, the facilities, faculty, location, and connection that all students feel for each other impressed me the most about DMU.

 

[BassCaster]

Thanks for taking the time to respond guys. Appreciate it!

 

[mimi2kul]

what is DMU-COM class size????? how many actually matriculate?

 

[Spooner13]

what is DMU-COM class size????? how many actually matriculate?

It's usually about 220. I say about because there's usually about 3-4 extra.

 

[KB24]

sorry if this has been asked but how much actual waitlist movement was there last year. It seems many people love the school and dont want to attend other schools

 

[bainrd]

I hope this isn't an offensive question, but it is really a curiosity of mine. Does anyone know why 40-50% of the class is always mormons? I didn't think there was a lot of mormons in Des Moines, and most seem to come to the school from Utah. I guess I just wondering, because they seems like a pretty large number to be a coincidence.

Idk if anyone has touched on this but here are my thoughts. When I was there, I met a group of six students who were all friends and all from Utah. From what I have heard, a lot of Utah students matriculate at DMU, so it isn't necessarily because they are Mormon, but happen to be because of where they are from. They also come from ID and other western states where the percentages are just higher. Also, DMU has a family-friendly reputation, and actually has an activities group for spouses. This could be another factor. I don't know if it is 40-50% and this is all anecdotal but that's my answer to your question 😀

 

[Spooner13]

sorry if this has been asked but how much actual waitlist movement was there last year. It seems many people love the school and dont want to attend other schools

I don't really have that much info on this KB. Sorry. I do remember someone here on SDN saying that there usually isn't a whole lot of movement, but that there was some.

Hopefully someone else with better info can chime in.

 

[lentilfarm]

My LOR was written by a D.O. who I shadowed briefly. When DMU received it, they sent an email saying that it did not count as a "medical exposure" letter and would be filed as "other letters." I don't have time to get another one from a different doc (they wouldn't know me any better, anyway), but is there anything else that can be done to get the adcom to change it's mind? Originally, I was just going to move on and withdraw from DMU, but it's such a great school, I hate to miss the chance of attending because of a unfitting LOR. 🙁

Has anyone been in a similar situation of have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[replay]

My LOR was written by a D.O. who I shadowed briefly. When DMU received it, they sent an email saying that it did not count as a "medical exposure" letter and would be filed as "other letters." I don't have time to get another one from a different doc (they wouldn't know me any better, anyway), but is there anything else that can be done to get the adcom to change it's mind? Originally, I was just going to move on and withdraw from DMU, but it's such a great school, I hate to miss the chance of attending because of a unfitting LOR. 🙁

Has anyone been in a similar situation of have any suggestions? Thanks!

I had a similar situation in which my LOR was written by an MD I did research with and shadowed. I sent an email questioning as to why it did not count as a medical exposure letter. Apparently he did not describe my direct patient interaction well enough in his letter. I asked if I could have him revise his letter and resend it to interfolio. They were nice and asked me to have him email them directly with an addendum explaining my patient interaction. Hope this helps.

 

[reapplicant5]

Should there have been patient contact when we observed/shadowed physicians?

(What's the difference between observing and shadowing a physician, anyway?)

 

[replay]

Should there have been patient contact when we observed/shadowed physicians?

(What's the difference between observing and shadowing a physician, anyway?)

Here is the email I originally received:

We have received a letter of recommendation from *******, M.D. For your information, we have evaluated this letter as a “research letter”, meaning it will not fulfill any of the required letters of recommendation (2 hard science faculty with whom you have had class OR 1 committee letter AND 1 physician letter) for application to Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Physician letters must be submitted by a physician (DO or MD) with whom you have worked, shadowed, or volunteered in a clinical, patient-contact setting. Academic letters must be written by hard science (biology, chemistry, physics) faculty with whom you have had class. Please let us know if you have any questions.

I would say there is no difference between observing and shadowing.

 

[JK3207]

Have there been any interview invites lately? I was complete 10/23 and am getting anxious!

 

[bainrd]

Does anyone know the specifics on the third year clinical rotations? They are outline in general in the interview handouts and online but not specifically about electives, or how many weeks per rotation. Also, I'm pretty sure they are all done in IA, anyone know? I found a list from a couple years ago and am wondering if it's the same. Thanks!

 

[gomango]

Anyone interviewing next week? I am on Nov 19th, just wondering if anyone else is too? I'm very excited....love this school!!

What has been the average wait time to hear back after the interview? Looks like 2-3 weeks??

 

[Boner]

Does anyone know the specifics on the third year clinical rotations? They are outline in general in the interview handouts and online but not specifically about electives, or how many weeks per rotation. Also, I'm pretty sure they are all done in IA, anyone know? I found a list from a couple years ago and am wondering if it's the same. Thanks!

Current 3rd year rotations:

Most students will stay in IA. About 115 stay in Des Moines area at various sites (includes about a 40 min drive radius). About 10 go to other IA sites. About 40 go to Ohio sites, which are solid (Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Sandusky...all with residency programs, most have more than 10). About 40 go to Michigan (mostly Detroit area). 3 go to a St. Louis site. 4 go to a Wyoming site.

Rotations are 4 weeks in duration.

You have the core blocks (IM, peds, psych, OB/GYN, Surg, Family (x2))
You have 2 selective blocks (IM/surg subspecialty and primary care)
You have 1 selective block split into 2 weeks (anesthesia, radiology, pathology, ophtho, etc...)
You have 2 elective blocks (can do anything, anywhere, or take vacation)

This may change by the time you would get to rotations.

4th year rotations:
1 block family med
1 block family med, community med, rural med, or international med
Rest are all electives

 

[millepora]

I wonder if it is required for all DO schools to have to required electives in their fourth year? I have noticed that with every DO school I was looking at...

 

[bainrd]

Current 3rd year rotations:

Most students will stay in IA. About 115 stay in Des Moines area at various sites (includes about a 40 min drive radius). About 10 go to other IA sites. About 40 go to Ohio sites, which are solid (Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Sandusky...all with residency programs, most have more than 10). About 40 go to Michigan (mostly Detroit area). 3 go to a St. Louis site. 4 go to a Wyoming site.

Rotations are 4 weeks in duration.

You have the core blocks (IM, peds, psych, OB/GYN, Surg, Family (x2))
You have 2 selective blocks (IM/surg subspecialty and primary care)
You have 1 selective block split into 2 weeks (anesthesia, radiology, pathology, ophtho, etc...)
You have 2 elective blocks (can do anything, anywhere, or take vacation)

This may change by the time you would get to rotations.

4th year rotations:
1 block family med
1 block family med, community med, rural med, or international med
Rest are all electives

That sounds pretty flexible. The electives third year are nice especially because surg is only 4 weeks. Is there any didactic work correlated in there? Do you know students who do military rotations during the third year? Thanks! Are the sites pretty good? I mean there is a lot of talk about picking a school based upon the clinical rotations. What are your impressions? Do the students get to see/do a reasonable amount?

 

[Boner]

That sounds pretty flexible. The electives third year are nice especially because surg is only 4 weeks. Is there any didactic work correlated in there? Do you know students who do military rotations during the third year? Thanks! Are the sites pretty good? I mean there is a lot of talk about picking a school based upon the clinical rotations. What are your impressions? Do the students get to see/do a reasonable amount?

Depending on the site, you will have didactics. You will also most likely be giving a presentation or two per rotation yourself.
Sites vary from place to place and preceptor to preceptor. We have a database that you can access before picking your sites with student reviews from the past two years or so. So far, I've had great experiences.
I have a few friends in the military, and they're all doing military rotations fourth year.
As far as seeing/doing stuff, I've been fortunate to have preceptors who have been eager to give me some autonomy and let me do some procedures. Generally, if you ask to do something after you've seen it a few times, the preceptor has no problem letting you do one. Rotations will be what you make it. If you're eager to learn, ask questions, read, and ask to have some more responsibility, you'll usually get it.

 

[lemonade]

How many Fas Track interviews does DMU-COM do? I'm happy I have an interview, but I feel like I only have an interview because of my numbers - not because of "total" application. It just seems like they offer a lot of interviews.

dudechiefboss, I was also offered the FasTrack interview right after they received my primary and was wondering how serious of an email it was or if they sent it to a large pool of applicants. Can I ask what your stats are?

I had a similar situation in which my LOR was written by an MD I did research with and shadowed. I sent an email questioning as to why it did not count as a medical exposure letter. Apparently he did not describe my direct patient interaction well enough in his letter. I asked if I could have him revise his letter and resend it to interfolio. They were nice and asked me to have him email them directly with an addendum explaining my patient interaction. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the information replay! I also received the email about my physician LOR being classified as "research". Sent them an email along the same lines so hopefully they let me do the same.

 

[jojo420]

I just interviewed here and DMU is fantastic. Good luck to those who are interviewing and you'll have a great day!

 

[cae2009]

Has anyone who interviewed on October 29 heard back yet? We were supposed to have an answer by today... I've got a bad feeling about this one though since they asked about a low grade and said that they are looking for people who will succeed in med school (I got a little defensive on that one).