First Interview DMU Advice Needed

[bigbody]

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I just found out from DMU that they want to invite me for an interview. For those of you who are at DMU, or have interviewed, and even others who are experienced at this kind of thing, I had a few questios.

I looked over the interview feedback site, I was wondering if there were any tough ethical questions that the interview comittee asks? Do I really need to review tons and tons of bioethics/healthcare related material? or do they focus on my past extracurricular activities through undergrad instead?

Also, do they grille you on why you want to be DO. I mean I think I want to go into family practice in the future so that's why I thought DO was a better route.

Any specific do's or don'ts for the DMU interview? I'm going to look through their website in more detail, but if theres some helpful outside information that anyone can contribute say about their OMM program and facilities, that would be awesome.

Finally, does anyone know the chances of admission after an interview and how long they normally take to respond?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MsEvolution]

I just found out from DMU that they want to invite me for an interview. For those of you who are at DMU, or have interviewed, and even others who are experienced at this kind of thing, I had a few questios.

I looked over the interview feedback site, I was wondering if there were any tough ethical questions that the interview comittee asks? Do I really need to review tons and tons of bioethics/healthcare related material? or do they focus on my past extracurricular activities through undergrad instead?

Also, do they grille you on why you want to be DO. I mean I think I want to go into family practice in the future so that's why I thought DO was a better route.

Any specific do's or don'ts for the DMU interview? I'm going to look through their website in more detail, but if theres some helpful outside information that anyone can contribute say about their OMM program and facilities, that would be awesome.

Finally, does anyone know the chances of admission after an interview and how long they normally take to respond?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations! I'm crossing my fingers for you!

I think everyone's experience is different, but I wasn't asked a single ethical question. My interview experience at DMU was phenomenal... I went in thinking about how much I wanted to prove myself to them and was astounded to find that they already KNEW how much I wanted this and how far I'd come to get it. It seemed to me that each of the interviewers really truly read my application and was interested in getting to know ME better. Me--as a person.

They were very gentle in their questioning and most of it was centered around my life, my experiences, the winding road to this point in my life. What type of medicine I thought I would like. I was very frank with them and told them I hadn't even heard of DO until earlier in the year, but that I was very impressed--especially after seeing the demonstrations. We talked about my cultural background and my desire to give back to that community. And when I was ready to leave, the lead interviewer told me that he wanted me to know that I had certainly proven that this was my calling and that he had no doubt that I would finally achieve my goal--and that he was certain that next September my life would change.

I almost cried and hugged him. But I just mumbled "Thank you." Shook his hand and walked out. On the drive home I couldn't contain my excitement thinking... maybe I'm actually going to be a doctor! Maybe it's actually going to happen! 😛

Anyway, I hope you have an equally good interview. Everyone in Portland seemed to have just as nice an experience. And I think the acceptance rate once you're interviewed is something on the order of 80-90% for DMU.

So... you're almost there... like I said, I'm crossing my fingers for you!

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I interviewed there and my interview was realllllllllly rough. I mean, it was bad. It was my first one and I realized that I screwed up because of that and they were just hard on me... 4 interviewers looking at me with blank faces and just making me feel horrible about past mistakes. Anyway, two weeks later I got accepted and I just received a letter from one of my interviewers saying he hopes to see me there. I loved the school. Great program, great students, admin, campus, etc. but I'm going to Vegas baby. Good luck and don't let them get the best of you! 😀

 

[LJK9559]

DMU was my second interview. I was really nervous before the interview even though everyone that I talked to said that the interview was going to be laid back and that they just want to get to know you better. I just couldn't quite believe that it wasn't going to be an intimidating interrogation. It was, however, quite pleasant. I didn't get any ethical questions. In fact, I didn't get any "real" questions, per se. Mostly, they would kind of prompt me on what they wanted me to talk more about. So, one of the interviewers would be like, "So, I see that you've been a CNA for the past four years...". Then I just elaborated on what I did as a CNA, what I learned, and what I liked about it. They did that for the rest of the interview, picking topics to discuss that I had written in my application. All of them were so nice and seemed to be interested in me and what I had to offer. I left there feeling really good. I was really impressed with DMU, the facility, the students, their curriculum. I found out a couple weeks later that I was accepted, and that's where I'm going to be going next year 😀

So, my advice would be not to worry too much (although it's hard since it's your first interview). Just, know yourself, know what you wrote in your application, and maybe have an idea how you would answer some basic ethical-type questions if you happen to get one. They are most interested in what's in your application and who you are as a person. Based on your application, they are very interested in getting to know you better, so the hard part is over. Your foot is definitely in the door, now they just want to meet the person behind the great application. Good luck!!!!

 

[DOitright]

DMU was also my first interview! I agree with all the people who posted how "cruise" the interview was. I was made to feel very comfortable and did think they were very interested in what I had to say! Although there was four people against little 'ol you, it wasn't bad at all. It seemed more conversational to me than an interrogation! They asked me things like, "What book are you reading now?", "Do you plan to work during med school?", and yes, "Why DO school?", but they didn't get too indepth in the last question! So, I don't think you need study up on the history of osteopathy or of DMU itself, just have a basic understanding!

Good luck with your interview, just try and be relaxed and be yourself! I had a great at the interview and am excited to be starting school there next year!!!

J

P.S. Oh yeah, it took about 13 days to get my acceptance letter!

 

[Geronimo]

Does anyone happen to have Dr. Mueller's email? I searched for Thomas Mueller on DMU's website but couldn't find him. I though maybe one of you either know it or have it in your interview packet.

 

[babyruth]

[email protected], I think. Try it and see if it bounces.

Your experience will totally depend on who you get to interview you. Some are "tougher" than others, depending on what questions you feel are tough. It is all very subjective.

 

[Boxer1]

Hi Adam,
You can find Dr. M's email address on this site

http://www.dmu.edu/bn/Faculty.htm

Bigbody
The interivew at DMU is designed to be pretty relaxed. There is some individual variation, depending on who is in the interview group For the most part, interviews are more about finding out what kind of person you are, and if you'll fit in well at DMU. Be ready to elaborate on things you put in your application. You'll probably be asked why you want to be a DO, but all you need is to demonstrate that you understand some basics about osteopathic medicine, and that you know enough about a career in medicine that you're decision to be a Dr. is an informed one.

Congratulations, and good luck with your interview

 

[Geronimo]

Thanks!

 

[Old_Mil]

Hey, congratulations! You're really going to like DMU. The campus with its new facilities is beautiful & state of the art, and the people there are super nice.

I wouldn't call the interview "high stress" in the least. Everyone was really friendly. I was asked what a "current social problem was that concerned you?" along with other questions like "why DO?" "why DMU?"

You should hear back via email within two weeks of your interview date.

Again, congratulations! There are great things going on at DMU, and the way things are going I think the future there is extremely bright.

 

[Geronimo]

I have a question for people there at DMU. Do any of you know someone on the NHSC scholarship?

Also, how cheap are flights generally throughout the year. I was checking prices on tickets back to Atlanta and Nashville, and they weren't very cheap. All our family lives in the south and it might be costly flying back and forth for holidays, etc... Plus, we have our firstborn on the way next July. I know being near family would be a big plus for this stage of our life and Des Moines seems far away.

 

[thatuvicguy]

Plus, we have our firstborn on the way next July. I know being near family would be a big plus for this stage of our life and Des Moines seems far away.

Hey Geronimo,

Congrats! My wife and I are also expecting our first child in June and being close to family is a huge consideration in med school decisions. If we end up in Des Moines (still have fingers crossed, should hear in the next week or so!) then it will be nice to have some fellow new parents! 🙂 Should make the first couple years of med school interesting don't you think... 😉

Cheers,
thatuvicguy

 

[Geronimo]

Congrats to you also! I am thrilled about being a dad. I am a little concerned I will not have much time for my little one but I must trust God to help me be the best dad I can be. I'll certainly have to set aside some "daddy" time to spend with the kids during those turbulant (sp?) first couple of years. I think it will make the experience of going through med school all the more special to me!

 

[MsEvolution]

Congratulations, Geronimo and Thatuvicguy!!! If I end up going to DMU I'll sign on to baby sit a bit for you guys, so you can have a much needed break once in a while!

Mine are much older now (19, 15, and 10), but I know what it's like to have little ones and school, work, etc.

Good luck! 😍

 

[Old_Mil]

Also, how cheap are flights generally throughout the year. I was checking prices on tickets back to Atlanta and Nashville, and they weren't very cheap. All our family lives in the south and it might be costly flying back and forth for holidays, etc... Plus, we have our firstborn on the way next July. I know being near family would be a big plus for this stage of our life and Des Moines seems far away.

Des Moines is typically a little more expensive than other places to fly out of. Kansas City isn't too far away, though, and neither is Omaha, and people often drive to one of these two cities to catch cheaper flights to where they want to go.

 

[Geronimo]

Des Moines is typically a little more expensive than other places to fly out of. Kansas City isn't too far away, though, and neither is Omaha, and people often drive to one of these two cities to catch cheaper flights to where they want to go.

Thanks, that helps.

 

[babyruth]

I usually have to take a pitstop in either st louis or chicago for flights. The tickets are a little more expensive unless you live in a city that has direct flights to des moines because it isn't a big airport, relatively.

PLease take note for all you parents that Peds club and Student Auxillary do babysitting so that mom and dad can go out for a movie if they want. The campus is pretty family friendly. Must be due to the fact that DOs are so fertile (JK!). Our class has already had several new arrivals and is expecting one, the girl I sit next to, in a couple of weeks!

 

[cremaster2007]

For the short version of interview success, dmu interviewers are looking for who you are. They want you to be fairly relaxed and talkative so they get a good feeling for you. I know its a stressful time, but just be yourself and try to answer their questions honestly and in more than one word or sentence. Don't just say what you think they want to hear, say what you really think. Be ready to explain any research you did and/or blemishes on your record and I think you'll find your interview here goes well. Hope this helps.

 

[Geronimo]

I usually have to take a pitstop in either st louis or chicago for flights. The tickets are a little more expensive unless you live in a city that has direct flights to des moines because it isn't a big airport, relatively.

PLease take note for all you parents that Peds club and Student Auxillary do babysitting so that mom and dad can go out for a movie if they want. The campus is pretty family friendly. Must be due to the fact that DOs are so fertile (JK!). Our class has already had several new arrivals and is expecting one, the girl I sit next to, in a couple of weeks!

This is a super useful post. This is the kind of thing that can make somebody fall for a place. 😍 Certainly a family atmosphere if they do that sort of stuff. Awesome 👍