How is West Virgnia Univ's reputation?

[safrat]

I was wondering if anyone knows anything and I mean anything about wvu's medical school.

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[IceKid]

I was wondering if anyone knows anything and I mean anything about wvu's medical school.

um, it's in morgantown, west virginia and there are a lot of hicks there (sorry, but it's true!)

 

[cornell2004]

um, it's in morgantown, west virginia and there are a lot of hicks there (sorry, but it's true!)

nothin says lovin like marryin your cousin

 

[DualSuperLead]

It is beautiful country, though.

 

[dmk724]

um, it's in morgantown, west virginia and there are a lot of hicks there (sorry, but it's true!)

Not to mention its prime location in mullet country.

Seriously, I believe that WVU med tends to favor West Virginia residents very heavily. It is the biggest medical school in the state (there are only 2 others in West Virginia, one at Marshall University and an osteopathic school somewhere), so its focus tends to be on clinical/community medicine, with a special emphasis on treating West Virginians. Research isn't a big thing at WVU, especially in comparison to nearby schools like Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. (Pittsburgh's about 30 minutes away.)

 

[Rugger81]

West Virginia: One Big Happy Family -- Really!


gotta love the mullet.

 

[MG Md 2B]

As a West Virginian I would like to say I know no one that has a mullet. That aside, WVU does favor in state applicants, or those which show ties to the state. They also focus on primary care, specifically rural/underserved health care. The med school is associated with Ruby Memorial Hospital which I believe to be an excellent facility. I will also say that it is a pretty area, however, it is not as scenic as the rest of the state. Hope that helps. 🙂

 

[zeebs]

Safrat,
I went to undergrad at WVU (linguistics/asian studies), did parts of two masters (linguistics & horticulture) there, and worked for them for 3 years, my husband went to undergrad there, and got his law degree there. So I guess we've had the general WVU experience. I haven't had much contact with the med school except a little thru the admissions process last summer but here's my .02 ---

Objective Info: WVU stats say the avg matriculant has gpa 3.7, mcat B9.4 P8.7 V9.1. Ruby Memorial is the main teaching hospital, but they have other sites. State residents do get huge preference -- for the main reason that WV is terribly, terribly underserved and it one of the missions of the state med schools to train those who will stay here and practice hence the importance of emphasizing ties to WV if you are an out-of-stater. I think I read that 10% of the non-residents who get secondary apps will get interviewed. Class size is around 90 students. About half of those go into primary care although WVU does have MDPhd programs and a MdJD program. (Nope, its research program doesn't compare to Pitt's but not too many school's research programs do -- Pitt has a really fine program!) 3rd years can do rotations in either Morgantown or Charleston. Try reading thru www.hsc.wvu.edu

Subjective Info: Before I submitted any of my applications/grades/mcats for consideration to schools, I contacted all the schools I was interested in, chatted with admissions people, faculty, alumni, etc. just trying to get a sense of what the programs were like (WVU, Marshall, U Pitt, Eastern Va, Case Western Reserve, Vanderbilt). WVU was by far the LEAST impressive. They were impersonal, bureaucratic and had a "Why would you be good enough to go to school here" tone. In light of their statistics, maybe it's Napoleon Syndrome. I submitted my applications and (sorry for sounding full of myself) but realistically, with my mcats/experiences/grades plus being an in-state resident, WVU should have been climbing all over themselves to recruit me. I called their office, identified myself and asked politely if it was possible to get a copy of their recommendation form a couple of months early (they are usually sent along with the secondaries) because I wanted to give them to my profs over the summer when they had time to fill them out. I was tersely told "No, you'll get them when and if you receive a secondary application." In my opinion this was an example of their characteristic bureaucratic obstructionist idiocy, given that all remotely qualified WV residents automatically get a secondary. Of the above schools, they were the only ones to refuse. If you asked them why, I'm sure they'd say "Because that's how it's done here." which is the way many, many things are handled at WVU. It's one small example of many similar experiences in undergrad, grad school and while working there. My husband has stories like that too. By the time WVU did send me their secondary in October, I already had had interviews and admission offers to other schools. I accepted Marshall's, I did my pre-med coursework there, it's a great little school -- I'm thrilled to be going to med school there. There's a reason MU grads are fanatically loyal!

That said, I have met a couple of WVU's med students doing rotations who have seemed happy at WVU, maybe they'll speak up if they read SDN.

 

[Blake]

um, it's in morgantown, west virginia and there are a lot of hicks there (sorry, but it's true!)

And what was the point of mentioning hicks ? I swear, pre-meds are getting scarier every year

Never mind my post, I'm just tired...

 

[exmike]

As a West Virginian I would like to say I know no one that has a mullet.

well there goes that stereotype

 

[dmk724]

I accepted Marshall's, I did my pre-med coursework there, it's a great little school -- I'm thrilled to be going to med school there. There's a reason MU grads are fanatically loyal!

Congratulations!! I have a friend from high school who went to Marshall for undergrad, and I believe she stayed there to do graduate work in psychology. She loved it there, and I got the impression that it's a good school and would bend over backwards to help the students. Good luck!

 

[mkincaid]

WVU is a great school and has everything you need. I am doing undergrad there and I work in Ruby Memorial hospital. Everyone here loves it! and we don't care if there are some hillbillies, they're fun to laugh at. Football games are wild, go to one if you ever have the chance.

 

[safrat]

I was wondering if anyone knows the link to wvu match results.

 

[safrat]

thanks for the replies. I actually got an interview there and have been waitlisted. When I went there, I noticed that they were a mixture of people. I really liked the fact that they weren't southern. Matter of fact, they were really open and helpful. One thing I noticed about adcoms is that some tend to get hostile when you bombard (or not) them with questions or commands. I usually follow all my requests and questions with so many polite comments. Again, thanks a lot for that long post, it was really helpful. And, I didn't see any mullets, but I did notice that a lot of them were some good ol' country people. I really liked the mountainous terrain, but I really didn't get to see a lot of the scenary. Do you guys know of any cool places there (to see, ski, raft, or climb)?

 

[MG Md 2B]

Coopers Rock is pretty good for a nice scenic hike/bike/camping. There isn't any skiing right around Morgantown, but there are several that are within an hour or two. The best place in West Virginia to go rafting is the New River, which is a couple hours away from Morgantown. The drive there will let you see some of the traditional WV scenary. As for the good ol' country people....yep, there are a lot of them. However, Morgantown has the fewest probably of most of the state. Regardless, you'll find that those people, as well as most WV'ians, are some of the kindest, friendliest, most hospitable people you'll ever meet. Oh, and you've gotta go to a football game if you go to school there. Mountaineer games let you get a good idea of what WV is all about. Just make sure you learn the words to Country Roads, because you'll be singing it after they win.

 

[safrat]

Coopers Rock is pretty good for a nice scenic hike/bike/camping. There isn't any skiing right around Morgantown, but there are several that are within an hour or two. The best place in West Virginia to go rafting is the New River, which is a couple hours away from Morgantown. The drive there will let you see some of the traditional WV scenary. As for the good ol' country people....yep, there are a lot of them. However, Morgantown has the fewest probably of most of the state. Regardless, you'll find that those people, as well as most WV'ians, are some of the kindest, friendliest, most hospitable people you'll ever meet. Oh, and you've gotta go to a football game if you go to school there. Mountaineer games let you get a good idea of what WV is all about. Just make sure you learn the words to Country Roads, because you'll be singing it after they win.

cool I'll make sure to check it out. Thanks for the input.

 

[SlopinMunkyDude]

I really liked the fact that they weren't southern. Matter of fact, they were really open and helpful.

Um, southerners are pretty much renowned as the most helpful people out there. I really don't get your point at all. Of the 10 friendliest cities as measured per some magazine, I think the south took 8 slots.

I love southerners. If I moved out of the mountain states, I'd be heading south.

Just as an FYI, WV is a beautiful state. I think it's telling how the *****s on this site enjoy belittling West Virginians and then claim to have a social conscience. West Virginians are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So are most southerners.

 

[safrat]

Um, southerners are pretty much renowned as the most helpful people out there. I really don't get your point at all. Of the 10 friendliest cities as measured per some magazine, I think the south took 8 slots.

I love southerners. If I moved out of the mountain states, I'd be heading south.

Just as an FYI, WV is a beautiful state. I think it's telling how the *****s on this site enjoy belittling West Virginians and then claim to have a social conscience. West Virginians are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So are most southerners.

well, growing up in the south, I know of both extremes. It's absolutely true that they are some of the nicest people, but at the same time they are some of the most racist people. I know this for a fact. Now, everyone has "good" and "bad" ppl just not like the south. As I said, they do have them in extremes. As for me, I'd like to avoid the extremely bad. Obviously, this isn't true for all the states in the south. Maybe that's what I was thinking when I typed it. I would like the state that I want to live in be in both the north and south. I like the bible belt's morality at times, and then I like the north's lack of dependence on certain traditions. This is a sightly over generalized topic, and when you dissect what I'm saying or anyone else for that matter, you'll always find a flaw. I just have enough experiences to say that I want to move out of here and experience something different. Sorry if this offends anyone. A place like WV will give me that balance I'm looking for.

 

[safrat]

After an overwhelming application period, 2004 just wasn't my year.

But it's not too late for me to shine as a world renowned doctor...2005 here I come. I've completed my interview once again at wvu. This time, however, I wasn't so confident with my performance nor pleased with my treatment at the interview.

I actually ended falling in love with the place. Last year, I was a bit hesitant to think of going through 4 years there, but now I'm thinking about doing my residency in wv if accepted.

Morgantown is showing a lot of potential. With the increased funding and job openings, this state is sure to become more diverse and elite with time.

Didn't get to see much of the scenary, b/c it was freezing! But good golly miss molly, the chefs at applebees makes a mean steak--house sirloin steak.

over and out!

 

[SoulRFlare]

I grew up in WV, my dad practiced there for 20 some-odd years, and I think that if you plan on staying in WV, WVU is an excellent place to go to school/do your residency. That's not to say its not an excellent place to go even if you don't plan on practicing in WV...it's a med school afterall 😉
My point is, a lot of the docs in the med community where i was from knew each other from school (WVU), were friends, referred to each other etc. there was a "ready made network" in other words. also, with patients in the tri-state region (where i'm from...ohio/wv/pennsylvania), the WVU name recognition goes far (and i would think the same applies to OSU and Pitt) funny story--my dad went to Duke, and some of his patients would look at him crosseyed and ask "so you went to Duquesne?" Goes to show that "name brand" as pre meds/med students/med types understand it doesn't necessarily translate to what patients know and trust...and that's important-- particularly in primary care where you need to develop a long standing relationship with you patients (patients relate better to docs who go to the school where they went or their son/daughter goes...plus you can banter about the WVU games, how the Steelers really blew it this year grrr 🙁 but will come back next year etc.)
As for the scenery--as a previous poster pointed out, Cooper's Rock is really cool, but don't neglect Oglebay Park if you end up in morgantown (its maybe two hours...a great long weekend). West Virginia is a beautiful state with a lot to offer.
Good Luck this year!

 

[i61164]

how the Steelers really blew it this year grrr 🙁 but will come back next year etc.)

I am currently waitlisted at WVU. One of the reasons I like WVU is that I could get Steelers games on local TV in Morgantown. As a poor med student I won't be able to afford Directv NFL Sunday Ticket. I told my interviewers that I was a big fan (they asked me "what do you do for fun?"). If I end up going to school down South I won't get my Steelers games! Plus I want to be able to road trip up to Pittsburgh and get a Roethlisburger. Where is the love WVU? It's tough being an out-of-stater.

 

[funshine]

Honestly, Morgantown is a very boring place.

Don't go there.

 

[bigbassinbob]

I am currently waitlisted at WVU. One of the reasons I like WVU is that I could get Steelers games on local TV in Morgantown. As a poor med student I won't be able to afford Directv NFL Sunday Ticket. I told my interviewers that I was a big fan (they asked me "what do you do for fun?"). If I end up going to school down South I won't get my Steelers games! Plus I want to be able to road trip up to Pittsburgh and get a Roethlisburger. Where is the love WVU? It's tough being an out-of-stater.

I'm also waitlisted at WVU. Do you know what the story is on the waitlist? Have they accepted a lot of out-of-staters? Oh how I wish I knew..

 

[dopaminophile]

I'm a WV resident and a WVU applicant. Beth Anne Dlugos (the admissions coordinator) told me that WVU is currently expanding their class to 120-130. They are looking to increase the number of out-of-state students as part of that expansion. I believe something like 25% of the class is or is planned to come from out-of-staters with reasonably close ties to the state.

WVU's setup is kindof interesting. As has been said, the gem of the WV schools are their rural medicine programs. WVU allows students to do their clinical years (3&4) in Morgantown, Charleston, or in the Eastern Panhandle. Each site has strengths and weaknesses and you should pick based on what your interests are. The kicker, though, is that you have to pick when you interview.

I really like Morgantown. It has been labeled as one of the best small towns in the country; by whom, I don't know. It's a few hours from some really cool cities in the North East. West Virginia does have some holler sorts of folk and that's the reality of the patient population. If you're elitist, make fun, or just don't want to work with "hicks," then don't go to WVU. Really, you shouldn't go into medicine at all because the poorest people tend to get the sickest. Outside of the local idiosyncracies, West Virginians are some of the kindest people in the world. There are some social issues that come with a lack of much immigration and emigration, but ignoring or avoiding those people just helps to perpetuate the problems.

I think that the one poster was right in thinking that you can have that "Southern Air" while remaining in the North.

All the best, West Virginia is either for you or not at all for you. I personally like Marshall better. I didn't apply DO, but WVSOM is one of the best patient-care and rural health medical schools that there are.

All the best,

-dope-

 

[wire]

Beth Anne told me that I the admissions committee would be meeting on our interview group last friday. She said there could be letters sent out this week? I could be wrong though. How long did it take after your interview to hear whether you were rejected, waitlisted, or accepted? Would it be okay if I called Beth Anne and asked if there had been any decisions made? Thanks!

 

[wire]

bump

 

[dopaminophile]

Beth Anne told me that I the admissions committee would be meeting on our interview group last friday. She said there could be letters sent out this week? I could be wrong though. How long did it take after your interview to hear whether you were rejected, waitlisted, or accepted? Would it be okay if I called Beth Anne and asked if there had been any decisions made? Thanks!

WVU's adcom meets every Tuesday and they usually put out decisions each week. If there are questions or things on your application that need explained, they can take much longer.

 

[boardchic]

Beth Anne told me that I the admissions committee would be meeting on our interview group last friday. She said there could be letters sent out this week? I could be wrong though. How long did it take after your interview to hear whether you were rejected, waitlisted, or accepted? Would it be okay if I called Beth Anne and asked if there had been any decisions made? Thanks!

I'm sure if you called her and asked, she would be happy to give you an answer.

P.S. WVU is world-famous in West Virginia

 

[xadmin]

WVU rep? As far as I know, it is at the bottom

 

[funshine]

I'm sure if you called her and asked, she would be happy to give you an answer.

P.S. WVU is world-famous in West Virginia

quite right

 

[SoulRFlare]

WVU rep? As far as I know, it is at the bottom

Come on now...that's unnessary. The fact is, it's an honor to attend any medical school in the US.
As a related aside--some of the "most reputable" places are also highly malignant. Makes you wonder if "care" is the primary concern, or if something else is paramount...

 

[xadmin]

Come on now...that's unnessary. The fact is, it's an honor to attend any medical school in the US.
As a related aside--some of the "most reputable" places are also highly malignant. Makes you wonder if "care" is the primary concern, or if something else is paramount...

Well look at it this way. I am not putting people down. The question was what is WVU rep. I am stating my honest opinion. It is at the bottom.

On to your other concerns, is "care" the primary reason people are physician? Maybe. There are many reasons, but "care" is only one reason. If people are at this stage, they should understand why they choose to be a doctor. Whatever that reason maybe, it's a personal one.

As for "most reputable" places that are highly malignant. There are some truths. Yes, they are more competitive, which means more stress and work. But the people who goes there are the one who are more ambitious, more accomplished, more intelligent and more well rounded person than the one who goes to low rep school.

 

[SoulRFlare]

Well look at it this way. I am not putting people down. The question was what is WVU rep. I am stating my honest opinion. It is at the bottom.

On to your other concerns, is "care" the primary reason people are physician? Maybe. There are many reasons, but "care" is only one reason. If people are at this stage, they should understand why they choose to be a doctor. Whatever that reason maybe, it's a personal one.

As for "most reputable" places that are highly malignant. There are some truths. Yes, they are more competitive, which means more stress and work. But the people who goes there are the one who are more ambitious, more accomplished, more intelligent and more well rounded person than the one who goes to low rep school.

Where do you go to medical school? Or are you a pre-med with fantasies of "what's to come"?
If "stress and work" make for a more reputible, competitive environment, then I'd say that all med schools are on par. The fact is, medicine (and med school for that matter) is overwhelmingly stressful, whether you're in Morgantown or Baltimore. But it also depends on where the "stress, work and competition" are coming from. If they are coming from a place which puts the care of the patient first, more power to the institution. But if the stressors are based upon pressures to "maintain the rankings/keep the funding flowing/makes sure we get the best numbers from our students" then i say it's hogwash. True, a lot of the "top numbers" students go to top schools....and true, there are incredible people at top schools who have their priorities straight (I know a md/phd at hopkins who I think is amazing). But there are people at top schools (and at "non-US News" top 20 schools) who scare me...people i would not trust to give me the time of day, let alone operate on me. Your criteria are faulty--the best "rats in the mazes" do not necessarily make caring, conscientious clinicians.
The fact is, all US medical schools are held up to the same standards of excellence.

 

[funshine]

SoulRFlare,

did you go to MHS? 🙂
case 👍

 

[SoulRFlare]

SoulRFlare,

did you go to MHS? 🙂
case 👍

MHS? Sorry...i'm the stupidest smart person out there...

 

[funshine]

MHS? Sorry...i'm the stupidest smart person out there...

it's OK. it means you didn't.
MHS is the high school in Morgantown =)

 

[i61164]

Beth Anne Dlugos (the admissions coordinator) told me that WVU is currently expanding their class to 120-130. They are looking to increase the number of out-of-state students as part of that expansion. I believe something like 25% of the class is or is planned to come from out-of-staters with reasonably close ties to the state.

I e-mailed Beth Ann about this and she said that there will be no expansion until the new library is finished in 2 years.

 

[freaker]

I have no affiliation with the WVU med school or West Virginia other than the fact that I will second the fact that it's beautiful country up there. And some very nice deer hunting, as well. Seeing the leaves change up there is really something to behold. Really nice all up and down Appalachia, to be fair.

Nice folks. Same rule applies in large cities as out in the country regarding hicks (the former) and hoodlums (the latter).

 

[funshine]

I have no affiliation with the WVU med school or West Virginia other than the fact that I will second the fact that it's beautiful country up there. And some very nice deer hunting, as well. Seeing the leaves change up there is really something to behold. Really nice all up and down Appalachia, to be fair.

Nice folks. Same rule applies in large cities as out in the country regarding hicks (the former) and hoodlums (the latter).

yeah, boy was i surprised when i went to the metropolitan east coast and found out they have their own "hicks"--different, but hicks nonetheless in their narrow-minded mentality.

on the other hand, i don't find west virginia all that warm and friendly. perhaps it's because i'm originally from the southwest--can't get any friendlier than AZ/NM/TX 😀

 

[dopaminophile]

I e-mailed Beth Ann about this and she said that there will be no expansion until the new library is finished in 2 years.

righto... good to know.

thanks

 

[i61164]

righto... good to know.

thanks

It's kind of a bummer really. 110 is not many spots for a big university like WVU. By the time they expand I'll be an MS3 so it won't really benefit me.

 

[wire]

anyone know anything about the waitlist? how many people are on it? how many people move into the class from it? i got the waitlist letter today 😕

 

[newhavenjake]

One of my good friends is a 3rd year at WVU. He was in the 99th percentile for the step one.

Like any academic undertaking, medical school is what you make of it. You can go to a Top 10 or Top 5 or Top 1 school and get a ****ty education if you want to.

My mom did her derm residency at WVU and found it to be an excellent environment for learning.

I lived in Morgantown for 13 years and found it to be an excellent environment in which to grow up.

To those that feel compelled to flame various social groups, I pray that you learn a little tolerance and grow up a lot before you ever get near a patient.

MHS class of '98

 

[SoulRFlare]

it's OK. it means you didn't.
MHS is the high school in Morgantown =)

Ah...lol. I actually grew up in Wheeling Wv.

 

[safrat]

Wired,

I too got waitlisted. Ha, you must be the guy I interviewed with. We were the only two. Anywho, I was wondering what the waitlist letter template is. Did you get the phrase "favorably impressed" in your letter? I can't remember if that's what I got last year. Everything else seemed to be the same. Aight, boy, lets keep patient, and hopefully, we'll get in.

Btw, to the previous posters regarding wvu being at the bottom. Guess what? They didn't participate in the USNews rankings. Also, as far as rankings go, you should really look at the factors. You're commenting about only one factor, the schools reputation, which can actually hinder their rank if they are very competitive. Funny right?

If you really want to think about your future and are willing to sacrifice your med school experience, then base it on the residency program offered by the school --if it's top ranked or not. Again, that's if you want to be top dawg.

Actually, if you want to be really grand at your field, then only your residency matters. This is the only time you get to train your specialty--well, that's real training.

God Bless to All!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wire]

Whats up safrat,
That's funny we're both on SDN. I got the "favorably impressed" letter too. grrrr! There's got to be a way to find out how many people are on the waitlist/how many people get off the waitlist from previous years. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the both of us. Did you get waitlisted last year at WVU? If ya did, how did it all work? Good luck!

 

[safrat]

Whats up safrat,
That's funny we're both on SDN. I got the "favorably impressed" letter too. grrrr! There's got to be a way to find out how many people are on the waitlist/how many people get off the waitlist from previous years. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the both of us. Did you get waitlisted last year at WVU? If ya did, how did it all work? Good luck!

They waited me for march, april...all the way til august, when they comprised their class and orientation had started. I was actually studying for the mcat at the same time. Can you imagine how hard that was, convincing yourself to study when you have something that can end all the suffering?

What she said from last year was that the class will fill it's in-state spots(the required num of seats). After that, it's a free-for-all.

Hmmm, let me think here. Oh yeah, the number of ppl on the waitlist slowely gets cut once they have their class filled, gulp. Yeah, by the time I got to the end, there were only 15 ppl on it. Then, we were all dropped b/c orientation had started. They never said how many ppl were initially on it. But from the interview, it seems that the number of ppl rejected is low.

I don't think there is going to be much movement right now. Typically, the acceptances come in spurts.

Anywho, actually I'm not sure if you're the same guy I interviewed with. I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, but are you from virginia? And the 3rd year was Andrew only, b/c the other person didn't show up?

Later.

 

[dopaminophile]

WVU is really starting to piss me off. I interviewed there in early November for crying out loud and 3 months later they still haven't voted on my application yet! I know the reason, I know the issue and I can HELP THEM RESOLVE IT but they just won't let me. My interviewer has to do it herself apparently. Son of a freakin monkey's uncle I just want to know!!!! Why do you tempt me soooo WVU???? Just up or down, I don't care which anymore (not entirely true); just give me a vote! arrrggghhh.

-dope-

Beth Anne: if you're reading this, you prolly know who I am. I'm sure you understand my frustration. I'm just venting. No offense intended.

 

[safrat]

WVU is really starting to piss me off. I interviewed there in early November for crying out loud and 3 months later they still haven't voted on my application yet! I know the reason, I know the issue and I can HELP THEM RESOLVE IT but they just won't let me. My interviewer has to do it herself apparently. Son of a freakin monkey's uncle I just want to know!!!! Why do you tempt me soooo WVU???? Just up or down, I don't care which anymore (not entirely true); just give me a vote! arrrggghhh.

-dope-

Beth Anne: if you're reading this, you prolly know who I am. I'm sure you understand my frustration. I'm just venting. No offense intended.

lol, do you think she actually does read this stuff? I think the waitlisted ppl just keep getting piled up until like mid-march or april, then they give an answer. But, man, November! Ouch! I feel for you.

Btw, does everyone get the "favorably impressed" phrase?

 

[dopaminophile]

lol, do you think she actually does read this stuff? I think the waitlisted ppl just keep getting piled up until like mid-march or april, then they give an answer. But, man, November! Ouch! I feel for you.

Btw, does everyone get the "favorably impressed" phrase?

I would if I were involved in admissions. I know some schools do and I would be surprised if she didn't at least look here occassionally. But yeah... 3 months post-interview with no word and no vote at a rolling school. Ease my pain!!