KCOM Class of 2006

Med School Insiders
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Congratulations you guys!!!!

Now take the next 9 months and have some fun!
 
Awesome Andrea!! Way to Go...they would have had a huge loss if they did not accept you. Congratulations!!! 🙂
 
Great job, Andrea! I look forward to meeting you! Enjoy your free time before you belong to medicine . . .
 
Ha ha, thanks! I am definitely planning some major relaxation in the not so distant future. So now that I get to dream of my days as a KCOM student, I'd love to get the "inside scoop." What's your hardest class? Favorite class? If you could be any animal, what animal would you be? (Just kidding on the last one 🙂 ).
 
Andrea,
Consider shoving a fire hose in your mouth, and turning it on full blast. Then without warning, the amount of water in the hose seemed limitless, and there was so much fluid coming through the hose that you no longer knew the current day, time or physical location of your body.
That is my hardest class. Any one of the classes would put me over the edge, and supposedly because we have many classes that makes the combination easier than any one at a time. Medical school work load is unlike any experience you have EVER had before. Now you know that you have signed up with one of the hardest medical schools in the country, if not the world....
Have a nice break!
Toran
 
Andrea,
Don't let toran scare you. I am not saying Toran is wrong I am just saying that while you will have time when you feel like that it gets better (or you just go numb from being beat down all of the time.) With the help of you classmates and your family it is very doable (proof of that is I made it through the first 2 years)
I just looked at it as a few quarters of pain to get to do something I love. The hardest part of medical school (at least for me) was realizing I didn't have to know everything and get great grades I just5 had to learn the most I could and pass my classes. I eventually learned how to figure out what the instructors thought was important for tests which made school much easier and gave me more time to myself.
 
The most difficult part for me was that..no matter how many people I talked to in order to get information and 'prepare'....it still hit me like a Mack-Truck. I wasn't prepared for medical school to touch even the simplest parts of my life. NO ONE told me that one! I wasn't informed of how you can still do well, but still be scared to death, resulting in the ultimate emotional/mental roller-coaster you have ever been on!

All-in-all...I've seen it improve just since I began this fall. It's an adjustment...once you adjust...it gets noticably more manageable. I still have my moments where I cry uncontrollably...but that's because I build up frustration and just need to release for about 10 minutes..then, I am okay. I still become extremely negative about things...but, being sarcastic helps me keep a sense of humor about it all.

One thing I have learned...you MUST have something outside school that 're-juices' you. Since I worked all throughout undergraduate..I never developed any meaningful hobbies...an activity that gives me real joy. Some people have hiking, thier kids, art, etc... So, currently, I am struggling with finding that 'something' that counter-balances the stresses of school.

Some things to remember for when you begin next fall...1)you will be told not to get behind...but you will, we all do...you will catch up..don't sweat it.......but don't totally slack, either 2)you will hear people tell you how hard it is because upper-classmen are frustrated and stressed at the time they are talking to you...find someone who will give you objective information or you ill just be scared out of your mind. This is do-able if you can handle the mental stressors of it. 3)You will be told 'how-to-study'...you have to LISTEN to this! You will need to mix your old study habits with new, more efficient ones. Listen to the ideas that others give you..the earlier you catch on to this, the faster you will begin to feel more postitive about the entire venture. 4)YOU WILL HAVE DAYS THAT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE...we all do..they come on without warning..sometimes in the middle of the day. Use the 150 new friends you will have made and get through the day..tomorrow is always better.
5) Just be prepared for the academic worst! It is a LOT to deal with and Toran's description is totally accurate! Imagine how difficult this entire committment can be......then multiply by 1000!!!!!!!!!! It's nothing that your imagination (or my words) can prepare you for.

BUT IT'S DO-ABLE...AND IT IS A LOT OF FUN..AND YOU GET TO MEET SOME GREAT PEOPLE..AND YOU GET TO REALLY TEST YOUR LIMITS AND FIND OUT WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE...AND YOU REALIZE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE WHEN EVEN THE SMALLEST SUCCESSES KEEP YOU GOING FROM DAY TO DAY.

OVER ALL...IT TOTALLY SUCKS..BUT IT'S GREAT AT THE SAME TIME. THAT SOUNDS INSANE..BUT ONE YEAR FROM NOW, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND.

Take care, good luck..and RELAX...come to medical school totally 100% BORED out of your mind and ready for a challenge.
 
WOW, I'm speechless. You guys are truly awesome.
 
Ok, My turn to chime in. Here are the top things that I think you can do before medical school to be better prepared (I did some of them, the others I really wish someone would have told me about). It should be noted that I am one of those people that wasn't satisfied with preparing for school by sitting on the beach - if you are that type, do that.

1.) pick up a copy of "Study Skilly and Test Taking Strategies for Medical Students" by Deborah D. Shain (an Oklahoma Notes book. Although there is some fluff to this book, it has been invaluable in teaching me how to learn. I read it over the summmer, but the pay-off came when I sat down this fall and tried to figure out how I would keep from drowning. Some of their tools work very well. I read some other books, but this was the most useful.

2.) If you haven't taken Anatomy, pick up a copy of Netter (even better is the interactive version - burn it). This class is pivotal for most people. Basically, you will need to know just about every page of Netter at some point. I would have liked to have seen them earlier. In our first quarter, we cover the upper limb, lower limb, and back. The interactive version has quizing capabilities - I love it. The only dilemma here is that if you join AMSA when you get to school, they will give you a free Netter.

3.)People will think your crazy but get a copy of "Clinical Biochemistry Made Ridiculously Simple" by Stephen Goldberg if you think you will need help in Biochem. This is a simplified version that some people really like. But don't worry too much about Biochem. I was one of those people who never had it in undergrad, and I am doing much better than I thought I would.

4.) Think about how you are going to organize everything. A little organization when you are setting up an office will pay off.

Anyway, I won't overwhelm you with anything else. I compiled this for people who can't stand the apprehension in waiting for school to start. There are a number of people here that would be glad to give you more advice, just let us know. I really am happy that I came to KCOM, it is a very friendly school.
 
of course, kcom2005, a laminated copy of glycolysis in your shower helps, too, right?
 
I have a 25-30 minute commute...it's amazing what one can learn while driving down the highway.............................Many biochem and anatomy epiphanies were had this way! (hope my insurance agent doesn't see this)


**note that there is not once ounce of sarcasm in this post, johndo! I must be coming down with something.
 
I have been reading these threads for a while, but today is the first time I've posted. I just found out last night that I received an interview offer at KCOM (i'm actually a student at Truman right now). My interview is on Nov. 16, anyone else have the same day?
 
Congrats on your interview! If it helps, Days Inn in K'ville used to offer a discount on hotel stays for KCOM interviewees. They call it the KCOM Student Discount or something or other. You can reserve through their website www.daysinn.com i believe or call them at (660)665-8244. Better yet, the school will hook you up with a student to stay with to save you some cash and give you an extra experience. The ability to see a "day in the life" is priceless.
 
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it, but I am already living in Kirksville, since I'm attending Truman. I live on Dodson, so I'm just a short walk from the med school.
 
Even better! Good luck on your interview--I don't know if anyone still uses it, but www.interviewfeedback.com is a wonderful resource for feedback from interviewees about all medical schools (KCOM is listed there). The big thing to remember about KCOM is that they are looking for a different breed of medical student. Of course you have to be smart and have decent numbers, but, more importantly, what will you add to the diversity on campus? Varied background and individuality goes a long way, so emphasize those attributes!
 
Hello, my name is Josh Dettmer. I recently came across this site and have enjoyed reading all the entries. I interviewed at KCOM on Oct. 8th and found out on the 11th that I had been accepted!
This past Saturday I received a card from one of my interviewers, Neil Sargentini, Ph.D. He congratulated me on my acceptance to KCOM and said that he hoped to see me in the fall. I thought that was an exceptionally nice gesture and made me realize just how special it would be to study osteopathic medicine at KCOM. I still have an interview with CCOM on the 6th of November, but they are really going to have to knock my socks of to get me to go there over Kirksville. Congratulations to all those who have been accepted; I look forward to getting to know you all next fall. Take care...
 
Hey Josh! Good to see you here. What's new? You know you loved KCOM as much as me! 😛 I just sent in my deposit, so I'm good to go. It feels great to finally have things planned out. Talk to you later!
 
So, have you framed your acceptance letter from KCOM yet Andrea? I know I have!! I have been trying to decide whether or not I should even go to CCOM. I seriously thought about declining my interview but then I thought, what the hell. Chicago is only a few hours from home and I have the vacation time from work so why not. Like I said before, I am 95% sure I will attend KCOM next fall, but I haven't sent in my deposit yet. It is nice to hear from you again. Take care and I will most likely see you in August.
 
Is it pronounced K-Com or K-C-O-M?
 
This question goes out to all the MSI and MSII students at KCOM...What did you do about equipment such as stethoscopes and the like? Seeing as how K'ville is such a small town, I was wondering if I would have to buy these types of things before coming or does the school bring in reps from companies from which we can puchase them? Just curious. Thanks for all your help.
 
Before school started, I heard it pronounced both ways, but I think the concensus now is pretty much K-C-O-M.

Usually in Oct/Nov of your first year (we did it late Oct) the scool brings in reps from a couple of suppliers (Welch-Allyn and Littman) so you can buy equipment at really big discounts! The Complete Doctor faculty make sure you have an idea of what you'll need, but don't hesitate to check with your 2nd year mentor to advise you of what you REALLY need to spend your $$ on. Expect to spend about 600-700 dollars, though, unless you also buy a OMT table and the new PanOptic Ophthalmoscope, in which case you could easily go up to 1000-1200 dollars.

Unless you just really want to and have the money, don't worry about buying anything before you come to KV; you won't need it until halfway through first quarter when you do school physicals, and then a second year will provide what you need. You don't use your own stuff until 2nd quarter. It is fun to have, though!

A good place I found to buy stuff at a discount is www.allheart.com .
 
Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. 🙂 🙂
 
It is pronounced K-C-O-M

As for the equipment. Do NOT buy the bloodpressure cuffs at the equipment sale it is way over priced. The rest seems to be a pretty good deal.

Also remember you don't need all of the toys (even though they are fun) as the sale gets closer ask a 2nd or 3rd year what you need to get it will help you quite a bit.
 
Just found out I was accepted!!! I am excited about it, but this will leave me with a hard decision later when deciding which school to attend......

Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted!
 
Hi everyone,
I've got an interview at KCOM on Nov.19. I'm really excited!
Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect?
Thanks!
🙂
 
Hey Congrats!!!

KCOM is a great school. What to expect...First you arrive and have a presentation on the school and its curriculum by the Admissions office. Let me tell you...that office is organized and really knows their stuff. Then you will interview. One with an admissions representitive, a doc, and science faculty. Not in any particular order. Each interview is approximately an hour and really low key. Everyone is really nice. After that you have lunch, the financial aid meeting and the tours.

The interviews are low key, but be prepared to talk about your file, why DO, etc.

Good Luck...you are in for a great ride!

Maximus
 
Interviewfeedback.com, it was really helpful for me.

Toran
Any questions feel free to ask, I am a MS1 at KCOM
 
What to expect at the interview?

Well, you can expect all the normal things...tour, lunch, questions, etc.

However, there are a few things that they don't OFFER to show/tell unless specifically ASKED................

1. Inpatient psychiatric ward....for students who go off the deep end and need some shock-therapy.....I just got out.

2. Torture Chamber....for students who have lost all perception of what REALLY sucks and what really hurts. We have the option to be tortured, then small, piddly medical school stuff doesn't seem so bad.

3. Money Shredder...this is for students who really MUST know where their tuition dollars go. You are given the option of going into a room and putting your cash down a shredder. The other option is to hand over the check and just wonder........

4. Student Research Lab...this is where people can go and live. You go about your normal routine (school, whatever)...but you are constantly monitored as to how your nutrition goes down the drain and research is done on exactly how much sleep a human needs to survive. (Most still-well facts come from this lab)!!

5. Secret Meeting Room...this is a secret room built into one of the 'mountains' out at Thousand Hills Park. Its about a mile underground. This is where professors go when they write tests so students haven't a CLUE as to what will be tested.

6. Virtual Reality Death Room...sounds incredibly morbid (and it is)..but you will understand next year....This room is for when you are wishing the most terrible things upon yourself in times of extreme stress. My favorite scene to play is when I get hit by an 18-wheeler walking to anatomy lab. One of my friends made the comment (quote): 'I just want a hunter to shoot me.' They don't have that scene on there, but I am sure the AV guys can do it for us.

7. Virtual Reality Fantasy Room...this room is opposite the other virtual reality room. This is for the optimists who want to hang on to lives-past, the used-to-be's, if you will. You go in and pick what ever scene that will take you back to how you used to be, or to things you used to do. For example, the most popular scene is the 'sleep scene'. Or, the 'eating scene' where you have an entire Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner spread in front of you every evening. Some people enjoy the 'shopping scene' where you can choose other stores besides Wal-mart. This room is almost the ONLY sorce of warm fuzzys for us.


Hope you have enjoyed my little-bit of humor. KCOM is truly great, and I love it...but it takes an especially strong person to accommadate the rigor of medical school. Those of you who have been accepted or are scheduled for an interview should feel extremely proud. Next year, you will find yourself in the middle of 150 exceptional individuals, as I have.

Best of luck and I will be back with more 'humor' when I need another stress-release!!!
 
You can always tell the weeks when we have 4 tests in one week . . . DoubleElle loses it!
 
Thanks double elle!
That was hilarious! I'll make sure to ask for the "optional" tour package...
😉
 
Howdy,

JohnDO, is it really only four tests in one week, or is it three tests in one test multiplied by two plus two tests, equalling eight...or is it ten, nine...

OTM practical + AFFOM (Gross, CompleteDO, OTM) + Intergrated testing (Gross, CompleteDO, OTM(?))+ Bio Quiz (or one half a test)= I am being tested on OTM three times this week, gross three times, CompleteDO twice, and Bio once.

Oh, how I long for the simple stress of Histo.
 
BSD and the rest of 2005,

WOW, are all of your anatomy tests packaged with exams from OMM and DOh? I cannot imagine the confusion of trying to figure out whether they want an OMM version of anatomy answer OR an anatomy version of anatomy question! Do they at least put their intials next to the questions so you know who wrote it? Anatomy did when I was under their thumb -- of course, there's no way in hell the OMM folks would be that courteous!!!


🙄
 
You can tell which questions are DO, but you have no idea which are Gross/OTM.
That's just how it goes at KCOM.
T
 
no, dave, that would not help us on the boards! they claim that the boards don't tell you what kind of question it is, so they don't either. there was some confusion on the last test between an anatomy and a DO question, but there was no resolution that I heard of.
 
Just tell them who cares about boards. Boards don't matter if you fail out (or burn out) of school first. Boards don't matter until your 6th quarter.
 
Hey everyone! i just had a quick question about health insurance. I understand that it's not covered by KCOM tuition, that you need to get your own. What's the best way to do this in K'ville? My job provides insurance, so I've never had to deal with purchasing it on my own. Any advice on the subject?
 
Andrea, many people go with SOMA insurance. I don't know about any others... KCOM doesn't provide health insurance, so look around. Check with admissions if SOMA doesn't work for you.
Toran
 
I just got accepted to KCOM and I really think that kicks some serious ASS!!!!
 
Andrea,

I am in the class of 2004 and I am one of the SOMA (Student Osteopathic Medical Association) officers. If you have questions about our insurance package feel free to let me know. As it stands, very few medical schools provide Health Insurance, however, all require that their students HAVE Health insurance.
The advantage of SOMA Insurance is that for slightly less money on your premiums you get a much higher $$ amount of coverage. $5,000,000 max vs. $1,000,000 for comparably priced insurance.
Also, KCOM has the residents clinic at which students are supposed to have priority in getting appts. That is sometimes easier said than done, however a quick call to Dean Gaber (Dean of the Students) is usually enough to make sure that you get in promptly. Anyway, the visits to the Residents clinics are $15.00 and they often try to make sure that you get free stuff to offset any expenses on drugs that you might have.

Hope that helps. Any other info needs, please let me know.

Sweaty Paul 🙂
 
First of all, congrats to everyone who got accepted and welcome to KCOM. You guys should really be proud of your accomplishment. Just thought I'd take a break from Biochem to check out what's going on here. For all of you from Chi-town, take it from me that you can survive here in Kirksville. Besides the drive or the train isn't that bad. If anyone wants more info about KCOM or the area, feel free to e-mail me.

Oh, and JohnDO...El Vaquero rocks my world!

Later,
they call me Poofy
 
I was just curious if Kcom rotates the interviewers or if there tends to be the same people that do the interviews for the possible incoming students?
I know that I have seen Sargentinis name a couple times....are there others?
Can't wait to explore the town this week!! We will be the touristy looking couple looking dazed, excited, and probably lost. 🙂 If seen, please wave hi.
Wifty
 
Wifty,
I just got back from an interview at KCOM. What a great school. My interviewers were Dr. Robbins (D.O.) and Dr. Cox (Biochemistry professor). Both of them were easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable. Best of luck and I hope you enjoy the day as much as I did.
 
They do rotate interviewers, but I don't know how often. By the way, it's almost impossible to get lost in Kirkville. Good luck!
 
MaluDO...Do I know you? I'm pretty sure I do. If you know how to rhyme, you can figure out who I am.
 
Oh, I love these clue games!! I, however, am the worst SDNer at figuring out who is who; right, BSD?

Yes, the interviewers rotate from a pool of admissions committee members and the occasional clinician or professor. They are all very laid back, though--no professional interviewers who are going to try to scare you. I was talking to Dr. Sargentini the other day, and he told me he spends the first 15 minutes or so of the interview trying to make the interviewee feel comfortable because he doesn't want your nervousness to hide the "real you." The whole idea is to see who you are and if you will fit in here. They can tell if you will be happy/succeed or not. If you fake them out, you might get in, but not do well, so just be yourself!!

BTW, the one who had Dr. Robbins, did you know he is our interim Dean and the Associate Dean of Regional Affairs--you had a privilege indeed!
 
I just got back from and interview there too. See if you can guess who I am: Howdy Y'all.
 
Slingblade,
Did you interview last Friday, 11/9? If so, I think I know who you are...
 
Hello, all! I just sent in my $1,000 matriculation deposit so I guess it is official. I will see those of you in the class of 2005 and my class of 2006 in August sometime. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am! I am really looking forward to the journey, so to speak. By the way, when I interviewed on October 8th, I had Dr. Robbins and Dr. Sargentini. Both were EXTREMELY nice guys and I look forward to seeing more of them next year. Take care and I will see you later...
 
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