LECOM - Bradenton Discussion thread 2008-2009

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
So when you go there for an interview is the decision based on the interview alone at that point or is your whole application still taken into account?
 
Alot of people get in off the alternate list...stay in contact, be enthusiastic, and be patient.
Thanks digitlnoize. I believe you were at the lunch meeting with me. I have nothing but praise for you and the other students I met. A special thanks to the first year students for the mock PBL. It was amazing! PBL is deffinatley the future of teaching health care.🙂
 
Digitlnoize?! You dog. You were at the meeting?! How dare you get to the meeting and not me. Hahaha. I don't think he was there, but rather nlax. Good luck!
 
Digitlnoize?! You dog. You were at the meeting?! How dare you get to the meeting and not me. Hahaha. I don't think he was there, but rather nlax. Good luck!

If this meeting involved actually eating lunch or talking to applicants, I probably wasn't there.

If it involved watching 1st years make fools of themselved by trying to do a PBL case, then, yes...that was probably me. And BCL. 😎
 
I saw no fools. How do you guys feel about your PBL exam. I heard it was pretty thick.
 
Well, it was.. tough. I feel like I know that I could've prepared more, but I did well enough to keep me in contention for the grade that I want. I just really need to do well on this next test, which is already looking like a big one. My group is looking at picking six chapters from five different books for this case alone. We picked five for the last case and have another three cases before the end of this semester. Couple that with the four assigned Pathology readings, and we're looking at 30 chapters, easy.

*sigh* Time to finish my Embryology outline. Good luck to everyone!
 
Well, it was.. tough. I feel like I know that I could've prepared more, but I did well enough to keep me in contention for the grade that I want. I just really need to do well on this next test, which is already looking like a big one. My group is looking at picking six chapters from five different books for this case alone. We picked five for the last case and have another three cases before the end of this semester. Couple that with the four assigned Pathology readings, and we're looking at 30 chapters, easy.

*sigh* Time to finish my Embryology outline. Good luck to everyone!

Agreed. It was hard. Although, for part of the material on this test, we were still in anatomy, and I, for one, feel like this held me back a little bit.

I was rushing to finish things I should have read during anatomy but didn't because I was so overloaded then. Now that we have a clean slate, so to speak, I expect that I'll stay more on top of the material. But, we'll have more cases/chapters too, so it might balance out.

Overall, I know this won't be my best semester. I'm using this time to learn about how the process works. To analyze it and myself in relation to it. If I come out with B's I'll be happy, and hopefully I'll know enough about how to study that I'll crush the next 3 semesters...

It's an insane amount of work, but I think that it pays off in the end.
 
I interviewed on wed nov 5 and just found out that I'm on the alternate list. Does anyone know my chances of getting excepted? LECOM-B I feel is made for me.😕

Heyy I was in your interview batch and got the same response!! I was sooo sad... I loved LECOM-B on Interview Day. 🙁 And I thought my interview went very well.
 
Heyy I was in your interview batch and got the same response!! I was sooo sad... I loved LECOM-B on Interview Day. 🙁 And I thought my interview went very well.
So sorry. Since you guys felt your interview went well; why do you think you weren't accepted? As of the interview is it just base don whether they think you're a good fit for the school, or is it a review of your whole application? What are your stats? Or do you think they ran out of seats already?
 
They're not out of seats. I talked with Heather today and she said that they're inundated with files. They're definitely not out of seats. Also, I asked her how many people came off of the alternate list last year for our class. She told me 60/100 were eventually offered an acceptance. Keep your hopes up! If this is your dream school, let them know that you're definitely interested.

Dr. Krueger (Asst. Dean) explained to us that the initial reason that they offer an acceptance to people is because they want to make sure that they're a good fit for PBL. If you're on the alternate list, it means that you were, but that something held you back for whatever reason. However, I have many friends who were placed on the Alt. list and they are fantastic. Don't let it get you down!

Keep smiling and good luck!
 
They're not out of seats. I talked with Heather today and she said that they're inundated with files. They're definitely not out of seats. Also, I asked her how many people came off of the alternate list last year for our class. She told me 60/100 were eventually offered an acceptance. Keep your hopes up! If this is your dream school, let them know that you're definitely interested.

Dr. Krueger (Asst. Dean) explained to us that the initial reason that they offer an acceptance to people is because they want to make sure that they're a good fit for PBL. If you're on the alternate list, it means that you were, but that something held you back for whatever reason. However, I have many friends who were placed on the Alt. list and they are fantastic. Don't let it get you down!

Keep smiling and good luck!
I keep asking this and no one seems to respond: after the interview, is the decision just based on the interview or is your entire application still considered? Is the alternate list ranked?
 
I can tell you what I believe based upon what I've heard, but I have no solid evidence to back it up. Hopefully this'll work for you.

First, I am sure it is your entire application that is considered. You background got you into the interview, but their decision cannot be made solely on the interview time period. When the committee meets, you, as an entire applicant, is discussed and an acceptance/alternative/rejection is awarded.

Secondly, I am pretty sure the list is ranked. From what I heard last application cycle, they don't tell you what your rank is until April, but I heard that it was ranked.

I'm going to get to bed. I have to get up early and read some stuff. Hopefully I've been of some help.

Good night!
 
I can tell you what I believe based upon what I've heard, but I have no solid evidence to back it up. Hopefully this'll work for you.

First, I am sure it is your entire application that is considered. You background got you into the interview, but their decision cannot be made solely on the interview time period. When the committee meets, you, as an entire applicant, is discussed and an acceptance/alternative/rejection is awarded.

Secondly, I am pretty sure the list is ranked. From what I heard last application cycle, they don't tell you what your rank is until April, but I heard that it was ranked.

I'm going to get to bed. I have to get up early and read some stuff. Hopefully I've been of some help.

Good night!

Thanks so much for being so nice and helpful. I'm pretty sure my secondary screwed me up. I really didn't know enough about the school when I applied, so I said I didn't know yet if PBL was right for me, since I'd had no previous exposure (just trying to be honest). However, when I went to the school, I fell in love with it AND with PBL. I had my interview at NYCOM yesterday and if I end up there, I'll still try to get into their PBL pathway. That being said, I'd prefer to go to LECOM. Unfortunately, Annette Shively told me that the alternate list is a pool, not ranked. So even though it is fairly early right now, apparently that means nothing. They start looking at the alternate "list" applicants in January. It's going to be tough waiting it out!
 
I keep asking this and no one seems to respond: after the interview, is the decision just based on the interview or is your entire application still considered? Is the alternate list ranked?

I interviewed there earlier this week and one of the interviewers told me that after the interview, they go through your entire application again before making a decision. Hope that helps!
 
I can tell you what I believe based upon what I've heard, but I have no solid evidence to back it up. Hopefully this'll work for you.

First, I am sure it is your entire application that is considered. You background got you into the interview, but their decision cannot be made solely on the interview time period. When the committee meets, you, as an entire applicant, is discussed and an acceptance/alternative/rejection is awarded.

Secondly, I am pretty sure the list is ranked. From what I heard last application cycle, they don't tell you what your rank is until April, but I heard that it was ranked.

I'm going to get to bed. I have to get up early and read some stuff. Hopefully I've been of some help.

Good night!

Thanks so much for being so nice and helpful. I'm pretty sure my secondary screwed me up. I really didn't know enough about the school when I applied, so I said I didn't know yet if PBL was right for me, since I'd had no previous exposure (just trying to be honest). However, when I went to the school, I fell in love with it AND with PBL. I had my interview at NYCOM yesterday and if I end up there, I'll still try to get into their PBL pathway. That being said, I'd prefer to go to LECOM. Unfortunately, Annette Shively told me that the alternate list is a pool, not ranked. So even though it is fairly early right now, apparently that means nothing. They start looking at the alternate "list" applicants in January. It's going to be tough waiting it out!

I interviewed there earlier this week and one of the interviewers told me that after the interview, they go through your entire application again before making a decision. Hope that helps!
Thank you all for all your helpful responses. futuredrandwife, I wouldn't think they would give you an interview if they weren't happy with your secondary, or maybe they thought between your secondary and honest response about PBL that you didn't seem to know enough to be interested in it. 😕 Good luck on the alternate list.
 
Last edited:
I interviewed on the 11th and found out the next day that I was on the alternate list. I know they don't start pulling from the alternate list until January, and a lot of people from the alternates get offered a place eventually. But I'm wondering if they keep drawing from the alternate list all the way through the end of the interview season? Will I potentially have to wait till April just to know if they want me or not?

I think PBL is terrific which makes LECOM one of my top choices. I was hoping to get in so I could cancel all (or most) of my other interviews. So expensive... and frustrating.
 
I interviewed on the 11th and found out the next day that I was on the alternate list. I know they don't start pulling from the alternate list until January, and a lot of people from the alternates get offered a place eventually. But I'm wondering if they keep drawing from the alternate list all the way through the end of the interview season? Will I potentially have to wait till April just to know if they want me or not?

I think PBL is terrific which makes LECOM one of my top choices. I was hoping to get in so I could cancel all (or most) of my other interviews. So expensive... and frustrating.

So I've been hearing a lot about people being put onto the alternate list. It really isn't as bad as everyone thinks. Sure, it is not as great as an acceptance but you are still not out of the running. Personally, I interviewed in early October of last year and got waitlisted a couple of days later. I was devastated and frustrated because I knew LECOM-B was the fit I was looking for. Here are a couple of suggestions I have if you are still interested in the school.

1. Keep up with your school work and send them your updated transcripts at the end of the semester.
2. If you do ANY community service or go to ANY medical conferences let Heather or June know. Keep them up to date on what you are doing (but obviously don't harass them.)
3. Keep an open mind if you get any other interviews anywhere. I actually ended up interviewing at 3 different schools after LECOM-B put me on the alternate list. This will either reinforce your commitment to LECOM-B or you may find a better school. It's all about where you feel most comfortable.
4. Finally, if you are REALLY REALLY set on coming here (and I wouldn't do this until you have gone through the interview process a couple of times or have a really good reason for this) I would suggest drafting a Letter of Intent to come to the school. This basically means that if they do accept your application in the future, you will drop all other medical schools in contention and go to LECOM-B. Whether this works or not I don't know, but it obviously doesn't hurt.

Keep your head up. Things will turn out in the long run. As I said before, I got waitlisted in early October and heard from Heather on February 12th about my acceptance, so I know how it feels. If you guys need any other advice, just post. That's what we are here for 🙂
 
AtlantaGator,

All of those suggestions make a lot of sense. You said you were devestated and frustrated and I know exactly what you mean. I'm not gonna lie- I cried when I found out I was waitlisted (yes, I'm a girl hahahah). But like my mom and fiance said, I could have been outright rejected. Interviewees get rejected, too, so I'm not in the worst possible situation. I just keep telling myself that I WILL get into LECOM and I WILL be going to school there. Positive thinking goes a long way. Unfortunately, I have no more transcripts to send them, as I graduated in May. However, I do have other things going on that may strengthen my application.

I interviewed at NYCOM yesterday and it is a great school. I think my interview went well, but I still would prefer to go to LECOM-B. I interview at LECOM-E and TOUROCOM-NY in a few weeks. I will definitely keep an open mind but I really love LECOM-B!!! Is it okay if I PM you to ask you for some private advice? Thanks again for your help.
 
Thank you futuredrandwife, It's comforting to know someone else from my interview day was placed on the alternate list. I felt the majority of us were great candidates. Although I have not broke into to tears quite yet, it has been a rough week concidering the love I felt for LECOM B and the excitment that built after my interview. Unlike many applicants I have only applied to a few schools, which were the ones that I felt matched my personality and carrer goals. Good luck to everyone going through this process whole-heartedly. It's going to be a long: winter, spring, summer?😕
 
I am changing my late Nov interview to Jan because I now have other FL invites so I'm going to do all 4 together. So if anyone wants a Nov interview there should be one up for grabs.
 
Last edited:
You're going to get Atlantagator up on this site for good. He always laughs at me for being the "SDN guy," so it'll be funny to see him scouring the SDN pages from now instead of just Digitlnoize and I.

Everyone remember to keep your chins up. Work hard and take the aforementioned advice for all alternate list applicants. Keep smiling. Keep smiling.

Good night. Good luck!
 
AtlantaGator,
Is it okay if I PM you to ask you for some private advice? Thanks again for your help.

Yeah, absolutely. This offer goes for anyone else who wishes to know what I went through or any advice I may have to offer if you are waitlisted. Being waitlisted sucks, but it is not the end of the world. Anyway, I've gotta go back and study some more PBL!
 
I interviewed Monday and just got my acceptance in the mail. It was my first interview, and therefore my frist acceptance, so I"m bouncing off the walls. The only thing is I'm pretty sure I don't want to go there - there's nothing wrong with the school (and I love PBL), but I don't want to live in Florida. So hopefully my future interviews turn into more acceptances and my spot can go to one of you on the waitlist. Good luck everyone!
 
I don't want to live in Florida.

Really? Why not? Unless you love the cold...

I am sooo glad that I don't have to scrape ice or shovel snow anymore...

Also, everyone should know that Bradenton/Sarasota is not your "typical" Florida. The gulf breeze seems to keep things a bit cooler and less humid than other parts of Florida...at least from my limited experience.

Summer here was hot, but no worse than summer in Virginia was...at least here it rained every day to release the humidity and cool everything off...

But, if you love the snow...this probably isn't the place for you. It hasn't snowed in over a century.
 
I know that this might be an off the wall question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. With LECOM-B being all PBL, when and how do you learn the core principles of osteopathy and interactions with patients? I'm not doubting that you do learn them but in the interview that was really never discussed.
 
Really? Why not? Unless you love the cold...

I am sooo glad that I don't have to scrape ice or shovel snow anymore...

Ha when I flew back from my interview I definitely had to scrape ice off my car, and I said "this sucks, but I'd rather do this than live in Florida". I guess I love being cold and miserable for half of the year because it makes the summer that much better? But it really isn't about the weather, I just can't imagine being that far from my family and friends.
 
does someone want to explain the advantages of PBL and the disadvantages?
 
Elaborate on your question. What do you mean?
 
I know that this might be an off the wall question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. With LECOM-B being all PBL, when and how do you learn the core principles of osteopathy and interactions with patients? I'm not doubting that you do learn them but in the interview that was really never discussed.

Clinical Exam and OMM. We have an insane pass rate for Step II (something like 99.9%, but don't quote me on that). We have CE and OMM 1x each per week. We also have OMM lab 1x per week.

Once every couple weeks we meet first with a doctor who shows us how to do a certain exam, for example, a skin exam. Then a week or two later, we do the skin exam on a standardized patient. So we get some patient interaction then.

Also, you get some "patient" interaction when you start a PBL case and have to interview a "patient" to get the info for the case. It's at least practice interviewing.
 
Ha when I flew back from my interview I definitely had to scrape ice off my car, and I said "this sucks, but I'd rather do this than live in Florida". I guess I love being cold and miserable for half of the year because it makes the summer that much better? But it really isn't about the weather, I just can't imagine being that far from my family and friends.

Agreed. We felt the same way about leaving Virginia, but the nice thing is that everyone will want to come visit you here, since they're miserable up there.
 
does someone want to explain the advantages of PBL and the disadvantages?

I'll take a quick stab at this. Most of the advantages are also disadvantages and vice versa.

Advantages:

1. You become a self-directed learner. This is important for 3rd and 4th year, and you have to make that change quickly while on the wards.

2. You learn the basic sciences by applying them to an actual case. I feel that this helps me retain the information better than memorizing powerpoints.

3. You learn all the basic sciences at once and integrate them together. This is less "boring" since you're jumping around books alot...it's not like you're doing Biochem for 8 grueling weeks, then doing Embryo for another 8. Instead you do it all at once. Again, I think this helps with retention.

4. You'll cover the most important information many times. This doesn't often happen in a lecture based curriculum.

5. You get to plan your own schedule mostly. I'm only scheduled to be at school for 2 hours a day. the rest of the day is mine to use or waste accordingly.

Disadvantages

1. There is very little direction. We get some, but for the most part, we decide what is important. It's important to point out here that the case does a very good job of leading you to the right study topics. For our first couple of tests, almost all the groups have picked mostly the same chapters to be tested on.

2. It's ALOT of reading. I like reading, but it is sometimes hard to pick out what's going to be tested.

3. You get to plan your own schedule. This is very bad if you aren't good at apply yourself. You can't just sit around and play video games all day, as much as you might want to. Well, you could, but you'll fail the test.

4. It's different from undergrad, so there will be some adjustment. For example, I can tell that I'm retaining the information MUCH better than when I memorize it off a slide for a test, but my grades have slipped slightly while I figure out the best way for me to study this amount of material. That being said, I feel like I've got it now, and I'm gonna rock the next 3.5 years. And, at least I haven't failed anything yet...

That's a start. If you clarify your question, I'm sure we can add more.
 
I interviewed Monday and just got my acceptance in the mail. It was my first interview, and therefore my frist acceptance, so I"m bouncing off the walls. The only thing is I'm pretty sure I don't want to go there - there's nothing wrong with the school (and I love PBL), but I don't want to live in Florida. So hopefully my future interviews turn into more acceptances and my spot can go to one of you on the waitlist. Good luck everyone!

I also interviewed this past Monday and got my acceptance letter yesterday... however I don't think I will be accepting... PBL just wasn't for me. Good luck to all those with upcoming interviews and those waiting to come off the alternate list! I'm sure you will hear good news soon!🙂
 
Well I'm glad to see that you all are able to make sound decisions. Good luck in all of your future interviews! I would call Heather ASAP to let her know that you are going to be declining your seat. This way they can start to get additional people in those spaces.
 
Clinical Exam and OMM. We have an insane pass rate for Step II (something like 99.9%, but don't quote me on that). We have CE and OMM 1x each per week. We also have OMM lab 1x per week.

Once every couple weeks we meet first with a doctor who shows us how to do a certain exam, for example, a skin exam. Then a week or two later, we do the skin exam on a standardized patient. So we get some patient interaction then.

Also, you get some "patient" interaction when you start a PBL case and have to interview a "patient" to get the info for the case. It's at least practice interviewing.

This is all true. You may find you get exposure to live patients even earlier than you want. One of the first things you learn in CE is the relevance and proper way to go about taking vital signs. After a lecture or two and some independent reading you have a few sessions with 2 or 3 other students and a facilitator showing you how to use the tools to get accurate readings. Before you know it your in a patient encounter room taking a history and measuring the BP of a guy you never met before, and you're still learning basic anatomy! It quickly builds, as Digi mentioned. Besides that facilitators are always available for extra practice on your own time.

Another gem part of learning in PBL affords you is the doctor-patient role play that is incorporated in each case you take on. You practice taking relevant histories, discuss the consequences and options following a finding, and other activities that facilitate strong interpersonal skills.

As for the core principles of osteopathic medicine (currently preferred over osteopathy BTW), there is always something going on even if it wasn't stressed at your meeting. I'll assume you mean OMM, and that class starts week one with lectures introducing the history and founding osteopathic principles, and continues with you already trained in some aspect of cervical manipulation by the end of your first semester. Obviously the skills take much longer than that to master and even appreciate, but your exposure to it is immediate and continues for at least 4 years. Besides that, we receive constant updates regarding the osteopathic profession in a multitude of other fashions. E-mails, lectures, workshops, you'll have more information on the subject than you have time to learn about it. If I'm wrong and you want more, sit down with Dr. Quinn for an hour and prepare to be impressed.
 
PBLDO is the man. Trust me. We're like.. best friends, or something (IRL, nonetheless). Although, he does play a mean game of Cranium.
 
I just wanted to post (as a complete aside) that...

I <3 TJT.

Carry on.

Good luck.
 
I just wanted to post (as a complete aside) that...

I <3 TJT.

Carry on.

Good luck.

An I just wanted to post...beware of the Manatee....he lurks around the hallways going "Yo...F'ing Streptococcus"

Manatee-1
Atlantagator-0

If only I could be like PBL DO...
 
At least two you who've been accepted have indicated that you are likely not to take your place. May I just say, for all those of us on the dreaded alternate list, please let them know before mid-January (which is when, I believe, they'll start pulling some of us alternates).

LECOM-B is currently my first choice so have pity. And congrats on being accepted.
 
At least two you who've been accepted have indicated that you are likely not to take your place. May I just say, for all those of us on the dreaded alternate list, please let them know before mid-January (which is when, I believe, they'll start pulling some of us alternates).

LECOM-B is currently my first choice so have pity. And congrats on being accepted.

Kudos to DocHas! I was about to name myself LECOM alternate list captain. Now it appears we'll have to have a run off. 👍 I propose that everyone on the alternate list be granted acceptance to LECOM B!!!!!! or we can just set up a prayer line.
 
I also interviewed this past Monday and got my acceptance letter yesterday... however I don't think I will be accepting... PBL just wasn't for me. Good luck to all those with upcoming interviews and those waiting to come off the alternate list! I'm sure you will hear good news soon!🙂

Hey!! I sent my primary application about 6 weeks ago and AACOMAS has just posted "verified" on it (before it was "pending"). From what I understand LECOM-B should email me a secondary application pretty soon. I wanted to know if you or someone can help me by telling me the questions on the sencondary application (and some guidance on how to answer them) and the interview questions, because I am kind of nervous because i see that many of you have been accepted, and I am running behind. PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, HELP ME!!!!!:scared:+pity+
 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=7121833&postcount=528

The above links to a list of secondary questions for most osteopathic schools, including LECOM - B, compiled by ChocolateBear. The only other information I have that might be useful is that LECOM limits you to "one full page of text."

Good luck. If you have any other burning questions, you can always try using the search box in the upper right corner of the page--there's a plethora of info if you're willing to dig around a bit.
 
Hey!! I sent my primary application about 6 weeks ago and AACOMAS has just posted "verified" on it (before it was "pending"). From what I understand LECOM-B should email me a secondary application pretty soon. I wanted to know if you or someone can help me by telling me the questions on the sencondary application (and some guidance on how to answer them) and the interview questions, because I am kind of nervous because i see that many of you have been accepted, and I am running behind. PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, HELP ME!!!!!:scared:+pity+

LECOM was the first school I got a secondary from, and I think it was the same for most people. You should definitely get one soon. The link posted by altruist contains the 2 essay questions.. mine were pretty short, about a half page single spaced. As long as you get your point across, it shouldn't matter as I got interviews to both LECOMs. Also, go to the interview feedback page under "medical" then "resources." The interview questions for each school are posted.

If you want anymore specific info, feel free to PM me!
 
Thanks a lot Altruit and Melv55!!!! Yeah, I am worried because I have not yet received my secondary application,and I really think that I am way behind!!! I want to start on the Fall of 09, so i'm very anxious. Today after work, I'll review and answer the questions. Any tips on what to put on the secondary application???

Thanks a lot guys!!!😉
 
Thanks a lot Altruit and Melv55!!!! Yeah, I am worried because I have not yet received my secondary application,and I really think that I am way behind!!! I want to start on the Fall of 09, so i'm very anxious. Today after work, I'll review and answer the questions. Any tips on what to put on the secondary application???

Thanks a lot guys!!!😉



You should have some standard essays written. Many of the schools have the question why do you want to go here. For this particular school make sure to add a paragraph about how you like PBL and what a great fit you are for it (independent learner, like small group interactions, etc). One of the key factors in getting accepted here is how much of a fit you are for this style of education. For more tips search the secondary essay forum as well.
Goood Luck!
 
Top