LECOM class of 2007

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Hi everyone! I just got a letter yesterday saying that I was an alternate for LECOM, and although a little disappointed, I'm hoping that I get good news over the summer. I wanted to know from any of the current LECOM students if they knew of the stats of alternates getting selected. I spoke to Colleen Pamula, and she suggested that I continue to send it letters of recommendation, since LECOM doesn't have a ranking system. Any thoughts or suggestions on things I may do? Thank you!
 
Alright, I know there are some new PBLP students out there who are going to the on-campus day on the 6th. Is there anyone who wants to catch dinner with me on the 5th? Let me know!
 
Is dissection really a rite of passage for medschool? I took an undergrad college anatomy course at UAB and we did some dissections even though they were leftovers from the medschool. Frankly, I didn't enjoy dissection at all and felt prosection was much better for learning the anatomy. Dissection took up too much time especially the head and neck area. Plus, I hated the smell and the juices that leaked out everywhere. I'm glad it's all over.

As for the attendance policy, they do not enforce it except for maybe OMM lab where they deduct points. That's totally understandable though given that you need to be in lab in order to learn or practice OMM.

I've skipped plenty of classes and will continue to do so. Sleep is much too important. 😀 As long as your grades are good, I don't see why they would bother with making sure you come to class.

As for the dress policy, they do not enforce it either. I've come to class plenty of times with no tie. Just don't come in with jeans or shorts and you'll be fine.
 
I received my class of 2007 orientation schedule today...Orientation starts bright and early at 8am on Friday July 30th!!!

Anyone want to get together earlier in that week?
 
about apartments...many, many lecom'ers live in lakeview apt.'s...they are nice apt.'s...everyone i talked to who lives in grenada is moving out this yr. b/c that place sucks
 
Hey Lecomers, i had a question. During my interview, i asked if the school generated a match list, and in response they said that the graduating class was way too large to keep track of everyone. So i asked them about what percentage of students take both the comlex and usmle, and the response i got was virtually none. Those two responses has raised my suspicions about the reputation of the school. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure their are many intelligent students at the school, but i raise this question in order to help me decide between lecom and a couple of other schools. One of the factors is the match list, or what kind of residencies students place into. Does anyone have any idea what percentage of the graduating class end up at primary care VS specialty residencies and what percentage of the graduating class go into osteopathic VS allopathic residencies. I just find it odd that a school does not make available their match list makes it seem like they have something to hide. I may be wrong, but i'd like to attend a school that can offer me the best education possible tailoring it to my long term goals of residency placement. Thanks for any help.
 
just wanted to let everyone know that yesterday i went to erie to find a place-- and let me see, as far as one bedrooms are concerned, willow wood, alpine village, winchester, and tanglewood are full and all have waitlists. everything else i looked at was either way out of my budget, more than 15 minutes away, didn't have one bedrooms, or looked equally bad as granada. so . .. yes, unfortunately thats where i am 🙁 i only had one day to look, what could i do?? i tried to stay away, but i was running out of time. when my pipes burst, my lights go out, my heat doesn't work, and toxic mold takes over my bedroom, i'm gonna be knockin on somebodys door! please, if anyone else has anything remotely positive to say about granada, please do so cuz i'm sooo not happy about this arrangement +pity+
 
You may also want to call about Mill Glen. It's located right near Granada as you turn into the complex. The buildings are the same design only owned by a different person/company. When I went up to Erie I drove into both and got a much better feel about the Mill Glen side, whatever that means. even though it's right next to Granada it seemed cleaner, more quiet, and better managed. I didn't go into any of the units though.
 
I will tell u this about LECOM...when it comes to disclosure of matching, board scores, etc., the administration is hush-hush. I have lived in Erie since the 1980s & I can tell u that NOT many doctors like the Ferretti's (Pres. & Dean of the School). We can never get any answers from them...there were some stat's about LECOM in one of the D.O. magazines & when we ?'d them about them...the said those stats were wrong...which I have a hard time believing...If I can find the article, I will scan it & post it for u all.

I will tell you this...LECOM is a great school (minus the higher ups)...the professors are cool...Erie has a very low cost of living/tuition & the Secretary of Homeland Security is from Erie.
 
One of my close friends lives in Granada and he has no complaints. He actually loves it there. So don't be sad, its hit or miss I guess. Plus its cheap and you won't be there much anyway. And you have a balcony, which Tanglewood doesn't have. So you're one up on me!
Don't feel bad. Some people really like Granada. Lots even stay for two years, so it can't be all terrible!
(Hope this helps..)
 
HI

Awhile ago I received the orientation schedule...Will we be getting any other info before school starts? What about booklists, equip. lists, etc?

Just wondering
 
You'll receive your booklist during orientation. (Just a hint, eat your Wheaties that morning, because you will be carrying a ton of books down 3 flights of stairs!!!)

As far as equipment goes, you won't need to buy much early on, besides scalpel blades. They have a big equipment sale with Welch Allen through the bookstore in October or November. You receive your white coat and a stethoscope at the White Coat Ceremony in January.

Really, all you have to do now is make sure you get your financial aid in order and relax. They'll take care of everything else once you are here. Also, remember that you won't receive your financial aid check until August 21st, so you'll need enough money to live on until then.

See you in August!
 
Anyone of you guys looking for a roomate?

I will start the pharmd program in the fall and in great NEED of finding cheap apartment close to campus(walking distance). Can you guys give me any advice? I received housing information (granada seems to be the cheapest of all but far from campus). Scenery hills(the only closest campus, walking distance, i think) is really expensive($650+) and they don't have one bedroom apartments. I am wondering if current residents of Scenery hill residents are looking for a roommate. Do you guys know?


Any help on finding cheap housing and close to campus(walking distance) will be greatly appreciated. The reason i am looking for a close by apartment is because i currently reside in the Midwest and will not be able to drive my current car all the way (great chance of it breaking down) to Erie. Plus, i can't afford to buy another car. Do most lecom students drive to school?

PLEASE Help me.
 
Nearly everyone drives to campus, since housing is hard to find close to campus. Even if you were to live within walking distance to campus, I think that you would find it difficult to get to the grocery store, etc, without a car. If there is anyway that you can get your car to hobble out this way, I think you'll be much happier here. Good luck!!!
 
sddoc.
Are there really cheap good cars like $1000-2000?. Can you recommend any good car dealership? thanks.
 
Unfortunately, I don't know much about the dealerships here. I'll be looking for a new car myself come this fall. I'm sure you could find something though. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to post.
 
gracias hermione (a bit late, i apologize). i still haven't sent the lease in yet 😛 somebody else gave me a few other suggestions, so i'm trying to get a couple of days off work to see if i can make it down again, but if i can't, Granada it is. i'm sure i'll survive. and you're right- i'm probably never gonna be in there anyway : ) although i am jealous of your tanglewood residency!
 
Don't be jealous, every place has its ups and downs! I like it here overall, but I have no access to the outdoors and there a whole bunch of old folk here who hate my dog. I don't trust anyone who hates my dog, they are inately bad! :laugh:
Good luck with the search, let us know how it goes.
 
Not sure if many of you have seen where your tuition money goes....
http://www.ajuel.com/Lecom framepage.htm
everytime I need a laugh, I go to that webpage....it really helped me study for boards...
I just love the self image....representing oneself as a God....
 
Yes, that is for real. It was a rumor that no one actually believed at school this year until Dr. John Feretti confirmed it for us. Unique isn't it? Don't worry, you won't see it anyway. No one is allowed in the atrium. The doors are always locked.

Just one of the little quirks at LECOM.
 
It never was a rumor.....we were told about it during our MSI year. The faculty wasnt too happy about it....considering they had to put their own desks together when they moved into the new offices....couldnt afford to get them done, spent the money elsewhere....on themselves to be immortalized in marble....and also to buy 50inch plasma-screen TVs for their offices. Yeah, its a quirk here at LECOM....Great school.....bizzare administration. Only glad I have to be nice until Im done with my internship (3 more years!!!!!)
stomper
2005
 
weird . . . although i've decided that all academic administrations have their share of quirks. so i guess i can't fault lecom for that . . .
and in case anyone cares, i'm not in granada . . yay! i'm actually living in mill glenn, which is pretty much the same deal- only its not ****ty 😛 the guy said about 20 lecomers live there, so if anyone else is, let me know! i'm in 1703 #20 starting july 1st 😀 now i can relax . . . .until august 4th . . . .
 
Hey all!

My AIM/AOL screen name is sk8beaker8...IM me if you want to chat!
 
:clap: Just wanted to chime in, I'm a future Lecom student, got accepted into PBL, and am looking forward to the school year and meeting everyone.

To any other PBL students that happen to have been around awhile, perhaps you could verify something for me; How easy was it to adjust to the PBL program format? Are you thrown into it right away, or rather, are classes presented traditionally (lecture format) for the first year? The pre-orientation meeting seemed a bit nebulous on that front (and I had to leave early, due to a bit of an emergency at home ~ 5hrs away)

-GDO
 
I second the granada apartments by the way...i just found one for 350 a month, it just had brand new carpeting installed and walls repainted...very clean and new, not to mention an awesome balcony! good luck!
 
GDO -

Initially, you will have 12 weeks of Gross Anatomy, Embryo, and Histo. During that time, your PBL group will meet once a week and you will begin selecting chapters for your first PBL test. (You probably won't have time to read many of them during Anatomy, as that coursework tends to keep you busy!) Once you complete Anatomy, you will have about 10-15 days to prepare for your first PBL test. This is an enormous task, so let me advise you to pick as few chapters as possible for the first test and make them relate to each other as much as possible (about 15 chapters would be perfect... we had 22 chapters)

After that first test, you will meet 2-3 times per week and will finish 2 cases a week. Your second PBL test will take place on the last Friday of the semester. Also, during that first semester, you will take competency exams on the first 5 chapters of Physiology and Pharmacology, and on the first 9 chapters of biochemistry.

Second semester your group will meet 2-3 times per week and you will have 4 PBL tests and the NBME shelf test (practice boards). In addition, you meet every Wednesday morning throughout the year for OMM. OMM has 4 tests per semester.

I know this sounds like a lot, but once you get into the swing of things it becomes manageable. Pretty much everyone I know in PBL loves the program. Just make sure that your time management skills are ready to go... You're going to need them. Also, make sure that you sign up for a big brother or sister. They are great sources for old test questions and helpful study hints! Good luck!😀
 
Hi, I am a MSII at LECOM. I will help you with my infinite wisdom about the social life, academics, politics, and housing issues. First of all you all need to be ready for a life time of learning. I mean you will need to teach yourself much of the material covered in medical school anywhere to be worth a hill of beans. This is very important at LECOM. You will get some very ****ty, poor quality lectures, as well you will get some that are worth their weight in gold. You will need to sort this stuff out and use your developing judgement skills to sift through all of the material. You will start the year out in hell. I mean gross anatomy -----this will be one of the most challenging courses at this institution, so get a running start. You will get a week of basic anatomy at the start of the class, dont blow it off rack up as many points as possible on this easy test because in a week or so after this they will really start kicking your ass with the more difficult stuff. As far as social life goes, your classmates will undoubtedly become very sour and unhappy people---some of whom will not graduate with you if at all. I recommend that you try to keep an eye on the positive things about your situation, such that you will become a doctor if you can pass all your courses and keep yourself out of trouble.. You will find that some of your peers will become nothing short of alcoholics, try to help them. You probably will not get much respect from them though--u know as an adult it is your right to **** up your own life......Poor excuse...I think.... The administration is very harsh, so try to stay out of political issues--if you get involved it could make this a hostile learning environment. There are some very positive influences at the school also, you will see who they are....make them your friends and ask them for advice and they will be happy to help you. Now as far as housing goes, dont be taken as a fool. The lecom housing list is a bad place to start. They are usually overpriced, dumps, or both. Make a trip here and get a phone book and look around residential areas there are many private homes for sale or rent in the vicinity of the school, 3-8 minutes away. Stay clear of the east side or the lower numbered streets below26th ave west. There have been several incidences of serial rapists in the areas, females pay special attention. Stay away from the bar life as it appears that these are the areas they prey the most. If you have children make sure you know where they are, as this summer there is some sicko harrasing 12-14 year old girls-ask lecom security about it. Well, there are many more positive and negative things to say but I will address them personally for you list a posting. Bye the way......Congratulations on your acceptance......Work hard and you will succeed.
 
Hey everyone,

I have a special SDN surprise for all LECOM Class of 2007 members...you get an early copy of the official booklist from the LECOM bookstore. It will be a few days before I post the info to the SGA website, but here you go, courtesy of Sara, the bookstore manager. (I only listed the LDP books, but also have the other two lists--very very similar. Send me a PM if you want them.)


njdo

PS...I am not saying to go out and by all these books. Talk to your bigs when you get to campus before purchasing any books. A lot of these books I never cracked open even though they're required, and some are new this year.

2003-2004 Booklist

LDP REQUIRED BOOKS
1st Semester
BOOK TITLE AUTHOR ISBN PRICE
Anatomy (08-03 ? 10-03)
Clinically Oriented Anatomy Moore 0683061410 $65.00

Choose 1 of the 5 Anatomy Atlases
Anatomy Clemente 0683017330 $61.95
Atlas of Human Anatomy Netter 1929007116 $68.95
Grant?s Atlas of Anatomy Agur 078175013X $68.95
Color Atlas of Anatomy Rohen 0781731941 $68.95
McMinn?s Color Atlas of Anatomy Abrahams 0723432120 $60.95

Embryology (08-03 ? 10-03)
Human Embryology Krueger $13.00
Choose 1 of the 3 Embryology Texts
Langman?s Medical Embryology Sadler 0781743109 $49.95
Human Embryology Larsen 0443065837 $51.95
Developing Human Moore 0721694128 $51.95

Histology (08-03 ? 10-03)
Histology: A Text and Atlas Ross 0683302426 $57.95

OMM (All year)
Osteopathic Approach DiGiovanna 0397515812 $79.95
Physical Exam of Spine and Extremeties Hoppenfeld 0838578535 $69.00
Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine Ward 0781734975 $110.00

Biochemistry
Basic Medical Biochemistry Marks 068305595X $48.00
***new edition due 1/28/04 0781721458
Medical Genetics Jorde 03230020259 $45.95

Pharmacology
Basic Clinical Pharmacology Katzung 0838505988 $49.95

Physiology
Medical Physiology Rhoades 0781719364 $69.95

Microbiology
Medical Microbiology Murray 032012132 $56.95


Immunology
Really Essential Medical Immunology Roitt 0632055065 $41.95

Pathology
Pathologic Basis of Disease Cotran 072167335X $87.95




RECOMMENDED TEXT
Lippincott?s Pharmacology Mycek 0781724139 $35.95
Pharmacology: Exam & Review Trevor 0838581471 $39.95
Pharmacology: Road Map Katzung 0071399305 $19.95
Dorland?s Illustrated Dictionary Dorland 0721601464 $49.95
Or
Stedman?s Medical Dictionary Stedman 068340007X $49.95
Osteopathic Principles in Practice Kuchera 157071514 $53.00
Interactive Case Studies Pathology Kumar 0721604102 $49.95

Special order through bookstore:
Encyclopedia of Osteopathy DiGiovanna
Osteopathic Principles & Practice Review Crow


***All books and prices subject to change!!!
 
Hey

THanks...So which ones do you recommend?
 
Great post! Thanks njdo.
 
I'm unclear how the first semester plays out. We have gross, embryo and histo the first three months and then the others, besides OMM which is the whole semester, for the remainder of the semester? Or are the latter classes like physio and pharm all semester too?
 
Hey...

Look at some of the dates on the textbook list...I looks like we have anatomy, histo, embryo, (and OMM) until 10-03-03

Becky
 
MSI's,

These are my picks:

Moore (CO Anatomy)-must have
Netter and Rohen (a lot of people got Clemente and said it was great, I already had these two texts)- a personal thing
Larsen for Embyro (that's the only one we used)
Ross is okay...not that great-Snow gets all his stuff from there though
DiGiovanna for OMM-must have (you really don't need anything else except the new green OMT review book by Savarese)
Hoppenfeld-expensive for what it is, but an awesome resource for musculoskeletal system and H&P
Marks' Biochemistry-nice and easy does it
Robbin's Pathological Basis of Disease (Cotran)-must have
Lippincott's Pharmacology and Road Map: Pharmacology-DO NOT BUY Basic and Clinical Pharm., it's a waste of money for most students-use the better review books (Trevor included).

For Physio, I haven't found a good book yet. All of them stink in their own capacity. This one listed is new to me. All I can recommend is the BRS Physiology book (though that's not even complete for all you need to know). I just got the Lange Medical Physio review and so far so good.

Try to get some different opinions and also feel things out before purchasing books. The must haves are must haves unless you're really cheap. I buy a lot of books, so I can give you more details on some of these and other books.

See you in just a few short weeks. Then let the fun begin!

njdo
 
Becky,

We have those three until October but when she said OMM all year and didn't place any time frame for the others after it on the list, it threw me off. I couldn't imagine having everything at once especially during gross, but you never know.

Drew
 
Man, By the time I posted my post before this there were already a few posts. You guys are quick!

Anatomy, Histo, and Embryo will run together until the end of October (10/03). During this time (and for the rest of the year), you will have OMM on Wed. mornings (the class is split into 2 for lab-alternating who goes first each week).

Once Anatomy, Histo, and Embryo end, November begins with Core (Biochem, Physio, Pharm, Micro/Immuno, Path). Core, for us, ended sometimes towards the end of January I think. Then it's the Derm, MS, and then Neuro. systems.

This is for LDP. You'll have to ask PBL or ISP for their break-downs. I believe they're fairly similar.

njdo
 
Njdo,

We are pretty fast! 😀
Now for micro/immuno would you recommend the texts you mentioned in your first post? You didn't mention anything for those classes in your recommendations and I was just wondering.

Drew
 
Wow...What would I do without SDN?
 
Drew,

The Micro book was one of those books that I hardly ever opened. The notes from the professors were always pretty good so that no extra help was needed. I had a great Immuno course in undergrad, so it didn't go beyond that-again, didn't really open that book either. For those who never had Immuno, I would recommend Kuby Immunology(a bit more expensive hardcover). It's an excellent book. A lot of people use Clinical Microbiology Made Incredibly Easy. It's nice for some things, but I am not a hard-core fan like some people. I make up my own reviews and send them out to the class. I think I heard that the Lange review book is good too, though I have yet to purchase it. One thing I can recommend for board review for micro is the Microcards-awesome!

There...I guess I'm pretty fast on the reply too!

njdo
 
Me again,

I'm on a roll tonight...

If anyone wants the MS I schedule from the Class of 2006 (ie. the old schedule that we had), send me a PM with your e-mail and I can send it off to you as a PDF file. Can't say yours will be the same, but it's something I wish I had been given just to get an idea of what will be going down.

njdo
 
Njdo,

In your opinion, are classes well lectured as a whole- meaning, are notes usually the bulk of your study and test material and the book is just there for extra reference? Or do you constantly or frequently find yourself studying from the books or looking for other supplemental text?

Drew
 
Originally posted by njdo
MSI's,

These are my picks:

Moore (CO Anatomy)-must have
Netter and Rohen (a lot of people got Clemente and said it was great, I already had these two texts)- a personal thing
Larsen for Embyro (that's the only one we used)
Ross is okay...not that great-Snow gets all his stuff from there though
DiGiovanna for OMM-must have (you really don't need anything else except the new green OMT review book by Savarese)
Hoppenfeld-expensive for what it is, but an awesome resource for musculoskeletal system and H&P
Marks' Biochemistry-nice and easy does it
Robbin's Pathological Basis of Disease (Cotran)-must have
Lippincott's Pharmacology and Road Map: Pharmacology-DO NOT BUY Basic and Clinical Pharm., it's a waste of money for most students-use the better review books (Trevor included).

For Physio, I haven't found a good book yet. All of them stink in their own capacity. This one listed is new to me. All I can recommend is the BRS Physiology book (though that's not even complete for all you need to know). I just got the Lange Medical Physio review and so far so good.

Try to get some different opinions and also feel things out before purchasing books. The must haves are must haves unless you're really cheap. I buy a lot of books, so I can give you more details on some of these and other books.

See you in just a few short weeks. Then let the fun begin!

njdo

I'm not sure about the rest of the books that will be used, but I know they are not using Larson for embryo or Ross for histo for the class of 2007. As far as immunology goes, go to the library and read "cellular and molecular immunology" by Abbas. This is by far the best concise immunology book out there. Of course if you are a real hardcore you could read the huge immunology bible written by paul. I would not recommend this though. For micro, simply memorize the notes to ace the class. If you really want to learn it well I would read Medical Microbiology by sherris. This is the book most medical schools require their students to buy.

There will be several students willing to sell their old copies of many required books. I would check that way first, it'll save you a bundle of green. When the school gives you your email address many MSII students will send out mass emails with various things for sale, look there first.
 
What I provided was the official list for this year that the professors submitted to Sara, so if the MSI's use them or not will have to be found out by the students when the professors first lecture. While I think Kreuger is having students buy his notes and may not require a text, Ross is still listed as the required text for Histo.

Sax,

I find myself mostly relying on the notes from class (and I think all would agree). For certain classes the text will be more helpful than the notes (anytime Dr. Richards lectures), but by far, use the notes and supplement with the texts.

njdo
 
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that posted helpful info for the 2007 class. I found a nice place to live near the school and it wasn't as expensive as lakeview or scenery hills. my im is zeeshan234 , if anyone is going to be in Erie before orientation and wants to get together, drop me a line.

ps... does anyone know what the reading list for PBL students will be. I know its a bit different than LDP but i would just like to know how different it is... special thanks to njdo and Doctortobee
 
Hey all!

Do we have assigned seats in lecture?

Just wondering!
Becky

My AIM is sk8beaker8 if anyone wants to chat!
 
Hey it's me again...

Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com) is having a summer sale...I was browsing through...the Netter Atlas, Rohen atlas, and Netter flash cards are all on sale for 30% off (new books)...But 2 items and you qualify for free shipping...no sales tax either!
 
During Gross Anatomy, you have assigned seating. Also, OMM is assigned. After PBL and ISP students complete Gross, then about 80 seats open up for most lectures. I think the LDP students spread out a bit after that. Also, tests are often assigned seating.
 
Class of 2007,

The SGA website has been updated and there is a special section just for you! Read the survey that our class completed for you and other useful information that may be of interest to incoming students.

Also, the book lists are now available. They are listed for all 3 pathways under the new students pages.

Finally, a favor back at you--can someone who I sent those schedules to with the pdf files attached send me an e-mail with them attached? I am away from my desktop for a while, and they were saved on it, and I am having trouble connecting to the LECOM notes server. Someone else has requested them and I don't have them to send. Thanks in advance.

njdo
 
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