LMU-DCOM (DeBusk COM) Discussion thread Part 2 2007-2008

[hoss22]

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Hey ND,
Does your above advice also apply to someone like me who has had nothing beyond the basic sciences (meaning O Chem, Bio, Physics, and Gen Chem)? Is there anyone else in the class that started school with the same lack of advanced bio courses like I will?

 

[t-funk]

Check out the new pool table!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geez .... What a nice pool table! You guys are spoiled. Is that purple felt? My pool table has purple felt. 👍 I'm totally jealous!

 

[ThePiratesse]

I agree with ND.. Don't study at all this summer! Do whatever you can to enjoy life and have fun before it all starts. Don't get me wrong med school can be lots of fun too, but sometimes (like right now for me) you feel like it becomes very overwhelming and you are just living for the next time you can get a whole day off away from school, without thinking about school, without talking about school... you get the point, right? We live in a "med school bubble" and it makes a huge impact on everything about our lives.. and its something we can't prepare you for, you just have to live it... so get ready. 🙂

 

[pamolive]

i agree with what the others have said regarding books....it is defintely and individual thing. I used review books more than the actual textbooks just b/c they are shorter to read. The Immuno text is amazing. Netters is a must-have. Bates and the OPP books are really good too. I didn't like the embryo book at all...no cohesiveness at all...it prettu much sucked it my eyes, although some stuff was ok. A review book will serve you much better in embryo. Biochem...defintiely get the text, but I would highly, highly recommend Lippincotts Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. The book is fanstasitc, as is the Pharm and Immuno book in that series. The BRS series of review books are money as well, as is First Aid for the USMLE. I didn't use the Cell Bio book or the Genetics book. The histo book has a lot of good info in it, I don't think many people have looked at it tho, but it is really good. Rohen's anatomy atlas is very good as well and I would recommend having that and Netters....but if you had to have one...then I would go with Netters. For those who fear anatomy, I would recommend Essential Clinical Anatomy by Keith Moore (this book is also known as baby moore, big moore is really good, excellent really, but very long).

As for this semester (except Immuno - BUY THAT BOOK)....we'll see. From what I can tell, the review book for the path text is golden.

Just so you all know, baby moore has a lot of typos in it. By a lot, I mean A LOT. It oversimplifies to a fault, which is one of my pet peeves. I wouldn't recommend it. Big moore is much better.
Marks biochem is amazing. Best biochem book I have ever come across. If you get that you don't need cell bio.

 

[rockdascrubs786]

hey guys, i just got into DCOM! really siked, im 50/50 on going there! i loved the ridiculous building, lcds and feeling i got there! SIKED!

 

[Marthea007]

Hey ND,
Does your above advice also apply to someone like me who has had nothing beyond the basic sciences (meaning O Chem, Bio, Physics, and Gen Chem)? Is there anyone else in the class that started school with the same lack of advanced bio courses like I will?

I would say that it is. Honestly there is so much material that you can't even guess what they're going to cover. Skimming through books really won't help because they're going to pick and choose topics. It is going to suck when it comes to classes but we've got students (business and history majors) that didn't have anything beyond the basic sciences and they're doing just fine. And really, having had some of the classes before doesn't always help. When I took some of the classes in undergrad they were more focused on the science and there was almost never any clinical correlations to them. And now we're getting a lot of that so having had the classes before only helps a little. And I hope that post made sense, I'm a little out of it at the moment. Also, ND is a ******* (just because (but he's really not)).

hey guys, i just got into DCOM! really siked, im 50/50 on going there! i loved the ridiculous building, lcds and feeling i got there! SIKED!

Congrats!!!

 

[malisa]

So much good info on here. Makes me more and more excited and stressed. Fun! As if wedding planning wasn't enough lol.

I was wondering how much money I should have saved up for starting school. Someone mentioned it while I was at the interview. That you don't get your loan money till a week or two after school starts so there are some things you initially have to pay for before you get that money. Besides the obvious moving and apartment costs what else is there?

Somehow this question sounded way less vague in my head than it does written out.

 

[rockdascrubs786]

did anyone else interview on Feb 1st? I was the kid from Delaware.

 

[ThePiratesse]

So much good info on here. Makes me more and more excited and stressed. Fun! As if wedding planning wasn't enough lol.

I was wondering how much money I should have saved up for starting school. Someone mentioned it while I was at the interview. That you don't get your loan money till a week or two after school starts so there are some things you initially have to pay for before you get that money. Besides the obvious moving and apartment costs what else is there?

Somehow this question sounded way less vague in my head than it does written out.

I understand what you mean.. As far as books and instruments go, you will be able to purchase them during orientation from the bookstore by charging them to your account. They just deduct the total from your difference check. I got my instrument package this way. I waited to buy books until we got our difference checks so that I could get them cheaper online. Having them a couple weeks later wasn't a big deal at all.. it seems like all the easy stuff is during that time, so you may not even need to crack open a book until a few more weeks down the road. I can't really think of anything else that I had to have before school started.. Maybe a pair of scrubs. We got our Netters during orientation by joining SOMA for 60$. We also got our computers during orientation. I didn't buy any paper-type supplies because I take notes on and study directly from my computer.. in fact I didn't even load my printer software on to my school lappy until this semester, lol. We have printer access here at school so if I need a printout copy of something, I just did it here. There really isn't a lot of expenses that you have to front the money for ahead of time. All the big stuff gets directly taken out of your account and then you get issued a difference check a couple of weeks later. I hope this helps!

 

[missdochopeful]

hey guys, i just got into DCOM! really siked, im 50/50 on going there! i loved the ridiculous building, lcds and feeling i got there! SIKED!

Congratulations! Good luck with your decision - it shouldn't be hard 😉

 

[stephDO]

I was checking out SOMA online an thinking about going ahead and joining, but I didn't see where you get a free Netters...is this just a special promotion if you join during orientation??

 

[malisa]

I understand what you mean.. As far as books and instruments go, you will be able to purchase them during orientation from the bookstore by charging them to your account. They just deduct the total from your difference check. I got my instrument package this way. I waited to buy books until we got our difference checks so that I could get them cheaper online. Having them a couple weeks later wasn't a big deal at all.. it seems like all the easy stuff is during that time, so you may not even need to crack open a book until a few more weeks down the road. I can't really think of anything else that I had to have before school started.. Maybe a pair of scrubs. We got our Netters during orientation by joining SOMA for 60$. We also got our computers during orientation. I didn't buy any paper-type supplies because I take notes on and study directly from my computer.. in fact I didn't even load my printer software on to my school lappy until this semester, lol. We have printer access here at school so if I need a printout copy of something, I just did it here. There really isn't a lot of expenses that you have to front the money for ahead of time. All the big stuff gets directly taken out of your account and then you get issued a difference check a couple of weeks later. I hope this helps!

Well that's good to know. I'm sure moving is going to cost a lot so not having to worry about the other stuff is good. I guess I will have to start working on my budgeting skills. Thanks for the info

 

[nascardoc]

I was checking out SOMA online an thinking about going ahead and joining, but I didn't see where you get a free Netters...is this just a special promotion if you join during orientation??

I would just wait until you get to orientation to sign up for SOMA. They bring boxes of Netters with them, so you'll get yours the day you signup....just remember to bring a check. That reminds me, bring a few blank checks with you during orientation b/c you never know when you need one and its nice to have them handy.


A bit off topic.....someone asked the color of the felt on the pool table...it is dark blue.

 

[MJB]

Hey ND,
Does your above advice also apply to someone like me who has had nothing beyond the basic sciences (meaning O Chem, Bio, Physics, and Gen Chem)? Is there anyone else in the class that started school with the same lack of advanced bio courses like I will?

The highest chemistry I had before coming to school was Org. II....and the highest HUMAN biology type class was probably an introductory Genetics class, A&P, or Comparative Phys...

I would have killed to have had BioChem before, but it wasn't necessary. I won't say I'm kicking schools arse or anything, but I'm holding my own...and passed everything comfortably....and I readily admit that I'm not the study freak that nascardoc is....

I wholeheartedly agree that studying before school is a complete waste of time.

If you like to read, I suggest reading something you enjoy BEFORE school starts....because you won't have time to do much other than school once school starts, and if you do, you feel guilty about not doing something related to school...that might be worse than the actual studying.

 

[rockdascrubs786]

so, im pretty sure i will probably go to DCOM and was hoping to find out whether any of the 1st years are planning on taking the USLMEs and COMPLEX. Also, do you guys suggest reading up this summer? Any update on the fitness center at the LMU apartments? Will they have free weights? thanks!

 

[EEL08]

so, im pretty sure i will probably go to DCOM and was hoping to find out whether any of the 1st years are planning on taking the USLMEs and COMPLEX. Also, do you guys suggest reading up this summer? Any update on the fitness center at the LMU apartments? Will they have free weights? thanks!

I don't think anyone plans on taking the COMPLEX.

 

[Knockout Mice]

so, im pretty sure i will probably go to DCOM and was hoping to find out whether any of the 1st years are planning on taking the USLMEs and COMPLEX. Also, do you guys suggest reading up this summer? Any update on the fitness center at the LMU apartments? Will they have free weights? thanks!

Congrats on getting into DCOM!! As for COMLEX and USMLE, you don't take those until the end of your 2nd yr. Need first yr general sciences + pathology, micro, and pharm to take those which usually aren't taught till 2nd yr.

 

[nascardoc]

Congrats on getting into DCOM!! As for COMLEX and USMLE, you don't take those until the end of your 2nd yr. Need first yr general sciences + pathology, micro, and pharm to take those which usually aren't taught till 2nd yr.

We actually learn path, micro, and pharm in 1st year, 2nd semester. 😀 Granted its not an end-all-be-all, but its pretty inclusive. We also hit each of those topics, as well as others, again during each of the systems. Your first 5 weeks of 2nd semester are Immuno, Path, Micro, and Pharm. I think this is one of the big advantages of the systems based cirriculum.

 

[MJB]

We actually learn path, micro, and pharm in 1st year, 2nd semester. 😀 Granted its not an end-all-be-all, but its pretty inclusive. We also hit each of those topics, as well as others, again during each of the systems. Your first 5 weeks of 2nd semester are Immuno, Path, Micro, and Pharm. I think this is one of the big advantages of the systems based cirriculum.

Don't forget Virology. 🙂

Immunology in 2 weeks was fun...as was Path in 2 weeks.

We went through the whole Immunology book in about 10 days.

In case you missed it before....reading over the summer/trying to study ahead is a waste of time...or, as I like to say...contra-indicated.

I found that anything I thought I'd be smart about and read ahead...ended up in my previous knowledge being exhausted within about the first 10 slides of the first lecture for any given course. Sure, you see some other "familiar" things, but you will not have prepared the way you needed to.

 

[Knockout Mice]

We actually learn path, micro, and pharm in 1st year, 2nd semester. 😀 Granted its not an end-all-be-all, but its pretty inclusive. We also hit each of those topics, as well as others, again during each of the systems. Your first 5 weeks of 2nd semester are Immuno, Path, Micro, and Pharm. I think this is one of the big advantages of the systems based cirriculum.

Nice!! The systems based cirriculum seems to make everything easier to learn vs the typical Anatomy, Biochem, Physio, Immuno your first yr, and micro, path, pharm your second yr 👍

 

[LauraDO]

I don't think anyone plans on taking the COMPLEX.

I already took the complex, right before I took the mcat, I figured it was good preparation.

 

[Syncope82]

I already took the complex, right before I took the mcat, I figured it was good preparation.

ooh..give the guy a break already....😛

 

[EEL08]

I already took the complex, right before I took the mcat, I figured it was good preparation.

 

[LauraDO]

ooh..give the guy a break already....😛

What??? you thought I was joking? no I"m just time efficient, I figured it would be much better just to get it out of the way, you know save time at the end of second year to go preform brain surgeries in kenya (just minor ones, wouldn't be able to do the lobotomies until third year)

 

[LauraDO]

T Minus 14 days

 

[prionsRbad]

T Minus 14 days

Woo Hoo!!!!! ~~~~~~Good Vibes~~~~~~

DCOM might kick me out and give you my spot when they get your score! 😉

 

[LauraDO]

Woo Hoo!!!!! ~~~~~~Good Vibes~~~~~~

DCOM might kick me out and give you my spot when they get your score! 😉

no worries, people dont really like to mess with prions, I think you are safe

 

[StayFocused]

I might be an idiot for asking this, but currently (to my knowledge), there is not anyone currently enrolled at DCOM that graduated from LMU. I attend LMU, and was wondering if that would have any possible advantage for me when applying.

 

[nascardoc]

I hope those 14 days go by really quick.

T-minus 9 days until I get to see my wife again...woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Syncope82]

I might be an idiot for asking this, but currently (to my knowledge), there is not anyone currently enrolled at DCOM that graduated from LMU. I attend LMU, and was wondering if that would have any possible advantage for me when applying.

I think it would give you a slight advantage...many schools have a preference for their own..and especially being that Mr. DeBusk went to LMU as well 😉

 

[nascardoc]

I might be an idiot for asking this, but currently (to my knowledge), there is not anyone currently enrolled at DCOM that graduated from LMU. I attend LMU, and was wondering if that would have any possible advantage for me when applying.

Off the top of my head, I know of at least one. I would think it is an advantage...it certainly won't hurt you.

 

[prionsRbad]

I hope those 14 days go by really quick.

T-minus 9 days until I get to see my wife again...woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Where's wifie? 🙁

 

[avan2011]

I might be an idiot for asking this, but currently (to my knowledge), there is not anyone currently enrolled at DCOM that graduated from LMU. I attend LMU, and was wondering if that would have any possible advantage for me when applying.

Actually there are a few people (I can think of 3) that at least attended LMU. I think 2 of them actually graduated from there and then I know of two that went to J Frank White Academy.

Being affiliated with LMU is definetly a plus as is being a local 🙂

 

[StayFocused]

Off the top of my head, I know of at least one. I would think it is an advantage...it certainly won't hurt you.

My apologies for the false assumption. Thanks for the quick responses.

 

[EEL08]

I hope those 14 days go by really quick.

T-minus 9 days until I get to see my wife again...woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

For some reason I thought she was supposed to move down already. Sorry you guys are apart now but hopefully it won't be for much longer!! 🙂

 

[Marthea007]

Where's wifie? 🙁

Working in Chicago.



What? He wasn't answering.

 

[rockdascrubs786]

do we have to buy our own stethescope? man, i just wanna graduate...undergrad is so done. hahahaha

 

[LauraDO]

I hope those 14 days go by really quick.

T-minus 9 days until I get to see my wife again...woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I'm going to start counting for you and then once you hit take off, I'll be at Tminus 5 so it will be quicker that way

 

[prionsRbad]

do we have to buy our own stethescope? man, i just wanna graduate...undergrad is so done. hahahaha

Hi there and welcome to the class of 2012! 🙂

If you look back one page (pg. 27) we were discussing stethoscopes, other equipment and books with some of the current students. I think that will answer your question.

Congrats and see ya in the Fall!

 

[Powdermonkey]

Hi there and welcome to the class of 2012! 🙂

If you look back one page (pg. 27) we were discussing stethescopes, other equipment and books with some of the current students. I think that will answer your question.

Congrats and see ya in the Fall!

I heard they have some pretty sweet deals going on through the first week of school at the voodoo clinic on campus. Plus they have our ninja robes that we will need for OPP the first year. But maybe we can find some from other DO school students that are done with them...

 

[nascardoc]

Like Marthea said, my wife is in Chicago with work.....a long story and its late, so I will save that for another post. We see each other about once a month. Its rough, but we're doing fine. Thankfully I have great friends at school, so that helps. She was here for a few weeks before school finished and for the first week of the 2nd semester...but with tax season...she needs to be in Chicago. Accountants have it rough from January to April...ouch. But once tax season is over...she'll move down here since she's able to work from home for her company back in Chi-town, and probably go back once a month for a week to meet with clients.

 

[Powdermonkey]

Wow... you guys have something special for sure. Congrats 😉. She seems like a great one to be able to put up with all this med school hoopla.


How are you liking NMS so far?

 

[nascardoc]

Wow... you guys have something special for sure. Congrats 😉. She seems like a great one to be able to put up with all this med school hoopla.


How are you liking NMS so far?

Yeah...she's definitely a special person. I'm very lucky and blessed to have such an understanding, patient, loving and all-around great wife. It makes school, and life, a lot easier. 😍 I wouldn't be at DCOM without her, thats for sure.



NMSK is going fine. we've only had 3 lectures, so its hard to judge right now, but all I have to say is that Dr. Leo is freaking amazing!!! He is such a great teacher and is able to make compicated things simple. He's the man!!!

 

[runner898]

ND, it's nice to know that someone else has a spouse staying so far away. My husband is considering staying behind in Missouri if I make it in there, as he has a great job here in Missouri and it wouldn't make much sense to leave it for just a couple of years, especially since he will be the one financing living situations and everything while I would be in school. We are still trying to decide, but does it work well for the two of you, if you don't mind me asking?

Also, what is the job market like around the area for spouses? When my sister and her husband moved to Ohio for his residency, the job market was terrible for my sister, so she didn't end up working. My husband and I couldn't afford that at this point in the game.

 

[Powdermonkey]

I think job wise it just depends on what he does for work. There is a bunch of engineering around Knoxville for instance, because of Oak Ridge. Its mostly civil and mechanical though. What does he do?

 

[Powdermonkey]

It was part of the "package" we bought through the bookstore at a discount. We got Steth's, Scope's, etc...

The scope is the real deal...I love it.

Don't get me wrong, the stethoscope is nice, I just would prefer one with a little longer tube length.

Ya know, MJB, the acoustics are better the shorter the tube length. I actually preferred mine to be shorter when I worked in the ER. You had to get a little closer to the patient, but you also werent slapping people with your stethoscope when you leaned over them if it were a little shorter. I actually trimmed mine down to the length of one of the Littman cardiology steths that one of the PAs had. Granted it was only about an inch or two that I cut off, but it made a big difference hanging around my neck as well as listening. Just my $0.02...

 

[ThePiratesse]

Ya know, MJB, the acoustics are better the shorter the tube length. I actually preferred mine to be shorter when I worked in the ER. You had to get a little closer to the patient, but you also werent slapping people with your stethoscope when you leaned over them if it were a little shorter. I actually trimmed mine down to the length of one of the Littman cardiology steths that one of the PAs had. Granted it was only about an inch or two that I cut off, but it made a big difference hanging around my neck as well as listening. Just my $0.02...

Haha.. The first day of my sister's pediatrics residency they chopped about half the length of her steth.. She admitted it was alot better with shorter length, especially for the kiddos.

I've been calling NMSK, NMS... This week is got me all turned around! I think it going to get real difficult real soon.. We are really so lucky to have Dr. Leo as one of the teachers. ND was right, he does know just how to break stuff down for us.

 

[rockdascrubs786]

so, i had a question regarding the clinical rotations at DCOM. Does DCOM pay for those spots? I know at a bunch of other schools student have to secure their rotations. I'm looking at the rotation list for MS3 and MS4, but am not sure whether we are automatically placed into our rotations. thanks.

 

[Powdermonkey]

What do you mean, does DCOM pay for those spots? They have suggested 3rd and 4th year rotations in place. If you want to go to other cities/hospitals when you are in your elective rotation months you can. I'm not sure I know what you mean about paying for the rotation spots....??

 

[Syncope82]

well, I have the littmann cardio III that was given to me by a family member...he said it is the gold standard for cardiology

Yes, it may be overkill...but it has the best acoustics...and is really very simple and standard looking..it doesn't have any of those new bells and whistles such as recording and so forth.