LMU-DCOM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[The Letter J]

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At the interview yesterday, Janette said the committee meets every Thursday to discuss that weeks interviewee's. After that, it takes about 2 weeks to receive their decision in your mailbox. If you haven't heard anything by 2 weeks you can call Janette and have her send you the letter again. She can't tell you whether you've been accepted over the phone.

Hmmm. So if I understand that right, then it should be the end of next week by mail. Thanks, man.

 

[JasonI]

I just wanted to let everyone know we will be adjusting our hours to accommodate friends and family in town for Saturday's White Coat Ceremony for the first year students.

We'll be open from 7am-7pm Friday, 7am-930am Saturday, then reopen immediately afterword (noonish?) for anyone looking for a comfortable place to sit and visit with their family.

 

[sobe15]

I have a couple questions for the current med students:

1) How have you all liked the anatomy lab? Any complaints about doing prosections or cramped quarters?

2) How are the new physiology teachers?

 

[koojo]

I have a couple questions for the current med students:

1) How have you all liked the anatomy lab? Any complaints about doing prosections or cramped quarters?

2) How are the new physiology teachers?

Same here. I was disappointed that we weren't allowed into the anatomy lab during the school tour. WVSOM showed us theirs.

 

[HippieChick]

I have a couple questions for the current med students:

1) How have you all liked the anatomy lab? Any complaints about doing prosections or cramped quarters?

2) How are the new physiology teachers?

Well, I really can't answer your 2nd question because we first years haven't had any physiology lectures yet, but I will take a stab at your second question! 😀

I really like the anatomy lab and am so glad we do prosection rather than dissection. I know other students at other medical schools who have to spend alot of extra time on dissecting their bodies, whereas we go into lab and we can get right down to business finding stuff. There has been a few lab sessions however where we expected to dissect during lab time (and on our own time to make sure it was complete). We did this for our lower limb segment and we also dissected out the lungs and heart. As second years I believe we can apply to be TA's and do the dissections and prepare the bodies for the new first years...maybe someone in the second year can clarify this because Im not sure how it works exactly?

During lab hours the class is divided up into four groups that rotate during the afternoon on lab days (usually twice a week), each group getting an hour of lab time for that day. There are 8 bodies so you end up with about 6 people per body. I have never felt like it was too crowded or that I couldn't see anything. The only time lab gets crowded is right before a test whenever comes in after school hours to study the bodies.

Hope that helps!

 

[aliDO]

Same here. I was disappointed that we weren't allowed into the anatomy lab during the school tour. WVSOM showed us theirs.

We went in the anatomy lab. Did they say you weren't allowed?

 

[koojo]

We went in the anatomy lab. Did they say you weren't allowed?

Ya, Janette said the dean didn't allow it yet to the public.

 

[koojo]

Well, I really can't answer your 2nd question because we first years haven't had any physiology lectures yet, but I will take a stab at your second question! 😀

I really like the anatomy lab and am so glad we do prosection rather than dissection. I know other students at other medical schools who have to spend alot of extra time on dissecting their bodies, whereas we go into lab and we can get right down to business finding stuff. There has been a few lab sessions however where we expected to dissect during lab time (and on our own time to make sure it was complete). We did this for our lower limb segment and we also dissected out the lungs and heart. As second years I believe we can apply to be TA's and do the dissections and prepare the bodies for the new first years...maybe someone in the second year can clarify this because Im not sure how it works exactly?

During lab hours the class is divided up into four groups that rotate during the afternoon on lab days (usually twice a week), each group getting an hour of lab time for that day. There are 8 bodies so you end up with about 6 people per body. I have never felt like it was too crowded or that I couldn't see anything. The only time lab gets crowded is right before a test whenever comes in after school hours to study the bodies.

Hope that helps!

Do you think that you might be somewhat missing out by not doing dissections since during your 3rd and 4th year you'll have to do surgery, where you'll probably have to cut the through the skin/fat/fascia many times?

 

[HippieChick]

Same here. I was disappointed that we weren't allowed into the anatomy lab during the school tour. WVSOM showed us theirs.

Yeah, I heard about that! Sorry guys! There must have been something going on that day in lab and the bodies must have been open because they usually show off the lab, its really nice!

 

[aliDO]

Ya, Janette said the dean didn't allow it yet to the public.

I interviewed the second day so maybe they've changed it since then. We went in two groups and the student that led our group let us in. I thought it was really nice. It also had an amazing mural. You can google several articles written about the mural. Anyway, that's weird they wouldn't let you in.

 

[koojo]

Yeah, I heard about that! Sorry guys! There must have been something going on that day in lab and the bodies must have been open because they usually show off the lab, its really nice!

That looks nice. How many total cadavers are there in the lab?

 

[HippieChick]

Do you think that you might be somewhat missing out by not doing dissections since during your 3rd and 4th year you'll have to do surgery, where you'll probably have to cut the through the skin/fat/fascia many times?

I think thats why they give us the opportunity to do dissections if we want to in our 2nd year if we are interested, and also why they give us a chance to do some our first year too. But cutting into a cadaver, from my own experiance, is so unlike cutting through fresh tissue. But this is just my opinion!

 

[HippieChick]

That looks nice. How many total cadavers are there in the lab?

There are 8 divided up amoungst us students, but I know there is at least 1 other body that they keep in the back and bring out for exams, anyone know if there is more than 9?

I just wanted to add to what I said about dissection, I am sure that if you want to go into say surgery that dissection can be a big help and thats why the opportunity is there if you want it. Im sure other people have opinions on this so hopefully they will chime in as well! But the embalming process really changes the tissues, for some labs and exams they bring in fresh animal organs and tissues so we can see really just how different fresh tissue is, there is a big difference.

 

[pianoman90]

Thought I'd chime in here...I actually was verified yesterday and have sent my secondary to LMU today, so hopefully I will be blessed with an interview.

We had 2 cadavers in my undergrad anatomy class that we used. There were 16 people in the class, or 8 to a cadaver. I never in any way felt cramped or "left out" when dissecting, so if LMU has 6 people to a cadaver, I wouldn't worry about it.

I also agree with HippieChick - cutting into a cadaver is far different from that of a real person. However, dissecting may help you to get accustomed to using/holding scalpels and using a bone saw or other instruments.

 

[malisa]

Thought I'd chime in here...I actually was verified yesterday and have sent my secondary to LMU today, so hopefully I will be blessed with an interview.

We had 2 cadavers in my undergrad anatomy class that we used. There were 16 people in the class, or 8 to a cadaver. I never in any way felt cramped or "left out" when dissecting, so if LMU has 6 people to a cadaver, I wouldn't worry about it.

I also agree with HippieChick - cutting into a cadaver is far different from that of a real person. However, dissecting may help you to get accustomed to using/holding scalpels and using a bone saw or other instruments.

Where are you from? Just asking because you profile says Alabama and I'm from there and I went to UAB and we had cadavers. Anyways good luck hope you get an interview soon.

 

[forks4spoons]

I just got a call from Amy this morning!

I have an interview on Monday!!!!!!!

 

[pianoman90]

Where are you from? Just asking because you profile says Alabama and I'm from there and I went to UAB and we had cadavers. Anyways good luck hope you get an interview soon.

I graduated from Samford this past spring, and I'm taking post-bac classes right now at Samford and UAB. I discovered the world of DO a few months ago, which is absolutely amazing, but I wish I had considered it this time last year. If I had, I may actually be in med school right now!

 

[Limvostov]

I work with a guy from Harrogate and the more he tells me about the area the more I look forward to this interview. I am really excited about having a chance to go here...any I know my wife will be happy here as well. 🙂 The pictures of the anatomy lab are great...better looking than any of the others I have have seen yet. Only a couple more weeks !!!

 

[HippieChick]

I just got a call from Amy this morning!

I have an interview on Monday!!!!!!!

Yay! 🙂

 

[malisa]

I graduated from Samford this past spring, and I'm taking post-bac classes right now at Samford and UAB. I discovered the world of DO a few months ago, which is absolutely amazing, but I wish I had considered it this time last year. If I had, I may actually be in med school right now!

Oh I wish you had discovered it before too we could have been classmates. I knew nothing about DO until my pre-med advisor told me to apply to DO schools lol. So I did some research then I shadowed a great DO at UAB. Anyways have fun in Birmingham while you're there you may end up missing it if you have to move (I know I am).

 

[malisa]

I just got a call from Amy this morning!

I have an interview on Monday!!!!!!!

Congrats!!! It is so exciting getting interview invites. You should go read the interview feedback if you havent already it's a big help. And good luck on Monday!

 

[tallgal0523]

I called LMU today to see if they were still reviewing my file and they told me they reviewed it but I'm on hold...they said I'm not rejected but that they want to see other applicants first before they decide to give me an interview or not....did this happen to ANYONE else??? I'm scared that this will happen to every school I applied to. 🙁

 

[aliDO]

I called LMU today to see if they were still reviewing my file and they told me they reviewed it but I'm on hold...they said I'm not rejected but that they want to see other applicants first before they decide to give me an interview or not....did this happen to ANYONE else??? I'm scared that this will happen to every school I applied to. 🙁

It happens to many people. Write them a letter of intent. You can search this forum to learn more about it. good luck, and hang in there!

 

[Limvostov]

Vcom put me on hold and I wrote a short...very short letter of interest and I was offered an interview shortly after. Sometimes I think if you are on the edge of competitive it takes a little extra interest on your part to get a foot in the door. Good Luck!!! 😎

 

[Alabamacub5]

I graduated from Samford this past spring, and I'm taking post-bac classes right now at Samford and UAB. I discovered the world of DO a few months ago, which is absolutely amazing, but I wish I had considered it this time last year. If I had, I may actually be in med school right now!

Pianoman-

I graduated from Samford in 2004. I was a Sigma Chi, as well as an Ambassador and a member of A Cappella Choir for a couple of years. You definitely need to apply up here to DCOM. IT is a great school, so long as you know you are moving to Big Orange Country. Let me know if you have any questions

Michael Douglas

 

[forks4spoons]

Malisa - DCOM is my #1 school! I really hope it goes well!

Congrats!!! It is so exciting getting interview invites. You should go read the interview feedback if you havent already it's a big help. And good luck on Monday!

For all you Railsplitters, I'll be at Oasis Sunday night! 🙂 Anyone else planning on being there?

 

[catchburns]

Hey, I just had my interview on the 13th and thought you guys might want to hear how it all went. First of all, let me say that I was absolutely blown away by the area! It is beyond beautiful and the people are great too. It is right in the middle of the mountains so there is plenty of hiking trails and outdoorsy stuff to do. Harrogate is pretty small but its only about an hour to Knoxville (which is also way better than I expected) and Middlesboro is only 5 minutes from Harrogate. Middlesboro has pretty much everything you'd need - Walmart, groceries, movie theater, etc

The interview process was great as well. The staff were extremely friendly and the students were very helpful. I highly recommend going to the pizza night before if you can. It helped reduce the anxiety. The interview was more like a conversation than what I expected. It lasted about 30 minutes and both interviewers were quite pleasant. Most of their questions had to do with my essays but I guess a few other people had some ethical questions too (I didn't). It was very low stress and everyone made the process very comfortable.

The school is also tops. The facilities are brand new and very nice. The are also very on top of technology.

Anyways, DCOM skyrocketed to the top of my wish list after this interview. If I get accepted, I won't even go to the rest of my interviews. That's how great it was!

Anyways, hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you have specific q's about how the whole thing goes.

 

[missdochopeful]

Anyways, DCOM skyrocketed to the top of my wish list after this interview. If I get accepted, I won't even go to the rest of my interviews. That's how great it was!

Awesome - I hope you are accepted 😀 I felt the same way after I interviewed here. I withdrew all my other applications after I was accepted. It's a great school - I love it!

Just to add my two cents on the dissection/prosection debate. We had one lab in which we were responsible for dissecting the lower limb and it was my least favorite because it took 4 times as long as the others and the majority of the time was spent just getting through fat and fascia. I think time is much better spent identifying structures at the point we are at as first year students.

 

[missdochopeful]

I just got a call from Amy this morning!

I have an interview on Monday!!!!!!!

Thought I'd chime in here...I actually was verified yesterday and have sent my secondary to LMU today, so hopefully I will be blessed with an interview.

I work with a guy from Harrogate and the more he tells me about the area the more I look forward to this interview.

Malisa - DCOM is my #1 school! I really hope it goes well!

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL!!

I called LMU today to see if they were still reviewing my file and they told me they reviewed it but I'm on hold...they said I'm not rejected but that they want to see other applicants first before they decide to give me an interview or not....did this happen to ANYONE else??? I'm scared that this will happen to every school I applied to. 🙁

Don't worry! It's very common. I agree that you should mail the admissions office a letter of intent and be sure to keep them updated with anything you do between now and enrollment that could enhance your file (i.e. new grades, jobs, medical activities, service projects, etc.) It's still quite early in the process, so don't get bummed. I remember that I applied to 10 schools in August and didn't hear from anyone about interviewing until January! Good luck to you!

 

[Vergie]

I just wanted to add to what I said about dissection, I am sure that if you want to go into say surgery that dissection can be a big help and thats why the opportunity is there if you want it. Im sure other people have opinions on this so hopefully they will chime in as well! But the embalming process really changes the tissues, for some labs and exams they bring in fresh animal organs and tissues so we can see really just how different fresh tissue is, there is a big difference.

This. I don't think the purpose of lab is for any sort of surgical prep because the tissues are so much different from what you really find in surgery. I tend to think that lab is more for helping us establish relationships between structures in a given area so that when we actually recognize something in surgery we have an idea of what SHOULD be around it.

Also, You're never crowded in lab. Even when it is close to test time it really isnt that bad. 8 cadavers is more than enough.

 

[HippieChick]

This. I don't think the purpose of lab is for any sort of surgical prep because the tissues are so much different from what you really find in surgery. I tend to think that lab is more for helping us establish relationships between structures in a given area so that when we actually recognize something in surgery we have an idea of what SHOULD be around it.

Also, You're never crowded in lab. Even when it is close to test time it really isnt that bad. 8 cadavers is more than enough.

Totally agree, lab is about learning anatomy! No one should feel worried that because we have prosection they will be missing out in any way and be unprepared for rotations!

 

[cassrae]

Totally agree, lab is about learning anatomy! No one should feel worried that because we have prosection they will be missing out in any way and be unprepared for rotations!

Thought I would chime in too 🙂 I am SO SO thankful that we have prosected bodies. I got plenty of dissecting experience when we did the lower limb and the thorax. You learn way more efficiently when you don't have to do all the dissecting yourself- otherwise we would be in there way more than we really have time for, taking time away from studying everything else we need to learn. And I think the anatomy labs are beautiful. We really have nice stuff. For those who could not tour.. maybe it was this past monday? If so, we had our anatomy lab practical so they were probably setting that up.

And I believe we have 10 bodies total- 8 for the lab, then 2 they could pull out during exams. And 8 bodies is plenty for everyone to be able to see everything they need to, and to be able to see variations in structures from body to body.

 

[The Letter J]

Just checked my mail today, and no letter.

🙂

 

[bluelaguna]

I called LMU today to see if they were still reviewing my file and they told me they reviewed it but I'm on hold...they said I'm not rejected but that they want to see other applicants first before they decide to give me an interview or not....did this happen to ANYONE else??? I'm scared that this will happen to every school I applied to. 🙁

I found out this week that my file was also placed on hold. Does anyone know if all applicants that are not interviewed are placed on hold or are there just a select few? thanks🙂

 

[missdochopeful]

I found out this week that my file was also placed on hold. Does anyone know if all applicants that are not interviewed are placed on hold or are there just a select few? thanks🙂

Hi bluelaguna,

I believe when admissions receives your file, it is reviewed then you are either offered an interview, declined, or put on hold. Basically if you are on hold, that means the school is still interested, but wants to see how the application cycle is going to pan out. You could be on hold for just a couple of weeks or a few months. Sometimes there is a specific reason your file is put on hold and you can find out if there is one by calling the admissions office. My file was on hold last year until I finished my final semester of undergrad and submitted my grades. Basically, you want to keep them updated and make sure they know you are very interested in the school and would like to interview there. It's certainly early in the cycle and I would not consider being on hold a bad sign at this point. It's definitely not a rejection. Good luck to you!

 

[JagerDO]

Tallgal and Bluelaguna...
I emailed Janette and asked the status of my app and to make sure they had received all my materials. I mailed everything 10-2 and sent the email yesterday. She told me I was complete and my application was under review. Not sure if that is the same as hold or if they just haven't got to mine yet.

 

[bluelaguna]

Tallgal and Bluelaguna...
I emailed Janette and asked the status of my app and to make sure they had received all my materials. I mailed everything 10-2 and sent the email yesterday. She told me I was complete and my application was under review. Not sure if that is the same as hold or if they just haven't got to mine yet.

I called a few weeks ago (Sept.30) to check on the status of my application and was told I was complete. She also told me my file was under review and the admissions committee would probably review it within the next 2 weeks. So the admissions committee is probably in the process of reviewing yours and I don't think it's the same as hold.

Your application can be put on hold once it has been already reviewed by the admissions committee. I think that's how it works. Good luck!


Thanks for the reply missdochopeful!

 

[tallgal0523]

Tallgal and Bluelaguna...
I emailed Janette and asked the status of my app and to make sure they had received all my materials. I mailed everything 10-2 and sent the email yesterday. She told me I was complete and my application was under review. Not sure if that is the same as hold or if they just haven't got to mine yet.

Bluelaguna is right. If they have not already reviewed your application then you are not on hold. After they review your application they will choose to give you an interview or put you on hold. If they have not contacted you in a week I would call them to see if they have gotten to your application yet. Good luck

 

[tallgal0523]

I found out this week that my file was also placed on hold. Does anyone know if all applicants that are not interviewed are placed on hold or are there just a select few? thanks🙂

Maybe they want to see more files first before they give us interviews? I don't know but I hope we both get interviews. 🙂

 

[forks4spoons]

Hey everyone! Interview is in TWO DAYS!!

I'll be at Oasis tomorrow night - hoping to see some of you there! I'm absolutely nervous (and excited!) at the moment!

 

[aliDO]

ACCEPTED!!! via snail mail.

 

[forks4spoons]

ACCEPTED!!! via snail mail.

Congrats!!!!!

 

[The Letter J]

...

 

[aliDO]

Congrats!!!!!

Thanks, good luck at your interview!! I had a missed call yesterday from a harrogate area code, so maybe they are making phone calls this year too (of course it could have been a solicitor, who knows, they did not leave a message).

 

[missdochopeful]

Thanks for the reply missdochopeful!

No problem! PM me if you have anything I can help you with! I hope things work out for ya

Hey everyone! Interview is in TWO DAYS!!

I'll be at Oasis tomorrow night - hoping to see some of you there! I'm absolutely nervous (and excited!) at the moment!

Good luck! Just *try* to relax and be yourself 🙂

ACCEPTED!!! via snail mail.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope you decide to come here!

LMAO. I just got waitlisted, and I am in-state only 2 hours from the school. I also want to practice medicine rurally in this area. Guess that just goes to show that nothing is a given. I really hope that everyone that gets an acceptance from here on out wants to give something back to our community here.

Time to fill out my other secondaries. Congrats aliDO!!!

Don't worry Letter J 🙁 I bet you are pretty high on the waitlist - you interviewed very early. I would write a letter of intent to the admissions office just to emphasize your interest and, like I told bluelaguna, keep them updated with anything that can enhance your file. I remember being really bummed about not getting into a particular school, but then I interviewed here and I can't see myself anywhere else. Things have a way of working out the way they are supposed to and you may find that there is another school that fits you best. Of course, I hope it ends up being here! Best wishes and don't give up hope 🙂

 

[malisa]

LMAO. I just got waitlisted, and I am in-state only 2 hours from the school. I also want to practice medicine rurally in this area. Guess that just goes to show that nothing is a given. I really hope that everyone that gets an acceptance from here on out wants to give something back to our community here.

Time to fill out my other secondaries. Congrats aliDO!!!

I was waitlisted last november and I was called january 3rd with my acceptance. You still have a chance. I don't know if you have other places to interview at or not but if you do good luck with those places. Hopefully something will work out and you won't have to be in limbo for too long.

 

[aliDO]

I had informed LMU last month that I would be retaking the MCAT in January. Now that I have an acceptance they don't expect me to retake the MCAT do you think?

 

[missdochopeful]

I had informed LMU last month that I would be retaking the MCAT in January. Now that I have an acceptance they don't expect me to retake the MCAT do you think?

That's definitely something you need to ask them... but I doubt they'd want you to.

 

[aliDO]

That's definitely something you need to ask them... but I doubt they'd want you to.

I'm going to call on Monday. Wow, I'm so ready to get rid of all my mcat study books!

 

[sobe15]

So, did anyone get a call from the Dean on Friday? I didn't get a call, and I won't be able to check my mail until Monday.