LMU-DCOM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[nascardoc]

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My wife and I lived in LaFollette for the first 3 months of school during my first year. Yeah, its between school and Knoxvegas, but its still a longer drive than if you lived along TN-33 (i.e. Tazewells, Maynardville, Halls, etc). It's still a good 35 minute ride from LaFollette to Knoxville and the same time to school. If you live in, say Maynardville, its about 35 minutes to school, but only 15 or so to Knoxville. I would definitely recommend living along TN-33 over TN-63.

Like I said in my earlier post, DCOM has changed the attendance rules a little bit, so living in Knoxville is a little bit easier with time, studying, etc. I would use the driving time to study, but also use it to relax from the day too. Making study tools for driving will probably take more time than just driving home, so I would recommend the Goljan lectures (unless DCOM finally gets the ipod capabilities for lectures). Also, don't forget about the option of car-pooling with anyone else who lives out that way too.

 

[FltmedicTN]

Like I said in my earlier post, DCOM has changed the attendance rules a little bit, so living in Knoxville is a little bit easier with time, studying, etc. I would use the driving time to study, but also use it to relax from the day too. Making study tools for driving will probably take more time than just driving home, so I would recommend the Goljan lectures (unless DCOM finally gets the ipod capabilities for lectures). Also, don't forget about the option of car-pooling with anyone else who lives out that way too.

Sound advice, Thanks nascardoc. Has there been talk from DCOM about making the lectures available in audio format that would be compatible with ipods? That would be great. I am open to car pooling! Thanks again for your advice, it is always appreciated.

 

[FltmedicTN]

thanks for the housing advice. I looked at some apartments as a possibility in northeast Knoxville with a driving distance of 54 mi to LMU (down 33 that is). I also tried to find listings in Maynardville and La Follette but couldnt really find anything on the web that had pictures of the complex itself...

Bsteven,
If you need some help with finding options in north east knoxville let me know. I have worked at the fire dept for the last 18 years in that area and know the area well. PM me if you want and I could help give you some options if you are still looking.

(Don't tell anyone but I am a FLA transplant also, From Cape Coral but move to attend UT many years ago) lol

 

[Styria]

I don't know of any new on-campus housing that has cropped up for the med school.

On-campus housing means living in the undergraduate dorms. I don't know of anyone doing that.

 

[DO3]

Who were the people that interviewed you at LMU? Thanks. Also, any tips for the interview would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Marathon0503]

I'm from Wisconsin and have an interview on Dec. 8th. I'm really excited about this school. Does anyone have any tips on the interview?

 

[FltmedicTN]

To DO3 and Marathon,
The interview is really low pressure. The pizza night before was very helpful. The students stressed several times to just relax and be yourself. That is the best advice that I could have received! The interview day was a blast, enjoy it. The school is top notch and all of the people you will meet are very helpful.

Good luck and remember to just relax and be yourself. 🙂

 

[DO3]

To DO3 and Marathon,
The interview is really low pressure. The pizza night before was very helpful. The students stressed several times to just relax and be yourself. That is the best advice that I could have received! The interview day was a blast, enjoy it. The school is top notch and all of the people you will meet are very helpful.

Good luck and remember to just relax and be yourself. 🙂

Who were the interviewers at your interview?

 

[robbinblue458]

Hey everyone! Currently I'm waiting on my secondary application. I waswondering if anyone could inform me on what the secondary questions are(Essay writing prompts).

-robbin

 

[jmass233]

I was planning on applying this cycle, already completed and submitted my AMCAS application in July, but took the MCAT in August, with a 25. I've signed up for the January 29, 2010 MCAT to retake.
Right now I'm wondering whether or not I should go ahead and submit secondaries and apply this cycle or wait until next year. I realize that it will be early March at the earliest before LMU sees my new MCAT. I did go ahead and register for the upcoming OMAC, hopefully to be able to at least meet some of the admissions staff. My cGPA is 3.34, sGPA: 3.20, with a DO and pre-med committee LOR, multiple summers of research experience, plus the usual required volunteering activities. And I'm a non-trad, starting and running a business for several years before starting school.

I greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions!

 

[fishliz]

Hey.

If there are any females interviewing on 11/10 and looking to save some money with the hotel cost, then PM me. I've reserved a room at the Holiday Inn Express and it has two double beds.

-Elizabeth

 

[Mota]

Hey.

If there are any females interviewing on 11/10 and looking to save some money with the hotel cost, then PM me. I've reserved a room at the Holiday Inn Express and it has two double beds.

-Elizabeth

Argg! I interview on 11/09 or I would certainly have taken you up on splitting the cost. Good luck on your interview though! 🙂

 

[FltmedicTN]

Hey everyone! Currently I'm waiting on my secondary application. I waswondering if anyone could inform me on what the secondary questions are(Essay writing prompts).

-robbin

Robbin,
You can find the secondary on the LMU-DCOM website. I think it is on the admissions page of the site. Hope this helps.

 

[CopToEM]

Robbin,
You can find the secondary on the LMU-DCOM website. I think it is on the admissions page of the site. Hope this helps.

Do you know if that secondary has changed from year to year thus far?

 

[DO3]

Who are the interviewers?

 

[fishliz]

Hey Mota.

Dang, that sucks; I was really hoping to find someone. Good luck on your interview, too 🙂

Well, if there are any guys/gals that would like to split the taxi fare with me after the interview day, then give me a heads up. Or if you're planning on renting a car and wouldn't mind taking another person back to the airport (I'll pay you for the ride), then PM me. I'm just trying to find ways to save money 😀.

-Elizabeth

Argg! I interview on 11/09 or I would certainly have taken you up on splitting the cost. Good luck on your interview though! 🙂

 

[cassrae]

Hey Mota.

Dang, that sucks; I was really hoping to find someone. Good luck on your interview, too 🙂

Well, if there are any guys/gals that would like to split the taxi fare with me after the interview day, then give me a heads up. Or if you're planning on renting a car and wouldn't mind taking another person back to the airport (I'll pay you for the ride), then PM me. I'm just trying to find ways to save money 😀.

-Elizabeth

I'm pretty sure you can't take a taxi here...

 

[fishliz]

What do you mean? Aren't there taxis at the airport?

I'm pretty sure you can't take a taxi here...

 

[Mota]

What do you mean? Aren't there taxis at the airport?

I would imagine that there are. But the school is about an hour or so away from the airport, which would make for a long taxi ride. I rented a car through Enterprise just to make sure I would not have to rely on a taxi to get me to/from the interview. Again, it's too bad we interview a day apart or I'd just give you a lift.

Good luck. 🙂

 

[GraceEuphoria]

Do you know if that secondary has changed from year to year thus far?

I can at least vouch for the fact that it did not change between last year and this year.

 

[CopToEM]

What do you mean? Aren't there taxis at the airport?

There are... and they'll take you... but you'd probably be better off to rent your own car. They're gonna charge you for two hours fare to get there and two hours fare to get back. It will definitely be cheaper to get a car through enterprise and use the student discount.

 

[LeonPheltz]

Just got a call this morning and Im interviewing on Tuesday! Im really excited. Its a long drive from Richmond, Va but ill make it. Anyone have any idea on where to stay/need a ride in the morning from the hotel to the school? its all happened so fast and I have not started looking yet. Let me know, Im new to the hold blog thing so contact me however or reply. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

 

[CopToEM]

Just got a call this morning and Im interviewing on Tuesday! Im really excited. Its a long drive from Richmond, Va but ill make it. Anyone have any idea on where to stay/need a ride in the morning from the hotel to the school? its all happened so fast and I have not started looking yet. Let me know, Im new to the hold blog thing so contact me however or reply. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

The drive isn't terrible. Pretty much a straight shot after you hit I-81. The only thing that sucks about 81 is all the semi's and tickets! 🙂

 

[dendrites]

Just got a call this morning and Im interviewing on Tuesday! Im really excited. Its a long drive from Richmond, Va but ill make it. Anyone have any idea on where to stay/need a ride in the morning from the hotel to the school? its all happened so fast and I have not started looking yet. Let me know, Im new to the hold blog thing so contact me however or reply. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

Hi! I would recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Express if there are rooms still available. Bob will come pick the applicants up from there and take them to the school around 8am, i believe! If you stay there, just ask the receptionist about it!

 

[MJB]

Nascar answered the living in Knoxville question but I just wanted to add my .02 cents worth. I will be attending this fall and will not be living on campus. I have a home, wife and 3 kids and we live on the north east side of Knoxville. (right inside of grainger county) I would suggest Halls for those that have spouses that need jobs in Knoxville. The drive is not bad, it is about 45 mile from my house and back road take about 45 mins to 1 hour. I plan on taking NascarDocs advice and using the commute to listend to lectures or make recordings to study by.
I have to make the best of it because I want to be able to get home and spend a little time with my kids and wife before they hit the sack. Then I will study. Thats the plan anyway....things could change and I will stay open to that.

Look forward to seeing everyone soon. 🙂

I live in the Gibbs/Fountain City area of Knoxville between Washington and Tazewell Pike and made the drive for the first 2 years and did fine, so I suspect you'll be fine as well if you put in the work. As ND stated, they've changed the attendance policy...which would have made my life even easier...wish they had come to the decision on the attendance policy sometime before my 2 years on campus were up. What I found was that the morning drive was nice to kind of wake up...the drive home is what got annoying after a while.

Any other questions from folks that might be considering not living in the immediate Harrogate/CG area, please feel free to send me a PM...I'll be happy to help as much as possible. Or, really, if you have any other questions, feel free.

As for lectures in mp3 format...there's been lots of talk....though I'm still not sure if they have moved forward on it. I know there are other ways of facilitating listening to lectures in the car, however.


Update...Just saw the question about time from Knoxville to Harrogate. It all depends on where you are in Knoxville. It was 50 miles from my driveway to school. Took about 50-55 minutes depending on how many slowpokes I got behind in Maynardville/Tazewell. From Halls (about the Rifle Range Road and Broadway area) it's 45 minutes. From the Airport to Harrogate, I'd give yourself about 1.5 hours.

 

[LeonPheltz]

Tell me about it. I went to a school that 81 ran right through, JMU in harrisonburg, Va. I hate 81 more than anything.

 

[bsteven2]

I'll be interviewing on tuesday 11/10 who else will be there?? Im crossing my fingers for myself and everyone else this coming week ( sure hope I dont get waitlisted again).

 

[Mota]

I'll be interviewing on tuesday 11/10 who else will be there?? Im crossing my fingers for myself and everyone else this coming week ( sure hope I dont get waitlisted again).

I interview on Monday 11/09. I swear I think I'm the only person interviewing that day (well, at least from SDN). With all of the people posting that they are interviewing on 11/10 I actually went and double checked my email to make sure I planned for the correct date--I did. But could you imagine...that would stink to have gotten the date wrong.

Anyway, I was hoping to meet some of you fellow SDN folks, but it looks like I'll be heading back home about the time most of you are probably showing up. Good luck to all of you!

 

[GraceEuphoria]

I'll be interviewing on tuesday 11/10 who else will be there?? Im crossing my fingers for myself and everyone else this coming week ( sure hope I dont get waitlisted again).

AMEN. I did not land my interview this year until December, but I am hoping that even being this much earlier in the year (interviewed last year in March), in addition to doing really well in some master's work, will get me in this year. When did you interview last year/what kind of application did you have last year versus this year? I'll cross my fingers for both of us

 

[bsteven2]

last year I interviewed 3/30. Not too much has changed since last year besides working a bunch more (have about 11,000 clinical hours as an emt in the er and ambulance) learning spanish and a few others. How about you?

 

[GraceEuphoria]

bsteven-
Other than doing the Master's in biology, I am currently volunteering at the major Children's hospital in the area (I get to tutor kids at their bedside while they are stuck in the hospital missing school- how cool is that??). Also during the time off I had after graduation, I continued on with my other volunteer work in an underserved population prenatal/pediatric clinic (putting me at almost a year there) and shadowing the DO pediatrician at the same clinic for just a short bit before I moved to where I am now. Hopefully the good grades will help- my GPA is the weakest part of my application.

 

[matrica]

bsteven-
Other than doing the Master's in biology, I am currently volunteering at the major Children's hospital in the area (I get to tutor kids at their bedside while they are stuck in the hospital missing school- how cool is that??). Also during the time off I had after graduation, I continued on with my other volunteer work in an underserved population prenatal/pediatric clinic (putting me at almost a year there) and shadowing the DO pediatrician at the same clinic for just a short bit before I moved to where I am now. Hopefully the good grades will help- my GPA is the weakest part of my application.

You should not worry about GPA and all that.

It is a Closed File interview, so the best advice is to tell them what you want them to know about you. Do not even mention low scores or GPA, i don't think that is this interview for. YOU need to tell them WHAT IS IMPORTANT to you which should be your patients. ( I know scores are also important to you, but you already have an interview, the committee already saw your score, so move on). If you want them to know you have a low GPA tell them, but they not going to like that because they will conclude that you care about only scores, and grades. If they were looking for people with perfect grades people with 30 MCAt and 4.0 Gpa would only get interviews there.
They want to know if you going to be somebody who only want to work from 9-5 or somebody who works until the patient leaves the hospital healthy.

Even though they ask you specific questions, they are broad questions, and tell them what you like about your work, volunteer work, and who you are, and why you care about others. Don't talk about your weaknesses, mistakes, leave negativity at home.
Also, do not try to explain everything perfectly, like tell them what they want to hear, like "I am organized, i have good time management skills, etc. "
I talked about my life, experiences with people, I worked full time/studied/volunteered. They not stupid, they know if I wasn't organized, have time management skills I would not have done it. I didn't have to list them!!!
Be a person!!!

 

[GraceEuphoria]

You should not worry about GPA and all that.

It is a Closed File interview, so the best advice is to tell them what you want them to know about you. Do not even mention low scores or GPA, i don't think that is this interview for. YOU need to tell them WHAT IS IMPORTANT to you which should be your patients. ( I know scores are also important to you, but you already have an interview, the committee already saw your score, so move on). If you want them to know you have a low GPA tell them, but they not going to like that because they will conclude that you care about only scores, and grades. If they were looking for people with perfect grades people with 30 MCAt and 4.0 Gpa would only get interviews there.
They want to know if you going to be somebody who only want to work from 9-5 or somebody who works until the patient leaves the hospital healthy.

Even though they ask you specific questions, they are broad questions, and tell them what you like about your work, volunteer work, and who you are, and why you care about others. Don't talk about your weaknesses, mistakes, leave negativity at home.
Also, do not try to explain everything perfectly, like tell them what they want to hear, like "I am organized, i have good time management skills, etc. "
I talked about my life, experiences with people, I worked full time/studied/volunteered. They not stupid, they know if I wasn't organized, have time management skills I would not have done it. I didn't have to list them!!!
Be a person!!!

Excellent points. You know, I remember you posting what you said earlier about the closed file interview and I was so excited. It seems as though I've already forgotten what a huge advantage this will be to me. Sometimes it's so hard for me not to constantly be explaining my flaws and all that since it's what you have to do to some degree to get to this point in the process (with many schools) if your stats are slightly below average. I definitely need to do some serious positive meditation before this interview or there will definitely be a negative tension in my responses.

So you may not realize it, but thank you. I really needed that.

And I love how your status is already changed to medical student in Harrogate, TN. A little eager huh? 🙂 I'll be right there with you if I have some good news after my interview.

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

I wish all of you the best. I have my interview on the 16th. I am very nervous about it, even though I am a nontraditional applicant with a Ph.D. who is currently a Professor. Good luck Grace! You sound like an amazing person. One of the great things about the medical profession is the environment, always surrounded by quality human beings.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

I wish all of you the best. I have my interview on the 16th. I am very nervous about it, even though I am a nontraditional applicant with a Ph.D. who is currently a Professor. Good luck Grace! You sound like an amazing person. One of the great things about the medical profession is the environment, always surrounded by quality human beings.

Haha thanks! Threw me off for a second because my name isn't grace, so even though you might not have been assuming it to be, I was about to scroll up and figure out who that was directed to lol. I guess most people might think that though, based on my user id.

Anywho- I am kinda glad to hear someone with a PhD is going this route because it's one of the second plans I am considering if my reapplication process doesn't pan out. Can I ask, what caused you to change your plans?

Good luck on your interview - it's coming up soon!

 

[matrica]

Excellent points. You know, I remember you posting what you said earlier about the closed file interview and I was so excited. It seems as though I've already forgotten what a huge advantage this will be to me. Sometimes it's so hard for me not to constantly be explaining my flaws and all that since it's what you have to do to some degree to get to this point in the process (with many schools) if your stats are slightly below average. I definitely need to do some serious positive meditation before this interview or there will definitely be a negative tension in my responses.

So you may not realize it, but thank you. I really needed that.

And I love how your status is already changed to medical student in Harrogate, TN. A little eager huh? 🙂 I'll be right there with you if I have some good news after my interview.

My status changed 2-3 days after my acceptance. 😎

I was afraid too if it is going to be good or bad if it is a closed file interview, since I have shortcomings in my application. I turned out the best, even at the PIzza night they tell you that you already have an interview, so they saw your scores. So, I had a feeling I should explain why I have a crappy Mcat score, but I decided not to. I believe it was a good decision. I know on Open File interviews they ask you about your shortcomings, here they will not.

I also though about what should I tell them about myself. I was thinking, I am participating in church activities (I am religious), I worried about what's than if they not, should I not mention than.

At the end, I decided I will talk about what Is important to me. I talked about people I met through clinical/church experiences, but mainly I talked to people I met whom I could or could not help. Be honest also, when they asked me I told them can't tell them I am going to be in the top 5-10% in the class, I try the best I can. I told them I would like to be a family physician (before they told us that applicants tell them their want to be a family physician because that is the answer the admission committee like to hear then accepted students end up in something else) so I told them I am planning to be a family physician (that is what I want right now), but I can't tell them if that is what I am ending up in. I was honest.

So, how honest should be? I don't know, but mention your strength not your doubts, and weaknesses. Everybody has them.

So, I didn't want to be harsh on you, I just do not want you to freak out on something that is not important (grades) on your interview.
Also, if you have a chance go and check out in the bookstore
Don Dunbar: What You Don't Know Can Keep You Out of College: A Top Consultant Explains the 13 Fatal Application Mistakes and Why Character Is the Key to College Admissions
This book is mainly for undergrad college admission but it is very good for med school application also. Somebody on SDN recommended and I got it before my interview, so only 10-15% that I could use from the book, but it is very good explaining why people with perfect scores do not get accepted and others with less then stellar scores get in. It talkes about negativity also, and what admission looking for. I think it is 4$ used on Amazon.
I bought accidently 2 so if somebody really wants it, I can send it to you for free. I don't care, if it helps somebody it helps me.

Good luck to you all.

 

[forrealz]

My status changed 2-3 days after my acceptance. 😎

I was afraid too if it is going to be good or bad if it is a closed file interview, since I have shortcomings in my application. I turned out the best, even at the PIzza night they tell you that you already have an interview, so they saw your scores. So, I had a feeling I should explain why I have a crappy Mcat score, but I decided not to. I believe it was a good decision. I know on Open File interviews they ask you about your shortcomings, here they will not.

I also though about what should I tell them about myself. I was thinking, I am participating in church activities (I am religious), I worried about what's than if they not, should I not mention than.

At the end, I decided I will talk about what Is important to me. I talked about people I met through clinical/church experiences, but mainly I talked to people I met whom I could or could not help. Be honest also, when they asked me I told them can't tell them I am going to be in the top 5-10% in the class, I try the best I can. I told them I would like to be a family physician (before they told us that applicants tell them their want to be a family physician because that is the answer the admission committee like to hear then accepted students end up in something else) so I told them I am planning to be a family physician (that is what I want right now), but I can't tell them if that is what I am ending up in. I was honest.

So, how honest should be? I don't know, but mention your strength not your doubts, and weaknesses. Everybody has them.

So, I didn't want to be harsh on you, I just do not want you to freak out on something that is not important (grades) on your interview.
Also, if you have a chance go and check out in the bookstore
Don Dunbar: What You Don't Know Can Keep You Out of College: A Top Consultant Explains the 13 Fatal Application Mistakes and Why Character Is the Key to College Admissions
This book is mainly for undergrad college admission but it is very good for med school application also. Somebody on SDN recommended and I got it before my interview, so only 10-15% that I could use from the book, but it is very good explaining why people with perfect scores do not get accepted and others with less then stellar scores get in. It talkes about negativity also, and what admission looking for. I think it is 4$ used on Amazon.
I bought accidently 2 so if somebody really wants it, I can send it to you for free. I don't care, if it helps somebody it helps me.

Good luck to you all.

I just ordered that book just now, since I have more flaws than positives in my application and I don't want them to get to me at an interview.

 

[FltmedicTN]

I second what mota has been saying!

Forrealz, Don't worry about your flaws in the application. Mine had holes so big you could have driven a mack truck through them...or so I thought. We all get so caught up in comparing ourselves to the other applicants and wondering how the heck we will measure up. I agree with mota, if you have an iterview you already measure up in some form or fashion. So at this interview....go in there and be yourself, kick it in the a@@, and get accepted!
The first question of my interview was such an open ended question it allowed me to direct the conversation onto my strentghs, desires, passion and let then know who I was. It was so much like a conversation that I forgot that I should be stressed! lol

You all will do fine. Best of luck to all of you!

LMU-DCOM class of 2014!!!! 😀

 

[matrica]

I just ordered that book just now, since I have more flaws than positives in my application and I don't want them to get to me at an interview.

I hope it will help you, for me it gave a mind set, it tells you it is not what you say necessary is "wrong", but how you say it, or what you get out from the experience maybe not what you "should".
I think you can't go wrong to talk about what you like.

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

Haha thanks! Threw me off for a second because my name isn't grace, so even though you might not have been assuming it to be, I was about to scroll up and figure out who that was directed to lol. I guess most people might think that though, based on my user id.

Anywho- I am kinda glad to hear someone with a PhD is going this route because it's one of the second plans I am considering if my reapplication process doesn't pan out. Can I ask, what caused you to change your plans?

Good luck on your interview - it's coming up soon!

Thank you for your well wishes. It's really appreciated. You are very sweet and I hope we can be classmates because you seem like you would be a nice friend. Well your question has a REAL long answer. Maybe I can tell you it at some other time in full. I only would reccomend doing a Ph.D. if you have an absolute passion for whatever you are researching for your dissertation. I spent 10 years in grad school, I have a M.S. in Cardiovascular Pharmacology and a Ph.D. in Renal Developmental Genetics, and I did postdoctoral work for a future potential nobel laureate for a year. Now I am an Anatomy and physiology Professor and Biology Professor at several community colleges and I teach Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the high school level. So I am very stressed and very busy, I work 4 jobs. My MCAT score was very bad because I really did not have time to study for it....finishing my Postdoc and trying to find employment. That being said I still have a couple of interviews. If I don't get in this year, re-take MCAT and try again. But I don't want to think about that right now. You gave yourself the ID Grace and now you are rescinding it? I will call you Grace. 😛

 

[GraceEuphoria]

Thank you for your well wishes. It's really appreciated. You are very sweet and I hope we can be classmates because you seem like you would be a nice friend. Well your question has a REAL long answer. Maybe I can tell you it at some other time in full. I only would reccomend doing a Ph.D. if you have an absolute passion for whatever you are researching for your dissertation. I spent 10 years in grad school, I have a M.S. in Cardiovascular Pharmacology and a Ph.D. in Renal Developmental Genetics, and I did postdoctoral work for a future potential nobel laureate for a year. Now I am an Anatomy and physiology Professor and Biology Professor at several community colleges and I teach Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the high school level. So I am very stressed and very busy, I work 4 jobs. My MCAT score was very bad because I really did not have time to study for it....finishing my Postdoc and trying to find employment. That being said I still have a couple of interviews. If I don't get in this year, re-take MCAT and try again. But I don't want to think about that right now. You gave yourself the ID Grace and now you are rescinding it? I will call you Grace. 😛

One of the only things I could truly see myself pursuing PhD wise is something involving neuro, mainly because my mother has MS. I would love to study remyelination and things of that sort, but I could also forsee doing immunology of some sort because of the autoimmune nature of the disease. It's such a mystery still and I would love to delve into it. BUT, I'd rather be a physician and maybe do research later too if I were still interested further down the road. Part of can't stand the idea of not having patient interaction though, which makes me feel like I could go for nursing, even though ultimately I know I'd want to be a physician. I just can't postpone pursuing something that is guaranteed to pay me any longer because I already have a hefty amount of loans from undergrad. BUT, I am just hoping that it won't be an issue, aka: I'll get in! Good luck with your interview!

 

[dendrites]

Thank you for your well wishes. It's really appreciated. You are very sweet and I hope we can be classmates because you seem like you would be a nice friend. Well your question has a REAL long answer. Maybe I can tell you it at some other time in full. I only would reccomend doing a Ph.D. if you have an absolute passion for whatever you are researching for your dissertation. I spent 10 years in grad school, I have a M.S. in Cardiovascular Pharmacology and a Ph.D. in Renal Developmental Genetics, and I did postdoctoral work for a future potential nobel laureate for a year. Now I am an Anatomy and physiology Professor and Biology Professor at several community colleges and I teach Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the high school level. So I am very stressed and very busy, I work 4 jobs. My MCAT score was very bad because I really did not have time to study for it....finishing my Postdoc and trying to find employment. That being said I still have a couple of interviews. If I don't get in this year, re-take MCAT and try again. But I don't want to think about that right now. You gave yourself the ID Grace and now you are rescinding it? I will call you Grace. 😛

WOW! will you be my study-buddy?!?!

 

[VizslaDOg]

Hi everyone,

I am very excited to be interviewing here on Dec. 1st. I also plan on attending the pizza night gathering. Anyone else interviewing at LMU in December? Is there still a good chance of getting in? It seems like a lot of people have already been accepted here and plan to attend.

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

WOW! will you be my study-buddy?!?!

Haha well I need to get in somewhere first. Once I am in, I know I will be fine. The MCAT is a useless measure of what I am....but I can see why it is needed for kids comming right out of college. I know whoever accepts me this year is getting a good deal on me...hahaha.....before I re-take my MCAT and apply again.

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

One of the only things I could truly see myself pursuing PhD wise is something involving neuro, mainly because my mother has MS. I would love to study remyelination and things of that sort, but I could also forsee doing immunology of some sort because of the autoimmune nature of the disease. It's such a mystery still and I would love to delve into it. BUT, I'd rather be a physician and maybe do research later too if I were still interested further down the road. Part of can't stand the idea of not having patient interaction though, which makes me feel like I could go for nursing, even though ultimately I know I'd want to be a physician. I just can't postpone pursuing something that is guaranteed to pay me any longer because I already have a hefty amount of loans from undergrad. BUT, I am just hoping that it won't be an issue, aka: I'll get in! Good luck with your interview!

Thanks Grace I will let you know how it went. Ahh last week I just taught my Pre-nursing students about MS. I forget if myelinating neuroglial cells are deficient with these patients as well. I would focus on glial cell function as it relates to myelination. But there has to be some model for it somewhere or haha you can make your own model for it somehow. Maybe there are mouse models for MS, where they knocked out some glial cells etc., easy stuff to do....make a mouse model, characterize/ Phenotype it...boom...Ph.D.

You can defer undergrad loans and take out new loans for medical school, YAY!!!!!

I have a feeling the 2nd time will be a charm for you.
I will let you know how things went NEXT week. I pretty much will tell the committee what I am about....how I spent 10 years committed to finishing my Ph.D., how I have presented research nationally and internationally and have worked with physicians in and out of the clinic on both of those levels...etc. etc., I am fluent in spanish and have worked in underprivileged clinics in South America. I like DO because of ___ , ___ and ____. I want to become a physician because ____, ___, and ____.

Who is going to be at the Pizza thing next Sunday night? I may not be able to make it because my flight will be later.....🙁

 

[gomango]

Who is going to be at the Pizza thing next Sunday night? I may not be able to make it because my flight will be later.....🙁

Jedi --->I interview on the 16th as well and I will be at the pizza night this coming Sunday. Hope to see you there!

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

Jedi --->I interview on the 16th as well and I will be at the pizza night this coming Sunday. Hope to see you there!

I am hoping I can make it. I have a parent teacher conference which I am really trying to skip out of because I was informed last minute and already booked my tickets and it would cost like $600 to change my tickets. It sucks. I will probably be there for the people not for the food.

 

[gomango]

I am hoping I can make it. I have a parent teacher conference which I am really trying to skip out of because I was informed last minute and already booked my tickets and it would cost like $600 to change my tickets. It sucks. I will probably be there for the people not for the food.

Jedi --> It is ridiculously expensive to change tickets! I've had to do it once so far and it was almost as much as the original ticket!! haha I also will be there for the people as I'm allergic to pizza, plus I don't really like it. I just really want to get a feel for what the school is like! 🙂

 

[Jedi Mindtricks]

Jedi --> It is ridiculously expensive to change tickets! I've had to do it once so far and it was almost as much as the original ticket!! haha I also will be there for the people as I'm allergic to pizza, plus I don't really like it. I just really want to get a feel for what the school is like! 🙂

Growing up in New York originally...I love pizza...but it is so bad for you. I am on that atkins diet so I don't eat bread and rice. I might apply for a military scholarship and they keep having to weigh me. I lost 36lbs, then gained 10 back. I have to lose 10 in 2 weeks for my next weight. Its pretty ridiculous.

So my impression is that the school opened up a couple of years ago (2007?) and is working there way through finishing their first graduating class next year? The clinical rotations are all within the area? Any opportunities in Knoxville? I am sure the family medicine training is great but I am concerned if that focus hinders broader training in all other disciplines of medicine. The overall attitude of the school seems really nice. I am just a little concerned about the number of cadavers, diversity of population for building broad clinical skills, and I am wondering about their emphasis/ philosophy on OMT. I have alot of questions. 😕

 

[Mota]

Well I interviewed yesterday and really enjoyed myself. The location is just beautiful and everyone was just as nice as could be! The interview was really relaxed and my two interviewers tried to make it as stress free as possible. Bob (the tour guide) was a pleasure to be around. He is really nice and gives a great tour. I would highly suggest going on the tour if you have time.

I found the area to be beautiful and the school would be a great fit for me (*crosses fingers* for a call later this week). I prefer the small town or rural setting to that of a big city, but I could see how some might be initially put off by the location. However, I would still recommend at least visiting the school to give it a fair chance.

Pizza night was fun and it was great to meet some of the current students and fellow applicants. Anyway, I placed a feedback in the feedback thread for any of you with interviews coming up.

Good luck! 🙂