Marian University (MU-COM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

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HalfListic said:
Another thought from some med student friends, which resonated with me, was that the best board prep their schools gave them was a great first two year curriculum and then time to study on their own. Im sure most schools will have something organized available, but Im also guessing that time is also something they realize we need/want.

To each their own though!
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I definitely agree. I think it varies from person to person, though. I need time to study on my own, but I also do well with organized study. I'm just curious exactly how much time we're going to get of self-study vs. organized study, and how much time total it will actually be, rather than "roughly a month". Can't wait for the program in March to learn more details about everything! :nod:
 
Yes, the March event will be great! It will be great to see you all there
 
If anyone is interested in rooming together in a two bedroom, two bath apartment send me a message and we can see if we would be a good match for roommates. I am a male in case that is an important factor for you
 
This is a topic that has been covered to varying to degrees in other SND forums, articles (and a little here); though it would be interesting to get MU-COM student specific responses.

In Indiana there are 4 physician assistant programs (3 relatively new, with IUPUI's set to begin in May) and 9 nurse practitioner programs (some of which look to be largely delivered online and some relatively new). It would appear that mid-level healthcare providers could be seen as a possible resource to lessen the primary care shortage. With the Affordable Care Act set to deliver more people to the healthcare system, and with PC viewed as the first line of defense in the maintenance of health, could it be that the growth of mid-level educational programs in the U.S. is a foreshadowing of where the healthcare system is perceived to be headed?

Since a mid-level healthcare practitioner is trained in less time, and the cost of a PA/NP is less to a medical organization than a physician, are job opportunities in PC fields projected to rise for mid-levels while PC physician residencies remain relatively static? It's been stated that an increased PC presence is one of the keys to decreasing overall healthcare cost in the U.S. Is it possible then that the rise in non-physician patient care will lead to continuing decreases in PC reimbursements? Though this may look to affect only primary care it could also affect reimbursement cost in other specialties that are already seeing decreases in the amounts insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid reimburse.

Thanks for reading my essay!
 
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ergophys said:
This is a topic that has been covered to varying to degrees in other SND forums, articles (and a little here); though it would be interesting to get MU-COM student specific responses.

In Indiana there are 4 physician assistant programs (3 relatively new, with IUPUI’s set to begin in May) and 9 nurse practitioner programs (some of which look to be largely delivered online and some relatively new). It would appear that mid-level healthcare providers could be seen as a possible resource to lessen the primary care shortage. With the Affordable Care Act set to deliver more people to the healthcare system, and with PC viewed as the first line of defense in the maintenance of health, could it be that the growth of mid-level educational programs in the U.S. is a foreshadowing of where the healthcare system is perceived to be headed?

Since a mid-level healthcare practitioner is trained in less time, and the cost of a PA/NP is less to a medical organization than a physician, are job opportunities in PC fields projected to rise for mid-levels while PC physician residencies remain relatively static? It’s been stated that an increased PC presence is one of the keys to decreasing overall healthcare cost in the U.S. Is it possible then that the rise in non-physician patient care will lead to continuing decreases in PC reimbursements? Though this may look to affect only primary care it could also affect reimbursement cost in other specialties that are already seeing decreases in the amounts insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid reimburse.

Thanks for reading my essay!
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A valid concern, especially if one intends to go into Primary Care. Coupled with the fact that "mid level" practitioners are advocating for more autonomy and an expanded scope of practice, it is definitely worth considering. Currently the competitive advantage that mid levels hold only exists in their cost to provide services...not their quality. Don't get me wrong, some of the brightest folks that I have been educated alongside have chosen to go into PA/NP programs. What I am saying is that their medical education, simply by way of the duration of training and medical exposure a mid level practitioner receives, is significantly less than that of a primary care physician. It isn't necessary to have incredible intelligence to practice medicine. It is about dedication to your craft, exposure and TRAINING. I am sure there are many instances when a mid level could handle a patient on their own, just fine. The problem begins when their limited training hampers their ability to catch a vital clue or handle a complex case that may extend outside of their exposure. The question is, will this be enough to preserve the PC doc's position as the quarterback of the primary care team? I certainly hope so...
 
Mr Kenobi said:
A valid concern, especially if one intends to go into Primary Care. Coupled with the fact that "mid level" practitioners are advocating for more autonomy and an expanded scope of practice, it is definitely worth considering. Currently the competitive advantage that mid levels hold only exists in their cost to provide services...not their quality. Don't get me wrong, some of the brightest folks that I have been educated alongside have chosen to go into PA/NP programs. What I am saying is that their medical education, simply by way of the duration of training and medical exposure a mid level practitioner receives, is significantly less than that of a primary care physician. It isn't necessary to have incredible intelligence to practice medicine. It is about dedication to your craft, exposure and TRAINING. I am sure there are many instances when a mid level could handle a patient on their own, just fine. The problem begins when their limited training hampers their ability to catch a vital clue or handle a complex case that may extend outside of their exposure. The question is, will this be enough to preserve the PC doc's position as the quarterback of the primary care team? I certainly hope so...
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I agree with a lot of Kenobi's statements. I don't believe the current changes will squeeze out PCPs, the market is just adapting to the current times where doctor shortages exist in combination with the economics/business aspect of medicine. PA/NP have their place but that will never exclude PCPs entirely based on the same principles that Kenobi mentioned.

I also believe the ACA will change reimbursements for the better for PCPs and in the coming years these fields will be at a major advantage to those in many specialties and sub-specialties that were once considered the ideal situation for many (I'm looking at you aneseth.). Obviously nothing is a sure thing with all the changes but the new health law that doesn't appear to be going anywhere is generally quite friendly to PCPs and those doctor's well versed in the changes recognize this. Many have verbalized to me that it is their sub-specialty friends that should be and are losing sleep at night.
 
Mosonik said:
I agree with a lot of Kenobi's statements. I don't believe the current changes will squeeze out PCPs, the market is just adapting to the current times where doctor shortages exist in combination with the economics/business aspect of medicine. PA/NP have their place but that will never exclude PCPs entirely based on the same principles that Kenobi mentioned.

I also believe the ACA will change reimbursements for the better for PCPs and in the coming years these fields will be at a major advantage to those in many specialties and sub-specialties that were once considered the ideal situation for many (I'm looking at you aneseth.). Obviously nothing is a sure thing with all the changes but the new health law that doesn't appear to be going anywhere is generally quite friendly to PCPs and those doctor's well versed in the changes recognize this. Many have verbalized to me that it is their sub-specialty friends that should be and are losing sleep at night.
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Your statement that the ACA will be positive for PCPs, but may be a detriment to many specialties, does coincide with what I've heard from a few physicians (who are not PCPs). They have voiced that their reimbursements and individual revenue value units have decreased in the last couple of years, with the obvious affect of decreased income while seeing the same number, or more, patients.

Mr. Kenobi brings up the point of expanded scope of practice with regard to PA/NPs. With many NP programs either starting up as, or transitioning to, doctoral level programs, the question is raised; is this partly for the purpose of validating the argument that DNPs should have an expanded scope? We've seen that physical therapy transitioned to being a doctoral level program, in part so the American Physical Therapy Association could push for PTs to be allowed to diagnose (bypassing the need for referral). I believe 47 states now provide for some type of direct access to PTs, with Indiana not yet having that provision.

http://www.apta.org/directaccess/

The NP association says that the doctoral transition, which becomes mandatory in coming years, is in response to the need for further and increased education due to expanding healthcare complexity. Though not directly stated, it is also for the purpose of expanding scope of practice.
 
Interviewed this past Friday. Hoping for some good news soon :scared:
 
Has anyone that's been put on hold gotten an interview invitation?

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jjgrnak said:
Has anyone that's been put on hold gotten an interview invitation?

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I was put on hold December 3rd and then received an interview invite December 17th! So it's definitely possible! Don't lose hope 🙂 they look at the hold list frequently 🙂
 
dmarie91 said:
I was put on hold December 3rd and then received an interview invite December 17th! So it's definitely possible! Don't lose hope 🙂 they look at the hold list frequently 🙂
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Are you is or OOS? What were your stats if you don't mind sharing?

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jjgrnak said:
Are you is or OOS? What were your stats if you don't mind sharing?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
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ooh I am out of state from Illinois but my house is about an hour drive from Marian lol Illinois is so close to Indiana, sometimes I don't when I'm in IL and when Im in IN lol but yeah my stats are in my MD apps 🙂
 
I apologize if this has been asked before.

When contacting the admissions office, if you sent replies via the communications panel on the Marian portal, does it end up going to Mr. Moody? I am wondering because I messaged a few times already via the portal and have received no replies. I am considering emailing Mr. Moody directly now.

Thanks!
 
lalongo said:
I apologize if this has been asked before.

When contacting the admissions office, if you sent replies via the communications panel on the Marian portal, does it end up going to Mr. Moody? I am wondering because I messaged a few times already via the portal and have received no replies. I am considering emailing Mr. Moody directly now.

Thanks!
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Every time I've had questions (no matter how small) I have always emailed them directly to Bryan Moody. He's really great about answering questions and responding quickly to emails. If I were you, I'd do that. 😎
 
BuddyTheElf said:
Every time I've had questions (no matter how small) I have always emailed them directly to Bryan Moody. He's really great about answering questions and responding quickly to emails. If I were you, I'd do that. 😎
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+1 He's always helpful and a pretty quick responder! I'd email him with any question or issue.
 
buddytheelf said:
every time i've had questions (no matter how small) i have always emailed them directly to bryan moody. He's really great about answering questions and responding quickly to emails. If i were you, i'd do that. 😎
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+2
 
What is Marian dress code? Can we wear anything we want, ex jeans, sweat pants, etc.. to class like most schools allow? or would we have to wear a dress pants, dress shirt, etc like in messed up lecom?
 
alexjsn said:
What is Marian dress code? Can we wear anything we want, ex jeans, sweat pants, etc.. to class like most schools allow? or would we have to wear a dress pants, dress shirt, etc like in messed up lecom?
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I can't speak to/for MU-COM but actually most DO schools have some form of professional dress code. LECOM is just more formal and more enforced than most. Just thought Id put that out there..
 
alexjsn said:
What is Marian dress code? Can we wear anything we want, ex jeans, sweat pants, etc.. to class like most schools allow? or would we have to wear a dress pants, dress shirt, etc like in messed up lecom?
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As far as I know, MU-COM will not have a dress code. Of course labs (OMM/Anatomy) are a different story. One of the professors even mentioned this in the FB group saying that there was no dress code that was being written into the student handbook. However, I assume they do this in good faith, knowing that we are mature medical students and will make a conscious effort to dress appropriately. Not having to worry about a dress code just makes the learning environment more comfortable in IMHO. It was definitely on my Pros list for MU-COM when I was considering different schools.
 
Mosonik said:
I can't speak to/for MU-COM but actually most DO schools have some form of professional dress code. LECOM is just more formal and more enforced than most. Just thought Id put that out there..
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I wouldn't say most, but I agree LECOM is the most strict. There are places like VCOM that have "business casual" so men don't need to wear ties, or places like NOVA that give u the option of scrubs, but other than that and maybe a select others I'd say the norm is wear what you want (exceptions: anatomy and OMM). Hopefully that's what MUCOM sticks with 😀 it's one less (pointless) thing to have to think about in med school!
 
For those that have been accepted have you gotten any word on your Title 4 loan situation? Its the requirement needed to get financial aid though your institution. Thank you in advance.
 
DO Fo Sho said:
For those that have been accepted have you gotten any word on your Title 4 loan situation? Its the requirement needed to get financial aid though your institution. Thank you in advance.
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To my knowledge the first step is to complete this year's FAFSA and have it directed to Marian University. Then the school will package the Unsubsidized Stafford loans up to a maximum of (approx) 42k. The cost of attendance is (approx) 66k. A student can therefore take out a professional Plus loan to cover the difference if they choose to borrow up to the cost of attendance.

The financial aid office can give more information, and possibly someone else can post who might know more, or correct any errors in my post.
 
DO Fo Sho said:
For those that have been accepted have you gotten any word on your Title 4 loan situation? Its the requirement needed to get financial aid though your institution. Thank you in advance.
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From the communications I've had with financial aid, it seems all systems are a go at MU-COM regarding loans. The last I heard, financial aid award notices are suppose to starting to roll out to students who have completed their FAFSA in late February/early March.
 
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trying to figure out if I should withdraw from the wait list (1st quartile). was just accepted at ATSU-KCOM😀 but I really loved Marian! I don't know if I want to hold out and see what happens because I know there are many people who would love to go to Marian and I feel that would be rude but idk....
 
dmarie91 said:
trying to figure out if I should withdraw from the wait list (1st quartile). was just accepted at ATSU-KCOM😀 but I really loved Marian! I don't know if I want to hold out and see what happens because I know there are many people who would love to go to Marian and I feel that would be rude but idk....
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If you're 100% happy with KCOM, then withdraw. However, if any part of you is unsure then just stay. If you are accepted off the WL just make the decision then. I'm exactly the opposite of you and withdrew from my KCOM interview because of my Marian acceptance. I just couldn't imagine middle of nowhere over Indy. But to each his own. I never actually saw KCOM so I can't give a super informed opinion. Congrats on your acceptance!
 
DrMeows said:
If you're 100% happy with KCOM, then withdraw. However, if any part of you is unsure then just stay. If you are accepted off the WL just make the decision then. I'm exactly the opposite of you and withdrew from my KCOM interview because of my Marian acceptance. I just couldn't imagine middle of nowhere over Indy. But to each his own. I never actually saw KCOM so I can't give a super informed opinion. Congrats on your acceptance!
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Solid advice. I did the same thing with my KCOM II.
 
SocDoc33 said:
Feb 2nd
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Sorry dear, they are getting more and more comptetive every week. Good luck to you tho, I hope you will find success somewhere!

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thanks guys im still waiting to hear back from other schools, so maybe i still have a chance.
 
SocDoc33 said:
thanks guys im still waiting to hear back from other schools, so maybe i still have a chance.
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Sorry to learn about the rejection. Many people on here have received them as well and know how it feels. Also, many have applied through multiple cycles and eventually got in. Hopefully you'll gain an acceptance elsewhere. Just keep the faith. 👍 You're a med student; you just haven't been accepted yet! Positive affirmation 😀
 
WL people were given access to the first installment of the advantage series this morning! It's pretty nice! 🙂
 
dmarie91 said:
trying to figure out if I should withdraw from the wait list (1st quartile). was just accepted at ATSU-KCOM😀 but I really loved Marian! I don't know if I want to hold out and see what happens because I know there are many people who would love to go to Marian and I feel that would be rude but idk....
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Congrats on the acceptance! I had to choose between KCOM and Marian early on. PM me and I'd be happy to share my insights.
 
The ones who had admission offers from other schools and ended up going to Marian, why did you decide to go to Marian over other more established schools?
 
alexjsn said:
The ones who had admission offers from other schools and ended up going to Marian, why did you decide to go to Marian over other more established schools?
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Currently, Marian is the only school I have been accepted to but I have interviewed at 5 schools so I'll still give you an opinion here. Marian is at the top of my list even if I get pulled off waitlists for other schools for many reasons (no particular order):

1. Location and Community. I'm from the Midwest and really don't want have to go all that far if I don't have to. Not to mention its located in a major city which is something that appeals to me. Since it's only the 2nd med school in the state, the community and its hospitals are really excited for students to be there. I'm amazed at how much money has been donated to build the school, which will ultimately lead to a great and up to date, new facility. Meaning it will be better in facilities versus, any other schools: new anatomy lab, new OMM lab, new touch screens to get into study rooms, etc. I've seen really crappy anatomy labs, so I'm excited to see a built up one.

2. Administration. Hands down this staff is the friendliest I have encountered. They clearly are trying to make a great first class. And I felt more like I was interviewing them than they were interviewing me. They keep you informed on the school, are always available to talk to, and seem to answer any questions students have. (They're even answering admissions questions on SDN! that's pretty freaking awesome) Faculty are also a part of the Facebook group - they comment on posts, post pictures of the new building as it improves, and post updates themselves. I just know that when going to Marian we will continue to be treated like we matter. To branch off that, much of the faculty comes from other DO schools. So they have experience teaching DO students and everyone isn't just running around like chickens with their heads cut off 😉

3. Curriculum. I like systems more than basic science, personally. It makes more sense in terms of treating patients later on and practicing for boards. Although, right now I'm still super interested to see what 2nd semester 2nd year looks like to see how much time is set aside for board prep and individual review. I think that's important and hope they share that with us soon. To go off of this, though, the dean comes from PCOM-GA (has experience opening a new school) and I believe the curriculum is based off of that. So the curriculum is proven to work. That's something that put my mind at ease a little bit.

That being said, if you're someone that's already accepted, hopefully you have time to let the accepted student day next month help affect your decision. I'm excited to see the building and hear about things they have planned for the school. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions 🙂 the things I listed above are all I could come up with from the top of my head at the moment!
 
The MU-COM DOCTOR Series has started. Volume 1 is in the portal for admitted and deposited students. Future volumes will be released weekly or bi-weekly.

MU-COM Admissions
 
I just got rejected too. Interviewed on the first and nailed it, IMO. FYI, they interviewed 21 that day and more the next day for 15 available spots. If you are interviewing and don't have mind blowing stats, proceed with caution.
 
osteosurge said:
... for 15 available spots. If you are interviewing and don't have mind blowing stats, proceed with caution.
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While in the general ballpark, the number of available seats--which is constantly in flux--is not entirely accurate. Finally, while admission is definitely more competitive later in the year (i.e., now), there will be seats available as long as we are interviewing (through April).

Primary application deadline is March 1st.
Supplemental application deadline is April 1st.

MU-COM Admissions

P.S. Please contact the admissions office for feedback on your application, if interested.
 
osteosurge said:
I just got rejected too. Interviewed on the first and nailed it, IMO. FYI, they interviewed 21 that day and more the next day for 15 available spots. If you are interviewing and don't have mind blowing stats, proceed with caution.
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I'm sorry this happened to you 🙁 maybe contact them and ask what specifically happened? Good luck with your other applications!
 
Did anybody who interviewed last weekend (2/1 or 2/2) get a call yet?
 
MU COM said:
The MU-COM DOCTOR Series has started. Volume 1 is in the portal for admitted and deposited students. Future volumes will be released weekly or bi-weekly.

MU-COM Admissions
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It continues to be great to have periodic updated from the school! Thanks for this and keep it coming!! 🙂

I wish every school did this
 
Anyone know when the revamped school website will be up?
 
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