MCW Class of 2014!!!!

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Hey all, I was kind of wondering this same thing as well. At the interview they mentioned that about half of the M1 class will participate in the summer research program. For current students, have any of you participated in this program and if so, was it easy to find projects that interested you or was it pretty competitive and you kind of take what you can get? Also, are any of you graduating with the "distinction in research?"

Thanks so much for your help; I really loved MCW.

I did research. If you looked for a preceptor immediately after the announcement of the research program (I forget when it was) instead of dillydallying. It was possible to find a good program.

I was going to graduate with an honors in research, but about the time I was going to work on research, I had emergency surgery, and I never made it back into the lab. I gave up on it at that point. I had friends who did it.
 
Hey all, I was kind of wondering this same thing as well. At the interview they mentioned that about half of the M1 class will participate in the summer research program. For current students, have any of you participated in this program and if so, was it easy to find projects that interested you or was it pretty competitive and you kind of take what you can get? Also, are any of you graduating with the "distinction in research?"

Thanks so much for your help; I really loved MCW.

I think they may over estimate the number of people doing research - I feel like they maybe push it a little harder than some students would like. That said, there is no requirement to do research yet there is ample opportunity to find something if you want. Graduating with a research distinction is very possible as well, though I suggest finding someone who has done it to talk with.
 
I never understood the point of honors in research since it's just 4 more weeks.
 
Hey Class of 2014! Congrats on getting accepted!

For those of you asking questions about the curriculum changes, I figured it would be useful just to know what the changes that have already been made are.

This year we started to Pathways Program. In essence, you chose between the 5 pathways (Master Clinician, Urban/Community Health, Global Health, Physician Scientist, and Clinician Educator.) This year we spent the first semester as an introduction to the Pathways, and at the end of the semester we chose a pathway. I am in the Master Clinician Pathway, so I can only comment on how that one works. Basically, this semester we are responsible for 4 core hours and 6 non-core hours each month as well as finding an advisor who will look in on us from time to time. So pretty much, Pathways is one extra class that will take up about 10 hours per month.

The second change that was made was that our Physiology class is becoming more problem based learning. In past years, there were lectures every day covering all the topics in the Cardiovascular block. This year, we still had lectures, but they were much looser, less note oriented and more focused on us finding the information for ourselves and then learning more about it in class. We "lectures" were led by a Ph.D and a Cardiologist, and they used lots of cases to explain what they wanted us to learn. The kinks are still being worked out, and since this was the first time it was done, the standards may very well change for next year. This year's M1s are going to review the course and our opinions are taken into account and the class can be different next year.

This year there is a pilot program for the respiratory block. There are ~20 people in the pilot program (I am one, so feel free to ask questions about it - it starts late March). Basically, the 20 students will be in clinic for 2 weeks learning about the respiratory system while the rest of the class has normal lectures. All the students will take the same test at the end of the block. Next year, the respiratory block will become similar to what the CV block was this year. Lots of individual learning, no notes, no straight lectures etc.

The last major change was that 20% of the curriculum has been cut. Half of that time has gone to the Pathways program, the product of which was that there are no longer classes on Fridays except when your pathway is meeting (once per month for Master Clinician). The other half of this time is to be used for self study and allows the students more time for themselves as opposed to being in class all day. The outcome of all of this was that the first semester classes were not cumulative (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Development).

Overall, the changes are being made to help the students. They are supposed to give us more time and a better resume for residency applications (which is what Pathways is supposed to do). Since this is the first year any changes were made, everything is subject to change for next year. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
 
Something I don't get about the Pathways program is how Master Clinician would help in the long run. For instance, for Physician Scientist, I'm guessing you have a good chance at getting published which would help. How does Master Clinician aid you in making your residency application? How does it prepare you better than one's clinical years? Isn't there already early clinical exposure in place for all MS1s and 2s?
 
Something I don't get about the Pathways program is how Master Clinician would help in the long run. For instance, for Physician Scientist, I'm guessing you have a good chance at getting published which would help. How does Master Clinician aid you in making your residency application? How does it prepare you better than one's clinical years? Isn't there already early clinical exposure in place for all MS1s and 2s?
I'm not in the Master Clinician pathway myself, but the general impression is its more of a catch-all to just reemphasize other stuff. They get non-core credit for extra hours spent shadowing or learning about other specialties, and (as I understand it, cubsox2000 can correct me) spend a lot of their core time going over material that will come in handy, like board strategies/questions. They don't get credit for any mandatory clinical experiences that *everyone* is doing, but there's plenty of opportunities to get more than that.

The other pathways are more specific. Clinician educator (my pathway) spent the last session going over different teaching styles and how to address them, Physician Scientist went over how to do a lit search (and talked about their individual projects), and Urban & Community health was going through some information about racial sensitivity among physicians. I'm not entirely sure what the Global Health pathway has been doing, as its one of the smaller ones and I didn't hear anyone mention it.

The Master Clinician pathway aids you just by giving you credit for more clinical exposure, but most of us would be getting that anyway. Physician scientist aids you by getting you more credit for research, but a large portion of the class that's not in that pathway is doing it anyway. Urban and Community Health/Clinician Educator/Global Health give you credit for various volunteer opportunities that a bunch of people are doing anyway. etc.

People just picked the pathway that included topics that most interested them, and with the programs more fleshed out now that they've run a year, it will be even easier for you guys. Don't sweat the decision too much, and if you're disappointed, you're allowed to change at the end of the year.
 
The Master Clinician pathway involves writing up a Learning Plan and working through it with your clinical mentor - the plan (im assuming, haven't written mine yet) should be focused enough on building your desired clinical skills that the portfolio that you end up with after the four years will be a great CV addition.

Clinical exposure is in place during M1 year, but the requirement is only 6 half-days in the clinic for the whole year. There are other things you can do, but the MC pathway stuff is more of a CV builder with regards to a 'clinical competencies portfolio.'
 
Something I don't get about the Pathways program is how Master Clinician would help in the long run. For instance, for Physician Scientist, I'm guessing you have a good chance at getting published which would help. How does Master Clinician aid you in making your residency application? How does it prepare you better than one's clinical years? Isn't there already early clinical exposure in place for all MS1s and 2s?

As far as core hours are concerned, raryn is correct. We spent our last session talking with orthopaedic surgeons about musculoskeletal related topics. We looked at cases, came up with differential diagnoses, looked at x-rays, etc. A portion of what we did was look at some possible USMLE Step 1 questions involving the musculoskeletal system (big plus for the future 😀) , but we spent the majority of our time discussing cases. As for non-core hours, as capitatwo said, we need to come up with a learning plan, have it approved, and then go do it. It should focus on getting more clinical experience (i.e. shadowing beyond mentor requirements). In general, anything that applies to clinical experience counts (for example, I attended a 3 hour lab on how to intubate and start IVs, and those hours will count towards my non-core for the month).

There are lots of ways to get clinical experience during M1 and M2 beyond the mentor program. There is a Saturday Free Clinic that a lot of students do (which you do not count towards Master Clinician, because then it becomes part of class time, and won't show up on your CV as extracurricular), many of the doctors who come to lecture us are willing to have students shadow them during the week, there are flu clinics, etc. Don't worry about experience M1 and M2 years, cause you'll get it.
 
Hey Guys,

I was wondering if any current students at MCW could clear things up for me.

I was looking at the COA for my state school and it looks like it totals to about
~50K, but several students told me that they usually only take out about ~45K because they the budget overestimates many things.

http://www.umdnj.edu/studentfinancialaid/app_process/10 Budgets/NJMS 0910.pdf

Now, MCW's budget is ~54K, but it seems really tight to me compared to the budget at other schools I've been accepted to.
http://www.mcw.edu/display/router.aspx?DocID=959

For example NJMS personal vs MCW personal is ~4K to ~1K
NJMS transportation 4K vs MCW transportation ~2

I think NJMS over-budgets, according to current students, but do current MCW students feel that its budget is realistic? Do many of your parents chip in on any kind of routine basis?

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but the difference in the tuition isn't that much if MCW really costs that much.
 
it's about right if you don't splurge too much. Milwaukee is fairly cheap to live in. You are also given $700 total for rent + utilities, if you share with a roommate you probably only pay $500 per person so that's extra $200 saved up for you to spend on other things.
 
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Ya, the cost is about right. Living in Milwaukee is pretty cheap, so it will drop the COA. Most people I know did not take the full loans either. I think the budget is pretty accurate and definitely liveable.
 
Hey Guys,

I was wondering if any current students at MCW could clear things up for me.

I was looking at the COA for my state school and it looks like it totals to about
~50K, but several students told me that they usually only take out about ~45K because they the budget overestimates many things.

http://www.umdnj.edu/studentfinancialaid/app_process/10 Budgets/NJMS 0910.pdf

Now, MCW's budget is ~54K, but it seems really tight to me compared to the budget at other schools I've been accepted to.
http://www.mcw.edu/display/router.aspx?DocID=959

For example NJMS personal vs MCW personal is ~4K to ~1K
NJMS transportation 4K vs MCW transportation ~2

I think NJMS over-budgets, according to current students, but do current MCW students feel that its budget is realistic? Do many of your parents chip in on any kind of routine basis?

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but the difference in the tuition isn't that much if MCW really costs that much.

Yea, the budget is pretty much accurate. Living in Milwaukee isn't expensive. You will be fine with loans.

On a side note, for the living expenses, remember that they're budgeting only for the academic year (10 months) so for summer you're on your own. If you use your money wisely, you'll be able to live off your loan money for all 12 months though. And you can also do internships/research during the summer to cover summer costs.
 
Yea, the budget is pretty much accurate. Living in Milwaukee isn't expensive. You will be fine with loans.

On a side note, for the living expenses, remember that they're budgeting only for the academic year (10 months) so for summer you're on your own. If you use your money wisely, you'll be able to live off your loan money for all 12 months though. And you can also do internships/research during the summer to cover summer costs.
I think the summer between M1 and M2 is the only one that leaves you without financial aid. I could be wrong, but I think M2-M4 is considered one continuous stretch.
 
I think the summer between M1 and M2 is the only one that leaves you without financial aid. I could be wrong, but I think M2-M4 is considered one continuous stretch.

Looks like you're right. If you look at the dates, pretty much summer between first and second year is the only time loan money doesn't officially cover costs.

For you M0's you have just learned your first important lesson. Your wise upperclassmen know best, LOL.

http://www.mcw.edu/medicalschool/finaidcosts.htm
 
hey folks, thought i'd say hi! there's a good chance i'll be in the mstp next year, so i'd be in your class for two years.

anyone else thinking about coming?
 
hey folks, thought i'd say hi! there's a good chance i'll be in the mstp next year, so i'd be in your class for two years.

anyone else thinking about coming?

I'm really excited about MCW and it's in my top two as of now. I'm revisiting campus here in a few days and hoping to make my final decision soon after. Anyone else in a similar situation?
 
I'm really considering it. It's one of my top choices, but I'm hesitant to go so far from home (It's not really THAT far, I'm from Jersey). I want to come back to the North East for residency and I don't want to make that difficult.

But, on the other hand, I LOVED this school on my interview day. (Also, even though MCW tuition is cheap for a private school) I have an acceptance in state and a high wait-list in a state that gives in-state tuition after a year.

I'm planning to go look at the school and the area again soon as well.
 
Well, if you guys have any questions for us current students, post 'em and they'll get plenty of feedback.
 
I'm really considering it. It's one of my top choices, but I'm hesitant to go so far from home (It's not really THAT far, I'm from Jersey). I want to come back to the North East for residency and I don't want to make that difficult.

But, on the other hand, I LOVED this school on my interview day. (Also, even though MCW tuition is cheap for a private school) I have an acceptance in state and a high wait-list in a state that gives in-state tuition after a year.

I'm planning to go look at the school and the area again soon as well.
Go where you think you'll be the happiest, based on whatever is important to you (location, weather, family, etc). If there's a big cost discrepancy, I'd also say to pick the cheaper one.

I just can't believe the the Class of 2010 thread is going to pass into the ranks of alumni in just a few months. I remember reading it over 4 years ago thinking about how far away that date sounded...
 
Go where you think you'll be the happiest, based on whatever is important to you (location, weather, family, etc). If there's a big cost discrepancy, I'd also say to pick the cheaper one.

I just can't believe the the Class of 2010 thread is going to pass into the ranks of alumni in just a few months. I remember reading it over 4 years ago thinking about how far away that date sounded...
There isn't that big of a cost discrepancy, estimated COA of my state school is ~50K and MCW is ~54K. Thanks for the advice. I think my problem is I'm not sure what is most important to me, if you know what I mean. MCW "felt" right at the interview day. I liked it much more than my state school. But, I'm pretty close with my family, and my state school is less than an hour away from home.

And, superficially, I'm not a big fan of winter, but it's not like I have an option in the south.

Thanks for your advice!
 
Very excited about my acceptance to here. This was definitely my favorite interview experience. Plus, it's cheaper compared to other private schools. Yeah...don't have much to say, it's just that this thread is so quiet compared to last year's thread. Do any of you know how people will be selected for the new curriculum? I was thinking about emailing Michael Istwan about it since I'd be interested in it.

I went back for a second look on February 9th and met with Kelly Benzschawel ([email protected]) and Terry Frederick ([email protected]) to speak with them about the new curriculum. Kelly is who Mike Istwan will direct you to if you want to indicate your interest in the new program. They told me that they had not yet decided how many people would be selected for the program, nor how they would make the selection, and they didn't know when they would have this information.
 
You probably shouldn't post their e-mail addresses. Spam bots have their ways of crawling web pages looking for e-mail addresses to harvest.
 
giraffeforlunch: Thanks for the information. If I go here, I might email one of them. Right now it's looking highly likely that I'll end up at MCW.


How's the white coat ceremony? I forgot if it was MCW, but I remember at one school the deans fell asleep during the ceremony.
 
Hey guys,

I know that MCW doesn't own a hospital, which I think is unusual (correct me if I'm wrong) for an allopathic school. Are there any problems associated with this? I couldn't think of any, but I know that a lot of students that go to DO schools (that also don't have their own hospitals) have problems with rotations, so I thought I'd ask.
 
Hey guys,

I know that MCW doesn't own a hospital, which I think is unusual (correct me if I'm wrong) for an allopathic school. Are there any problems associated with this? I couldn't think of any, but I know that a lot of students that go to DO schools (that also don't have their own hospitals) have problems with rotations, so I thought I'd ask.

Um.....did they not mention Froedtert and Children's right next to school???

And there are some other hospitals/clinics in the community I think. I won't be on rotations any time soon, but I'm pretty sure they are not a problem.
 
Hey guys,

I know that MCW doesn't own a hospital, which I think is unusual (correct me if I'm wrong) for an allopathic school. Are there any problems associated with this? I couldn't think of any, but I know that a lot of students that go to DO schools (that also don't have their own hospitals) have problems with rotations, so I thought I'd ask.
They don't "own" a hospital, but they're on the same campus as and connected-to Froedtert, one of the biggest (the biggest?) hospitals in Wisconsin. Also, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is on the same campus (and is connected by a bridge), and is the #3 Children's Hospital in the country.

We have rotations, residencies, and fellowships in every single specialty you can think of, and I've personally heard offers to shadow physicians ranging from radiation oncologists to anesthesiologists to emergency medical providers. Theres plenty of classmates who even have plastic surgeon mentors. The upper classmen would be better to talk about clinical rotation opportunities, but I cannot imagine that we're at all deficient in those.

Froedtert/MCW being separate is an administrative issue that doesn't affect us in the least. I wouldn't be surprised if its not just for some obscure tax reason.
 
Hey guys,

I know that MCW doesn't own a hospital, which I think is unusual (correct me if I'm wrong) for an allopathic school. Are there any problems associated with this? I couldn't think of any, but I know that a lot of students that go to DO schools (that also don't have their own hospitals) have problems with rotations, so I thought I'd ask.

Harvard doesn't "own" any hospitals either; I think it works out fine for them. Just sayin
 
giraffeforlunch: Thanks for the information. If I go here, I might email one of them. Right now it's looking highly likely that I'll end up at MCW.


How's the white coat ceremony? I forgot if it was MCW, but I remember at one school the deans fell asleep during the ceremony.

The white coat ceremony is like any other ceremony... Makes me want to walk out and leave. I can't stand these stupid ceremonies.

I did say that a dean fell asleep on stage, but that was 5 years ago, and they've changed the location. We were in a freaking hot gym, and I wanted to fall asleep too.
 
It's a big deal for the parents, but all I cared about was not tripping on stage...


Speaking of ceremonies, that reminded me of my dad telling me that when he graduated from the UW med school back in '77 people were repeatedly popping champagne corks onto the stage during the keynote...
 
Hey guys,

I know that MCW doesn't own a hospital, which I think is unusual (correct me if I'm wrong) for an allopathic school. Are there any problems associated with this? I couldn't think of any, but I know that a lot of students that go to DO schools (that also don't have their own hospitals) have problems with rotations, so I thought I'd ask.
I don't think it's unusual. Like someone else said, Harvard doesn't own MGH or B&W, I don't think WashU owns Barnes, CCLM certainly doesn't own the Cleveland Clinic, etc. I think if you go to a school that is University of State with a University of State Hospital next to it, then the school probably owns the hospital, but otherwise many (most?) don't own the hospital.

Froedtert doesn't have a single physician that isn't MCW faculty, so the relationship is extremely tight. Froedtert would also come to a screeching halt without all the MCWAH (MCW affiliated hospitals) residents. So no, it's absolutely not a problem.
 
It's a big deal for the parents, but all I cared about was not tripping on stage...


Speaking of ceremonies, that reminded me of my dad telling me that when he graduated from the UW med school back in '77 people were repeatedly popping champagne corks onto the stage during the keynote...
I highly recommend looking at the 'staches on the guys in the class photos from the mid-seventies.
 
I highly recommend looking at the 'staches on the guys in the class photos from the mid-seventies.

Yeah, some of those pics really show the culture of the era. If you go back far enough, they are holding cigarettes in the class pics... They are always worth a look.
 
So how's driving in the snow? Anyone from non-snowy areas have tips or advice? 😛
 
So how's driving in the snow? Anyone from non-snowy areas have tips or advice? 😛

Driving in the snow is fun. If you feel uneasy about it, find an open parking lot to slide around in after the first snow. It is easy enough to get used to, but never trust anyone else, always be aware. It is better to be 20 minutes late because you drove slow than 2 weeks late because you total your car.
 
hey guys,
thanks again for answering our questions.

I have a quick one about the curriculum (again). We got an email from Mike Istwan telling us to read this letter and submit a survey on how likely we would be to volunteer for the pilot. Part of the letter was:

During your medical school interview day, we presented our new curriculum model. As we highlighted during that session, a pilot of the new curriculum will begin with a small group of students from your class. The pilot will incorporate case based learning to provide the foundational knowledge and early exposure to patients to assure application of that knowledge.

Am I reading too much into it, or does it kind of seem like the pilot for the new curriculum will encompass everything, rather than just a couple courses? I'm probably wrong, but the wording makes it kind of seem like that. I'm just wondering about it because if it's a total segregation, that might be a bit isolating. I'm sure we'll be getting more info later, but I don't know if that will come pre-/post-May 15.

Anyways, just wanted to see if anyone had any inside information 🙂
 
hey guys,
thanks again for answering our questions.

I have a quick one about the curriculum (again). We got an email from Mike Istwan telling us to read this letter and submit a survey on how likely we would be to volunteer for the pilot. Part of the letter was:



Am I reading too much into it, or does it kind of seem like the pilot for the new curriculum will encompass everything, rather than just a couple courses? I'm probably wrong, but the wording makes it kind of seem like that. I'm just wondering about it because if it's a total segregation, that might be a bit isolating. I'm sure we'll be getting more info later, but I don't know if that will come pre-/post-May 15.

Anyways, just wanted to see if anyone had any inside information 🙂
Current students won't know much about next years pilot program, but the impression I've gotten is that next years pilot will include them integrating the entire curriculum.

I don't have any idea about how much time you'll be spending with the rest of the class, but I can't imagine they won't include you in the labs with everyone else. You should probably email someone in charge of actually arranging it to find out more details.
 
So how's driving in the snow? Anyone from non-snowy areas have tips or advice? 😛

Have newish all-weather tires (snow tires are not necessary) and get your brakes checked. Drive gently and carefully, stop well in advance, and don't freak out if your car fishtails or slides just a little bit when you take a corner when it's really slick out. It doesn't mean you did anything bad.

You'll be fine.
 
Have newish all-weather tires (snow tires are not necessary) and get your brakes checked. Drive gently and carefully, stop well in advance, and don't freak out if your car fishtails or slides just a little bit when you take a corner when it's really slick out. It doesn't mean you did anything bad.

You'll be fine.

That's good to hear. I thought I was going to have to buy a set of all-weather and snow tires.
 
So how's driving in the snow? Anyone from non-snowy areas have tips or advice? 😛

Ironic to me

Not so much because people, like I, who hail from warm climates tend to be more careful with driving in the snow than people who grew up driving in it every year and forget that they need to be more careful.

I dread the first day of snow (and the first day of heavy rain in Arizona) after long breaks because people forget how to drive (in both places, and in Arizona, the roads become noticeably more slick).

I know plenty of people from WI who have had wrecks in the snow/ice. Fortunately, I haven't had one. I'm hoping that I won't in the next 3.5 years that I'm here.

Another snow driving tip to add to samenewme's, if you start sliding, don't slam on the breaks -- accelerating works better.
 
Hey can someone tell me if the school gives out a lot of institutional aid? How much do they look at your parents' income for that? Has anyone been denied any?
 
On the interview day, I thought I heard that the presentation slides for the pilot curriculum would be available for incoming students. Could anyone let me know if I misheard this or if not, where can I find the information related to the pilot program?
Thanks!
 
Am I reading too much into it, or does it kind of seem like the pilot for the new curriculum will encompass everything, rather than just a couple courses? I'm probably wrong, but the wording makes it kind of seem like that. I'm just wondering about it because if it's a total segregation, that might be a bit isolating. I'm sure we'll be getting more info later, but I don't know if that will come pre-/post-May 15.

Anyways, just wanted to see if anyone had any inside information 🙂

I was wondering this as well. The new curriculum sounds like a nice idea, but I also would like to make sure I can fully interact with the rest of my class. I'll be revisiting campus next week and I'll be sure to ask Mr. Istwan lots of questions about the curriculum. On that note, if any other prospective students are thinking about revisiting MCW I would highly recommend contacting the admissions office. I'm getting to shadow an M2 for the morning, have lunch with him (provided by the school) and then Mr. Istwan is giving my parents and I tour afterward. I couldn't ask for a better gig!
 
Thanks for the snow advice! Buuut why is it ironic...confused...
 
Current students won't know much about next years pilot program, but the impression I've gotten is that next years pilot will include them integrating the entire curriculum.

I don't have any idea about how much time you'll be spending with the rest of the class, but I can't imagine they won't include you in the labs with everyone else. You should probably email someone in charge of actually arranging it to find out more details.
thanks. I wonder how small the pilot group will be.

I was wondering this as well. The new curriculum sounds like a nice idea, but I also would like to make sure I can fully interact with the rest of my class. I'll be revisiting campus next week and I'll be sure to ask Mr. Istwan lots of questions about the curriculum. On that note, if any other prospective students are thinking about revisiting MCW I would highly recommend contacting the admissions office. I'm getting to shadow an M2 for the morning, have lunch with him (provided by the school) and then Mr. Istwan is giving my parents and I tour afterward. I couldn't ask for a better gig!
wow. I was disappointed that there's no revisit day, but maybe I can do something like what you have planned.

Thanks for the snow advice! Buuut why is it ironic...confused...
just a guess, but maybe because your user name has snow in it?
 
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