Michigan State University (MSUCOM) Discussion Thread 2016-2017

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Could any current students comment on the accessibility to clinical research opportunities at any of the campuses? My guess is EL has all of the bench research, but was curious about clinical research as well. Seems as though Macomb is pretty close to a lot of the base hospitals (not sure if that has any correlation). Thanks in advanced for any help anybody may be able to offer!
 
Scrubs101 said:
Could any current students comment on the accessibility to clinical research opportunities at any of the campuses? My guess is EL has all of the bench research, but was curious about clinical research as well. Seems as though Macomb is pretty close to a lot of the base hospitals (not sure if that has any correlation). Thanks in advanced for any help anybody may be able to offer!
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Sure -- you're correct that EL has a lot of bench research opportunities with many good EL mentors (and some at DMC) listed at the below website. The real limitation to your ability to conduct research is having a practically useful amount of free time; I spent my first two years doing some translational research in EL which was interesting though not particularly productive due to time constraints.
http://com.msu.edu/Research/Mentor Pages/Research_Mentors.htm

As far as clinical work in particular, it's tough since we don't (yet) have a University hospital. There are usually plenty of research projects going on at some of the larger hospitals we can be based at for our third and fourth years, but it's not too easy, as far as I know, to get hooked into that during your first two years. Unfortunately, I didn't look too hard for clinical work during my first two years -- nor do I really know anything about the Macomb site -- so hopefully someone else can comment on that. I would contact someone in the COM Research office to look into that if you're particularly interested.
 
EspressoDrip42 said:
Dude you and me both. Keep reminding myself that Dr. Ruger did say acceptance calls should be happening within 30 days...
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Our lives right now ... in complete limbo. And every phone call I get makes my heart flutter.
 
SpartanWolverine said:
Sure -- you're correct that EL has a lot of bench research opportunities with many good EL mentors (and some at DMC) listed at the below website. The real limitation to your ability to conduct research is having a practically useful amount of free time; I spent my first two years doing some translational research in EL which was interesting though not particularly productive due to time constraints.
http://com.msu.edu/Research/Mentor Pages/Research_Mentors.htm

As far as clinical work in particular, it's tough since we don't (yet) have a University hospital. There are usually plenty of research projects going on at some of the larger hospitals we can be based at for our third and fourth years, but it's not too easy, as far as I know, to get hooked into that during your first two years. Unfortunately, I didn't look too hard for clinical work during my first two years -- nor do I really know anything about the Macomb site -- so hopefully someone else can comment on that. I would contact someone in the COM Research office to look into that if you're particularly interested.
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That you so much for the advice and the info!!

Just wondering what you meant by "yet" for a university hospital haha, is that something thats in the works??
I also heard some rumor from students that they were planning on eventually making a new EL building or something, any truth to that?


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Scrubs101 said:
That you so much for the advice and the info!!

Just wondering what you meant by "yet" for a university hospital haha, is that something thats in the works??
I also heard some rumor from students that they were planning on eventually making a new EL building or something, any truth to that?


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hah well... "In the works" is all relative. I believe both a hospital and new building, and/or a combination of both, have been discussed and planned to some degree. These things take a long, long time to get planning, sites, funding, University approval... etc. So there are plans, or at least concepts, but the timeline and scope is yet unknown! Dean Strampel had previously said that his last big effort at COM would be to get a new building done, so we'll see what happens. I mean, Fee does the job... but a new building would be nice. 😉

Edit: On that note: http://lansingcitypulse.com/article...-a-teaching-hospital-southwest-of-campus.html
 
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SpartanWolverine said:
hah well... "In the works" is all relative. I believe both a hospital and new building, and/or a combination of both, have been discussed and planned to some degree. These things take a long, long time to get planning, sites, funding, University approval... etc. So there are plans, or at least concepts, but the timeline and scope is yet unknown! Dean Strampel had previously said that his last big effort at COM would be to get a new building done, so we'll see what happens. I mean, Fee does the job... but a new building would be nice. 😉

Edit: On that note: http://lansingcitypulse.com/article...-a-teaching-hospital-southwest-of-campus.html
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That is sweet!! Even if the new campus or the teaching hospital dont happen while im still there lol, those are both very solid and needed improvements!


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how many weeks do MSU students have off to study for COMLEX 1/USMLE step 1? from the schedule it seems MSU students have summer classes after second year...or do they actually get time off for boards, if so how many? thank you for any help
 
SandSide said:
how many weeks do MSU students have off to study for COMLEX 1/USMLE step 1? from the schedule it seems MSU students have summer classes after second year...or do they actually get time off for boards, if so how many? thank you for any help
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I don't know if the curriculum changed since mine (class of 2016) but for me they gave us a solid 8 weeks with no classes to study for comlex which is significantly more than what other schools give
 
PKU said:
Hey guys, Canadian here.

Completed late December (missed my secondary deadline due to personal reasons, grandma passed away). They gave me an extension for my secondary which was really thoughtful of the admissions staff. I still have yet to hear anything back besides my application being complete email. Maybe I just need to be patient?
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MSU states that the most interested applicants apply by Sept. 1. Not to be harsh, but I would expect not to receive an interview (are they still interviewing?). Make an appointment with an admissions counselor and apply day one next cycle.
 
femmegoblue said:
MSU states that the most interested applicants apply by Sept. 1. Not to be harsh, but I would expect not to receive an interview (are they still interviewing?). Make an appointment with an admissions counselor and apply day one next cycle.
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That was my plan. But my circumstances did not allow me to at all. Like I'm talking about a 0% chance.

.
 
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PKU said:
That was my plan. But my circumstances did not allow me to at all. Like I'm talking about a 0% chance.

Sucks that they would extend my secondary if they knew I had no shot. Why not tell me it's too late at this point, please apply next cycle.
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$$$, and because they don't have a strict Sept. 1 cutoff for secondary submission, it's just suggested. Technically you have a shot and technically it's not too late, but realistically just look onward for next cycle.
 
PKU said:
Yup.. that's what I figured and that to be honest is what is pissing me off right now.

It's a shame if it was extended for that sole reason. For $100, wow.
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I'm not at all saying it was a money hungry decision, but the admissions staff isn't going to stop people from applying just because it's past the suggested deadline. It's suggested for a reason, though, and all I'm saying is I wouldn't put your eggs in the MSUCOM basket for this cycle.
 
PKU said:
Yeah you're right, it probabaly wasn't. I doubt an extra $100 would make a difference for them.

I'll just wait and be optimistic. You never know 🙂
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When I was there they said they are interviewing through the end of March. They also said the class is almost full. But I don't remember any specific numbers given out on that.
 
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jdautofill said:
When I was there they said they are interviewing through the end of March. They also said the class is almost full. But I don't remember any specific numbers given out on that.
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Thanks buddy, gives me some hope. Any idea if Canadian spots are full?

Hopefully there's 1 more spot left and no more Canadian apps besides mine, lmao.
 
PKU said:
Thanks buddy, gives me some hope. Any idea if Canadian spots are full?

Hopefully there's 1 more spot left and no more Canadian apps besides mine, lmao.
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Good question, I don't know specifically, but with the "Canadian initiative" they have going on there's at least 19 designated spots for Canucks. I'm guessing that means that's the minimum they'll take though and there will likely be more. There were a handful of Canadians there, maybe four? (this was last week)
 
jdautofill said:
Good question, I don't know specifically, but with the "Canadian initiative" they have going on there's at least 19 designated spots for Canucks. I'm guessing that means that's the minimum they'll take though and there will likely be more. There were a handful of Canadians there, maybe four? (this was last week)
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Awesome. Sorry I keep asking, but I promise this is the last question.

If you don't already know, DO's are considered as IMG's in the CarMs cycle. However, on MSUCOM's website they say that "MSUCOM IS considered as a non-Canadian approved medical school". Does that mean graduates are considered as CMG's (Canadian medical graduate) just as regular US MD and Canadian graduates? I tried asking Canadians but they have no clue...
 
PKU said:
Awesome. Sorry I keep asking, but I promise this is the last question.

If you don't already know, DO's are considered as IMG's in the CarMs cycle. However, on MSUCOM's website they say that "MSUCOM IS considered as a non-Canadian approved medical school". Does that mean graduates are considered as CMG's (Canadian medical graduate) just as regular US MD and Canadian graduates? I tried asking Canadians but they have no clue...
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Honestly, I don't know! I think this would be a good question for CarMs people, or anyone more familiar with that process, like current Canadians at MSU.
 
So question for matriculated students. Given that summer is anatomy only, were you able to enjoy the summer at all before the real **** hits the fan in the fall? I'm kinda bummed starting in June. I took anatomy in undergrad and did extremely well without attending lecture almost ever and of course going to cadaver lab every week. Obviously this is going to be more depthy but still. Anatomy can't be that bad, right? Can i camp or fish still?

lol im serious
 
JB50 said:
So question for matriculated students. Given that summer is anatomy only, were you able to enjoy the summer at all before the real **** hits the fan in the fall? I'm kinda bummed starting in June. I took anatomy in undergrad and did extremely well without attending lecture almost ever and of course going to cadaver lab every week. Obviously this is going to be more depthy but still. Anatomy can't be that bad, right? Can i camp or fish still?

lol im serious
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I enjoyed my summer and you will too. Takes a minute to get used to the pace but looking back on it now I didn't realize how much time we had. I pretty much just studied 40hrs during the week and had every other weekend off (we test every other week). You will definitely have time during anatomy. Make sure to enjoy it!...The Fall semester is the WORST! Prepare to feel like you are drowning and out of time for 15 weeks lol.



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DrPatriot said:
I enjoyed my summer and you will too. Takes a minute to get used to the pace but looking back on it now I didn't realize how much time we had. I pretty much just studied 40hrs during the week and had every other weekend off (we test every other week). You will definitely have time during anatomy. Make sure to enjoy it!...The Fall semester is the WORST! Prepare to feel like you are drowning and out of time for 15 weeks lol.



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Thanks! Did you have anatomy prior to med school?



incoming students: bars!
 
Yo so MSU's website is a bit hard to navigate for financial aid. When should we start applying for aid? Wish we would've gotten an email with this stuff lol.

edit: nvm, they bundle it under all of the prof. grad degrees.
 
JB50 said:
Yo so MSU's website is a bit hard to navigate for financial aid. When should we start applying for aid? Wish we would've gotten an email with this stuff lol.

edit: nvm, they bundle it under all of the prof. grad degrees.
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We need the NET ID to be able to fully do this, right? Does anyone have any idea when we get that information?
 
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femmegoblue said:
We need the NET ID to be able to fully do this, right? Does anyone have any idea when we get that information?
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I think you need to file for 2016-2017 to get aid for this summer.
 
JB50 said:
Thanks! Did you have anatomy prior to med school?



incoming students: bars!
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Yeah I had some anatomy background but it really doesn't matter. They start with the foundational stuff and build on it...At a fast pace lol...So everyone catches up really quickly.

In my opinion the best thing you can do is go to open lab. I went about twice a week for a couple hours. I found it really tied everything together for me.
 
DrPatriot said:
Yeah I had some anatomy background but it really doesn't matter. They start with the foundational stuff and build on it...At a fast pace lol...So everyone catches up really quickly.

In my opinion the best thing you can do is go to open lab. I went about twice a week for a couple hours. I found it really tied everything together for me.
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Eh, I think it will definitely be beneficial at least for me. We also had cadavers at my undergrad so that won't be something new. Did you attend lecture?
 
JB50 said:
Eh, I think it will definitely be beneficial at least for me. We also had cadavers at my undergrad so that won't be something new. Did you attend lecture?
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Your prior background will probably help you a little. I was just saying for the people who haven't had anatomy, don't sweat it. Anatomy also ties in having to read and know the anatomy through imaging (MRI, X-rays), and being able to palpate it on a living person.

To start out everyone will be in lecture and then it will die out. A lot of people watch the lectures at home. It is sort of a unwritten rule at the distance sites that if the lecturer is broadcasting from your site, you show up and be in class out of respect. Either way you need to watch lecture everyday.
 
Anyone have any idea if Canadian spots are still up for grabs?
 
II today! Can anyone shed some light on what to expect?
 
Congratulations on those who have and WILL be accepted! If there are any veterans who have questions about using their benefits (GI BILL or Voc rehab), please PM me. And those who just received II or are on waitlist, keep your hopes up! I received my II in January last year, was put on tier 1, and pulled off a month before the class started! Good luck everyone!
 
zincmask said:
Congratulations on those who have and WILL be accepted! If there are any veterans who have questions about using their benefits (GI BILL or Voc rehab), please PM me. And those who just received II or are on waitlist, keep your hopes up! I received my II in January last year, was put on tier 1, and pulled off a month before the class started! Good luck everyone!
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It's almost the end of January and I have yet to here anything back.. Canadian applicant
 
So I know Dr. Ruger mentioned at my interview that decisions and calls will be made within 30 days. Any correlation between a longer wait and a specific decision? I interviewed on the 13th and I am WAY too antsy about this wait 🙁🙁🙁
 
EspressoDrip42 said:
So I know Dr. Ruger mentioned at my interview that decisions and calls will be made within 30 days. Any correlation between a longer wait and a specific decision? I interviewed on the 13th and I am WAY too antsy about this wait 🙁🙁🙁
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I don't think you can read too much into the wait. The time to your decision depends on several factors, including, I believe, when your specific reviewer is able to attend the committee meeting and present you. Hope you hear some good news!
 
EspressoDrip42 said:
So I know Dr. Ruger mentioned at my interview that decisions and calls will be made within 30 days. Any correlation between a longer wait and a specific decision? I interviewed on the 13th and I am WAY too antsy about this wait 🙁🙁🙁
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Try not to stress, I got my acceptance literally 4 weeks on the dot. My friend who was complete later than I was and interviewed later got his acceptance in a day shy of 2 weeks. So I really believe it just depends on when your file gets looked at
 
EspressoDrip42 said:
So I know Dr. Ruger mentioned at my interview that decisions and calls will be made within 30 days. Any correlation between a longer wait and a specific decision? I interviewed on the 13th and I am WAY too antsy about this wait 🙁🙁🙁
Click to expand...
I'm right there with you. Let me be bold by admitting this, but MSUCOM was the only school I applied to. I put myself at a huge risk by doing this, but no other school made me feel the way MSU did; plus, I'm MSU alum. So, ... I understand the pressure. I interviewed on the 12th and ever since, whenever my phone rings my heart stops, my stomach churns, and my adrenaline shoots through the roof.
 
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