New Mexico, anyone?

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Thanks gang, I hate to sound trivial but the MD/PhD thing could go the other way too. They have a lot of Family Practice docs on the admissions committee that may not like my research tendencies. We'll see, lets just make it through the next few weeks!

-Somni
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Somni, how did you hear about being # 2 for the MD/PhD slot? Did they call you up and tell you?

It would be really great if one of the FP docs on the admissions committee just so happens to be one of the ones I work with and who thinks I'm better than sliced bread.

How many days of torture left? Somebody should start a countdown. Does anyone know if the non-rolling admissions acceptance letters are sent via certified mail? I know the rejection letters are regular mail. 🙁
 
jinx520 said:
Somni, how did you hear about being # 2 for the MD/PhD slot? Did they call you up and tell you?

It would be really great if one of the FP docs on the admissions committee just so happens to be one of the ones I work with and who thinks I'm better than sliced bread.

How many days of torture left? Somebody should start a countdown. Does anyone know if the non-rolling admissions acceptance letters are sent via certified mail? I know the rejection letters are regular mail. 🙁
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The non-rolling letters are sent cert. mail! Good luck! It truly is the final countdown. 🙂 :xf:
 
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Eye of the tiger, Rock! Eye of the tiger!
 
OMG! When are the acceptances coming out? March 15th? I looked at the calendar and got a stomachache. All these months of waiting for March; now that it's around the corner I think I'm going to throw up.

If my hair wasn't so long, silky, and beautiful, I would be pulling it out right about now. Yes, I know I'm vain.
 
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In regards to the MD/PhD program, I received a letter about a week after the interviews that said they offered someone else the spot, but that they rated my application high. I then set up an appointment with the director of the program later that day and he informed me that I was the "runner up" and that if this guy decided to go somewhere else I would be accepted. I would like to believe the letter and the director but honestly I'm not sure if I do. I'm just hoping for good news on the regular admissions front. If I get accepted next month then I will think about applying again for the MD/PhD next year, but by then who knows how I'll feel about research.
I have been working with healthcare for the homeless for the last month, and I am already questioning my focus on cancer. I have always like Dr. Drew, and I think there is a great deal of need for addiction doctors across the country, especially in the southwest. I have had a few friends that have been through hell with drugs, and meeting and working with these people in the last few weeks has really opened my eyes. I think if I am forced to apply again I will not be so naive to think that I know what path of medicine I will work towards without seeing all of the specialties (or general practice).

Good luck to all those in my same boat!

Somni
 
Somni, I think that if you were #2 for the mudfud slot you definitely have a slot come March. I know you won't relax 'til you get the Golden Ticket, but hopefully you'll be able to avoid pulling your hair out. We all know that not everyone can have hair as long, silky, and beautiful as mine.

Seriously, though, you'll be fine. Just hang in there . 🙂
 
somniforum said:
In regards to the MD/PhD program, I received a letter about a week after the interviews that said they offered someone else the spot, but that they rated my application high. I then set up an appointment with the director of the program later that day and he informed me that I was the "runner up" and that if this guy decided to go somewhere else I would be accepted. I would like to believe the letter and the director but honestly I'm not sure if I do. I'm just hoping for good news on the regular admissions front. If I get accepted next month then I will think about applying again for the MD/PhD next year, but by then who knows how I'll feel about research.
I have been working with healthcare for the homeless for the last month, and I am already questioning my focus on cancer. I have always like Dr. Drew, and I think there is a great deal of need for addiction doctors across the country, especially in the southwest. I have had a few friends that have been through hell with drugs, and meeting and working with these people in the last few weeks has really opened my eyes. I think if I am forced to apply again I will not be so naive to think that I know what path of medicine I will work towards without seeing all of the specialties (or general practice).

Good luck to all those in my same boat!

Somni
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Hey Somni,



Have you heard about the Suboxone Bill that was passed in NM Legislature? At the clinic I was volunteering, the physician is one of only a few in NM who is able to prescribe this medication. Now I think the state is opening their eyes to the drug/addiction problem we have here in New Mexico, and are moving forward to increase access to this drug.
 
Do they actually mail all of them out on March 13th or do it slowly during the first couple of weeks in March? Being across the country, I'd be inclined just to call in on the 13th and see if I got in.
 
Barfalamule said:
Do they actually mail all of them out on March 13th or do it slowly during the first couple of weeks in March? Being across the country, I'd be inclined just to call in on the 13th and see if I got in.
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That's a good question for all of us waiting anxiously! I wish I knew when I should start shivering by my mailbox.
 
I'm really excited for all of you, it'll be great to figure out who's going to be in the fall class. About the acceptances...I rushed home on the day I was supposed to be notified to find nothing in my mailbox. The next day is when I found the postcard to pick up certified mail at the post office. So it might be that March 15 is when they send out the letters. Not sure, just so you're prepared. I was pretty pissed because I had been waiting for months for October 1st and an extra day seemed like an eternity.
 
anyone in this thread graduated from Los Alamos highschool?
 
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Handy388 said:
anyone in this thread graduated from Los Alamos highschool?
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no, I graduated on Guam.


OMG, guys, February is almost over! That's a little over two weeks before we find out. Unless I get waitlisted, and UNM decides to prolong my misery just for sh*ts and giggles. I don't even want to think about what I'm going to do if I don't get in. Think positively , I always say.
 
my girlfriend is from Los Alamos, and during a visit there over the winter, I fell in love with new mexico. I been thinking about practicing there one day.
 
Handy388 said:
my girlfriend is from Los Alamos, and during a visit there over the winter, I fell in love with new mexico. I been thinking about practicing there one day.
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Rightfully so. New Mexico kicks all kinds of ass. (oh and I went to high school in Albuquerque but some of my cousins went to Los Alamos)
 
does NM have physician shortage? Say if I do a radiology or general surgery residency in NYC, will I be able to practice there? Or would I have to have stronger regional tie.

Does one's partner's home state considered as regional tie?
 
Handy388 said:
does NM have physician shortage? Say if I do a radiology or general surgery residency in NYC, will I be able to practice there? Or would I have to have stronger regional tie.

Does one's partner's home state considered as regional tie?
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I don't know if a GF's home state is considered a regional tie; it might be different for a spouse, though. As for the physician shortage, the last time I checked, only 2 out of 30 or so counties weren't considered medically underserved. But that was years ago, don't know what it is now. I imagine it hasn't changed much, though, from what I've seen. I think UNM's retention rate is still at about 30 percent, so that's about 23 new physicians that the school turns out. I'm not sure what the attrition rate or rate of physicians moving here from out of state is, either.
 
New Mexico is really underserved. My interviewer and I spent some time talking about this. He said that NM is having a difficult time keeping physicians that the state is going to extend the loan forgiveness program to anyone who wants to stay in NM, not just family practitioners.
 
atalkinghead said:
New Mexico is really underserved. My interviewer and I spent some time talking about this. He said that NM is having a difficult time keeping physicians that the state is going to extend the loan forgiveness program to anyone who wants to stay in NM, not just family practitioners.
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I am going to NM.
 
Danbo1957 said:
Update: 30/33 NM counties are MUA:

"New Mexico's Health Profession Shortage and Medically Underserved Areas"

http://hsc.unm.edu/som/outreach/documents/NMpartnershipModels.pdf.pdf
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That's the same statistic I gave my interviewer. It's pretty sad that NM cannot retain physicians. That's why when my interviewer asked what was a pressing healthcare issue in NM I mentioned lack of adequate health care across the state before I mentioned alcoholism, diabetes, hep c, etc. How can we even begin to talk about treating these problems without addressing the real problem first?
 
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atalkinghead said:
That's the same statistic I gave my interviewer. It's pretty sad that NM cannot retain physicians. That's why when my interviewer asked what was a pressing healthcare issue in NM I mentioned lack of adequate health care across the state before I mentioned alcoholism, diabetes, hep c, etc. How can we even begin to talk about treating these problems without addressing the real problem first?
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Yup, and what's worse is that even in Bernalillo County (which I presume has the best access in the state) is lacking in some areas. Not only have I heard friends and family complain of this same thing, but I have personal experience as well. Even though I've been adequately insured, I still have had a ton of trouble finding a primary care doctor who's accepting new patients. Nevermind that the last 3 primary doctors I've had have all moved away. And lets not even talk about mental health services. After being bounced around for months and desparetely needing to see someone, my doctor finally just told me to go to the ED if I needed to since someone would have to see me.

I've also lived in Dona Ana county (which I also presume to not be one of the 30 counties) and things were worse than Bernalillo. I honestly cannot imagine how it is in the rest of the state. It's really, really sad.
 
Bernalillo is officially "underserved" for much of the county.

crazydiamond said:
Yup, and what's worse is that even in Bernalillo County (which I presume has the best access in the state) is lacking in some areas. Not only have I heard friends and family complain of this same thing, but I have personal experience as well. Even though I've been adequately insured, I still have had a ton of trouble finding a primary care doctor who's accepting new patients. Nevermind that the last 3 primary doctors I've had have all moved away. And lets not even talk about mental health services. After being bounced around for months and desparetely needing to see someone, my doctor finally just told me to go to the ED if I needed to since someone would have to see me.

I've also lived in Dona Ana county (which I also presume to not be one of the 30 counties) and things were worse than Bernalillo. I honestly cannot imagine how it is in the rest of the state. It's really, really sad.
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crazydiamond said:
Yup, and what's worse is that even in Bernalillo County (which I presume has the best access in the state) is lacking in some areas.
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The South Valley is part of Bern. county and is extremely underserved.
 
I doubt their is a county in the United States that isn't "underserved", even San Diego county is considered underserved. Also, I feel that it is your obligation to find the best residency, whether here or another state. Too much inbreeding produces stagnant healthcare and a lack of fresh ideas. If you want to have a rural practice, then it is a good idea to do a residency here, but if you want to do anything else then find the school with the best reputation for that specialty and try to get in. You should want to come back of course after your residency, but sometimes that is difficult unless you have some connections. UNM needs to harbor good connections with its medical students so it is easy for people that leave for residency to come back and practice in the state.
 
somniforum said:
I doubt their is a county in the United States that isn't "underserved", even San Diego county is considered underserved. Also, I feel that it is your obligation to find the best residency, whether here or another state. Too much inbreeding produces stagnant healthcare and a lack of fresh ideas. If you want to have a rural practice, then it is a good idea to do a residency here, but if you want to do anything else then find the school with the best reputation for that specialty and try to get in. You should want to come back of course after your residency, but sometimes that is difficult unless you have some connections. UNM needs to harbor good connections with its medical students so it is easy for people that leave for residency to come back and practice in the state.
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I don't disagree with you about trying to find the best residency in one's chosen field. With the loan forgiveness program, you don't have to stay in NM to do your residency.
 
It's nice to know that they are expanding the loan forgiveness program. I hope.
 
atalkinghead said:
Hey Jinx, seen any good movies lately?
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No, the last one I saw was The Pink Panther. I think I want to watch Push this weekend, though. Did anyone see it yet? I also want to watch Watchmen when it comes out.
 
jinx520 said:
No, the last one I saw was The Pink Panther. I think I want to watch Push this weekend, though. Did anyone see it yet? I also want to watch Watchmen when it comes out.
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I will be going to see Watchmen at midnight and I leave for Mexico at like 0530 that day. I love the graphic novel so I'm hoping the movie will at least be decent.
 
atalkinghead said:
The South Valley is part of Bern. county and is extremely underserved.
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You're absolutely right about that! The south valley is definitely underserved. I just figured that since were talking about counties as a whole, other parts of Bern. county compensated for it.

So. . .what ARE the 3 counties not officially underserved, then? I guess I figured the counties with the largest cities wouldn't be, but that appears to not be the case.
 
If my memory serves me correctly, Bernalillo county (obviously), and I think whatever county Las Cruces is in--I think that this could be due to Cruces' proximity to El Paso, although I could be wrong. I don't know what the other one is, though. I'm guessing whatever county Farmington is in. I doubt it is Santa Fe. Sandoval county is still listed as underserved, I believe, although from my personal experience it isn't difficult to get in to see a primary care physician here. Seeing a specialist is another story, though.

Who wants to join me in an March-fueled anxiety-fest? Kinda like Oz-fest but without the booze or music. I'm taking names; we'll have a party.
 
jinx520 said:
If my memory serves me correctly, Bernalillo county (obviously), and I think whatever county Las Cruces is in--I think that this could be due to Cruces' proximity to El Paso, although I could be wrong. I don't know what the other one is, though. I'm guessing whatever county Farmington is in. I doubt it is Santa Fe. Sandoval county is still listed as underserved, I believe, although from my personal experience it isn't difficult to get in to see a primary care physician here. Seeing a specialist is another story, though.

Who wants to join me in an March-fueled anxiety-fest? Kinda like Oz-fest but without the booze or music. I'm taking names; we'll have a party.
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Anxiety party yeh! (fortunately I'll be out of the country for the week before decisions go out so less anxiety for me!)
 
Does anyone know if rejection and waitlist letters will also be sent via certified mail?
 
when I applied in 2004 (or 2005, I don't remember) I got my rejection letter via regular mail.
 
I just did a cursory glance for housing in the UNM area and the prices to buy are ridiculously high. I thought housing was in a slump? Well, I wonder if the med school students have a preference on the dorms, something nice and quite for grad students.
 
I browsed the UNM website and found there are student apartments for Grad students/Families. here is the link: http://housing.unm.edu/home/dorms/buena_vista.htm

I don't know if your a one person show, but single room apartments are on the bottom floor and 2-3 room family rooms are on top. I called and they made sure to get this point across. I don't know, but I still applied in case I don't find my own apartment. The rates seem pretty cheap, compared to Tempe, AZ rates.
 
I'm not familiar with housing costs in the UNM area, but in Rio Rancho the housing slump wasn't as bad as it was in other parts of the country, from what I've been told by many real estate agents I've spoken to. Houses that have been on the market for awhile w/"drastic" price reductions were only reduced by $20,000 or so. Not like my cousin's house in West Virginia that lost $120,000 in value overnight. Plus, there are several builders who started building new houses again, so I think the housing market here is starting to recover. Which means maybe not so much of a great bargain to be had for a house in RR.
 
I guess I just underestimated what a house would cost near UNM. My first house was down in the North Valley and ran about 50% cheaper per square foot. Renting is looking like the better option about now. Vamos a ver. Thanks for the info.
 
Well folks, I'm off to Old Mexico for a week. When I return it will be decision time! Anxiety, anxiety, anxiety...

Well hopefully Old Mexico will help me to forget about New Mexico (school of medicine) for a little bit. See you guys on the other side!
 
have fun and be safe, Gecko!
 
I have seen into the future, and I think I may be waitlisted. Does anyone know much about this situation?
 
somniforum said:
I have seen into the future, and I think I may be waitlisted. Does anyone know much about this situation?
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Did a little bird tell you something, or is it just typical freakout nerves, increasing the closer we get to the 15th? I will be happy if I get waitlisted, but I think it is somewhat of a first-come, first served deal. I know you get ranked, but I'm not sure if it is according to when they got your app, or how well they thought you would do in med school. I imagine it's a combination of both.

Anyone else have any thoughts on the waitlist? I'm hoping that with the economy the way it is, the waitlist won't be affected. But I fear that this cycle, multiple-acceptance people who would normally choose another school over UNM will end up going here due to the cost factor. I hope if I get waitlisted that I interviewed early enough that I get pulled off the damned thing and get in.

Somni, if you got ranked #2 in the more-competitive MD/PhD, I think you will be getting an acceptance 8 (OMG!! 8!!!) days from now. Think happy thoughts! Think happy thoughts! (Not like Robin Williams in Hook where he was trying to learn how to fly again.)

This is for all of us waiting for good news in 8 days:
:luck::xf::luck::xf::luck::xf:
 
jaySundevil505 said:
I browsed the UNM website and found there are student apartments for Grad students/Families. here is the link: http://housing.unm.edu/home/dorms/buena_vista.htm

I don't know if your a one person show, but single room apartments are on the bottom floor and 2-3 room family rooms are on top. I called and they made sure to get this point across. I don't know, but I still applied in case I don't find my own apartment. The rates seem pretty cheap, compared to Tempe, AZ rates.
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So Jay, did you decide on UNM, then?
 
I'll repost these numbers from earlier in the thread since it is coming to be that time again:
Waitlists off and number of completed secondaries:
1997 24 of 320
1998 19 of 319
1999 ?
2000 27
2001 26 of 329
2002 30 of 255
2003 24 of 271
2004 25 of 274
2005 19 of 274
2006 33 of 221
2007 22 of ???
2008 at least 29 of ??? (With the #29 getting in in early June)

My guess is the waitlist rank is a composite of your cognitive and non-cognitive scores (each having a 50% contribution to your overall score). Those scores are then compiled and put into a list and I'm sure there is some play based on what the committee is looking for specifically. Historically, if you're in the top 20, I think you're good to go.
 
I wonder how many completed secondaries there were this cycle. Anyone know?

Thanks, Barfalamule, for the numbers you posted. BTW, you need a nickname b/c Barfalamule is too long to type. (Even though I just typed it twice.) I would love to call you Barfie, but after my oops moment with ATH I figured I better ask this time.
 
You can just call me Barf. I'm a mog; half man, half dog. I'm my own best friend.
 
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