Official DMU Class of 2011

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Me too, but from what I've heard from NjDO0, those hospital affiliations at CCOM can't be beat!

Everyone makes such a big deal about CCOM's hospital affiliations being in Chicago, but if you actually look at the map they provide of hospital locations, well, they're all pretty much in Chicago suburbs anwhere from ten to thirty miles outside of the city. That's not to say they don't have downtown hospitals, but from what I gathered on my interview day there are very few (Cook County was the only one I can recall). I really don't think you can go wrong, quality wise, with rotation sites at the at any of the established heavy hitters (DMU, PCOM, KCOM, CCOM etc...). But if you're looking for an opportunity to experience inner city metro medicine, then CCOM has the option.
 
I was just going on everything NjDO0 told me about it, plus what I've read from other people here about it, really...! What do I know??!😳
 
Oh children, enjoy your time off while you still have it. Nothing like getting owned by an anatomy test only to spend your time off playing catch-up with the other classes. LOVE IT!!
Have a happy thanksgiving everyone!

Gobble Gobble...
 
Oh children, enjoy your time off while you still have it. Nothing like getting owned by an anatomy test only to spend your time off playing catch-up with the other classes. LOVE IT!!
Have a happy thanksgiving everyone!

Gobble Gobble...

Hmm... and I was just getting out the checkbook, too...
Think there's still time to switch into their PA program?? 😳
 
Anybody get that nice letter from Dr. Mueller today encouraging you to attend DMU? I thought it was great - especially his little personal note to me at the end about my luggage mishap...😳

Now if they'd just give ME some nice big scholarship since I'm not going to have nearly as long to pay off these expenses as most of my classmates......

I got that letter...Dr.Mueller is hilarious...specially the little note that he wrote...I will be sending my deposit pretty soon...
 
Hmm... and I was just getting out the checkbook, too...
Think there's still time to switch into their PA program?? 😳

Hell no.

People always want to know what to do before school starts.
Here's an idea,

sleep, eat and enjoy your life.

That being said, I wouldn't give this experience up for anything. DMU rocks and I say that AFTER an anatomy test and 3 hours of sleep. Gotta mean something. 😀 Have a great one!!

It's nappy time. 😴
 
I got that letter...Dr.Mueller is hilarious...specially the little note that he wrote...I will be sending my deposit pretty soon...

Dr. Mueller is the man. You think he was funny during your interview? Wait until you have him for biochem. "Okay?" Good times. 👍
 
Dr. Mueller is the man. You think he was funny during your interview? Wait until you have him for biochem. "Okay?" Good times. 👍

:laugh: He said Okay about 10,000 times during one of our sessions with him. That was AFTER pointing out the fact that he's been told he says it a lot, so next thing you know, it's all you notice when he's talking!!! Well, that, and the tie...
 
Since I will probably be taking the offer for c/o 2011 I have a ? about teaching style for the profs. When they give you a powerpoint of the lecture do you have to go and fill in details from the book or will all testable info come from his notes?
 
I sent my conditions form and had the first seat deposit charged to my credit card last week.

It's not completely final yet, but it is looking pretty likely that this is the school I will be attending. 🙂
 
Since I will probably be taking the offer for c/o 2011 I have a ? about teaching style for the profs. When they give you a powerpoint of the lecture do you have to go and fill in details from the book or will all testable info come from his notes?

I am only in my first year, but I can tell you what I have noticed so far: Rarely do you need to read the book. The profs all hand out lecture notes (some are more complete than others) and we have access to their powerpoints as well. So, for example, right now we have Cell biology where we get the prof's powerpoint, in addition to a separate note packet. Then there is also on-line labs as well as on-line powerpoint presentations with audio explaining different slides.

In addition to everything the professors hand out, there is also a Notepool service that you can pay for. Transcribed notes from the class where anything the professor highlighted or stressed is in bold, anything from handout is in normal font and anything the professor said is in italics. Plus, all of the lectures are recorded, so you can listen to them any time you want.


Basically they give you every tool that they can think of in order to help you succeed. It is pretty awesome.


So, to answer your question about books...To be honest, I haven't really used a book since I got here (besides Netter's for Lab) as most of the information comes from the lecture material---I was foolish enough to buy them in the beginning, but now I know better. I usually wait and see if I need the book before I buy it.

Hope that helps.🙂
 
I am only in my first year, but I can tell you what I have noticed so far: Rarely do you need to read the book. The profs all hand out lecture notes (some are more complete than others) and we have access to their powerpoints as well. So, for example, right now we have Cell biology where we get the prof's powerpoint, in addition to a separate note packet. Then there is also on-line labs as well as on-line powerpoint presentations with audio explaining different slides.

In addition to everything the professors hand out, there is also a Notepool service that you can pay for. Transcribed notes from the class where anything the professor highlighted or stressed is in bold, anything from handout is in normal font and anything the professor said is in italics. Plus, all of the lectures are recorded, so you can listen to them any time you want.


Basically they give you every tool that they can think of in order to help you succeed. It is pretty awesome.


So, to answer your question about books...To be honest, I haven't really used a book since I got here (besides Netter's for Lab) as most of the information comes from the lecture material---I was foolish enough to buy them in the beginning, but now I know better. I usually wait and see if I need the book before I buy it.

Hope that helps.🙂

If you don't mind, even though someone somewhere may have addressed this before, could you tell us what a typical day is like as a DMU student. I think I asked just about everything else but this question during my interview. i loved it a DMU, and I gues now I just want some more detail to fill in the big picture before I most likely start there in aug. Basically, when do you typically start & finish class during the weekdays. do you guys have frequent exams (ie weekly or biweekly) or is it more variable. Just curious & any insight you have would be appreciated. Thanks.🙂
 
If you don't mind, even though someone somewhere may have addressed this before, could you tell us what a typical day is like as a DMU student. I think I asked just about everything else but this question during my interview. i loved it a DMU, and I gues now I just want some more detail to fill in the big picture before I most likely start there in aug. Basically, when do you typically start & finish class during the weekdays. do you guys have frequent exams (ie weekly or biweekly) or is it more variable. Just curious & any insight you have would be appreciated. Thanks.🙂

good question...i never thought about asking this...and yeah..i would like to know also...
 
good question...i never thought about asking this...and yeah..i would like to know also...

Typical (I say typical, but it can be somewhat variable) week for this first semester:

Lectures from 8a.m.-12 pretty regularly (some days they are kind and you don't have lecture until 10 a.m.) with 10 minute breaks between each class.

Most Mondays, you will typically have 1 OMM lab and lecture (both required) each week in the afternoon - always ends before 5, if I recall correctly. OMM labs and lectures are both 1.5 hours.

Once anatomy gets rolling, you have 2 to 3 anatomy labs a week (Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in the afternoon usually from 1-3p.m.

Other than that, your typical day is free for you to study/exercise/socialize/etc.

All classes, except OMM lab and lecture are NOT required for you to attend.

So for me, I typically wake up at 6:45 (I don't live right across the street from campus), make it to class and stay from 8-12, eat lunch, go to my lab (if I have one), work out, eat, study. Repeat as desired the rest of the week.

This is a really quick breakdown and kind of rambling, so I apologize. I'm in a hurry, since I need to get to school for our not regularly scheduled medical ethics class which typically only show up once every couple weeks.

By the way, today was not a typical day. We only had regular lectures from 10-12 (both immunology), which I didn't go to since the professor reads verbatim from his notes. Not to mention the time was better spent studying for the Histology exam tomorrow.

Hope this somewhat helps. I'm guessing someone else can provide a slightly more organized day for you.
 
Typical (I say typical, but it can be somewhat variable) week for this first semester:

Lectures from 8a.m.-12 pretty regularly (some days they are kind and you don't have lecture until 10 a.m.) with 10 minute breaks between each class.

Most Mondays, you will typically have 1 OMM lab and lecture (both required) each week in the afternoon - always ends before 5, if I recall correctly. OMM labs and lectures are both 1.5 hours.

Once anatomy gets rolling, you have 2 to 3 anatomy labs a week (Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in the afternoon usually from 1-3p.m.

Other than that, your typical day is free for you to study/exercise/socialize/etc.

All classes, except OMM lab and lecture are NOT required for you to attend.

So for me, I typically wake up at 6:45 (I don't live right across the street from campus), make it to class and stay from 8-12, eat lunch, go to my lab (if I have one), work out, eat, study. Repeat as desired the rest of the week.

This is a really quick breakdown and kind of rambling, so I apologize. I'm in a hurry, since I need to get to school for our not regularly scheduled medical ethics class which typically only show up once every couple weeks.

By the way, today was not a typical day. We only had regular lectures from 10-12 (both immunology), which I didn't go to since the professor reads verbatim from his notes. Not to mention the time was better spent studying for the Histology exam tomorrow.

Hope this somewhat helps. I'm guessing someone else can provide a slightly more organized day for you.

Thanks a bunch!!!! It does help, and it's not a crazy schedule like I expected it to be🙂
 
Typical (I say typical, but it can be somewhat variable) week for this first semester:

Lectures from 8a.m.-12 pretty regularly (some days they are kind and you don't have lecture until 10 a.m.) with 10 minute breaks between each class.

Most Mondays, you will typically have 1 OMM lab and lecture (both required) each week in the afternoon - always ends before 5, if I recall correctly. OMM labs and lectures are both 1.5 hours.

Once anatomy gets rolling, you have 2 to 3 anatomy labs a week (Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in the afternoon usually from 1-3p.m.

Other than that, your typical day is free for you to study/exercise/socialize/etc.

All classes, except OMM lab and lecture are NOT required for you to attend.

So for me, I typically wake up at 6:45 (I don't live right across the street from campus), make it to class and stay from 8-12, eat lunch, go to my lab (if I have one), work out, eat, study. Repeat as desired the rest of the week.

This is a really quick breakdown and kind of rambling, so I apologize. I'm in a hurry, since I need to get to school for our not regularly scheduled medical ethics class which typically only show up once every couple weeks.

By the way, today was not a typical day. We only had regular lectures from 10-12 (both immunology), which I didn't go to since the professor reads verbatim from his notes. Not to mention the time was better spent studying for the Histology exam tomorrow.

Hope this somewhat helps. I'm guessing someone else can provide a slightly more organized day for you.
I would agree with this 100%.

One addition I would make is that you will find out quickly what works best for you in terms of lecture attendance. Some people only show up for the tests, while others will attend every single lecture. I'm sort of in between: I figure if I show up for the lecture the first time then I at least have exposure to the material once, so when it comes to studying I've already seen everything once before. But, like It'sElectric, sometimes it just makes more sense to skip lectures when you get as much or more out of reading your notes than attending.

As for the people that show up only for the tests... I don't know how they do it. I'm just not disciplined enough to study on my own with notes/lecture recording/notepool all the time. I'd end up sleeping all day or watching TV or something else instead.

Like I said, you'll find out quickly what you need to do to study/pass classes in med school...
 
I would agree with this 100%.

One addition I would make is that you will find out quickly what works best for you in terms of lecture attendance. Some people only show up for the tests, while others will attend every single lecture. I'm sort of in between: I figure if I show up for the lecture the first time then I at least have exposure to the material once, so when it comes to studying I've already seen everything once before. But, like It'sElectric, sometimes it just makes more sense to skip lectures when you get as much or more out of reading your notes than attending.

As for the people that show up only for the tests... I don't know how they do it. I'm just not disciplined enough to study on my own with notes/lecture recording/notepool all the time. I'd end up sleeping all day or watching TV or something else instead.


Like I said, you'll find out quickly what you need to do to study/pass classes in med school...

Thanks! 🙂
 
Are the only places to get apartments pretty much in large complexes?
 
Are the only places to get apartments pretty much in large complexes?

Hmm i have no idea since I'm not there yet 😉 but i do know that in some of the large complexes you can use DMU's wireless internet for free!!
 
Hmm i have no idea since I'm not there yet 😉 but i do know that in some of the large complexes you can use DMU's wireless internet for free!!

Another cool thing about DMU...Almost forgot that one!!
 
Another cool thing about DMU...Almost forgot that one!!

I think, in general, most of the buildings around campus are apt complexes, but there are houses that rent out around the area--or people who rent top floor apts to students and stuff like that. I live in one of the apt buildings down the street (28th St, while school is at 32nd-ish). It is not directly across the street but I enjoy the small walk most of the time (it takes about ten minutes if I am walking slowly). My building is not huge, it is only three levels and it is mostly studios. It is a nice mix of students and non-students. It is SUPER quiet--which is nice.

Hope that helps.

by the way, I agree with the two other guys who posted about the typical day. I would like to add that I am one of those people who only show up for required classes. I find that I am most productive from 7-12 in the morning and I can't concentrate worth crap in the afternoon. It is pointless for me to go to class if I can't focus when I am done. So, it just works out better for me if I study on my own in the morning...but I should say that it is hard to stay motivated. Thus, why I have about seven lectures to go for cell biology still 😱 I guess I work best under stress!
 
Thanks a bunch!!!! It does help, and it's not a crazy schedule like I expected it to be🙂

The schedule is definitely very manageable and really not that crazy at all. I'm not as disciplined as others, so I typically go to just about every lecture (minus Immunology so far), and I feel as though I've been able to handle it all just fine.

It seems to me that we probably average about 1 test per week. That being said, some weeks we have 0 tests and others we have had only as many as 2, if I recall correctly. There are definitely some weeks where you'll feel at times like there isn't enough time in the world to get everything done, but it is never anything to overly stress about. 1 test will NOT make or break your medical career, and I think everyone needs to be reminded of that.
 
Hello,
I have long awaited such a momentous occasion for my first-time post, and this is it: taking the plunge and sending in my deposit this week! YAY DMU!

*Just so all of you know, I'm getting married to Boner in March (who knew there could be love on the forums too?)

What up NjDOO? I'm so excited you're going to DMU! Maybe we'll see you before August.

Wahooooo!
 
Hello,
I have long awaited such a momentous occasion for my first-time post, and this is it: taking the plunge and sending in my deposit this week! YAY DMU!

*Just so all of you know, I'm getting married to Boner in March (who knew there could be love on the forums too?)

What up NjDOO? I'm so excited you're going to DMU! Maybe we'll see you before August.

Wahooooo!

BeanQueen! I always wondered if I'd see you on here. Boner and BeanQueen sounds so good together! I'm glad you guys picked DMU, it really will be nice to know someone before it all starts. I think I'll be paying the deposit tonight over the phone. Momentous for sure! If you decide to head to DM for some house hunting, let me know and maybe I'll plan to be in the area at the same time apt shopping and we can grab some lob....err.. corn and beer.
 
I got a letter from him as well. He is a really nice individual.

I am stuck deciding between CCOM and DMU. 😕

Here are my thoughts, take them or leave them. I'm a first year at DMU and am very happy, but I'll basically take you through my decision process. CCOM is in Chicago, it's a good location and a lot of medicine and opportunities in the area, no question about it. I wasn't overly impressed with the school and felt as if 'We're in Chicago' was their big selling point.
As for DMU, the school is simply better, overall, in my opinion. The teachers care, the technology is great (can't even consider how it would be without powerpoints put up for every lecture, recorded lectures, an extremely active Blackboard, etc.) Basically, if you fail out of DMU (you won't, I'm just saying hypothetically) it's your own fault because all of your resources are there, you just have to utilize them. Now, I realized this is a biased opinion, but I was in the same situation you were in and I'm actually from Chicago, which made it that much tougher to leave. Any questions, PM me and I'll be happy to share with you my pros/cons of each school in my decision process.
 
P.S. Not that it never snows in Des Moines, but Chicago is expecting 6-10 inches tonight!!! Have fun driving in that.
 
I wasn't overly impressed with the school and felt as if 'We're in Chicago' was their big selling point.

I was stuck between CCOM and DMU as well, and I have to say that THEUNC hit the nail on the head with this line. That was the only selling point that I continually heard...."it's in Chicago". Actually, there was one other..... "so we get to rotate at hospitals with all over the other med schools in the city".

Personally, I think that last comment is a negative - the more med students rotating through the same hospitals, the more likely you'll be one of the many that turn into scut monkeys. Hands down, I would rather do my clinicals where I'm the only or one of a small handful of med students rotating through. Better opportunities to actually take part in procedures and greater liklihood that you'll actually get to know the attending and receive a stellar LOR.

All that being said, people probably think I'm completely knocking CCOM. Believe me when I say that I am NOT. CCOM is a great school, and my decision was not an easy one. It came down to some of the things I just mentioned, as well as cost of living and what "felt right" to me. If you go to CCOM, I'm confident that you will receive a fantastic education. I just feel as though DMU personally fits me better.

Alright, sorry for hijacking the 2011 thread. I need to go sleep now....2.5 hours of sleep is not enough.
 
BeanQueen! I always wondered if I'd see you on here. Boner and BeanQueen sounds so good together! I'm glad you guys picked DMU, it really will be nice to know someone before it all starts. I think I'll be paying the deposit tonight over the phone. Momentous for sure! If you decide to head to DM for some house hunting, let me know and maybe I'll plan to be in the area at the same time apt shopping and we can grab some lob....err.. corn and beer.

Hey there. We were thinking the exact same thing regarding house hunting. We'll have to schedule some time in the new year to take a trip to Des Moines and maybe even hit the town this time. Those dive bars have no idea what's coming!
 
I was stuck between CCOM and DMU as well, and I have to say that THEUNC hit the nail on the head with this line. That was the only selling point that I continually heard...."it's in Chicago". Actually, there was one other..... "so we get to rotate at hospitals with all over the other med schools in the city".

Personally, I think that last comment is a negative - the more med students rotating through the same hospitals, the more likely you'll be one of the many that turn into scut monkeys. Hands down, I would rather do my clinicals where I'm the only or one of a small handful of med students rotating through. Better opportunities to actually take part in procedures and greater liklihood that you'll actually get to know the attending and receive a stellar LOR.

All that being said, people probably think I'm completely knocking CCOM. Believe me when I say that I am NOT. CCOM is a great school, and my decision was not an easy one. It came down to some of the things I just mentioned, as well as cost of living and what "felt right" to me. If you go to CCOM, I'm confident that you will receive a fantastic education. I just feel as though DMU personally fits me better.

Alright, sorry for hijacking the 2011 thread. I need to go sleep now....2.5 hours of sleep is not enough.

2.5?? Man your lucky. Do the old 1 to 1.5 hours with a newborn. That will put some hair on your chest. Now it's going to snow tonight and I'm stuck in the library till 12? 😱 😱
Think I'll just lay down the old backpack as a pillow and just spend the night here. :laugh:
Congrats everyone! Let us know if we can help you with anything!!
-bone😴
 
Congrats everyone! Let us know if we can help you with anything!!
-bone😴

Gee thanks jbone!
Since you'll be there first thing in the morning you'll see all the admissions people when they come in, right? 😉 So, do ya think you could ask DMU to give me some money? I liked DMU much better than UMDNJ, and yet, that price difference certainly has it's temptations....
 
2.5?? Man your lucky. Do the old 1 to 1.5 hours with a newborn. That will put some hair on your chest.

Chest hair and an ulcer. I've never been able to understand how you guys (with children) do it. I'm willing to bet your wife is an even better person😛 .

I can hardly take care of myself.
 
Chest hair and an ulcer. I've never been able to understand how you guys (with children) do it. I'm willing to bet your wife is an even better person😛 .

I can hardly take care of myself.

she is. But she also understands that the better I do here in school will actually allow me to spend more time with my family in the future with more options and choices for employment/opportunities. But yes, I bow to her strength. Med school is nothing compared to raising 2 children (under 2), basically by yourself 1200 miles away from the nearest family member.

I bow down to her and sometimes the soundman. 👍
 
Gee thanks jbone!
Since you'll be there first thing in the morning you'll see all the admissions people when they come in, right? 😉 So, do ya think you could ask DMU to give me some money? I liked DMU much better than UMDNJ, and yet, that price difference certainly has it's temptations....

You know what, just for you, I'll ask them when they are going to give out scholarships. But just because it's you. 😉

I am doing a tour today and will chat with them and I'll let you know what they say.
 
she is. But she also understands that the better I do here in school will actually allow me to spend more time with my family in the future with more options and choices for employment/opportunities. But yes, I bow to her strength. Med school is nothing compared to raising 2 children (under 2), basically by yourself 1200 miles away from the nearest family member.

I bow down to her and sometimes the soundman. 👍

Dear Jbone,

Please go back to your own f'in thread. Love, Jamey
 
You know what, just for you, I'll ask them when they are going to give out scholarships. But just because it's you. 😉

I am doing a tour today and will chat with them and I'll let you know what they say.

Plus you know I want to go there...You are THE BEST!! Gee thanks! 😉
 
jbone, were you a tour guide at the interviews yesterday?
 
You know what, just for you, I'll ask them when they are going to give out scholarships. But just because it's you. 😉

I am doing a tour today and will chat with them and I'll let you know what they say.

Oh, I see how it is.......when I ask about when scholarships are awarded.........
sniffle1.gif
 
jbone, were you a tour guide at the interviews yesterday?

No. Sorry, they won't let me do them everyday. 🙁
Would be nice to meet all the SDN folk. But if you have any ??'s, drop me a line anytime. 👍
 
Quick question for those already at DMU. Is flag football part of the rec program, and are there weekly ultimate frisbee games?
 
Paid my seat deposit and sent my form in today😀 Can't wait to see everyone this summer!
 
Paid my seat deposit and sent my form in today😀 Can't wait to see everyone this summer!

My check and conditions form went today as well. So it's REALLY official now.
 
I was stuck between CCOM and DMU as well, and I have to say that THEUNC hit the nail on the head with this line. That was the only selling point that I continually heard...."it's in Chicago". Actually, there was one other..... "so we get to rotate at hospitals with all over the other med schools in the city".

Personally, I think that last comment is a negative - the more med students rotating through the same hospitals, the more likely you'll be one of the many that turn into scut monkeys. Hands down, I would rather do my clinicals where I'm the only or one of a small handful of med students rotating through. Better opportunities to actually take part in procedures and greater liklihood that you'll actually get to know the attending and receive a stellar LOR.

All that being said, people probably think I'm completely knocking CCOM. Believe me when I say that I am NOT. CCOM is a great school, and my decision was not an easy one. It came down to some of the things I just mentioned, as well as cost of living and what "felt right" to me. If you go to CCOM, I'm confident that you will receive a fantastic education. I just feel as though DMU personally fits me better.

Alright, sorry for hijacking the 2011 thread. I need to go sleep now....2.5 hours of sleep is not enough.

Completely agree. CCOM is not a bad school by any means and I would have been happy to go there. Just when you compare it to some other places with regards to the school itself, I felt that DMU was a better option.
 
Quick question for those already at DMU. Is flag football part of the rec program, and are there weekly ultimate frisbee games?


Flag football is done through the Des Moines Park District and costs about $30 if I remember right. Don't know much about ultimate frisbee, but I've seen a lot of people playing pick up games, but I'm not sure if it's an actual intramural or not. If it is, it would be during the Spring. So far, we've had basketball and volleyball.
 
Maybe we should start a page on here just for DMU intramural football teams. I'm pumped for that
 
I just put down the full $1000!!! Here I come DMU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀
 
Flag football is done through the Des Moines Park District and costs about $30 if I remember right. Don't know much about ultimate frisbee, but I've seen a lot of people playing pick up games, but I'm not sure if it's an actual intramural or not. If it is, it would be during the Spring. So far, we've had basketball and volleyball.

Flag football rocked, even though we finished 3-4. As for ultimate frisbee, we tried to get something going but it kinda died after about the second week.
 
Flag football rocked, even though we finished 3-4. As for ultimate frisbee, we tried to get something going but it kinda died after about the second week.

Not with me there, it won't... well, maybe it will... I might be kinda busy.... but it's nice to dream.
 
Not with me there, it won't... well, maybe it will... I might be kinda busy.... but it's nice to dream.

well that was just one team, the first years team. I think the second year team did better. We didn't have much of a selection, but we did have some really good players (not me). They put me in as a DE and, if you ever meet me, I am not built to be a DE by any means. I did get some sacks and even broke up the last play for our last win (go Jamey), however.
 
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