Official KCOM class of 2012 thread.

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mastamark said:
I already know what kind of stethoscope I want.
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Does KCOM give us stethescopes? I didn't think so, but I know some schools to which I applied had their alumni groups (or something similar) give students stethescopes at the white coat ceremony. I don't think KCOM does, but thought I'd check.

I have never worked in the medical field (just volunteered) and have no clue about stethescopes. I've heard people talk on other boards about the Littman Cardio III. I found it online for about $130. Is there one "best" stethescope to get? If there is I'd rather start looking now for those type of supplies and get them online.

Any opinions from those more experienced with this?
 
bioteach said:
Does KCOM give us stethescopes? I didn't think so, but I know some schools to which I applied had their alumni groups (or something similar) give students stethescopes at the white coat ceremony. I don't think KCOM does, but thought I'd check.

I have never worked in the medical field (just volunteered) and have no clue about stethescopes. I've heard people talk on other boards about the Littman Cardio III. I found it online for about $130. Is there one "best" stethescope to get? If there is I'd rather start looking now for those type of supplies and get them online.

Any opinions from those more experienced with this?
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From the atsudo.org website that a student put up, they talk about all the medical supplies you need and the reps that will come and try and sell us all this fun stuff. From the website, it appears that we are on our own and will be responsible for our own supplies. Of course, I'm sure the school will influence our decision a little bit.
 
I spoke with one of the financial aid people and the said that the school was trying to work in a 'black bag' with supplies into the tuition starting with our class. I don't know anything for sure, but that was the last word that I heard! Wouldn't it be exciting to get a black bag full of equipment at the white coat ceremony!!!!
 
DadAndPreDOinMO said:
I spoke with one of the financial aid people and the said that the school was trying to work in a 'black bag' with supplies into the tuition starting with our class. I don't know anything for sure, but that was the last word that I heard! Wouldn't it be exciting to get a black bag full of equipment at the white coat ceremony!!!!
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I think I'm just as big of a nerd as the rest of us on this thread. I know we all look forward to getting our stuff and playing with it like a little kid and toys. We are moving in May and I can't believe that it's only a month and a few weeks away.
 
DadAndPreDOinMO said:
I spoke with one of the financial aid people and the said that the school was trying to work in a 'black bag' with supplies into the tuition starting with our class. I don't know anything for sure, but that was the last word that I heard! Wouldn't it be exciting to get a black bag full of equipment at the white coat ceremony!!!!
Click to expand...

That would be cool. I am going to be a nerd too. I can't wait to go around looking into family members ears and such. :laugh:
 
About the stethoscope and equipment---please do not hold this as hard fact, but I could have swore that while I was being fitted for my white coat, she mentioned something about having the lab coats ready with our equipment by the end of July.

I wonder how many of my family members will run away from me over Thanksgiving break?!?!?! Come here grandma, let me practice some OMT =0) I'm glad that I'm going to have nerdy friends in med school!
 
HrvatskiDoktor said:
About the stethoscope and equipment---please do not hold this as hard fact, but I could have swore that while I was being fitted for my white coat, she mentioned something about having the lab coats ready with our equipment by the end of July.

I wonder how many of my family members will run away from me over Thanksgiving break?!?!?! Come here grandma, let me practice some OMT =0) I'm glad that I'm going to have nerdy friends in med school!
Click to expand...

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one on this thread or this site that is looking forward to "playing doc" for those first couple weeks until the novelty wears off.

I'm fine with them buying our medical equipement, as long as it's quality equipment that we can be proud to use on rotations, or in future practice.
 
bioteach said:
Awesome site. 👍 👍 👍Thanks so much, there is so much helpful info here on equipment, books, tablets, etc.
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I believe it was rddcoms that actually posted it on one of the first threads in our group. I'm just the relaying old information. I thoroughly enjoyed the site myself. It even gives you a glimpse into the classes. So if you are a junky of information about our school check it out.
 
bioteach said:
Awesome site. 👍 👍 👍Thanks so much, there is so much helpful info here on equipment, books, tablets, etc.
Click to expand...

When you guys sign up for atsudo.com use your At Still email address. Otherwise you will be declined.
 
HrvatskiDoktor said:
About the stethoscope and equipment---please do not hold this as hard fact, but I could have swore that while I was being fitted for my white coat, she mentioned something about having the lab coats ready with our equipment by the end of July.

I wonder how many of my family members will run away from me over Thanksgiving break?!?!?! Come here grandma, let me practice some OMT =0) I'm glad that I'm going to have nerdy friends in med school!
Click to expand...

LOL
 
Hey guys and gals, I've been looking around for insurance and seem to be having some problems. I've heard that the school is dropping a chance of school provided insurance. So do you have any suggestions? Carrier, company, website, or any useful tidbit of knowledge. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
307Doc said:
Hey guys and gals, I've been looking around for insurance and seem to be having some problems. I've heard that the school is dropping a chance of school provided insurance. So do you have any suggestions? Carrier, company, website, or any useful tidbit of knowledge. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...

I haven't made it that far yet. I know that I need to do that...as well as make sure I am UTD for all vaccines and such. I currently have BCBS and am hoping that I can transfer over to BCBS-Mo for something not too expensive and will cover my pre-existing condition. Stupid insurance companies making money off of something that should be a basic right--

okay, I'll stop now before I go off on my soap box!
 
HrvatskiDoktor said:
I haven't made it that far yet. I know that I need to do that...as well as make sure I am UTD for all vaccines and such. I currently have BCBS and am hoping that I can transfer over to BCBS-Mo for something not too expensive and will cover my pre-existing condition. Stupid insurance companies making money off of something that should be a basic right--

okay, I'll stop now before I go off on my soap box!
Click to expand...

We were looking at BCBS as well but, are unable to figure out what would be best for us. We've had other companies that we liked but that insurance came from jobs and we chose what type of benefits we wanted and submitted our papers. The problems we are running into is doing everything on our own and not knowing the best way to get the job done. I guess we still have 5 months or maybe even less until d-day.
 
Chirurgeon2 said:
You mean, after all of the stress - it's all over!? I'm accepted?! Sweet.

http://littleplasticcastles.blogspot.com
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Congrads, from your blog it sounds like you have mixed emotions. I do understand the religion problems. Though, I'm not of the same religion as yourself, I too feel it important to follow ones faith. You'll love Kirksville. It's a small town with a great medical school. See you in the fall.
 
The only mixed emotions are staying true to myself and my beliefs. I'm a strong woman, but it's hard to be the only Jew around. The school is great. I really liked the town (especially the coffee shop), and everything ran beautifully on interview day. I'll be super-easy to spot at the white coat ceremony. I can't wait to meet all of you.

307Doc said:
Congrads, from your blog it sounds like you have mixed emotions. I do understand the religion problems. Though, I'm not of the same religion as yourself, I too feel it important to follow ones faith. You'll love Kirksville. It's a small town with a great medical school. See you in the fall.
Click to expand...
 
Chirurgeon2 said:
The only mixed emotions are staying true to myself and my beliefs. I'm a strong woman, but it's hard to be the only Jew around. The school is great. I really liked the town (especially the coffee shop), and everything ran beautifully on interview day. I'll be super-easy to spot at the white coat ceremony. I can't wait to meet all of you.
Click to expand...

Sorry, if I came off a bit cynical. This site has the tencency to do that to a person. Welcome to KCOM. We will see you in the fall. Congrads.
 
A couple of hours until it's April. We're almost another month closer to school!
 
Hey guys, I'm Erik, the main content provider behind atsudo.org.

I'm currently on rotations in Carbondale, IL and I'm willing to answer any questions that you might have. PMing me is NOT the way to get ahold of me (I like to be able to respond to emails using my phone, and it doesn't work so well with SDN). Please go here to send me an email.

As stated earlier, you will need to register with your ATSU email address for access to the site.

About the equipment, while I'm personally opposed to the school buying the equipment for everybody, there must be a good reason behind it (maybe the administration is unhappy with seeing a student or two not know how to use a BP cuff).

About the match, I compiled a list of the 2008 match results, though it isn't complete. It can be found here.

I'd be willing to help anybody with any questions that relate to:

1. books
2. equipment
3. technology (I have 6 years experience in the industry)
4. housing
5. scheduling
5. rotations
6. residency

anything else, well, I'll still help.

About a daily schedule, you can see what the students of the class of 2011 are doing now (these electronic calendars are so much better than what we used to do).

Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3

It always seems that everybody goes to lecture for the first month, then, students stop going as they find that they do better with the work load with self-learning as opposed to lectured-learning. It took me nearly two years to realize that I learned best from a textbook for the medicine courses (not biochem or phys) than from the handouts. You will find out what works for you. The mantra, though, is "be humble, be flexible, and be dilligent".

If you have any questions, just email me at the link above. Don't forget to put in your email, or I want reply back 🙂
 
Chirurgeon2 said:
The only mixed emotions are staying true to myself and my beliefs. I'm a strong woman, but it's hard to be the only Jew around. The school is great. I really liked the town (especially the coffee shop), and everything ran beautifully on interview day. I'll be super-easy to spot at the white coat ceremony. I can't wait to meet all of you.
Click to expand...

If you search around on the club website posted by a current year 1, there is a Jewish Medical Student Assoc. on campus. They list the faculty and current students involved. Hopefully this will help you out some!

http://www.atsu.edu/student_services/kirksville/index.htm


Erik! Thanks so much for all the info! atsudo.org is amazing!!! Mind if I ask why you are against the school buying everyone's equipment?

to the rest of my classmates, hope you have a great week! I'll be leaving for K-ville tomorrow! I can't wait to find a good place to live!

HD
 
1viking said:
Hey guys, I'm Erik, the main content provider behind atsudo.org.

I'm currently on rotations in Carbondale, IL and I'm willing to answer any questions that you might have. PMing me is NOT the way to get ahold of me (I like to be able to respond to emails using my phone, and it doesn't work so well with SDN). Please go here to send me an email.

As stated earlier, you will need to register with your ATSU email address for access to the site.

About the equipment, while I'm personally opposed to the school buying the equipment for everybody, there must be a good reason behind it (maybe the administration is unhappy with seeing a student or two not know how to use a BP cuff).

About the match, I compiled a list of the 2008 match results, though it isn't complete. It can be found here.

I'd be willing to help anybody with any questions that relate to:

1. books
2. equipment
3. technology (I have 6 years experience in the industry)
4. housing
5. scheduling
5. rotations
6. residency

anything else, well, I'll still help.

About a daily schedule, you can see what the students of the class of 2011 are doing now (these electronic calendars are so much better than what we used to do).

Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3

It always seems that everybody goes to lecture for the first month, then, students stop going as they find that they do better with the work load with self-learning as opposed to lectured-learning. It took me nearly two years to realize that I learned best from a textbook for the medicine courses (not biochem or phys) than from the handouts. You will find out what works for you. The mantra, though, is "be humble, be flexible, and be dilligent".

If you have any questions, just email me at the link above. Don't forget to put in your email, or I want reply back 🙂
Click to expand...

Of course, I'm a nerd and love looking at everything that has to do with KCOM, so with Erik posting the schedule for the first year, I took a look. I must admitt that schedule is kind of intimidating??? I hope I'm not the only one.
 
307Doc said:
Of course, I'm a nerd and love looking at everything that has to do with KCOM, so with Erik posting the schedule for the first year, I took a look. I must admitt that schedule is kind of intimidating??? I hope I'm not the only one.
Click to expand...

It's a kick in the pants at first, but you get used to it. I've heard people compare it to chemotherapy...it is terrible at first, but you become desensitized to it all and just get through it.

You aren't the only one that will be intimidated. One of the MOST important things is to actually believe in yourself. I can pretty much guarantee that you will do fine and get through OK, even though you may feel incapable right now.

Good luck!
 
HrvatskiDoktor said:
Mind if I ask why you are against the school buying everyone's equipment?
Click to expand...

Because there are many different types of equipment, and one piece of equipment may work better for some than for others. For instance, the IM docs all have stethoscopes that don't have a peds bell, while FP have scopes that have the bell combo, and some peds just have a pedi stethoscope.

Also, BP cuffs are overpriced for your home equipment given the amount that you will use them.

If I had to by ophthalmoscope/otoscope again, it would be a pocket one isntead of the one I bought, since I get sick of having to track one down every time I do an admission on the floor (the ER has them in every room, though). I doubt the school would buy pocket equipment.

Also, part of my diagnostic equipment came free from drug reps...my pen light, my reflex set, all free.

I'm generally opposed to taking away choice, but that is just my libertarian viewpoint.
 
I was just reading the atsudo.org site and it was really nice to see someone who would take the time to put so much useful info up! However, I am just wondering how you go about buying equipment and not getting officially ripped off at the same time. Are there stores that sell it, should I buy it online? Should I buy any of it before I leave? I kind of like the idea of buying some stuff now as it makes me feel like I am making progress to being ready, but if this is totally impractical, I guess I can wait🙂

thanks for any input!

ps- on a slight different topic, does anyone know how many people get to do rotations in the florida regions?
 
Hey guys and gals,
I was wondering if anyone knew if we need scrubs for anatamy lab or any other lab? If so does KCOM provide them or do we need to get some?
 
307Doc said:
Hey guys and gals,
I was wondering if anyone knew if we need scrubs for anatamy lab or any other lab? If so does KCOM provide them or do we need to get some?
Click to expand...

We have to buy our own scrubs for anatomy lab. We wear like gym shorts or something for OTM lab.

I hear that many students offer their old scrubs for cheap, even free in some cases.
 
It's been a bit, but some organization on campus sells "anatomy" scrubs. I think maybe NOWPA, but I'm not real sure. They sell the used scrubs cheap as a fundraiser....I think. I would inquire with KCOM about that as I wouldn't waste money on new scrubs because you won't want to use them when anatomy is finished. No amount of laundering will get rid of the formalin aroma. They also sell cheap dissection kits and manuals.
 
soon after orientation, there will be a "Taste of Kirksville" in the TCC (gym). There will be restaurants and other shops sharing samples of their products. At the same event, you can sign up for clubs (some give you books like Netter's manual, and some are free). Just after that, We will walk to the front of the Atlas House (Charles Still mansion, by the TCC) and buy the used anatomy (dirrrty) scrubs. Be quick, though. The two times I have seen this fiasco, the students were climbing all over one another to get a set... kinda funny. Also, I hope everyone likes awkward ice breaker games. I hope my group gets Tinnitus as our group name. we have to make songs to perform for the rest of the class, and I've been working on lyrics for tinnitus that go to "I like big butts", really funny.


If you don't understand, it will be clear by the 18th of August.:meanie:
 
So another question regarding scrubs, First thanks for all the replies. So I know that some schools I interviewed at said there was a mandatory color of scrubs for anatomy lab. Does this rule hold true at KCOM, if so what color? Thanks guys and gals.
 
no rule, you can wear whatever color you like. I knew people who just wore regular street clothes with a lab coat. i think the only rule if you have to have closed toe shoes. i also wouldn't recommend wearing any jewelry, no sense turning anatomy lab into a scavenger hunt.
 
rddoms said:
soon after orientation, there will be a "Taste of Kirksville" in the TCC (gym). There will be restaurants and other shops sharing samples of their products. At the same event, you can sign up for clubs (some give you books like Netter's manual, and some are free). Just after that, We will walk to the front of the Atlas House (Charles Still mansion, by the TCC) and buy the used anatomy (dirrrty) scrubs. Be quick, though. The two times I have seen this fiasco, the students were climbing all over one another to get a set... kinda funny. Also, I hope everyone likes awkward ice breaker games. I hope my group gets Tinnitus as our group name. we have to make songs to perform for the rest of the class, and I've been working on lyrics for tinnitus that go to "I like big butts", really funny.


If you don't understand, it will be clear by the 18th of August.:meanie:
Click to expand...


Awkward icebreaker games? We have to make up songs and stuff?😕
 
i wouldn't call them awkward, more cheesy than anything. orientation day is long, but it gives you a good idea of what everyone's personality is like. just grin and bear it, it's not that bad. i would take the opportunity to get to know everyone, especially those in your anatomy lab group.
 
Awkward, but fun. They do a lot when it comes to breaking the ice. You'll see.
 
Woohoo I got a seat! I'm so excited to come to KCOM! This was my top choice! Now I get to actually participate in the forum instead of just looking 🙂
 
CritHeals said:
Woohoo I got a seat! I'm so excited to come to KCOM! This was my top choice! Now I get to actually participate in the forum instead of just looking 🙂
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Congrats! And welcome to the family!!!!!

HD
 
Does KCOM have any sort of dress code policy for the first two years of classes? I didn't think so but someone posted on the pre-osteo that SOMA has a "no jeans" rule. I don't remember hearing anything on interview day, but I could have just missed it. So can you wear jeans or sweats to class, or is it "business casual" like some other schools?
 
CritHeals said:
Woohoo I got a seat! I'm so excited to come to KCOM! This was my top choice! Now I get to actually participate in the forum instead of just looking 🙂
Click to expand...

Congrats! See you in a few months...
 
CritHeals said:
Woohoo I got a seat! I'm so excited to come to KCOM! This was my top choice! Now I get to actually participate in the forum instead of just looking 🙂
Click to expand...

Congrats!!! Excited? :meanie:
 
unless they have developed a dress code over the past two years, there's not a strict dress code...i remember folks coming to class in pajamas, especially since most tests are at 7:30 in the morning. you should dress up a bit when there are "guest" lectures and wear gym clothes to OMM lab, but other than that there weren't any big time rules. you will know when you have to dress up in white coat and all, usually for clinical labs and such. i have heard arguments in the past from some who want a dress code but to my knowledge the student bodies have been against it in the past.
 
Tophcrock said:
unless they have developed a dress code over the past two years, there's not a strict dress code...i remember folks coming to class in pajamas, especially since most tests are at 7:30 in the morning. you should dress up a bit when there are "guest" lectures and wear gym clothes to OMM lab, but other than that there weren't any big time rules. you will know when you have to dress up in white coat and all, usually for clinical labs and such. i have heard arguments in the past from some who want a dress code but to my knowledge the student bodies have been against it in the past.
Click to expand...

Awesome. Can I just wear my white coat with my footie pajamas?
7e374a1f8b94e318b83c0a848063f34d-orig
 
Nobody has received an award letter from financial aid yet, right? Are we all still waiting?
 
Hey future KCOMers!
Don't worry - not a random solicitation here. I am a KCOM grad (2005). Finishing residency and MOVING ON!!!! We are selling our house that sits on 9+ acres. It's about 5-6 minutes from town. (Out of city limits, but still feels like it's in Kville.) If anyone is considering buying...give it a look. We will have it listed as for-sale-by-owner for about another week or two - then we will list it with a realtor. This means price will go up a bit to account for commission.

If anyone is interested, the links are below. Would also be willing to answer any questions about KCOM, the hospital here, rotations, residency, and Kville. Best of luck to you all!



http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/rfs/649510963.html

http://www.zillow.com/HomeDetails.htm?zprop=2145757184
 
I am sitting at work, the weather is unseasonably cool and I am counting down the days until I get to go on a bit of a vacation to mark the half way point of my full time work stint to make some money for school. I have been meandering around the forums reading a variety of things and it's getting me VERY excited to head back to school. Moving far away to the middle of nowhere, alone, kind of scary, but it's a good kind of scary! Is anyone moving to Kville soon to begin their big adventure and settle in? I wish I could've found a job there and worked there over the summer, but I'll just have to wait for a few more months!
Just thought I'd blab and see if anyone else is getting VERY ready to MOVE ON!😀
 
I'm giving up my KCOM spot this week (after already paying them $1500, ugh) in favor of a state school to which I was just accepted. As much as I loved KCOM, there isn't much debate when one school is about $60K less over 4 years than the other. I hope my KCOM spot goes to a waitlisted SDNer. Good luck all!!! :luck:
 
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