Oklahoma State Univ. Med School

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JohnnyOU

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Hi guys,
This is addressed to those of you who are currently attending in Tulsa.

I was born and raised in Tulsa and all of my family is there, so I'm thinking of going to school at OSU instead of OU in OKC as I'd planned.

What do you guys think? OU has a lot more money and larger facilities, but I've heard OSU is high quality on a smaller scale. I've volunteered 2 yrs in the ER here in Norman and half our docs are DOs and they seem to know there stuff as good as the MDs here.

I realize this is only important to me, but if you were trying to sell me on attending OSU, what are the good aspects you would say to me?

I am applying right now and apologize for the last second question but would appreciate anyone's input.

Thanks guys,
Johnny
 
JohnnyOU said:
Hi guys,
This is addressed to those of you who are currently attending in Tulsa.

I was born and raised in Tulsa and all of my family is there, so I'm thinking of going to school at OSU instead of OU in OKC as I'd planned.

What do you guys think? OU has a lot more money and larger facilities, but I've heard OSU is high quality on a smaller scale. I've volunteered 2 yrs in the ER here in Norman and half our docs are DOs and they seem to know there stuff as good as the MDs here.

I realize this is only important to me, but if you were trying to sell me on attending OSU, what are the good aspects you would say to me?

I am applying right now and apologize for the last second question but would appreciate anyone's input.

Thanks guys,
Johnny

OSU is better if you are interested in emergency medicine or family medicine for sure. The opportunities are much more readily available than at OU. OSU had a 100% board pass rate, and OU did not. This is on the MD and DO boards. OSU has affiliated hospitals in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, as well as other areas around the state. OSU has been nationally ranked consitently in primary care, family medicine, and rural medicine.

Visit both schools and speak with students to decide for yourself.

OU has closed several residencies in Oklahoma City over the years, while OSU continues to open up new ones.
 
OSUdoc08 said:
OU has closed several residencies in Oklahoma City over the years, while OSU continues to open up new ones.
Which ones did they close?
 
MechE said:
Which ones did they close?
They closed an Emergency Medicine residency years ago, not sure why.
I've heard they are planning to re-open it within the next couple of years with funding from one of the new taxes.
 
JohnnyOU said:
They closed an Emergency Medicine residency years ago, not sure why.
I've heard they are planning to re-open it within the next couple of years with funding from one of the new taxes.

They lost the accreditaation in 2002, I think. Honestly , most of those things are paperwork issues, haven't kept up with certain didactic requirements, etc.

I am a 4th year at OSU, and feel like, for the most part, my basic science and clinical science education was excellent. It is more of a family-oriented environment, and, while the classes are certainly getting younger (average age 25), there is still an 'experienced' vibe about the students.

I think that the only reason not to chose a DO school based on the letters is if you want to do a surgical subspecialty. BUT, these are hard to come by anyway, and you need to shine wherever you go. I will be doing anesthesiology and applying everywhere...my letters wont keep me from any opportunities, I believe.

Plus Tulsa is 100X better than OKC.
 
I have to second that Tulsa is 100x better than OKC.
 
Scarletbegonias said:
I have to second that Tulsa is 100x better than OKC.

I agree 🙂
 
This is a bit off the subject, but speaking of OSU...
I really want to go to OSU. I'm out of state in MO, but all of my family lives in the Tulsa/4-state area. Up until last year, my parents lived in Vinita. I have no family or even friends in the areas of the schools in Missouri they are all way NW from here. Anyway, do you guys think I'll still have a good chance? How much higher do you think my MCAT & GPA need to be to compensate? The bad thing about living by these state lines is that your home really isn't just one state.
Thanks!


Idiopathic said:
They lost the accreditaation in 2002, I think. Honestly , most of those things are paperwork issues, haven't kept up with certain didactic requirements, etc.

I am a 4th year at OSU, and feel like, for the most part, my basic science and clinical science education was excellent. It is more of a family-oriented environment, and, while the classes are certainly getting younger (average age 25), there is still an 'experienced' vibe about the students.

I think that the only reason not to chose a DO school based on the letters is if you want to do a surgical subspecialty. BUT, these are hard to come by anyway, and you need to shine wherever you go. I will be doing anesthesiology and applying everywhere...my letters wont keep me from any opportunities, I believe.

Plus Tulsa is 100X better than OKC.
 
Johnny,
After applying to both OU and OSU, I was more impressed with OSU. They look at more of your application when deciding whether or not to interview you. (OU has a point cut off determined by gpa and mcat scores for inviting for interviews) They were really nice and helpful with all the questions I had. My interview was really relaxed and the students who showed us around were really friendly and really seemed to be loving going to school there. There seemed to be a great family atmosphere about their campus. The news of their US News rankings is great. OU does not seem to have the reputation that OSU does, even if that reputation is technically among just Osteopathic schools and not all med schools. The class size is smaller at OSU. I really like the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. I think that OMM can be a great tool among physicians. Like I mentioned earlier, I like Tulsa much better than OKC, but that is where I'm from also. OSU is where I want to go. I will reapply this year. Good luck to you, maybe I will see you next year.

**I graduated from OU this year too. Unfortunately, I was rejected from OSU about a month ago. (BTW for reference for those of you thinking to apply my gpa is 3.75 and my mcat is 26Q; I graduated magna cum laude and phi beta kappa, have over 100 volunteer hours, most at the ER). When I talked to them about improving my application, they said I should take some more upper division science courses. I earned a BA in psychology and had the minimum science pre-requisites for applying. My only upper division hours were Cell Bio and a 2 hour credit organic chem lab.
 
Scarletbegonias said:
Johnny,
After applying to both OU and OSU, I was more impressed with OSU. They look at more of your application when deciding whether or not to interview you. (OU has a point cut off determined by gpa and mcat scores for inviting for interviews) They were really nice and helpful with all the questions I had. My interview was really relaxed and the students who showed us around were really friendly and really seemed to be loving going to school there. There seemed to be a great family atmosphere about their campus. The news of their US News rankings is great. OU does not seem to have the reputation that OSU does, even if that reputation is technically among just Osteopathic schools and not all med schools. The class size is smaller at OSU. I really like the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. I think that OMM can be a great tool among physicians. Like I mentioned earlier, I like Tulsa much better than OKC, but that is where I'm from also. OSU is where I want to go. I will reapply this year. Good luck to you, maybe I will see you next year.

**I graduated from OU this year too. Unfortunately, I was rejected from OSU about a month ago. (BTW for reference for those of you thinking to apply my gpa is 3.75 and my mcat is 26Q; I graduated magna cum laude and phi beta kappa, have over 100 volunteer hours, most at the ER). When I talked to them about improving my application, they said I should take some more upper division science courses. I earned a BA in psychology and had the minimum science pre-requisites for applying. My only upper division hours were Cell Bio and a 2 hour credit organic chem lab.
Hi Scarlet,
I'm surprised you weren't accepted with that gpa...I'd try again and my money would be on you.

I'm not an OKC fan at all....much prefer Tulsa.

I'm trying to find a match list for OSU grads right now....haven't had any luck yet. I may go out to the school next week and see if I can get the grand tour before I make a final decision either way. Everyone I've heard comment on it says it's a great school tho. Those U.S. News rankings are pretty good too.

Johnny
 
Can anyone already attending OSUCOM comment on faculty access please?

I ask because OU has so many more full-time faculty on staff and I wondered if everyone still gets all the attention they need.

OU's full-time faculty/student ratio is 1.1 [656 full-time profs]
OSU's full-time faculty/student ratio is 0.2 [72 full-time profs]

Also, I heard one guy complaining about the wireless network on campus at OSU, saying it was junk. Can anyone comment as to if this is true or just a disgruntled student?

Thank you,
Johnny
 
Scarlett B,
Try again, my GPA was lower but heavy on engr/math/phys. MCAT was slightly better. I was accepted off the waitlist. Residency was Texas, but with STRONG ties to Tulsa. Non-trad with lots of career leadership experience.

OP,
I had several offers but chose OSUCOM for quality of instruction (perceived from my visit and conversing with students & alumni), family-like environment, excellent home program residency selections, etc.

It's really hard to quantify, but you have to go where you feel the most comfortable. Some of the administrations can put on an excellent show yet have high levels of dissatisfied students, so be as wise as possible. Talk to as many students and docs as you can.

OMM makes sense to me, but it is just one of many tools we will acquire. August 15 here we come!

Good luck all. Hang in there, you can achieve your goals 😎
 
JohnnyOU said:
Can anyone already attending OSUCOM comment on faculty access please?

I ask because OU has so many more full-time faculty on staff and I wondered if everyone still gets all the attention they need.

OU's full-time faculty/student ratio is 1.1 [656 full-time profs]
OSU's full-time faculty/student ratio is 0.2 [72 full-time profs]

Also, I heard one guy complaining about the wireless network on campus at OSU, saying it was junk. Can anyone comment as to if this is true or just a disgruntled student?

Thank you,
Johnny

Every professor of mine knows me by name. In addition, all of the staff including the bookstore employees and administrative staff know my name. We are a small family. Our class size is only 88, and you only really have 1st and 2nd years on campus at one time. 656 people seems a bit excessive to get to know all of the faculty.

I've had lunch a couple of times with the dean of our school. Everyone is friendly and accessible.
 
OSUdoc08 said:
In addition, all of the staff including the bookstore employees and administrative staff know my name.
.
OSUdoc08,
My first thought was...."What, did you bounce a check?" haha
Just kidding!! 🙂

Thanks for the input...I think I'd be real happy there.

I think I'm going to run over there after class one day next week with the family and see if I can get a quick tour.

That's cool that you've had lunch with the dean... I've never ever seen the dean here at OU. Of course he's probably avoiding me since he's raised my tuition 3 times in the last 2 years. 😡

Any comment on the wireless system?

Johnny
 
wireless system works fine, with very few interuptions.... OSU is supposedly upgrading also to a faster and more reliable wireless too. It really is a great school, if you wanna come and get a tour, I am sure you will be able to get one easily. Come by and see what the rest of the medical school world is missing out on, it really is that good, and I am one of the most Non Traditional here.....

later


it has less
JohnnyOU said:
OSUdoc08,
My first thought was...."What, did you bounce a check?" haha
Just kidding!! 🙂

Thanks for the input...I think I'd be real happy there.

I think I'm going to run over there after class one day next week with the family and see if I can get a quick tour.

That's cool that you've had lunch with the dean... I've never ever seen the dean here at OU. Of course he's probably avoiding me since he's raised my tuition 3 times in the last 2 years. 😡

Any comment on the wireless system?

Johnny
 
DrDad said:
wireless system works fine, with very few interuptions.... OSU is supposedly upgrading also to a faster and more reliable wireless too. It really is a great school, if you wanna come and get a tour, I am sure you will be able to get one easily. Come by and see what the rest of the medical school world is missing out on, it really is that good, and I am one of the most Non Traditional here.....

later


it has less

Dr. Dad,

I was advised that the lectures online and notes server was often down. Do you know if they are planning on improving this? I had heard accessing those necessary items were hard at times, especially right before exams they had issues with crashing. Have you experienced this?

What were your pros and cons for your first year? Do you know of any upcoming changes in the cirriculum? Just curious as OSU is my first choice for the next application cycle so I'm trying to get all my facts right 😉 Also, being a non-trad, did you talk to the admissions staff prior to your application for the 'what are my chances' talk? Just curious. Some schools I've found are more receptive to this. I haven't heard good things about OSU's admissions staff in reference to helpfulness.
 
mshheaddoc said:
Dr. Dad,

I was advised that the lectures online and notes server was often down. Do you know if they are planning on improving this? I had heard accessing those necessary items were hard at times, especially right before exams they had issues with crashing. Have you experienced this?

What were your pros and cons for your first year? Do you know of any upcoming changes in the cirriculum? Just curious as OSU is my first choice for application cycle so I'm trying to get all my facts right 😉 Also, being a non-trad, did you talk to the admissions staff prior to your application for the 'what are my chances' talk? Just curious. Some schools I've found are more receptive to this. I haven't heard good things about OSU's admissions staff in reference to helpfulness.

1. I don't recall the server being down, and was able to download all items as needed.

2. The first semester is more difficult because the new method of studying takes some getting used to. The good news is that by the time you get to the much harder second semester, you have the techniques down, and are able to be much more successful.

3. The admissions staff is very receptive to talking to you prior to admission.
 
mshheaddoc said:
I haven't heard good things about OSU's admissions staff in reference to helpfulness.


This is exactly opposite to my experiences. I have communicated by email and telephone with the admissions staff ever since being waitlisted. I am convinced that my persistant contact played a part in my eventual admission offer. Every time you contact them, they update your file to reflect the inquiry. They always seemed terrific to me.

I had much worse experiences with admissions staff at other schools. OSU was in the top three (of twenty) most applicant friendly schools that I applied to this year.

Mushy, where do you live? Did you say MO? We've talked before, I think with UNT in the Lounge. Good Luck!
 
Hey all,

A question about rotations at OSU during years 3 & 4.

I heard someone mention going to OKC for them or possibly other cities...
but if I was dead set on staying in Tulsa all four years, would there be any problems or drawbacks?

Are X% forced to go somewhere else, and if so, what do they base these decisions on?

Thanks to anyone who can enlighten me.

Johnny 🙂
 
JohnnyOU said:
Hey all,

A question about rotations at OSU during years 3 & 4.

I heard someone mention going to OKC for them or possibly other cities...
but if I was dead set on staying in Tulsa all four years, would there be any problems or drawbacks?

Are X% forced to go somewhere else, and if so, what do they base these decisions on?

Thanks to anyone who can enlighten me.

Johnny 🙂


Most everyone stays in Tulsa for the required rotations, but some choose to go to OKC. Some of the requireds are in outlying communities (ie: I've spent time in Claremore, Sallisaw, Muskogee, and Bristow). There is a one month rotation that is rural and you'll definitely be away from home that month. Another 2 month rotation is most-likely out-of-town, too, but some are close by. (and you can trade and move rotations as available) I managed to only be gone from home for the 1 month rural rotation even though I was originally scheduled to be gone for 3 months.

I certainly can't think of any drawbacks to staying in Tulsa for MS3/4. Tulsa Regional is a good teaching facility.
 
DrMom said:
Most everyone stays in Tulsa for the required rotations, but some choose to go to OKC. Some of the requireds are in outlying communities (ie: I've spent time in Claremore, Sallisaw, Muskogee, and Bristow). There is a one month rotation that is rural and you'll definitely be away from home that month. Another 2 month rotation is most-likely out-of-town, too, but some are close by. (and you can trade and move rotations as available) I managed to only be gone from home for the 1 month rural rotation even though I was originally scheduled to be gone for 3 months.

I certainly can't think of any drawbacks to staying in Tulsa for MS3/4. Tulsa Regional is a good teaching facility.

Thanks DrMom 🙂
 
JohnnyOU said:
Thanks DrMom 🙂


Anytime. 🙂


The good thing in Oklahoma is that there are 2 public med schools that provide very good medical education. The key is figuring out which one you feel more at home in. 👍
 
OrthoFixation said:
This is exactly opposite to my experiences. I have communicated by email and telephone with the admissions staff ever since being waitlisted. I am convinced that my persistant contact played a part in my eventual admission offer. Every time you contact them, they update your file to reflect the inquiry. They always seemed terrific to me.

I had much worse experiences with admissions staff at other schools. OSU was in the top three (of twenty) most applicant friendly schools that I applied to this year.

Mushy, where do you live? Did you say MO? We've talked before, I think with UNT in the Lounge. Good Luck!
Well then, I best find another method to get my information! 🙂 I was possibly going to try to contact them to see how strong I'd match up to this past cycles applicants. Some schools are more receptive to actually "help" you get in than others in way of just meeting with you to talk about concerns you might have. I find they are a strong resource at times. I am wondering if OSU is like that at all?

I am actually relocating to Tulsa in August. I'm in NJ right now. And yes, you probably saw me in the lounge 😉 I believe I used to see you there back in the day.

Oh and congrats on getting in!!
 
hey do you guys know about the bridge program for OSU? Do you have to interview twice? One for regular admission and one for the bridge?
I just found out about it, it should be advertised more! Wonder if OU has one too.
 
Abe said:
hey do you guys know about the bridge program for OSU? Do you have to interview twice? One for regular admission and one for the bridge?
I just found out about it, it should be advertised more! Wonder if OU has one too.
I was told you interview for bridge and that is it. I might be wrong, any of your cowboys know for sure?

I wish I was eligible for it.
 
hey johnnyou,
i agree that you should visit both schools and decide. i do know that osu is ranked higher in primary care according to the usnews stuff, but i'm sure ou is fine for that, too. also, you can do your last two years at ou in tulsa -- my brother went to ou, and that's what he did. however, there seems to be high demand for that (not surprising since tulsa is nicer than okc, imo), so you're not guaranteed a spot. either would be a good choice.
 
DrMom said:
Anytime. 🙂


The good thing in Oklahoma is that there are 2 public med schools that provide very good medical education. The key is figuring out which one you feel more at home in. 👍

you lucky oklahomans! oregon (where i currently live) is almost exactly the same size as oklahoma, and we only have one medical school. it's public, but it gets so little state funding that it gives very little preference to state residents, and the instate tuition is so high. i'm from oklahoma and will probably apply to both the state schools there but sort of wish i had remained an oklahoma resident. so, you oklahoma residents, be happy! even though it's probably like 100 degrees outside right now and only a cool 70 here in portland, you're blessed in the med school department! 🙂
 
exlawgrrl said:
hey johnnyou,
i agree that you should visit both schools and decide. i do know that osu is ranked higher in primary care according to the usnews stuff, but i'm sure ou is fine for that, too. also, you can do your last two years at ou in tulsa -- my brother went to ou, and that's what he did. however, there seems to be high demand for that (not surprising since tulsa is nicer than okc, imo), so you're not guaranteed a spot. either would be a good choice.

Hi exlawgrrl,
I have already received a tour of OU about a month ago. I am probably going to drive to Tulsa tomorrow or the next day and get one at OSU if they can squeeze me in.

Johnny 🙂
 
Is anyone familiar with what is the level of competitiveness with general surgery residencies after going thru the D.O. program?

I'm not positive that is what I want to do, but feel strongly that it may be.
Getting into surgery with an MD is probably a little easier, but I've heard it is also common with a D.O.

Is anyone familiar with the matching program....ie...if I try to match into a general surgery program what determines my acceptance or rejection. And if I'm rejected, then what? Does everyone have a list of desired residencies they sign up for in order of preference?

Thanks to anyone who has some info on this. 🙂

Johnny
 
mshheaddoc said:
Some schools are more receptive to actually "help" you get in than others in way of just meeting with you to talk about concerns you might have. I find they are a strong resource at times. I am wondering if OSU is like that at all?

I am actually relocating to Tulsa in August. I'm in NJ right now.

I bet they would be more than happy to meet with you and help improve your chances 👍. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Tulsa. If you need anything, give me a shout.

The winter will be much shorter!
 
i got a question somewhat off topic, when does OSU secondary come in? And how bad is the august mcat gonna hurt me? I havent really worried about my amcas or aacomas application as of yet, because id rather worry about that after the MCAT is over. I know OU said i wouldnt be at a disadvantage b/c they dont even do interviews till Nov what about OSU?
 
Abe said:
i got a question somewhat off topic, when does OSU secondary come in? And how bad is the august mcat gonna hurt me? I havent really worried about my amcas or aacomas application as of yet, because id rather worry about that after the MCAT is over. I know OU said i wouldnt be at a disadvantage b/c they dont even do interviews till Nov what about OSU?

Are you an in or out of state resident? I know that in-staters can get the secondary from the website and fill it out right away, even before the aacomas has been processed.
 
!dr_nick! said:
Are you an in or out of state resident? I know that in-staters can get the secondary from the website and fill it out right away, even before the aacomas has been processed.
I've heard something about this. Is it normal for applicants to do that?
I'd like to go ahead and do it if so. However, I also am taking the August MCAT...does that make a difference?

Johnny
 
Abe said:
i got a question somewhat off topic, when does OSU secondary come in? And how bad is the august mcat gonna hurt me? I havent really worried about my amcas or aacomas application as of yet, because id rather worry about that after the MCAT is over. I know OU said i wouldnt be at a disadvantage b/c they dont even do interviews till Nov what about OSU?
I filled out my primary in July, MCAT in August, secondary came in September before the scores were released, scores released in October, turned in secondary, was called in December for an early January interview, accepted in late January. I dont feel an August MCAT should be too concerning. Of course the earlier the better, but it was no disadvantage to me this year with 6 acceptances all before March. And I was also an out of state applicant. Hope this helps.
 
Abe said:
i got a question somewhat off topic, when does OSU secondary come in? And how bad is the august mcat gonna hurt me? I havent really worried about my amcas or aacomas application as of yet, because id rather worry about that after the MCAT is over. I know OU said i wouldnt be at a disadvantage b/c they dont even do interviews till Nov what about OSU?

Abe, I would go ahead and get your AACOMAS ready. OSU accepts on a rolling admissions, so it's in your best interest to apply as early as possible. Interviews ordinarily begin the last week of October. If your MCAT is fairly competitve now, definitely apply. You can update your records when the new August score comes in.

I took the MCAT in April, then I retook the August MCAT for a better score. I had already interviewed by the time my new and slightly better MCAT score came in.
 
OrthoFixation said:
I bet they would be more than happy to meet with you and help improve your chances 👍. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Tulsa. If you need anything, give me a shout.

The winter will be much shorter!
Thanks ortho! I think the one thing I will miss will "be" the winter. Oh and the beach. 🙂 I'll contact them when I get out there.
 
Hi All,

OSU has been a great experience to me mostly because of the small class size. What happens is that they split the class in half for alternating lab purposes, so you have 44 people that you spend most of the time out of class with. I found that you really make connections within these A & B groups. OU has a mod system where you share a study space with a smaller group, say 20, and they say those are the only people you get to know very well. That's just rumor, though. I have a friend there, so if you really want to know, I'll ask her for you all.

The faculty is very good for the most part. I feel that I was at least presented a quality education. Any lack is on my part. It's all the same building too, so there is plenty of time between classes to not feel rushed. OSU fells like it fits me better given my goals for a career. Don't worry about MD vs DO. There are great docs in both groups.
 
Can't believe no one has mentioned Goljan. He was probably the deciding factor in my decision to attend OSU over the other schools.
 
DireWolf said:
Can't believe no one has mentioned Goljan. He was probably the deciding factor in my decision to attend OSU over the other schools.

Do tell... I'm all ears 🙂
 
Hi everybody. I ve been thinkin of goin to OSu in the fall, im a junior but who is Goljan. Ive been thinkin of being a PA or a pharmacist or a medical doctor.
 
mshheaddoc said:
Thought he was retiring soon?

He has brought up the possibility of retirement several times, but as far as I know has not set a date.

Dr. Goljan is our Pathology professor. He is also Kaplan's top traveling lecturer for USMLE Steps 1 and 2.

You will see his OSU lectures being sold illegally on the internet because they are golden.

He has written/contributed to several board review books and is considered by many THE authority on USMLE.

In his pathology course, he integrates anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. So even if you struggled to learn these subjects earlier, he presents it in a way that makes sense.

He also provided OSU students with a free board review for Steps 1 and 2.

And while COMLEX is impossible to prepare for due to its randomness and asininity, pathophysiology is emphasized, so his course/review is helpful for this exam as well.

I think he deserves a lot (not all) of the credit for our 100% pass rate on Step 1 (COMLEX and USMLE).
 
dustin i havent taken the mcat yet, so im not sure if turning it in right now helps. did you go to OSU for undergrad? If you did you prolly know parnham, i think i saw you at OSU-COM today.

Anyone know of a online residency match list somewhere for OSU?
 
Abe said:
dustin i havent taken the mcat yet, so im not sure if turning it in right now helps. did you go to OSU for undergrad? If you did you prolly know parnham, i think i saw you at OSU-COM today.

Anyone know of a online residency match list somewhere for OSU?

Yes, it's on the commencement page on the school website.

http://www.osu-med.com
 
I wanna go to this school!!!

I'm gonna be touring this week.

Anybody have any hints for getting the most out of the tour?
 
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