PCOM and NYCOM

I am going to be a third year student (Class of 2002) at NYCOM this year and my stats are given below:

MCAT: verbal: 9; physical science: 11; writing section: Q; biological sciences: 10; composite score: 30

GPAs: Overall: 3.752; science; 3.523

I've always been interested in osteopathic medicine because of its philosophy and because my family physician was a D.O. He had some input on helping me select which school I should attend. He himself was a NYCOM grad.

I applied to both MD and DO school and was accepted by both. But I chose to become a DO because of the two reasons I mentioned above and also because it was closer to home. NYCOM is only a 10-15 minute car ride from my house. When you live at home, it certainly takes a lot of the pressure off because you have to worry about too many things besides your school work.

As for your qualification, I think you have a good chance of getting at the least an interview at NYCOM for sure. I can also go far enough to say that you might one of the first few who may be accepted if you apply early and make a good impression on the interviewer(s).

Before you apply you should:
(1) Make sure you have spoken with a D.O.; Although NYCOM does not require a D.O. letter, it certainly makes a good impression on the committee if you have one.

(2) Make sure you learn all that you can about Osteopathy and D.O.s before you come to the interview. I suggest you read "The D.O.s" by Norman Gevitz (don't quote me on the spelling of the author's last name). You might want to visit: http://www.interviewfeedback.com

This site has the feedback from people who have interviewed at various med schools including NYCOM.

(3) Make sure that you don't have a grade below a "C" in any of the required courses and especially the required science classes. If you have any "blemishes" on your academic record, make sure you have a legitimate explanation in mind. Just realize that these people have heard everything.

(4) Make sure you visit: http://www.aacom.org

This site is the home page of the American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine. They have some info that you may find interesting and also application material.

AT THE INTERVIEW:

(5) WHEN (not if) you come for the interview, look friendly and cheerful. Talk with the other applicants (it'll take the edge off). Relax and enjoy yourself. Have a danish and some juice. You may have to wait for a while before you are interviewed, so bring your favorite magazine or a book.

Good luck.



[This message has been edited by AMS-007 (edited 07-01-2000).]

 

Wow! I can't believe you remembered your undergrad GPAs to the 3rd decimal!!! Impressive!

 

It is easy to remember when you still have your AACOMAS profile to help you.

 

So, AMS! Are you trying to tell us that you chose to pay 22K/year for education that many patients would not even consider as a real medicine. There are plenty of state med. schools in NY and country that are better and less expensive than NYCOM.
Kaiza, my MCAT was 24 and GPA 3.3, pretty much average for NYCOM and more realistic than AMS's (sorry I don't remember my gpa to the third decimal )
I am not ashamed to admit that NYCOM was my only chance to become a physician and don't get me wrong,I am very happy with my choice.

 

Ost,

I agree with you that my MCAT scores and my GPA (yes, upto the third decimal point) was not typical of the common NYCOM student. I am also sorry that you didn't find my decision to attend NYCOM too logical but it is important to understand that sometimes the best option is not the cheapest option for everyone. Although I had applied and was accepted by both allopathic and osteopathic schools, I was always attracted to the osteopathic philosophy. Since you are a NYCOM student, you must know that NYCOM is the only Osteopathic Medical School in New York State. Therefore I did not have much of a choice as far as Osteopathic Med Schools went. Furthermore, I never said that I was paying $22,000 a year to attend. There is such a thing as financial aid (loans) and scholarships (Military and Health Services Corp). Since I am participating in one of the latter options, I'm not paying $22,000 a year to attend.

I personally do not think patients care what two letters appear after your name as long as you can help them. Its quite amazing the type of following that one physician (a D.O. or and M.D.) can have once he/she has been recognized as "a good doctor" by one patient. The word spreads like wild fire especially in a small areas. That may seem too optimistic to you, but I know of atleast one D.O. to whom this happened to.

Although you seem happy you came to NYCOM and I understand that it was your only choice to become a physician, you should try to be more optimistic about the fact that you are becoming a D.O.. If you can't sell your qualifications as a physician to someone, then who will?

If you're so concerned about patient opinion, then do something about it! If someone asks you about Osteopathy (and some people will)when you're a third year student or even when you're not, explain to them what it is to the best of your ability. They're NOT trying to belittle you by asking what a D.O. is. They are NOT questioning the validity or tenets of Osteopathy when they do not know what Osteopathy is. Since you're going to be a doctor, you may know that "doctor" means teacher. So if someone does not know, TEACH THEM! From the tone of your post (angry) you sound as if D.O. were some sort of Scarlet Letters after your name. You should wear the letters as if it were more like the Red Badge of Courage. BE MORE OPTIMISTIC MAN! You already finished the first year, you're one fourth of the way home!! You'll have a great time with Dr. Mancini. He's tough, but he is fair. HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE SECOND YEAR. TRY TO RELAX A BIT MAN, YOU SOUND A LITTLE TENSE AND UPSET.