PCSOM and some other stuff

[docman85]

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Ok so I have search and not found what I was looking for so hopefully someone can be of assistance.

I am interested in PCSOM mainly because I am interested in practicing in a rural area, (and because i got a 20 on the MCAT;() What i am wanting to know is...

a.) Is it possible for me to get in the with that low of a MCAT? (im already planning to retake in Jan)

b.) I want to go into emergency medicine right now, would that be possible at PCSOM, and also if I changed my mind to lets say ortho or general surgery, would I be able to land one of these residencies after attending PCSOM (Pikeville)?

Thanks everyone

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I know nothing about PCSOM. However, I'm curious as to why you took the MCAT after very little exposure to only some of the pre-reqs. And now you're going to retake without much new information/class exposure?

It seems like you're rushing, and it's proving counterproductive.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Ok so I have search and not found what I was looking for so hopefully someone can be of assistance.

I am interested in PCSOM mainly because I am interested in practicing in a rural area, (and because i got a 20 on the MCAT;() What i am wanting to know is...

a.) Is it possible for me to get in the with that low of a MCAT? (im already planning to retake in Jan)

b.) I want to go into emergency medicine right now, would that be possible at PCSOM, and also if I changed my mind to lets say ortho or general surgery, would I be able to land one of these residencies after attending PCSOM (Pikeville)?

Thanks everyone

They have a high preference for applicants from KY followed by Appalachian states. You must show a strong desire in rural medicine.

You asked if it is possible to get in....I would say yes but unlikely. I am not one to say "no way" because I believe anything can happen and I wish you the best. Judging by your GPA you can do better on that MCAT. Take as many practice MCATs as possible until January. Hit a 25+ and you'll have a shot at a late acceptance(pending you don't already have one of course)!

As far as your chances with EM. You certainly can pursue this along with other specialties. Keep in mind that PCSOM is focused on primary care and thus the vast majority of your rotations will be spent in such fashion so getting a bunch of time rotating in Ortho maybe more difficult. I would suggest looking at the 3rd/4th curriculum.

Goodluck!!

 

[wackyfizzle]

So I sent in all my secondaries about a week ago and am waiting mainly for PCSOM. I am from Texas which is not in the region but I have a strong desire for small town and Applachian region in my future, do you think they will take that into consideration for acceptance? Also, I'm sure this is somwhere else in the forum, but did PCSOM students wait long for an interview invite? Thanks! 🙂

 

[aliDO]

So I sent in all my secondaries about a week ago and am waiting mainly for PCSOM. I am from Texas which is not in the region but I have a strong desire for small town and Applachian region in my future, do you think they will take that into consideration for acceptance? Also, I'm sure this is somwhere else in the forum, but did PCSOM students wait long for an interview invite? Thanks! 🙂

I've been complete for over a month. Maybe they just don't like me. Some people say they are just really slow with the process.

 

[Cp22kjer]

I've been complete for over a month. Maybe they just don't like me. Some people say they are just really slow with the process.

They are slightly slower. In addition they send everything through snail mail which can delay the entire process as you then have to mail everything back. This takes some extra time.

I would be patient and see what happens. I think they just started interviewing so there's plenty of time for you two. Goodluck!

 

[stonewall22]

I've been complete for over a month. Maybe they just don't like me. Some people say they are just really slow with the process.

I heard from them in less than a week after being complete, and I don't live close to KY...so snail mail or not, they were quick. Also, if you look through the threads here you will see that they accept many people from outside the region and from big cities. You just have to impress in the interview.

 

[wackyfizzle]

sorry, I should have put this in my last post, but I was also wondering if people can send LOR's to the Dean of PSCOM. I thought I read in the catalog that if people wanted to send extra letters, that they go to the dean.

Is that being a nudge, or could it be helpful to send extra letters? Thanks again!😕

 

[scdocusc]

I sent extra letters to every school and I think it can only help you if you are certain that those letters are powerful. As far as the admissions department they do take a while to get back to you but rest assured they WILL notify you about where you stand. If you are curious then try talking with Angel about it. When you get a hold of her she is very helpful.

In regards to the specialties at PCSOM. There are a large amount of graduates who go into surgery, Ortho, EM and other specialties. They are a rural directed school but this does not mean rural areas don't need surgeons and emergency Medical doctors. Actually, many of our students have signed with hospitals already to work in ER's or at certain hospitals. These students are lucky as the hospitals usually pay for their loans. We do have various clubs such as the EM club, SOSA, ACOFP, OBGYN, internal medicine, Ortho, Sports medicine, Peds, and I heard rumors that there will be an opthamology, and anest. clubs that will be forming soon. PCSOM also has an extremely large and well organized medical mission program. They travel to the Dominican Rep. every year for medical clinics for a week. Given a small school atmosphere, you have the opportunity to get heavily involved with many clubs which can help you getting a residency.


good luck to you all and don't give up.

 

[anitay]

I'm a 2nd yr medical student at PCSOM. If you guys have any question feel free to PM me.

 

[tnig469]

I heard from them in less than a week after being complete, and I don't live close to KY...so snail mail or not, they were quick. Also, if you look through the threads here you will see that they accept many people from outside the region and from big cities. You just have to impress in the interview.

People outside the region do get interviews. Most of the time Pikeville does want to accept people who will intend to stay in the region. Personally, I have been in the region for almost 20 years. I live around 30 minutes from the school and have seen it many times...do you have an interview on the 22nd?

 

[anitay]

Good Luck for everyone interviewing this Saturday. I'll be there for interviews...if you have any questions just send me a message!

 

[kendall]

I guess interviews were yesterday, so i hope they went well for everyone. I am a 4th year Pikeville student currently out on away electives and hitting the interview trail (for gen surg). PCSOM definitley wants to matriculate students from Ky and the Appalachian region, but they also want to fill the seats, so every year we have students from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, etc... My class even has a student from California. Point is, if you're interested then apply no matter where you're from. To the OP, take the MCAT again, and do better. Simple as that. Do you need to break 30? No, but I'm sure the school would like to see improvement. Upward trends in anything always look good on applications. As for specialty options, you can do about whatever you want. Certainly there is a primary care slant to everything in the first two years, but you will have a minimum of 3 months to do away (so called audition) rotations in the specialty of your choice as a 4th year. If you're grades are good, board scored are solid, you have good LOR's, and you use your elective months wisely, you can get whatever spot you want. Gen surg has become more competitive recently, but every year several PCSOM students match. Likewise, we always have a few match ortho, gas, rads, even the occassional neurosurg and ENT. Considering the fact that a majority of students at PCSOM are planning careers in primary care before even starting med school, I think we match specialties very well. Good luck to you all. Feel free to PM me with any questions.