PCSOM Class of 2008

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
I got the survival guide today. Looks nice. I have one question, however. Where do we meet for the Dean's welcome on the 16th? Maybe I overlooked this, but if anyone can clue me into the location it would be greatly appreciated.

On another note, I'm assuming that the PCSOM SAA handout/flyer is directed toward spouses. Is that correct? My wife is interested.

Look forward to meeting you all.
Jake
 
Has anyone heard from financial aid yet. Last letter said that it would be in July. I assume that we cannot borrow anything until we get a letter.

Ten more days to work before moving to Pikeville!! 😱
 
I haven't heard anything from the financial aid office yet. I'd really like to find something out, because I want to locate some more loans to add to the Stafford Loan.
 
Yep, the SAA is for spouses, both male and female. They usually do some pretty fun stuff. Cooking, belly dancing, rock climbing, camping, etc..
 
How many members do the Sports Medicine Club and the Student Osteopathic Surgical Association have, and what kind of stuff do they do?
 
Barrett,

I have two quick questions for you.

Can you tell me how to get to... I think that it is called Green Meadows golf course?

Can you tell me which cable company is the best one to go with?

Thanks a lot buddy.

Aaron
 
Aaron,

You won't be able to play at Green Meadows, it's a private course and they are pretty strict about who gets to play. I would suggest Stone Crest in Prestonesburg and Raven Rock in Jenkins. Both are better course anyways. As far as cable goes I would suggest Dish Network if you can get it...it's cheapier and you get more channels. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
 
Thanks for the reply Barrett.

I thought about getting Direct TV, but my landlord says that there is no place to put the Dish. I really dont think he wanted us to have the cable run, which I can respect that. I appreciate your input though.

I was not for sure if Green Meadows was public or Private. I like to golf and I have not seen any courses in the area, except for one on John's Creek Road, which I did not care much for anyway. I will see if I can locate the ones in Prestonsburg and Jenkins. I will probably be in Pikeville in the morning to move some more stuff into my apartment. Hopefully I will be staying there starting next weekend.

Once again Barrett, thanks for the quick reply. See you all soon.

Aaron
 
I am a graduate of PCSOM and will be available to answer any and all questions regarding your education and experiences while in Pikeville. Also know that I was the originator of the term "Pikevegas". It is good to see that the tradition lives on. Disclaimer: I will only tell the truth. You may not like what you hear. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the hollow.
 
kydrtruth said:
Disclaimer: I will only tell the truth. You may not like what you hear. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the hollow.
Click to expand...

OK, I will bite. Tell me about what I may not like to hear.

E-
 
Yeah by all means tell us what we may not want to hear.
 
🙁
eadysx said:
OK, I will bite. Tell me about what I may not like to hear.

E-
Click to expand...
Pikeville standard cable does not include Comedy Central, E!, or BET.
 
Buster Douglas said:
🙁 Pikeville standard cable does not include Comedy Central, E!, or BET.
Click to expand...

WHAT?!? No, SouthPark, no John Stewart, no Reno 911 unless I pay more!!?! 😡 😱 😡 You are right. I did not want to hear that....

E-
 
Buster Douglas said:
🙁 Pikeville standard cable does not include Comedy Central, E!, or BET.
Click to expand...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! That's not true, that can't be true! Is it too late to switch schools?
 
I will only answer specific questions. Feel free to fire away.
 
kydrtruth said:
I will only answer specific questions. Feel free to fire away.
Click to expand...

OK, what do you feel the weak points are in the first two years of class room education?

Did you feel ready and well prepared for the COMLEX (and USMLE if you took it)?

Did you feel like you got good clinical experience during your second two years?

Do you feel there are any weak points in the way the school is run?

What advice would you give to me as an MS-I at PCSOM?

E-
 
Buster Douglas said:
🙁 Pikeville standard cable does not include Comedy Central, E!, or BET.
Click to expand...

Oh, well. Not having BET doesn't bother me. I don't watch that **** anyway.

As long as I can get my college football on Saturday's and NFL on Sunday's, I'll be happy.
 
So much to answer. . .I will do my best to touch on a few of your questions tonight.

First of all, the faculty is ever changing so the education I received will be very different from yours. They have had many vacant spots in the faculty and I know they have had difficulty filling these positions. OPP is by far the strongest and most consistent class. Be thankful for your education in that department. Pathology is by far the weakest, with Anatomy a close second. In terms of the COMLEX and USMLE, it depends on the professors that are present now but it is safe to say that you will have to buckle down and do a lot of studying and learning on your own. The clinical years are what you make of it. Each hubsite has strengths and weaknesses. It all depends on how you need to learn. If you need more direction, I would stay close to the school. The administration seemed to be at constant struggle with itself. The right hand more covered for the left than to make sure everyone was informed. Small town politics--remember that. Do not get on Dr. Betz's bad side for you will die a slow and painful death. And don't feel bad that Dr. Strosnider doesn't know your name. . .he only remembers the trouble makers. Oh, and bring an umbrella. The first year classroom has a leak and to my understanding has not been fixed in the past 4 years. Unfortunately, you are paying a huge price for an education but you will see very little of that put to enhancing your education. However, we do have a football team and a bowling team that is well supported.
 
Dennis and Misty,

Are you guys moving into the Autumn Suites this weekend? Marvin said that everyone is moving in this weekend. Let me know if you are. I can give you a hand with your stuff.

I really like my apartment. They did a really good job on the inside and the outside looks pretty good too. The only thing they need to do is finish the outside and complete the laundry room.

See you all soon!

ACE
 
I talked with Angel and Teresa yesterday while on campus. I am not for 100% sure, but I think that orientation takes place in the first year classroom. A couple of others had asked for the proper dress on the PCSOM newsgroup that Veer made. I will be wearing a shirt and tie, and I think that the survival guide said to wear this as well.

Teresa is working on our first year loan information. She seems to have it pretty much under control. Her desk had about a billion files on it. Poor thing, I dont know how her and Angel do all that stuff and stay sane. Oh, btw, if you guys have any student loan deferrments to give her, she said that she is going to complete them and send it out during orientation week.

Well, we have less than a month... is everyone getting excited? Cant wait to meet you all in person. I have met about 6 or 7 classmates already and everyone is extremely nice and helpful. I think we will definitely have a cohesive class. Later.

ACE
 
kydrtruth said:
So much to answer. . .I will do my best to touch on a few of your questions tonight.

First of all, the faculty is ever changing so the education I received will be very different from yours. They have had many vacant spots in the faculty and I know they have had difficulty filling these positions. OPP is by far the strongest and most consistent class. Be thankful for your education in that department. Pathology is by far the weakest, with Anatomy a close second. In terms of the COMLEX and USMLE, it depends on the professors that are present now but it is safe to say that you will have to buckle down and do a lot of studying and learning on your own. The clinical years are what you make of it. Each hubsite has strengths and weaknesses. It all depends on how you need to learn. If you need more direction, I would stay close to the school. The administration seemed to be at constant struggle with itself. The right hand more covered for the left than to make sure everyone was informed. Small town politics--remember that. Do not get on Dr. Betz's bad side for you will die a slow and painful death. And don't feel bad that Dr. Strosnider doesn't know your name. . .he only remembers the trouble makers. Oh, and bring an umbrella. The first year classroom has a leak and to my understanding has not been fixed in the past 4 years. Unfortunately, you are paying a huge price for an education but you will see very little of that put to enhancing your education. However, we do have a football team and a bowling team that is well supported.
Click to expand...

Thanks for you honest remarks kydrtruth. I imagine that all schools, DO or MD have their problems. Most of what you have said does not throw up any huge red flags for me. But perhaps I be reading more into your remarks? I would be interested to hear what other current Pikeville students have to say about kydrtruth's comments.

From what has been said so far, it sounds to me like the education at Pikeville is what you make of it. That being said, I can't wait to get my shot to make the most of it. :meanie: Its hard to believe how close we are to starting school. Can't wait to meet everyone. 🙂

E-
 
Eadysx- kydrtruth does have a point that path. is the weakest link at our school, as far as anatomy goes my class had a different professors and an awesome one. The only faculty that we lost this year was the anatomy and neuro. professors, which both have been replaced. We did have a problem keeping first year faculty we have As far as COMLEX/USMLE goes, PCSOM students have no problem passing either one, just look at our pass rate on both, 96% of the class of 2005 passed the first time. We seem to maintain a low 90's pass rate on the USMLE the first time, which is better then some of the medical schools in the state. The truth is the PCSOM like all other medical schools is what you make of it, if you bear down and study, then you will have no problem with anything....if you jerk around, then you will struggle to get through. Also, the first year classroom is not supposed to leak anymore due to the new OPP and Micro labs been constructed on top of it.
 
That is cool to hear about the new OPP and micro labs. It looked like the entire campus was getting some major work done to it yesterday in different places.

Does Dr. Leach teach pathology? I would imagine that pathology is a very difficult subject anyway.

Out of curiosity, how does one get on Dr. Betz's bad side so I know not to flirt with disaster?

I went to Stonecrest Golf Course yesterday, this is a beautiful course. I hope that I get the time to occasionally get to play there.

Later

Aaron
 
Hey Barrett,

If you ever need a golf partner, let me know.... maybe we could play a round some time. I must admit that I am not that good, usually shoot in the 90s, but enjoy playing. My dad and I are going to Stonecrest tomorrow morning I think, but dont know for sure.

See you soon.

Aaron
 
Hey if any of the incoming class would like, SOMA is going to clean up A.T. Still park this friday. If anyone is interested in going pm me and I'll give you the details.
 
I never thought the addition would happen. I had always been told the building was sinking and the additions would not be structually sound. Needless to say, I wouldn't be the first person to walk on the new floor.

How to get on Dr. Betz's bad side. It's a lot easier than it sounds. Don't bother him with petty stuff. Always have a couple of solutions if you do have a problem. Speak when spoken to. Don't try to cut corners. Don't piss off your classmates or professors. BE HONEST--he can tell when you're lying.

As far as how much one should read into my comments, I will say the following. The general statment made by a PCSOM graduate is, "This damn school will never see another cent of my money." I give you all 3 months before you become extremely jaded. All schools have problems. PCSOM has disasters. Young school, poor money managment, Appalachia. Need I say more.
 
This sounds like my undergrad school, round two. They were almost put on probation because the board could not get along. The two opposing factions would not even meet at the same time and place. The governor finally had to intervene and appoint some new members.

Oh yeah, the K12 school district that I work for cannot manage money or resources either.

Poor management of talent and money is apparently part of school finance. I think they teach this in masters level administration classes.

My question is will we still get a good education?
 
Having attended 3 different universities in search of my undergraduate degree I am a believer that the education one receives is largely dependent upon that individual. I understand that undergraduate education and medical school aren't always comparable, however I still think some comparisons can be made.

Another aspect to be considered, as I'm sure most of you will agree, is the student body. Much of my secular learning can be attributed to the help and teachings of my classmates. I do not discount the importance of good faculty, but I think maybe we need to put a little more responsibility on ourselves when we ask if we are going to get a quality education.

On a side note most of the physicians I have talked with (DO and MD) have said that medical school gets you through the boards and residency is where you learn to be a doctor. I haven't seen too much at Pikeville that says I won't be able to pass the boards.
 
hossofadoc you said "The first year classroom is not supposed to leak anymore due to the new OPP and Micro labs been constructed on top of it...."

So, is the OPP and Micro Labs finished? Will we be using them this year?? I think Ed Stiles deserves a "new home"! 😀
 
I'm not certain when the new micro and OPP labs will be ready. Everyone says that the labs will be ready this year.
 
Hey Guys,
I just finished a conference with Dr. Stiles. It was great......as usual. I can't wait to get going. Talk to you all later. 😀
 
Hey Dennis,

What kind of conference did you attend?

Did your friend sandiflipflops start at UNECOM today? One of her classmates said that they were starting today.

Have you decided when you are moving in Dennis? Let me know and I will give you a hand moving in. Later bro.

ACE
 
Aaron Earles said:
Hey Dennis,

What kind of conference did you attend?

Did your friend sandiflipflops start at UNECOM today? One of her classmates said that they were starting today.

Have you decided when you are moving in Dennis? Let me know and I will give you a hand moving in. Later bro.

ACE
Click to expand...
What's up ACE. I went to a Jones Strain/Counterstrain course. We did a little functional and a little muscle energy. These are all OMM techniques. Wait till you hear some of the stories....and you will hear a lot of them.

Yeah, Kimberly started at UNE today. Thanks for asking. She is gonna be a great physician.
I am moving in on August 3, so one more week. Doc Stiles said that they will be starting the new labs at school in a few weeks.
Later
Coop
 
kydrtruth said:
I never thought the addition would happen. I had always been told the building was sinking and the additions would not be structually sound. Needless to say, I wouldn't be the first person to walk on the new floor.

How to get on Dr. Betz's bad side. It's a lot easier than it sounds. Don't bother him with petty stuff. Always have a couple of solutions if you do have a problem. Speak when spoken to. Don't try to cut corners. Don't piss off your classmates or professors. BE HONEST--he can tell when you're lying.

As far as how much one should read into my comments, I will say the following. The general statment made by a PCSOM graduate is, "This damn school will never see another cent of my money." I give you all 3 months before you become extremely jaded. All schools have problems. PCSOM has disasters. Young school, poor money managment, Appalachia. Need I say more.
Click to expand...

Most of what you say is correct. Pathology is the weakest course. Sadly, several people share the sentiments of not supporting the school. However the demographic of those who state this seem to predominately originate from outside Appalachia, bottomline. Those students hated Pikeville from day 1 and therefore found any reason to complain. Some of my best friends were this way. We all know that certain administators seem to not always look out for our best interests (believe me I know), but by deciding to not support the school and tarnishing the schools reputation, you are being very shortsighted. Our current administrators are not going to live forever. Alot of my fellow classmates and alumni fail to see that someday things will change if we work to change them. By being unsupportive of the school, you are really doing all of Appalachia a disservice. BTW, supporting the school does not have to be financial.
 
Has anyone heard anything from Mrs. Jones in the financial aid office?
 
I've not heard anything from Mrs. Jones since before her maternity leave in April. I know she has to be back in the office now, but I just assumed she was really busy. I hope we hear something soon, because it's less than 3 weeks before school starts. Has anyone else heard anything yet?
 
I spoke with Mrs. Jones today and she said that some award letters were recently sent out and the rest of them would be sent out in the next batch.
 
Pikevillemedstudent said:
...Sadly, several people share the sentiments of not supporting the school...Alot of my fellow classmates and alumni fail to see that someday things will change if we work to change them. By being unsupportive of the school, you are really doing all of Appalachia a disservice. BTW, supporting the school does not have to be financial...
Click to expand...
Well said...

I just wanted to add:

1) Every school has its problems but the crap PCSOM students bitch about are minor (Missing skull, anyone?) 😉. Hang out in the 'international forums' a bit and you'll know what I'm talkin about.

2) Giving your school a bad rep only cheapens your own degree.

3) PCSOM hooks its students up. It's one of only two schools in the country which provides a Dell laptop computer, all required textbooks and workbooks, all necessary anatomy dissection equipment, a new portable OP&P table, a stethoscope, an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, all lab coats & scrub suits, the use of a PCSOM microscope for the first two years, all SOMA and KOMA dues as well as the costs of taking Parts I and II of the COMLEX. That is HUGE! And the tuition is still under the nat. average for all DO schools. Not only are they paying for your SOMA fees, but for the past few years the school's taken care of room and transportation for SOMA conventions (a RARITY).

There are definitely some cons to the school, but not enough for me to not contribute in the future for all the opportunities the school's already provided so far. I think a few cynics forget that they wouldn't be in the position they are in right now if it wasn't for the oppportunities PCSOM has created for them.
Yeah it would've been cool to get a Littman stethescope and an OPP table that didn't tip on all 2 of the hundreds of techniques we learn. 🙄
But just by accepting you, PCSOM pretty much guarantees you a 6 fig salary the rest of your life as long as you study...
 
Thank you Buster Douglas....it is nice to hear some straight facts that are positive about pikeville. I was getting worried that a large group of students come out pessimistic of their time spent at PCSOM.

Class of 2008...has anyone understood Angel's email about white coat? what time is it at and why is it on a fri?
 
Leah and Misty,

I talked to Mrs. Jones last week. She is "on schedule" and is preparing to send out award letters. Oddly enough, she was on my file when I went to her office. So I would imagine that has all been taken care of. I think it will be mid September before we get our first dispursement.

I went with Barrett and Rachel (class of 2007) last week to the A. T. Still Park cleanup that SOMA was doing. We talked about a lot of things and I have a much better sense of what is going on in the school. Both were extremely friendly and answered my questions honestly. I think that we are going to be in for a real treat when we start. The class of 2007 will be a huge asset to us. Dr. Strosnider is a pretty helpful guy as well. I talked with him yesterday and he seems very laid back and willing to help students out. I know that I have not been there long enough to know the ropes, so to speak, but from talking with Barrett and Rachel, and Dr. Stro... I think we will be happy at Pikeville.

I try to optimistic about things, and I believe what Pikevillemedstudent and Buster are saying is good advice. School is what we make of it. I am from Appalachia and really like living in Pikevegas. We will walk away being great physicians in the end. I am glad that they are giving us a week at orientation to get to know everyone better and get used to the school. I cant believe how fast the day is approaching. It is going to be great to meet you all. See you all real soon.

ACE
 
dcratamt said:
What's up ACE. I went to a Jones Strain/Counterstrain course. We did a little functional and a little muscle energy. These are all OMM techniques. Wait till you hear some of the stories....and you will hear a lot of them.

Yeah, Kimberly started at UNE today. Thanks for asking. She is gonna be a great physician.
I am moving in on August 3, so one more week. Doc Stiles said that they will be starting the new labs at school in a few weeks.
Later
Coop
Click to expand...

Whats up Coop?!

August 3, huh. Let me know when you get there bro. I am in apartment 103. It is on the opposite end of the first floor where you enter the perimeter gate. I will help you unload your stuff.

Same goes for you too Misty. Let me know when you get there. I will help you as well. Moving goes so much smoothly when you have several helping you out. Later Coop.

ACE
 
I don't think I got that email from Angel about the white coat ceremony, I change my email and I'm not sure if she updated her records. Could someone please send that to me?

I talked to Mrs. Jones last Friday and got my award letter from her. She had a pretty big stack of letters she was getting ready to mail out, so there should be many people getting theirs soon.
 
Hey ACE,
Got any pics of the outside of Autumn Suites? If you do could you send them to me? And when is this white coat ceremony? I thought it was the 22nd but now people are saying the 20th.
Coop
 
Dennis and Tara,

The email from Angel was blank, it just had as a title "White coat date is set for Sept. 3." I was kind of hoping that it would be sooner than that, since Sept. 3 is on Friday of Labor Day weekend and I figured some of us might have plans since there is no school on Monday the 6th.

Aaron,

I was planning on moving my stuff in on Sunday. If you are home I will stop by and see you.

I'll talk to you all soon. I can't wait to meet you all!
 
I got to scrub in on a very cool procedure today. An arthroscopic AC Joint repair. The technique was created by Arthrex, and up until today, only six orthopods nationally had performed this technique.

Things have been pretty exciting around the surgery department this week. I got to do the AC Joint repair today. Yesterday, we had a stat c-section that turned into an emergency hysterectomy because the patient went into DIC. This patient ended up getting shipped to the MED with an H&H of 5 and 15.
 
An H & H of 5 and 15 😱 . I would hate to see her coag results. With that much bleeding, her coag results would probably be out of this world.
 
dcratamt said:
Hey ACE,
Got any pics of the outside of Autumn Suites? If you do could you send them to me? And when is this white coat ceremony? I thought it was the 22nd but now people are saying the 20th.
Coop
Click to expand...

Hey Dennis,

The white coat ceremony is September 3rd. This is a Friday afternoon or evening. She did not tell us the time in the email. I dont have any recent pics of the outside of the building, but I will go take some here in a minute and email them to you bro.

Stephen Anderson, Angela Mannino, Danielle Baker and myself went to see a play yesterday and the Jenny Wiley Theater. It was a blast. I cant wait to meet the rest of you guys. Take care and see you all soon.

Aaron
 
Mistyblue said:
Dennis and Tara,

The email from Angel was blank, it just had as a title "White coat date is set for Sept. 3." I was kind of hoping that it would be sooner than that, since Sept. 3 is on Friday of Labor Day weekend and I figured some of us might have plans since there is no school on Monday the 6th.

Aaron,

I was planning on moving my stuff in on Sunday. If you are home I will stop by and see you.

I'll talk to you all soon. I can't wait to meet you all!
Click to expand...

Hey Misty,

If all goes well, I should be here around 2:00 or so on Sunday afternoon. I will give you a hand moving in. See you later Misty. Have a great weekend.

ACE
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
  • Question Question
Out of time and don't feel ready for Step 1. Have I screwed up?
Replies
8
Views
1K
pigsinacloth
pigsinacloth
Calizboosted76
ACOM Class of 2025
2
Replies
52
Views
12K
IWishIWasAFish
I
AlakazaMD
TouroCOM-NY Harlem Class of 2024
Replies
0
Views
3K
AlakazaMD
AlakazaMD
Majorbasicprotein
LECOM Elmira Feedback
Replies
0
Views
3K
Majorbasicprotein
Majorbasicprotein
justalittlestar
PCOM-PA Class of 2023
Replies
0
Views
4K
justalittlestar
justalittlestar
Top