Philadelphia COM - Georgia (GA-PCOM) Discussion Thread 2015 - 2016

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Also these II's were they mostly ISers? PCOM-PA Sent out a few, but only to IS. Seems like most school's MO to send IS only first.
 
II! Booked for Oct 9! is anyone else interviewing here on that date? For those of you who have interviewed, can you give some information on interview format, how you prepared, and what kinds of questions were asked? Also is this open or closed file? THANKS IN ADVANCE, ID REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT! (first interview ever, kind of nervous)
 
II! Booked for Oct 9! is anyone else interviewing here on that date? For those of you who have interviewed, can you give some information on interview format, how you prepared, and what kinds of questions were asked? Also is this open or closed file? THANKS IN ADVANCE, ID REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT! (first interview ever, kind of nervous)
I'm interviewing on that date.
 
Good luck to everyone interviewing! For those of us in first group I'm hoping we hear something this week.

UPDATE: Just checked mail. Nothing there. 🙁
 
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Good luck to everyone interviewing! For those of us in first group I'm hoping we hear something this week.

UPDATE: Just checked mail. Nothing there. 🙁
Same here. Nothing.
 
Just wondering if anyone knows; on my portal everything says received but one of my letter has a note on the side that says "with out letterhead"
Does that prevent from getting further in the process?
 
II! Booked for Oct 9! is anyone else interviewing here on that date? For those of you who have interviewed, can you give some information on interview format, how you prepared, and what kinds of questions were asked? Also is this open or closed file? THANKS IN ADVANCE, ID REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT! (first interview ever, kind of nervous)
I'm also interviewing on that date!
 
Just wondering if anyone knows; on my portal everything says received but one of my letter has a note on the side that says "with out letterhead"
Does that prevent from getting further in the process?
Yes, it must be on letterhead or it is not official
 
II! Booked for Oct 9! is anyone else interviewing here on that date? For those of you who have interviewed, can you give some information on interview format, how you prepared, and what kinds of questions were asked? Also is this open or closed file? THANKS IN ADVANCE, ID REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT! (first interview ever, kind of nervous)
My interview was closed file and was pretty relaxed overall. Know the answers to the typical questions and you should be fine. I had one ethical question that threw me off a bit but overall the interview was very enjoyable and conversational. Best of luck!!!
 
When did you interview? And did they notify via email phone or snail mail? Thanks for your input about the interview btw! I'm super nervous. Ethical question??? Ahhhh
You're welcome! I interviewed on 9/25 and I got the acceptance letter in the mail today!
 
When did you interview? And did they notify via email phone or snail mail? Thanks for your input about the interview btw! I'm super nervous. Ethical question??? Ahhhh
Don't be nervous. The question caught me a little off guard but it wasn't that bad. Just be yourself and answer the questions honestly and you will do great!
 
Don't be nervous. The question caught me a little off guard but it wasn't that bad. Just be yourself and answer the questions honestly and you will do great!
Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing the area and campus. Will you be matriculating here?
 
Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing the area and campus. Will you be matriculating here?
I am putting down the deposit today! Please let me know how your interview day goes. Hopefully we will be classmates next year!
 
I am putting down the deposit today! Please let me know how your interview day goes. Hopefully we will be classmates next year!
Just got to Suwannee! There is way more in this area than I was expecting! Really pretty park down the road, tons of food options, already loving the area! Congrats again on your acceptance. Is the interview 1 on 1?? How long did it last? Doing some last minute preparations!! Super exciting!
 
Just got to Suwannee! There is way more in this area than I was expecting! Really pretty park down the road, tons of food options, already loving the area! Congrats again on your acceptance. Is the interview 1 on 1?? How long did it last? Doing some last minute preparations!! Super exciting!

Mine was 2 on 1. Closed file. Mine was a discussion about me and my desire to pursue medicine. No prep necessary if things play out that way IMO just be yourself. Not sure if you've heard, at the beginning of the interview day they bring you into the library and ask you to type the answer to six questions. They tell you that they will discuss those during the interview, but my interviewers opted not to. The six questions aren't hardjust be honest and relax. I think it is more of a exercise in seeing how you do under pressure.
 
Mine was 2 on 1. Closed file. Mine was a discussion about me and my desire to pursue medicine. No prep necessary if things play out that way IMO just be yourself. Not sure if you've heard, at the beginning of the interview day they bring you into the library and ask you to type the answer to six questions. They tell you that they will discuss those during the interview, but my interviewers opted not to. The six questions aren't hardjust be honest and relax. I think it is more of a exercise in seeing how you do under pressure.
Omg no one told me that!!!! Yikes! Hope they aren't expecting grade A essays or anything haha
 
Mine was 2 on 1. Closed file. Mine was a discussion about me and my desire to pursue medicine. No prep necessary if things play out that way IMO just be yourself. Not sure if you've heard, at the beginning of the interview day they bring you into the library and ask you to type the answer to six questions. They tell you that they will discuss those during the interview, but my interviewers opted not to. The six questions aren't hardjust be honest and relax. I think it is more of a exercise in seeing how you do under pressure.
Mine was the exact same way. My interviewers also opted not to use the pre-written sheet. They did have it with them so I'm sure that they probably looked it over. The Q's aren't hard but you will most likely be crunched for time. The questionnaire is 30 minutes and the interview is also 30 minutes. Be yourself and answer the questions honestly and you will do fine! Suwannee is a great location with lots of things to do and is close to Atlanta. Best of luck with your interview and please let us know how it goes!
 
So my interview today was slightly different. Still had the questions on the computer (was a little bit stressful but felt confident in my answers). My interviewers focused heavily on the questions and kept referring to them during the interview which made me a little bit nervous! The very first question they asked me was so easy and I was so nervous I stumbled over my words but I felt super confident about the rest of the interview. Very low stress once that first question was answered. They did try to make it very conversational. All in all, very impressed with the school and everyone I met was extremely nice. I didn't feel bad about the interview but also didn't feel super confident (it was my first one ever). Hoping for an acceptance but we will see! Hate that I have to wait for snail mail....lol
 
So my interview today was slightly different. Still had the questions on the computer (was a little bit stressful but felt confident in my answers). My interviewers focused heavily on the questions and kept referring to them during the interview which made me a little bit nervous! The very first question they asked me was so easy and I was so nervous I stumbled over my words but I felt super confident about the rest of the interview. Very low stress once that first question was answered. They did try to make it very conversational. All in all, very impressed with the school and everyone I met was extremely nice. I didn't feel bad about the interview but also didn't feel super confident (it was my first one ever). Hoping for an acceptance but we will see! Hate that I have to wait for snail mail....lol
Sounds like it went pretty well considering it was your first interview ever!
 
What do y'all think of the campus? I may pay it a visit when I head up to Atl on the 23rd for unrelated business.

I'm getting AACOMAS finished up next week, I think. PCOM-GA is looking like my top choice!
 
What do y'all think of the campus? I may pay it a visit when I head up to Atl on the 23rd for unrelated business.

I'm getting AACOMAS finished up next week, I think. PCOM-GA is looking like my top choice!
The campus is in Suwannee GA, which is a great area to live in. The campus itself is one large building and has a new outdoor basketball court as well as a small gym. I was most impressed by the anatomy lab, which was huge!
 
The campus is in Suwannee GA, which is a great area to live in. The campus itself is one large building and has a new outdoor basketball court as well as a small gym. I was most impressed by the anatomy lab, which was huge!
How about the resources inside? I've heard that study space can be limited, but I've experienced that at my UG also.
 
How about the resources inside? I've heard that study space can be limited, but I've experienced that at my UG also.

They have an actual library which is something I find that is going out of style as more schools shift to electronic resources. It wasn't huge but it was a library with plenty of resources. Yes, honestly I did seem like there isn't the most space on campus for studying and add on to that however many PA students they are letting in next year. Doesn't bother me too much as I'm an at home person. Just my first impression but an actual student there would be better to answer this.

And to be blunt I'm 99% set on PCOM and it doesn't have anything to do with the campus. I'm going there because they have a great reputation for preparing students to do well on both licensure exams and putting out good, competent physicians.
 
They have an actual library which is something I find that is going out of style as more schools shift to electronic resources. It wasn't huge but it was a library with plenty of resources. Yes, honestly I did seem like there isn't the most space on campus for studying and add on to that however many PA students they are letting in next year. Doesn't bother me too much as I'm an at home person. Just my first impression but an actual student there would be better to answer this.

And to be blunt I'm 99% set on PCOM and it doesn't have anything to do with the campus. I'm going there because they have a great reputation for preparing students to do well on both licensure exams and putting out good, competent physicians.
It's my understanding that they have good rotations, overall. They do seem to be doing a great job.
 
They have an actual library which is something I find that is going out of style as more schools shift to electronic resources. It wasn't huge but it was a library with plenty of resources. Yes, honestly I did seem like there isn't the most space on campus for studying and add on to that however many PA students they are letting in next year. Doesn't bother me too much as I'm an at home person. Just my first impression but an actual student there would be better to answer this.

And to be blunt I'm 99% set on PCOM and it doesn't have anything to do with the campus. I'm going there because they have a great reputation for preparing students to do well on both licensure exams and putting out good, competent physicians.
I agree with everything said here. In addition to the the things I said above, there is also a patient simulation area that is set-up to mimic a family physician's office, an OBGYN clinic and I believe and ER room. They have two patient simulators and also use actors for students to gain skills and video tape the scenarios so that students can learn from their mistakes. They have an OMM clinic on site with 3 practicing faculty physicians. There is also a new cafeteria on site and they also have a shop on site where students can purchase scrubs, shirts school supplies and other needs.
 
II ! on Oct 23rd. anybody else interviewing that day? Im super nervous. Did they ask about like healthcare policy? Or like the history of PCOM? Im trying to be as prepared as possible. Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Ah I have watched a couple of groups already coming into the library to do the questions portion of the interview. You kids are so cute! Some things that you should note on your visit that I was amused by: many people are just hanging out and having a good time (well, at least I do with my friends). This is a real thing. The campus has an awesome community vibe going on and OMS1 communicates very well with OMS2. I think that having such a small campus where everyone CAN know each other is a huge factor that you should consider when interviewing at different schools.

They have an actual library which is something I find that is going out of style as more schools shift to electronic resources. It wasn't huge but it was a library with plenty of resources. Yes, honestly I did seem like there isn't the most space on campus for studying and add on to that however many PA students they are letting in next year. Doesn't bother me too much as I'm an at home person. Just my first impression but an actual student there would be better to answer this.

And to be blunt I'm 99% set on PCOM and it doesn't have anything to do with the campus. I'm going there because they have a great reputation for preparing students to do well on both licensure exams and putting out good, competent physicians.

The library space is a big deal but not a deal breaker. Here's the rundown: Pharmacy, Biomedical, OMS1, and OMS2 all have their own test blocks and it's really apparent when those are, judging only by the available parking spaces and the available study space on any given day. Parking is never an issue due to the expanded lot, but don't expect to always have a group study room to yourself or a cubicle desk. Some of the people here can be dinguses about it and leave their things in the quiet study rooms (computers, books, food) and will run off to class and come back.

What you need to remember is that OMS1 and OMS2 have their OWN lecture halls which are on separate sides of the building (they are huge if you did not see them). They are always quiet and roomy with the occasional person coming in. The great thing about this is that if you EVER run out of study space get some headphones and go into your lecture hall and study. Rarely are the lecture halls used OUTSIDE of lecture hours so this is a safe bet. I have needed to do this all of one time. People will leave you alone if you want to be left alone.

I want to emphasize that I use the library study space almost every day, and I have stopped going to ~50% of lectures, so finding a study space isn't a problem if I get to the campus at 8 AM UNLESS its a testing day.

By the way the library cubicles here have their own desk lamps and three electrical sockets per cubicle. The ability to plug in my phone, tablet, and laptop makes me happy. Electrical sockets are your studying lifeline. We have a second year who studies in the hallway every day (and weekend) because the chairs are comfortable and there are sockets and whiteboards nearby.

On the topic of electronic resources, I hope you guys are used to reading books on computers because you will get access to all of your books through the library resources. If not, get used to it now because it's much more effective than carrying around tons of books (or buying books). On that same note, avoid reading books in medical school whenever possible.
 
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II ! on Oct 23rd. anybody else interviewing that day? Im super nervous. Did they ask about like healthcare policy? Or like the history of PCOM? Im trying to be as prepared as possible. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Learn about issues in healthcare but absolutely, if nothing else, know why you are coming in. The biggest things are psychological stability, resilience to hardship, resistance to burnout (or just ability to marathon through). All of these factors will indicate success in medical school (moreso than intelligence). You'd better understand that med school is a huge financial risk, and medicine will place tension on your relationships for the rest of your life. You need to express that you know all of the downsides and that everything else being the same, you're still willing to put yourself through this ****. Come second week you may wish you hadn't scored so well on your MCAT.
 
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Ah I have watched a couple of groups already coming into the library to do the questions portion of the interview. You kids are so cute! Some things that you should note on your visit that I was amused by: many people are just hanging out and having a good time (well, at least I do with my friends). This is a real thing. The campus has an awesome community vibe going on and OMS1 communicates very well with OMS2. I think that having such a small campus where everyone CAN know each other is a huge factor that you should consider when interviewing at different schools.



The library space is a big deal but not a deal breaker. Here's the rundown: Pharmacy, Biomedical, OMS1, and OMS2 all have their own test blocks and it's really apparent when those are, judging only by the available parking spaces and the available study space on any given day. Parking is never an issue due to the expanded lot, but don't expect to always have a group study room to yourself or a cubicle desk. Some of the people here can be dinguses about it and leave their things in the quiet study rooms (computers, books, food) and will run off to class and come back.

What you need to remember is that OMS1 and OMS2 have their OWN lecture halls which are on separate sides of the building (they are huge if you did not see them). They are always quiet and roomy with the occasional person coming in. The great thing about this is that if you EVER run out of study space get some headphones and go into your lecture hall and study. Rarely are the lecture halls used OUTSIDE of lecture hours so this is a safe bet. I have needed to do this all of one time. People will leave you alone if you want to be left alone.

I want to emphasize that I use the library study space almost every day, and I have stopped going to ~50% of lectures, so finding a study space isn't a problem if I get to the campus at 8 AM UNLESS its a testing day.

By the way the library cubicles here have their own desk lamps and three electrical sockets per cubicle. The ability to plug in my phone, tablet, and laptop makes me happy. Electrical sockets are your studying lifeline. We have a second year who studies in the hallway every day (and weekend) because the chairs are comfortable and there are sockets and whiteboards nearby.

On the topic of electronic resources, I hope you guys are used to reading books on computers because you will get access to all of your books through the library resources. If not, get used to it now because it's much more effective than carrying around tons of books (or buying books). On that same note, avoid reading books in medical school whenever possible.
Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, what year are you? Do you have any info on the best sites for clinical rotations? Is the anchor track or the j-track more sought after Thanks for any info you may have.
 
Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, what year are you? Do you have any info on the best sites for clinical rotations? Is the anchor track or the j-track more sought after Thanks for any info you may have.

OMS1. I have some info on the rotations, but not much. Don't come here assuming you will be placed in J-track, as it could be competitive (pretty sure there is a lotto system or something in place), BUT also know that J-track can shortchange your clinical experience because it can be outpatient based whereas a good clinical rotation will usually involve inpatient hospital work. There's advantages and disadvantages to everything. The anchor tracks are pretty much universally heralded by the 3rd-4th years I have talked to. As you will see from the many posts made about this topic in the med student forum, rotations are what you put into them. I would not worry much about this until after you have made it through 2nd year and boards

http://www.mygapcom.com/index.php/clerkship-and-residency/rotation-faq/

Information may be out of date at that link so asking a 3rd year is your best bet.
 
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OMS1. I have some info on the rotations, but not much. Don't come here assuming you will be placed in J-track, as it could be competitive (pretty sure there is a lotto system or something in place), BUT also know that J-track can shortchange your clinical experience because it can be outpatient based whereas a good clinical rotation will usually involve inpatient hospital work. There's advantages and disadvantages to everything. The anchor tracks are pretty much universally heralded by the 3rd-4th years I have talked to. As you will see from the many posts made about this topic in the med student forum, rotations are what you put into them. I would not worry much about this until after you have made it through 2nd year and boards

http://www.mygapcom.com/index.php/clerkship-and-residency/rotation-faq/

Information may be out of date at that link so asking a 3rd year is your best bet.
Thanks for the info!
 
Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, what year are you? Do you have any info on the best sites for clinical rotations? Is the anchor track or the j-track more sought after Thanks for any info you may have.

Wow, I forgot how early I got interested in rotations 🙂 OMS-II here. The link that kbeitz put down is a bit out of date. ESPECIALLY when it comes to AL rotations (for example). ACOM started their first rotational class this year, and I KNOW that the organization that has been running AL rotation sites for about 2 decades has ACOM as a main priority (right behind UAB and USA). Also, give it a couple years and the new DO school at Auburn (VCOM?) is going to crowd that system even more.

As far as rotations being "what you put into them"... absolutely SPOT ON. J-track (ATL rotational sites... ALL OVER Atlanta) can be somewhat unpredictable. I have known some 3rd years who have had very few to no changes. I know some that have had a couple changes and didn't take it well (they hadn't checked with the doctor until the week of the rotation) and lost time, having to rearrange the schedule to get any credit at all. I know some that had a couple changes, took advantage of what was available, and say they have had great experiences.

As far as what rotation YOU want to be in... according to multiple 4th year students (they held a Q&A session with video conferencing for distant sites), every site offers its own set of pro's and con's. You have to know what you want (a problem as you won't have experience yet), and where that would be best served (another problem since you won't have a clue what sites offer what). For instance, in that session several 4th years mentioned that more rural rotations usually give MUCH more leniency on what a student is allowed to do. One student mentioned that he was 1st assist in every surgery he observed and, specifically, within his first week of surgery rotation was holding 5 feet of bowel. They also mentioned that, when possible, you could try to get a rotation that has a residency program that you are interested in. I THINK they mentioned that Columbus has several residencies, but I was focused on a different track (Warner Robins) that has 1 residency that I am interested in. Having a residency director available in the field you are interested in is a great bonus because they all know each other, and they talk. So don't be an idiot, but that SHOULD go without saying 🙂

One mistake from kbeitz, though, is to wait until "you have made it through 2nd year and boards". The link says that you will get contacted mid-Fall term of 2nd year. It hasn't happened for us yet, but there has been talk. Experience from last year says that they submitted their personal "I want" lists towards the end of Oct and they knew by Thanksgiving what they had drawn. Then they had a time (I don't know how long, but not short enough to complain, and not long enough to interfere) to make trades. I WOULD say, however, to not worry about it until you make it through 1st year. At that point, you can try contacting folks during your summer to see if you can figure out what it is you want, and where that may be best offered.

Congrats on getting picked up. PCOM is a great institution, and a great family.
 
Wow, I forgot how early I got interested in rotations 🙂 OMS-II here. The link that kbeitz put down is a bit out of date. ESPECIALLY when it comes to AL rotations (for example). ACOM started their first rotational class this year, and I KNOW that the organization that has been running AL rotation sites for about 2 decades has ACOM as a main priority (right behind UAB and USA). Also, give it a couple years and the new DO school at Auburn (VCOM?) is going to crowd that system even more.

As far as rotations being "what you put into them"... absolutely SPOT ON. J-track (ATL rotational sites... ALL OVER Atlanta) can be somewhat unpredictable. I have known some 3rd years who have had very few to no changes. I know some that have had a couple changes and didn't take it well (they hadn't checked with the doctor until the week of the rotation) and lost time, having to rearrange the schedule to get any credit at all. I know some that had a couple changes, took advantage of what was available, and say they have had great experiences.

As far as what rotation YOU want to be in... according to multiple 4th year students (they held a Q&A session with video conferencing for distant sites), every site offers its own set of pro's and con's. You have to know what you want (a problem as you won't have experience yet), and where that would be best served (another problem since you won't have a clue what sites offer what). For instance, in that session several 4th years mentioned that more rural rotations usually give MUCH more leniency on what a student is allowed to do. One student mentioned that he was 1st assist in every surgery he observed and, specifically, within his first week of surgery rotation was holding 5 feet of bowel. They also mentioned that, when possible, you could try to get a rotation that has a residency program that you are interested in. I THINK they mentioned that Columbus has several residencies, but I was focused on a different track (Warner Robins) that has 1 residency that I am interested in. Having a residency director available in the field you are interested in is a great bonus because they all know each other, and they talk. So don't be an idiot, but that SHOULD go without saying 🙂

One mistake from kbeitz, though, is to wait until "you have made it through 2nd year and boards". The link says that you will get contacted mid-Fall term of 2nd year. It hasn't happened for us yet, but there has been talk. Experience from last year says that they submitted their personal "I want" lists towards the end of Oct and they knew by Thanksgiving what they had drawn. Then they had a time (I don't know how long, but not short enough to complain, and not long enough to interfere) to make trades. I WOULD say, however, to not worry about it until you make it through 1st year. At that point, you can try contacting folks during your summer to see if you can figure out what it is you want, and where that may be best offered.

Congrats on getting picked up. PCOM is a great institution, and a great family.
Thank you so much for this detailed reply! I know it is a bit early to be thinking about rotations but I am married and have children so I am constantly thinking ahead and trying to determine how certain decisions will affect my family. From what I have heard, I won't really have that much say in which track I am put into as it is a lottery system. However, it is nice to hear that it is possible to trade with classmates to try and obtain a certain location. There is a certain specialty I am focused on so I will try and determine which locations have a residency program in that field. Thanks again for all of the information. It is very helpful. I look forward to becoming a part of the PCOM-GA family!
 
Thank you so much for this detailed reply! I know it is a bit early to be thinking about rotations but I am married and have children so I am constantly thinking ahead and trying to determine how certain decisions will affect my family. From what I have heard, I won't really have that much say in which track I am put into as it is a lottery system. However, it is nice to hear that it is possible to trade with classmates to try and obtain a certain location. There is a certain specialty I am focused on so I will try and determine which locations have a residency program in that field. Thanks again for all of the information. It is very helpful. I look forward to becoming a part of the PCOM-GA family!
OMSII here, basically if you ask for J-track, you will probably get it since there's so many spots. Anchor spots are more desired by people with families or people who already have ties in that area (family/lived there before). There's also a lot of crap said about J-track like people being dropped (happens on anchors too) or just bad experiences overall but it IS what you make it. Lots of students are lazy or expect the school to do everything for them which WILL not happen. As long as you're proactive, you'll be fine. Also, j-track is not just metro Atlanta, you can be all the way in Valdosta or Savannah too (which they provide housing for).


In regards to boards, I'm pretty sure the majority, if not all, of the other DO schools get designated time off for board studying. WE DO NOT! So that's also something to think about when considering ga-pcom.


In regards to IS/OOS, I want to say we have a lot of OOS students (I'm from NC). So if you're from somewhere like Texas, don't assume that you won't get in based on your location but do be prepared to stay in GA atleast til 4th year. I know some students who try to do their 3rd year rotations in a different state besides our already preset sites in FL and PA and it's just not happening. These are all definitely things to consider when choosing which school to attend!
 
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