PNWU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[jdawg146]

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First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to all who have been accepted! I have a interview date set for the 13th of November, so about a week and a half now. I am super stoked about this interview, as my wife and my family both live in Eastern Washington. I have some reserves with attending, however, because I desire to enter a surgical specialty. I grew up in a rural town in Washington, and I have not problem practicing in a smaller town, but does anyone know the chances of being accepted into a good surgical residency out of PNWU, I know they stress general practice as do most DO schools. I have not been able to find any statistics with residency match, and I have not found out which facilities rotations are held out. If anyone can shed some light that would be great! Sorry about the novel here!
THANKS

 

[Limvostov]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to all who have been accepted! I have a interview date set for the 13th of November, so about a week and a half now. I am super stoked about this interview, as my wife and my family both live in Eastern Washington. I have some reserves with attending, however, because I desire to enter a surgical specialty. I grew up in a rural town in Washington, and I have not problem practicing in a smaller town, but does anyone know the chances of being accepted into a good surgical residency out of PNWU, I know they stress general practice as do most DO schools. I have not been able to find any statistics with residency match, and I have not found out which facilities rotations are held out. If anyone can shed some light that would be great! Sorry about the novel here!
THANKS

Not all of the clinical rotation sites are fully determined at this point according to the website, but since you'll be part of the third class they will have it all figured out by then. As far as going on into surgery, you should have as good a chance as any other DO student for the AOA residencies and you'll be competing with the MD students for the ACGME residency spots. I currently work at a medical center just starting an AOA ortho and general surg. residency and I know that from talking the staff here a lot of getting the residency you want is in doing some rotations with them and getting a letter from the attendings (I want to be back at my current hospistal for residency so I have been very inquisitive these past couple of years.)

Anyone can correct me if I have this wrong, but this is what I have been told by the residents here.

Good luck at the interview.

 

[Mtnbiker]

.

 

[nads1219]

I decided to pay the $175 secondary. My application was complete as of Monday.
Abut how long does it take for the admissions committee to review the application? It seems like they have a pretty good turn-around

 

[jdawg146]

Not all of the clinical rotation sites are fully determined at this point according to the website, but since you'll be part of the third class they will have it all figured out by then. As far as going on into surgery, you should have as good a chance as any other DO student for the AOA residencies and you'll be competing with the MD students for the ACGME residency spots. I currently work at a medical center just starting an AOA ortho and general surg. residency and I know that from talking the staff here a lot of getting the residency you want is in doing some rotations with them and getting a letter from the attendings (I want to be back at my current hospistal for residency so I have been very inquisitive these past couple of years.)

Anyone can correct me if I have this wrong, but this is what I have been told by the residents here.

Good luck at the interview.

Thank you for the information. It was a small concern, but it would seem as though other D.O. schools such as PCOM, or DMU that have a program that has been established and turned over years of physicians would have some bias put on them by residency programs. I would hope that a good score on the COMLEX and he USMLE would be enough to prove I did well in Medical School, and know my stuff, as well as good experiences during Rotations! I am very excited about PNWU-COM, from what I have heard and seen, there is no real weaknesses shown to being a newer school, if anything it is an opportunity to show the caliber of Doctor's that will come from this school by being in its first few years.

 

[chizomp]

Hi,

My understanding was that PNWU did screen before sending out supplementary materials, but then I saw the post about an applicant getting a request for a supplementary app, submitting it, and THEN getting denied right away because of her MCAT.

This makes me think that the MCAT isn't considered prior to sending out the supplementary request.

Anyone have any ideas on this?

Thanks and best of luck to you all!

 

[nads1219]

I have some reserves with attending, however, because I desire to enter a surgical specialty. I grew up in a rural town in Washington, and I have not problem practicing in a smaller town, but does anyone know the chances of being accepted into a good surgical residency out of PNWU, I know they stress general practice as do most DO schools. I have not been able to find any statistics with residency match, and I have not found out which facilities rotations are held out. If anyone can shed some light that would be great! Sorry about the novel here!
THANKS

I was talking with some of my friends last week who are doing their residency interviews. As of right now, general surgery as a residency is not difficult to get accepted to, the lowest ranked person in a class has a decent chance of getting a spot. This is because everyone is choosing a specialty based on lifestyle right now (hence dermatology and plastics being the most competitive). Even if you want to sub-specialize within surgery, you can do a general surgery residency first, then a fellowship. I hear surgical residencies are hell...so good luck!

 

[dudechiefboss]

Hey guys,

Just received the online secondary application - I know it's late in the cycle. However, the $175 really makes you think about submitting. Does anyone know what the acceptance rate is of people interviewed?

 

[amakhosidlo]

Hey everyone, just a heads up I'm probably withdrawing from my interview later this week (11/13), so if you call this afternoon sometime they might have a spot open for ya. Good luck! 👍

 

[salazaar]

Hey folks! I am walking out the door to interview right now! wish me luck!

 

[Limvostov]

Hey folks! I am walking out the door to interview right now! wish me luck!

Hope you had a good interview. How is Yakima right now?

 

[Irishfan]

How quickly did everyone receive the secondary after their primary application was verified?

 

[Limvostov]

For me it was less than a week. I think it depends when the committee meets and looks over your application and mine was very early so I don't think there were many to look over at that point.

 

[TigressDO]

How quickly did everyone receive the secondary after their primary application was verified?

I got mine 11 days after verification.

 

[jdawg146]

Well, it was nice meeting all of you on the 13th during interviews for PNWU COM. I unfortunately was the idiot with the throat problems! I ended up being waitlisted for this school. I am a bit depressed, but at the same time it wasnt a denial right? Anyhow, I will probably have to accept whatever I can at this point, so I probably will not be at PNWU COM, which is depressing a bit, but Congratulations to all who have been accepted. Does anyone know the statistics of the waitlist for PNWU COM? Thanks!

 

[Charlie0318]

Well, it was nice meeting all of you on the 13th during interviews for PNWU COM. I unfortunately was the idiot with the throat problems! I ended up being waitlisted for this school. I am a bit depressed, but at the same time it wasnt a denial right? Anyhow, I will probably have to accept whatever I can at this point, so I probably will not be at PNWU COM, which is depressing a bit, but Congratulations to all who have been accepted. Does anyone know the statistics of the waitlist for PNWU COM? Thanks!

I interviewed on that day as well, I hope your throat is feeling better! 🙂

Did you just call the office and ask about your status?

 

[jdawg146]

I logged in at the helpdesk and found my application status. It said waitlisted. I am sorta depressed about it. I really liked the school and it was my first interview. I have LECOM and LMU DCOM interviews but I am a bit nervous now for them. Oh well, good luck to all else!

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Yesterday, I got an email saying that they had created Self Service account for me.
I logged in and it says "Complete" under the Status column, and "Interview" under the decision column. Is this an invite? It seems that most folks got an email. Did any body get one this way?

 

[jdawg146]

YES!! Congratulations! You are accepted for interview!! Good luck in the process, everyone is super nice and they ask each person the same questions. There are 21 standardized question, all about why DO, why you would be a good physician, what makes a good physician, what are weaknesses and strengths, pretty common place questions! Relax it will go well!

 

[replay]

just got my interview invite, i'll be there january 8th. completed 11/10.

 

[Irishfan]

I am starting to get ansy waiting for a secondary...I know my chances of getting an interview go down with each passing day.

 

[Sandlot13]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to say hi to all you applicants for 2014! I am a 1st year (class of 2013) and have to say I am extremely happy with PNWU. I used to frequent these forums a lot back in the day, but obviously now my time is a little more........ preoccupied 😉

If you guys have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM. I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Over this thanksgiving break I'll have a little bit of time in between studying and eating that I can try to answer anything you want.

On that note, looking back at the application process, I know how bad it sucked. It's time consuming, frustrating, and filled with nervousness and uncertainty. I can only tell you that it is all worth it. Medical school is tough, but so much fun I cant even describe it. When I was practicing intubating the other day my classmates couldnt help but laugh at how I was bouncing around the room I was so excited (future ER doc here 😉 ) I can also tell you that I dont think I would choose another school in this country (DO or MD) to go to. When I was applying I had applications out in both avenues, but knowing what I know now, I would 1) definitely go to a DO school regardless and 2) make sure I had taken biochem in undergrad hahaha. Im sure MD schools are just fine and dandy, but this whole OMM stuff is incredible. Any of you applicants on the fence or hesitant because of the "presteige" that MD schools have, I urge you to really take a good long look at what you like and dislike. Trust me, you wont regret it.

Anywho, back to studying for our block exam tomorrow. Its been a long day already and theres about 5 more hours of studying to go!

 

[tele turnin]

First of all thanks to the current students that have been giving insight on this forum. I've paid the deposit and am very excited to be in Yakima next year. I was surprised to learn today (via the Yakima Herald website) that Dr. Flemming resigned his post as President of PNWU. If any current students don't mind chiming in and letting us know what is going on that would be great. Thanks.

 

[Roberie]

First of all thanks to the current students that have been giving insight on this forum. I've paid the deposit and am very excited to be in Yakima next year. I was surprised to learn today (via the Yakima Herald website) that Dr. Flemming resigned his post as President of PNWU. If any current students don't mind chiming in and letting us know what is going on that would be great. Thanks.

I also read this article and I'm a bit leery of the circumstances of his departure. Administrators come and go, but events of this nature tend to perk my ears. I mean, even though the school maintains they're on solid ground, that doesn't mean they actually are. Like they'd really admit to being in turmoil, lest they risk enrollment issues (their main source of revenue).

Anyway, I've already paid my deposit and am pining away to start. Hopefully this event does not bode ill for the future.

 

[tele turnin]

I also read this article and I'm a bit leery of the circumstances of his departure. Administrators come and go, but events of this nature tend to perk my ears. I mean, even though the school maintains they're on solid ground, that doesn't mean they actually are. Like they'd really admit to being in turmoil, lest they risk enrollment issues (their main source of revenue).

Anyway, I've already paid my deposit and am pining away to start. Hopefully this event does not bode ill for the future.

I think things like this always worry us pre-meds more than they should. I do find it odd that the Dean also left within the last year also citing personal reasons. Anyways, I'm anxious to hear exactly where the current second year students are placed for rotations, not geographically but in what type of hospitals, clinics, etc. This school impressed me a ton and I am going into this realizing there may be some bumps along the way, but I'm sure you would get that just about anywhere.

 

[Roberie]

I think things like this always worry us pre-meds more than they should. I do find it odd that the Dean also left within the last year also citing personal reasons. Anyways, I'm anxious to hear exactly where the current second year students are placed for rotations, not geographically but in what type of hospitals, clinics, etc. This school impressed me a ton and I am going into this realizing there may be some bumps along the way, but I'm sure you would get that just about anywhere.

Yeah, I'm also curious about where they'll ultimately be placed for rotations.

As far as the Dr. Flemming situation, I agree we pre-meds can be too sensitive to these types of things. A former college classmate of mine is a first year there and she doesn't seem bothered.

 

[Sandlot13]

Hey everyone, just wanted to comment on the Dr. Flemming issue before you guys start overthinking it a too much 🙂

I was surprised as all of you probably where when we heard the news. I dont want to create any rumors, so I will tell you exactly what we were told.... Basically the COM was called together for a meeting, and the Dean told us that Dr. Flemming was stepping down from his position. With that news, she handed it off to the board of directors and they explained the situation as it stood... What you need to know is that Dr. Flemming has stepped down because of personal reasons, which is unfortunate because of his great contribution to this school already over the past few years, but does not set back the university in any way. The board has already started their search for someone just as dedicated and qualified to fill his position. However, during this announcement, we also were informed of some exciting news about stability and the future of the school. To be honest, I know very little about any of this, probably because I was distracted by the tests I had the next morning, but I do know that I still feel very confident with our school and the administration. The mood was definitely tense when it was first announced to us, but by the end of the meeting everyone seemed pretty relieved and happy.

If anything develops further with this I'll let you know, but to be honest I dont see much coming from this other than bringing in a set of fresh eyes and a boost to the administration. We have some great, great people here working to make sure that we as students have the best possible chance at achieving what we want to do.

Anywho, its Friday night after a test block and a few second years who are part of a band are playing at the local bar, so Im about to head out and enjoy my few hours of freedom 🙂

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Some info:

• AACOMAS application verified 10/26
• PNWU secondary received 11/4
• Submitted 11/16
• Interview invite 11/17

Some questions:

1) What's the best route to Yakima from Portland? I will have a 4x4 and chains.

2) Any research opportunities? specifically around population health stuff. I didn't see any public health people listed on the faculty page.

I am very excited for my interview!!!!

 

[sylvanthus]

I can't answer the question about driving directions. But, as far as research goes it seems to be up to the student to write up a proposal and submit it to the research committee. They then determine if the project is feasible and if there are funds for it.

I'll not answer the other quesion about Dr. Flemming because I have a more negative view of recent events than the above poster and don't want to taint peoples opinions.

 

[Roberie]

I'll not answer the other quesion about Dr. Flemming because I have a more negative view of recent events than the above poster and don't want to taint peoples opinions.

Fair enough. Reticence is your prerogative. Though, I think it's funny you'd even "chum the waters" like that if you weren't going to elaborate.

Honestly, I prefer to hear all angles of an issue regardless of whether they'll "taint my opinions." So, would you mind sharing? Or perhaps PM?

 

[Irishfan]

Fair enough. Reticence is your prerogative. Though, I think it's funny you'd even "chum the waters" like that if you weren't going to elaborate.

Honestly, I prefer to hear all angles of an issue regardless of whether they'll "taint my opinions." So, would you mind sharing? Or perhaps PM?

Agreed.

 

[dermpathdoc]

I also read this article and I'm a bit leery of the circumstances of his departure. Administrators come and go, but events of this nature tend to perk my ears. I mean, even though the school maintains they're on solid ground, that doesn't mean they actually are. Like they'd really admit to being in turmoil, lest they risk enrollment issues (their main source of revenue).

Anyway, I've already paid my deposit and am pining away to start. Hopefully this event does not bode ill for the future.

As a faculty member, I can only reassure current students and prospective students that the resignation of Dr. Flemming will NOT impact on your education in anyway. The current adminstration and faculty is dedicated to providing you with a quality education and believes in PNWU-UHS. I actually relocated to washington from UMDNJ in Stratford and feel this program will also provide an education experience equal to the one provided there. Sure it is new and there are growing pains, but I also was at UMDNJ early in it's experience and they had issues then also...

feel free to PM me with any questions!!

 

[dermpathdoc]

Best route is to take interstate 84 to interstate 82 exit and drive north. It is about a 200 mile drive and while it can be icy and somewhat snowy in winter..it is not terrible. you can fly into yakima, but frankly that can be expensive and is not quite as reliable as driving.

Some info:

• AACOMAS application verified 10/26
• PNWU secondary received 11/4
• Submitted 11/16
• Interview invite 11/17

Some questions:

1) What's the best route to Yakima from Portland? I will have a 4x4 and chains.

2) Any research opportunities? specifically around population health stuff. I didn't see any public health people listed on the faculty page.

I am very excited for my interview!!!!

 

[TigressDO]

Anyone heard anything recently? Anymore invites or decisions?

Does anyone know a way to tell if your application is complete or what is missing? Or does the school email you?

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Anyone heard anything recently? Anymore invites or decisions? Does anyone know a way to tell if your application is complete or what is missing? Or does the school email you?

Once I was complete, I got an email with login info to their status website (I was lucky enough to have my complete status and interview invite be on the same day, so I don't know if this is true for everyone).

 

[TigressDO]

Once I was complete, I got an email with login info to their status website (I was lucky enough to have my complete status and interview invite be on the same day, so I don't know if this is true for everyone).

Lucky! I haven't gotten an email that said I was complete...but I do have the login info, and it still says "no decision"...I think I'm developing a mini-ulcer. Do you (or anyone) know if there is a way I can check what is missing or things like that? So when did you hear and when is the big day (if you don't mind sharing)?

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

Do you (or anyone) know if there is a way I can check what is missing or things like that? So when did you hear and when is the big day (if you don't mind sharing)?

Complete 11/18, interview 1/8.

Did you remember to pay the fee (by phone or by check)? I nearly forgot to.

I would email the admissions office or call them if you have had everything turned in for a bit.

 

[TigressDO]

Complete 11/18, interview 1/8.

Did you remember to pay the fee (by phone or by check)? I nearly forgot to.

I would email the admissions office or call them if you have had everything turned in for a bit.

I did remember to pay over the phone. My LORs could be the thing that is holding me up...I paid 11/17 and two of my LORs got sent out that day...one is coming from PA though, so not sure how long that would take. And then my last LOR I'm not sure when exactly last week my DO sent it...but he's from WA, so it should take no more than 2 days to get there. Sigh. Maybe next week. But as anxious as I am, I'll probably call them tomorrow to follow up.

Thanks for sharing, Hobbes.

 

[Grey Wind]

Interview invitation a few days ago. Not sure if I'll make it up there though. A looong way for me. Plus, I have a few acceptances already.

 

[Limvostov]

Just posting the link again for all of the new official Class of 2014'ers

http://www.facebook.com/groups/create.php?customize&gid=158344224919#/group.php?gid=158344224919

There is not a lot on the page yet, but there are some pictures of the school (thanks to the class of 2013 president) and some housing and family practice club opportunities.

I am currently in contact with SOSA (Student Osteopathic Surgical Association) to set up a club branch at PNWU, but it does look like it will be a decent amount of work to get one going. According to the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons there was a club started and if fell appart so it will have to be started from scratch again.

I look forward to meeting you all. I think there are already 19 or 20 members, but I can't check the FB from work to know for sure 🙄

 

[DryBones]

Hello all,
I have an interview at PNWU on December 14th. I'm just looking for a heads up on what to expect come interview day. For those who have already interviewed here, do you remember what kinds of questions they asked? Did anything about the interview stand out or throw you off? Positives/Negatives? All input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[replay]

Hello all,
I have an interview at PNWU on December 14th. I'm just looking for a heads up on what to expect come interview day. For those who have already interviewed here, do you remember what kinds of questions they asked? Did anything about the interview stand out or throw you off? Positives/Negatives? All input is appreciated, thanks!

check out the interview feedback. go to the top of this page and you'll see it.

 

[racerwad]

Hello all,
I have an interview at PNWU on December 14th. I'm just looking for a heads up on what to expect come interview day. For those who have already interviewed here, do you remember what kinds of questions they asked? Did anything about the interview stand out or throw you off? Positives/Negatives? All input is appreciated, thanks!

I agree with the feedback suggestion. Also, just be prepared for an unusual interview situation. The interviewers are polite but the lack of feedback is unnerving. It neutralizes any chance for charisma and guiding the interview towards your strengths. Instead you need to include your positives in each and every answer. At the end there is an interactive session which is much more enjoyable (for some, I guess). It is during this part that they will refer back to some of your answers earlier. All of the questions are found in the feedback in one form or another. The interviewers alluded to the fact that the questions are standard and that you may be aware of them. In this context I would work to really, really know your answer.

FWIW, I absolutely hated this interview style. I did badly and was summarily rejected. I wish you much better luck 😀

 

[Limvostov]

FWIW, I absolutely hated this interview style. I did badly and was summarily rejected. I wish you much better luck 😀

I hear ya there, the style of interview at PNWU really made me feel uncomfortable. There is virtually no room to let your personality come through and it felt really rushed with so many questions in the amount of time that was available.

 

[racerwad]

I hear ya there, the style of interview at PNWU really made me feel uncomfortable. There is virtually no room to let your personality come through and it felt really rushed with so many questions in the amount of time that was available.

Well, I'm glad that I wasn't the only one. I still feel it's a great school with great people. It's just that their interview sucks. Oh well. Good luck to everyone else.

 

[Washingtonian]

I recently found out that 33 offers/acceptances have been made thus far.

 

[Washingtonian]

As much as the standard set of questions can be un-nerving, it is very similar to what a job interview is like. While it may seem like there isn't an opportunity for you to express charisma, I would kindly disagree. If you make it a a point with questions that seem a bit broad to highlight your strengths, you will be fine. For me, I made it my goal to make the interviewers laugh during the formal interview. I would definitely practice knowing the standard set of questions: why do you want to become a doctor, why DO, what are you strengths/weaknesses, what characteristics do you think a doctor should possess, what characteristics do patients want in a doctor, etc. PS I was offered an acceptance at PNWU and will be attending in the fall.

 

[TigressDO]

I recently found out that 33 offers/acceptances have been made thus far.

Less than half filled...this is good to know. Thanks for keeping us informed.

So question: I thought I read that PNWU has a really fast turnaround rate between secondaries and interview invites. I was officially complete 11/30, and haven't heard yay or nay yet. Should I be worried (I'm from WA and have been in the PNW my whole life)? I was thinking of calling them either tomorrow or Monday if I still haven't heard. Advice anyone?

 

[Roberie]

So question: I thought I read that PNWU has a really fast turnaround rate between secondaries and interview invites. I was officially complete 11/30, and haven't heard yay or nay yet. Should I be worried (I'm from WA and have been in the PNW my whole life)? I was thinking of calling them either tomorrow or Monday if I still haven't heard. Advice anyone?

Just sit tight. They do have a pretty fast turnaround but you've only been "complete" for a few days. Give it a week or two before getting anxious. I think I heard back approximately one week post-completion.

 

[TigressDO]

Just sit tight. They do have a pretty fast turnaround but you've only been "complete" for a few days. Give it a week or two before getting anxious. I think I heard back approximately one week post-completion.

Thanks, Roberie. I'll try to be patient. I'm just really interested in this school, and it's just getting later and later in the application cycle so I'm kinda starting to freak out.

Anyone know when they're currently scheduling interviews for?