TCOM Class Of 2010

[ILoveIceCream]

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Hello everyone,

First of all, there was a question about living near campus. Well, I'm a post-bac student and I live at Monticello Crossroad, different than Monticello, and it costs me 500 a month in rent. Not bad for a spacious place that's about 1.5 miles from campus. But, it is not the safest nor the quietest place around. I think Monticello, which is across the street, cost at least 1000 a month for rent. Send me a PM for some help finding an apt if you want.

As for the school, I think you guys will definitely like it here. I've made close ties with many of my classmates in the post-bac program and we are helping each other daily in coping with everything, from our academic to our personal lives. If there’s one thing TCOM has done an awesome job at is recruiting people who care. As a matter of fact, when the match day arrived, and when a handful of the post-bac students matched to other schools in Texas, there was joy from everyone, from those who matched to those who didn’t. If I am lucky enough to gain acceptance to TCOM next year, I am truly excited at the prospect of meeting all of you. I have been more than blessed throughout my life for meeting people whose giant shoulders I can stand on and my past year here is of no exception. Whatever your preconception of medical school was, from the competitive environment that breeds hostility, to the endless ocean of knowledge that’s about to be squeezed between your ears, just know that you’ve made it this far and you will meet people, complete strangers, who will care about nothing more than to see you succeed. Welcome class of 2010 and hopefully I’ll be able to join you all 👍 😳

 

[kite_runner]

ILoveIceCream, good luck!!! Hope you get in.
lol Ryan, i check the website just about everyday too, so you are not alone!!
ac101ac I keep adding and taking places off my list so I am not fully sure as to where i am going but i plan on leaving at the end of March. Yup, I am in state (Houston to be more exact).

 

[ac101ac]

Where are official trancripts sent to? Is this the correct address?

Admissions and Outreach
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of North Texas Health Science Center
3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2699


Have you guys sent this info in already?

 

[Ryan - 1208]

Where are official trancripts sent to? Is this the correct address?

Admissions and Outreach
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of North Texas Health Science Center
3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, Texas 76107-2699


Have you guys sent this info in already?

I would assume that's the correct address, but we're not supposed to send in our transcripts until we graduate, right? Or did you already graduate?

 

[ac101ac]

I would assume that's the correct address, but we're not supposed to send in our transcripts until we graduate, right? Or did you already graduate?

You are correct Bryan.. not until you are all done. Yes I've graduated already.... and so glad it's all over but now here we go again. : )

 

[shutterbug]

Does any one know if PDAs are used as part of a teaching tool?

 

[ac101ac]

Yes I do think PDAs will be used.... I also found this on-line today:


Laptop Requirements for Incoming Fall 2006 Students

Each incoming student will be required to have a new laptop meeting the specifications developed by Information Technology Services and Medical Education. This year, we are working to provide the laptop to you during orientation, and include the price in your course fees. The model chosen will be the best overall fit for all incoming students. Necessary software will also be included. More information will be posted here as items are finalized.

If you have any questions, please contact Lynley Dungan, ITS, via email at [email protected].

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Hey c/o 2010;

Welcome to the TCOM family! You've been accepted to a first-rate academic institution - one of the best Osteopathic medical schools in the country (and we give a good number of the Allopathic schools a run for their money as well).

Congrats, from a c/o 2006 member (although there have already been a few members of '06 and '07 check in).

There is plenty of housing around the school if you look. It depends on what you want and how much you are willing to pay as well as other factors - will you have a roommate, etc? If you don't have your heart set on an apartment, there are dozens of houses for rent along 7th street and other small streets just to the north and west of the school. My fiance used to live on 7th street a block from the school - she had a very nice 2 bd/1 bath duplex with wood floors that she paid 675/month for. I have an apartment about 1 mile west of the school off of camp bowie on hulen. It is a 2 bd/2 bath that is fairly nice - I pay 525/month. Both of these places would be great for any one of you - especially if you have a roommate - rent is very reasonable in all of these areas. These areas are safe, and most of these are within a very short walking distance of mansions - for instance, the Bass (i.e. the Bass' that own Ft Worth...) mansion is about 1/2 mile down the street from where I live. The view while walking in my neighborhood is just breathtaking!

Anyway, congrats again. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! We are around to answer.

Try to relax, and for goodness sake - don't study until you get here! This will be your last chance to completely relax without having 100 pages to read or a test or two the next week (of course covering like 1000000000 pages - just kidding).

jd

 

[Ryan - 1208]

You are correct Bryan.. not until you are all done. Yes I've graduated already.... and so glad it's all over but now here we go again. : )

Bryan?! What is this Bryan business? 🙂

 

[hyperbaric]

Does any one know if PDAs are used as part of a teaching tool?

A PDA is not required of the first year students.

 

[shutterbug]

Yes I do think PDAs will be used.... I also found this on-line today:


Laptop Requirements for Incoming Fall 2006 Students

Each incoming student will be required to have a new laptop meeting the specifications developed by Information Technology Services and Medical Education. This year, we are working to provide the laptop to you during orientation, and include the price in your course fees. The model chosen will be the best overall fit for all incoming students. Necessary software will also be included. More information will be posted here as items are finalized.

If you have any questions, please contact Lynley Dungan, ITS, via email at [email protected].

Can you point out where you found this information? ... I just ordered a laptop from Dell yesterday... I hope I didn't just bought myself an extra laptop.

 

[ac101ac]

Bryan?! What is this Bryan business? 🙂

Thanks for the laugh Ryan.... it was only a slip of the finger....this crazy keyboard.... sorry 😳

 

[ac101ac]

Can you point out where you found this information? ... I just ordered a laptop from Dell yesterday... I hope I didn't just bought myself an extra laptop.

Don't worry about the Dell comp. They will be more than happy to refund your money.... they are great like that! I will let you know shortly where on the TCOM website I found that info.

 

[ac101ac]

This is where I got the info from:

http://www.hsc.unt.edu/newstudents/computer.cfm

 

[tcom200901]

Can you point out where you found this information? ... I just ordered a laptop from Dell yesterday... I hope I didn't just bought myself an extra laptop.

Shutterbug, you will want to cancel your order. The Dean in a meeting today mentioned that they will be handing out laptops to the new 1st year class.

Welcome to TCOM. You'll love it here.

TCOM200901

 

[shutterbug]

Shutterbug, you will want to cancel your order. The Dean in a meeting today mentioned that they will be handing out laptops to the new 1st year class.

Welcome to TCOM. You'll love it here.

TCOM200901

Thank you all for the 411. I was able to cancel my order today. They said it will take ablout 30 days to credit my account, but I will get the full refund anyway. I look forward to meet you all soon.

Does any know when the fall class schedule will be available?

 

[ac101ac]

Thank you all for the 411. I was able to cancel my order today. They said it will take ablout 30 days to credit my account, but I will get the full refund anyway. I look forward to meet you all soon.

Does any know when the fall class schedule will be available?

We are all dying to see that schedule.... they said the website would be up early to mid Feb and it's still not up.... We'll keep checking I guess.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Hate to tell you all, but if it is like when I started 4 years ago, they will have the schedule ready for you just a little after orientation starts.

You might be in for a long wait...

I can tell you what you'll start with, however - you'll start with "cell science," which begins with a very short 1-2 hour review of chemistry and organic chemistry and then blows full steam into biochemistry, finishing with a 1 week overview of embryology (first 8 weeks or so in utero). After 3-4 weeks of that, you'll start the systems classes, where you'll learn the normal anatomy, physiology, and embryology of each body system in turn. We started with the musculoskeletal system, and I imagine you all will as well. In addition to the classtime on each subject, there will be between 6 and 12 hours of scheduled gross lab each week - during which the anatomy profs will be there to assist with dissections, pimp you on structures and help you identify things and (hopefully) prevent you from royally destroying everything on your cadaver.

These gross lab hours will not be enough to identify everything, so you'll be spending a lot of outside time in the gross lab (depending on the system), especially at first, when you are a newbie at dissecting. They'll tell you not to spend any more than 40 hours in the lab a week - and definitely try not to... you'll start getting really bad headaches from the formalin after a while. Not that that stopped anyone.

You'll also have to get used to eating while smelling like gross lab. Don't worry, unless you have a weak stomach this shouldn't be an issue after the first day or so 🙂

Anyway, there's the readers digest version of the first 6 weeks or so after orientation. Now stop worrying about it and enjoy the last (relatively) free time you'll have for about 4 years! Remember, you still have to graduate to start - pay attention to the classes you are taking now. Med school will start soon enough and all your fantasies about what it will be like will be shattered.

It's not nearly as hard as you think. Any more specific questions, PM me...

jd

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Have any of you seen the schedule from last year? I can probably get it for you if you like-y. Yours will most likely be very similar.

lemme know

jd

 

[DeLaughterDO]

come-on guys.. we need to chat it up - all the other class threads have many more posts. Are you not psyched??? let's hear it!

jd

 

[Ryan - 1208]

Have any of you seen the schedule from last year? I can probably get it for you if you like-y. Yours will most likely be very similar.

lemme know

jd

That sounds awesome. Thanks so much for the overview! And yes, I'm very psyched! 👍

Later, pals!

 

[ac101ac]

come-on guys.. we need to chat it up - all the other class threads have many more posts. Are you not psyched??? let's hear it!

jd

I am disappointed that not a lot of people have posted here recently.... hmm wonder what's going on? Maybe they are getting cold feet.... I know I am but that's not gonna stop me. So how many people to a gross anatomy tank? Are we graded as a group or individual? Also I have asked this before from other people but I'd like to get your insight on the matter: Should I worry about biochem if I didn't take it in undergrad? I am not a bio or chem major so what advice do you have for someone like myself? Thank you so much and I hope you come back to our forum soon. 🙂

pmak where are you??? You've disappeared as well 🙁

Come on people only a few more months to get to "know" other sdn'ers before we hit the ground running. Isn't going to be nice that we'll know each other even in this virtual space once we start school?? I’m all about sharing and helping each other once school starts. Anyone else?

 

[Ryan - 1208]

I’m all about sharing and helping each other once school starts. Anyone else?

I'm sorry AC. I plan to be the gunner of the class.

haha...totally kidding. I agree with you. I'm all for working together and getting through these freakishly tough years as a team. But on that note, WHERE HAS EVERYBODY GONE?

 

[DeLaughterDO]

So how many people to a gross anatomy tank? Are we graded as a group or individual?

That really depends on how many cadavers and how many people to a class. When I went through, we had 125 in our class (I think you all have 150, right?). I believe most people had 4 or 5 people to a tank - some more some less. The numbers may go up since you have a larger class, but then again they may have more cadavers now as well.

As far as grades go, you will have quizzes (usually weekly) over the dissections for that week. One of the profs will come by and ask your group to identify between one and 3 structures, and may ask you the function/action of that structure (or some other trivia about that structure) as well. The quizzes are graded by group, and anyone in the group can answer (usually by group consensus). Your real grade in the gross lab comes from the practicals, during which the class is broken up into 2 groups and each group tests at a separate time. Each person goes through the lab to different stations - you have one minute to identify the structure or otherwise answer the question at that station (may be physiology, function, or other related question about the tagged structure). You will also have other written exams not in gross lab (covering physiology, embryology, etc).

Also I have asked this before from other people but I'd like to get your insight on the matter: Should I worry about biochem if I didn't take it in undergrad? I am not a bio or chem major so what advice do you have for someone like myself?

No, you don't need to worry about it - they teach you everything you need to know during the class. I never took biochem in undergrad either and I did fine.

If you are not familiar with chemical structural diagrams (not being a chemistry/biology person), if I were you I would glance over how to draw them - you'll be doing alot of that to memorize the amino acids and other structures. Otherwise, don't worry about it. You'll do well if you apply yourself with half the energy you put into this forum

Thank you so much and I hope you come back to our forum soon. 🙂

no problem - glad to be of help. I remember how many questions I had when I was in your shoes. I'll be lurking around - if you have anymore specific questions, please feel free to ask them here or PM me.

jd

 

[kite_runner]

I am not sure about everyone else but I am getting nervous about med school now. I didn't really have any expectations for what med school will be like other than that I will be studying extensively. DeLaughterDo, thanks for the insight into what we will be doing in a few months. Obviously, we are going to be studying alot but we will have time to relax, right? Also, I am not sure if you can help me on this but does TCOM have any scholarships for us? I only saw a few on their website but I wanted to know if getting scholarships is common amongst students. Also, when will we know which books we will need? I dunno about you guys but I am seriously going to enjoy these last few months.

 

[APTX]

when will we know which books we will need? I dunno about you guys but I am seriously going to enjoy these last few months.

Do NOT worry about which books you will need right now! You will get a booklist at orientation, and even then you won't have to buy all the books. There are some you will use to study faithfully, and others you will only use once or twice (and are not worth spending $50-80 on). The library has all the required textbooks on reserve, so you can always check those out if need be. There's no need to stress about anything before school starts.

 

[DaveinDallas]

I can tell you what you'll start with, however - you'll start with "cell science," which begins with a very short 1-2 hour review of chemistry and organic chemistry and then blows full steam into biochemistry, finishing with a 1 week overview of embryology (first 8 weeks or so in utero). After 3-4 weeks of that, you'll start the systems classes, where you'll learn the normal anatomy, physiology, and embryology of each body system in turn. We started with the musculoskeletal system, and I imagine you all will as well. In addition to the classtime on each subject, there will be between 6 and 12 hours of scheduled gross lab each week - during which the anatomy profs will be there to assist with dissections, pimp you on structures and help you identify things and (hopefully) prevent you from royally destroying everything on your cadaver.

Hey- just an fyi - things have changed a wee bit about cell science. I'm in TCOM2009 and at least for us there was no embryo included in cell science. The first two hours were chem/orgo chem and after that it was biochem, fuel metabolism and a bit of heme thrown in for good measure. It was 6 weeks long.

After that things evened out pretty much like you said. The gross lab profs are really great. Any of them are really willing to spend time with students outside of class to make sure you get 'it'. Do not hesitate to ask any of them for a little extra help if you need it.

Until then, kick back and enjoy your summer. Stock up on sleep now....trust me on this one.....

 

[DaveinDallas]

Do NOT worry about which books you will need right now! You will get a booklist at orientation, and even then you won't have to buy all the books. There are some you will use to study faithfully, and others you will only use once or twice (and are not worth spending $50-80 on). The library has all the required textbooks on reserve, so you can always check those out if need be. There's no need to stress about anything before school starts.

I'll second that one. Wait until you've been in class to find out what you really need. For cell science, you may want to get a Lippencott's Biochem Review. Other than that, everything you need is in the powerpoints. If you don't understand something, then I would say go read it from the books on reserve at the library. I purchased all of the books figuring I would need them. There are a few I've read and some I haven't opened.

 

[doctorkim]

Hey All, if you have any questions, send them my way. I am a 3rd year student at TCOM. I've been living in FW for about 12 years, so I know the area pretty well. TCOM is a great school. It was my #1 pick and the only school I applied to. The class schedules are good and after the first year, life is really nice. First year is tough, but mainly it is just getting used to the fact that you are in medical school. Congratulations on choosing TCOM... it was a good decision! Feel free to email me or read my blog at studentdoctor.com medical student blogs (I'm Kim, class of 2007). Good luck to you all and welcome!

 

[ac101ac]

Thank you all for the warm welcome to TCOM and kind words. We are all a little scared 😱 😱 😱 but I'm sure you all (is that Texan...ya'll) were once there too. TCOM has always been my top school for several reasons. I am REALLY excited to be part of this incoming class. I am pursuing the rural track and that’s very exciting for me except the brave rrrrrhmmm crazy 12 of us in the program will have MORE classes to take in addition to the regular program !!! I'm looking forward to meeting my "older" (and I don’t mean age) big brothers and sisters!!!

 

[Dax]

Well, i'm a little late to get in on the thread, but YAAAAAYYY! I made it into med school! Finally, a way to talk with my future classmates. Now, I guess I should read through the whole thing. 🙂 I'm sorry if this question has been asked before, but has anyone gotten any correspondence from TCOM since the acceptance letter?



Dax

 

[kite_runner]

Thanks APTX and DaveinDallas. I dunno but for some reason I had thought that we would have to buy the books before orientation. Thanks for clearing that up🙂. Also, Dax congratulations and welcome to the forum! I haven't recieved anything form TCOM since the acceptance letter as well- I am guessing that we should be getting something (don't know what) soon?!?!?

 

[Dax]

I guess I have another question. Are there any other non-traditional students here? I know there are probably like 10 people posting here but I thought i'd ask. I graduated in 98 with a degree in pharmacy, so I guess you can call me one of the 'oldies' in the group. It's very exciting to be going back to school!

Dax

 

[ac101ac]

I guess I have another question. Are there any other non-traditional students here? I know there are probably like 10 people posting here but I thought i'd ask. I graduated in 98 with a degree in pharmacy, so I guess you can call me one of the 'oldies' in the group. It's very exciting to be going back to school!

Dax

Hey Dax welcome to the group!!! I am excited that slowly but surely our group is growing. Nonsense with this oldie stuff! I am sure the class is full of wonderful and experienced people like you that can bring in different perspectives into our whole class. Will you be attending the spring fling? I hope to meet everyone there. Are you from in state or out of state?

 

[Ryan - 1208]

Well, i'm a little late to get in on the thread, but YAAAAAYYY! I made it into med school! Finally, a way to talk with my future classmates. Now, I guess I should read through the whole thing. 🙂 I'm sorry if this question has been asked before, but has anyone gotten any correspondence from TCOM since the acceptance letter?



Dax

Welcome, Dax! It's great that we're getting more people. Can't wait to meet you all soon!

 

[Dax]

Hey Dax welcome to the group!!! I am excited that slowly but surely our group is growing. Nonsense with this oldie stuff! I am sure the class is full of wonderful and experienced people like you that can bring in different perspectives into our whole class. Will you be attending the spring fling? I hope to meet everyone there. Are you from in state or out of state?

I'm not going to be able to make it for the Spring Fling i'm afraid. I'm in state (Houston). Thank God for in-state tuition! After reading the whole thread, I noticed one post that mentioned us getting handed a laptop when we arrive. It just so happens that I bought a laptop last week for that very purpose. I wonder if we HAVE to use theirs? I'd me a little miffed if i'm out the money I spent on this one. I'm going to call Financial Aid and ask them about it soon.
Next week I get to get my immunization titers done, yay! It's been so long since i've had a copy of them, i'm sure i'll have to get several re-done.


Dax

 

[ac101ac]

I'm not going to be able to make it for the Spring Fling i'm afraid. I'm in state (Houston). Thank God for in-state tuition! After reading the whole thread, I noticed one post that mentioned us getting handed a laptop when we arrive. It just so happens that I bought a laptop last week for that very purpose. I wonder if we HAVE to use theirs? I'd me a little miffed if i'm out the money I spent on this one. I'm going to call Financial Aid and ask them about it soon.
Next week I get to get my immunization titers done, yay! It's been so long since i've had a copy of them, i'm sure i'll have to get several re-done.


Dax

Dax, when are the immunizations due? About the laptop.... i think they want us to use the one they will be providing us with.... can you return yours?

 

[Dax]

Hey Dax welcome to the group!!! I am excited that slowly but surely our group is growing. Nonsense with this oldie stuff! I am sure the class is full of wonderful and experienced people like you that can bring in different perspectives into our whole class. Will you be attending the spring fling? I hope to meet everyone there. Are you from in state or out of state?

I'm not going to be able to make it for the Spring Fling i'm afraid. I'm in state (Houston). Thank God for in-state tuition! After reading the whole thread, I noticed one post that mentioned us getting handed a laptop when we arrive. It just so happens that I bought a laptop last week for that very purpose. I wonder if we HAVE to use theirs? I'd me a little miffed if i'm out the money I spent on this one. I'm going to call Financial Aid and ask them about it soon.
Next week I get to get my immunization titers done, yay! It's been so long since i've had a copy of them, i'm sure i'll have to get several re-done.


Dax

 

[ac101ac]

Welcome, Dax! It's great that we're getting more people. Can't wait to meet you all soon!

Hey Ryan, what happened to our OOS classmate PMAK??? I haven't heard from pmak in a while now!!! Should we worry? 😕


PMAK WHERE ARE YOU????

 

[Ryan - 1208]

Hey Ryan, what happened to our OOS classmate PMAK??? I haven't heard from pmak in a while now!!! Should we worry? 😕


PMAK WHERE ARE YOU????

Yea! I wonder where s/he is! 😕

 

[shutterbug]

I guess I have another question. Are there any other non-traditional students here? I know there are probably like 10 people posting here but I thought i'd ask. I graduated in 98 with a degree in pharmacy, so I guess you can call me one of the 'oldies' in the group. It's very exciting to be going back to school!

Dax

Hey Dax, I am right there with you. I'm UT business school class of 95. Now I am TCOM 2010

 

[shutterbug]

I like to get some opinions from the current students. Do you think I should get an apartment near campus or stay in my current house and commute about 60 min each way to school?

 

[Dax]

Hey Dax, I am right there with you. I'm UT business school class of 95. Now I am TCOM 2010

Awesome! I figured that there would be several of us in the class since i've heard that D.O. programs are more willing to accept non-trads.


Dax

 

[DeLaughterDO]

I like to get some opinions from the current students. Do you think I should get an apartment near campus or stay in my current house and commute about 60 min each way to school?

Is your house paid for? Is the 60 minutes fairly constant?

If so, I'd stay put... if you're renting a house somewhere and/or the commute is a mess, or you're unable/unwilling to commit to a 1 hour drive every day to be in class/clinic by 0800, then I'd move in a minute.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Awesome! I figured that there would be several of us in the class since i've heard that D.O. programs are more willing to accept non-trads.


Dax

You'll find many "non-trad" students in your class - I think the oldest student in my class was in his 50s when we started. He was a computer programmer.

Other non-trads we have are a PA, a RN (myself), a physical therapist, and a nutritionist, among others that I can't think of right now.

Don't worry, you won't be alone!

jd

 

[hyperbaric]

I like to get some opinions from the current students. Do you think I should get an apartment near campus or stay in my current house and commute about 60 min each way to school?

I like to be close to campus. But $$$ is always a consideration as DeLaughter mentioned.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

I like to be close to campus. But $$$ is always a consideration as DeLaughter mentioned.

Being close is very convenient, especially when you've spent hours at the school studying, or in the gross lab, or whatever. However, if you have a place paid for already, don't even bother thinking about moving. We had a few people that drove in every day from out of town - one from Plano, and a couple from Dallas... They did it, so it is definitely do-able.

jd

 

[pmak67]

Hey Ryan, what happened to our OOS classmate PMAK??? I haven't heard from pmak in a while now!!! Should we worry? 😕


PMAK WHERE ARE YOU????

Pmak is definitely here!

Dax, my undergrad degree says I graduated in 1989 (WHAT?!), so don't worry about the "old" stuff. I know I've got you beat in the achiness dept.

One more word on the computers. I emailed the contact person listed on the website and he/she said that they are still working on whether or not the computers will be included in our fees this fall. He/she said that by end of April we should know.

I also have not received anything in the mail since acceptance on October, other than a very nice holiday card from the Admissions Office.

AC/Ryan - suffice it to say I've been off dealing with all the stuff associated with our moving to the FW area. No need to worry 'bout me!!!

TCOM rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👍 👍 👍

 

[pmak67]

Sorry folks - my contact said that the computer question should be finalized by the end of MARCH, not April as I wrote above.

TCOM = Totally Committed to Osteopathic Medicine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

 

[Dax]

Pmak is definitely here!

Dax, my undergrad degree says I graduated in 1989 (WHAT?!), so don't worry about the "old" stuff. I know I've got you beat in the achiness dept.

One more word on the computers. I emailed the contact person listed on the website and he/she said that they are still working on whether or not the computers will be included in our fees this fall. He/she said that by end of April we should know.

I also have not received anything in the mail since acceptance on October, other than a very nice holiday card from the Admissions Office.

AC/Ryan - suffice it to say I've been off dealing with all the stuff associated with our moving to the FW area. No need to worry 'bout me!!!

TCOM rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👍 👍 👍

'89, awesome! Yeah, I don't feel so old now 😉 Thanks for the info on the computer situation!


Dax