TUCOM Vegas Anyone??

[NSA914]

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Hey guys...
I just found out today that I got into TUCOM Vegas. Is anyone else planning on going there?

Does anyone know anything about this school besides what's on the website? I loved Mare Island, but unfortunately I got waitlisted.

Has anyone seen the Vegas campus, or know anything about its facilities, professors, etc? I was just wondering if it will be as good since it's brand new.

I've already been accepted to LECOM, and liked it but I liked TUCOM a little more (climate, dress code, etc). I just want to make sure I make the right decision. Any advice???

 

[DRGIGGLES]

congratulations.

i made a few posts on the tucom 2008 thread you might be interested in (they pertain to vegas). one of my earliest posts on another thread gave my opinions of tucom as a whole. you'll have to search for that one.

-drgiggles

 

[jrbrown2bsu]

Hey there,

I too plan on attending TUCOM Vegas. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to start a new program out. The location was originally supposed to be at the Cashman center, but that's not happening now for some reason? So now they are in the process of finding a new location for the school. I've already sent in my deposit so I am concerned about where the school will be. Anyway, I think Vegas will be an excellent place to attend school, being you can resist certain temptations. You definitely won't have to travel far to find a place to let loose if you need it. I, personally, like the fact that there will only be 75 students the first year. We'll never have to be underclassmen, be that a good thing or not. I think that will also create good opportunity for teacher-student relationships. Plus all the students will be the pioneers of the new program. Sounds good to me. Yes, I know I am being entirely optimistic and there are some downfalls to be mentioned too. I, however, choose to look on the bright side. I have, afterall, paid the school 2000$$. So I hope this helps and good luck.

JB

 

[NSA914]

Hey JB

Nice to meet you...At least I know one person now out of 75. I think you are right about being optimistic. I mean, afterall, it is a medical school. I am sure they are taking the proper precautions. Besides, it could be fun to be the "pioneers". Hopefully, more TUCOM Vegas-ers will come out of the wood work and introduce themselves too...

 

[Elysium]

Hey guys,

I was accepted early decision last year to start in August 2004. My friend Brian (ez073323) and I are trying to decide between the LV and Mare Island campus. I'm really not all that crazy about MI, mostly because it just depresses me. Plus, there's no internet or anything on the island. At least in LV they will be wired. I'm a bit concerned about where the hell they're going to put the school, as I too had heard (and Brian himself had gone to talk to the dean of the LV school who showed him the blue prints of the school) that it was going to be in the Cashman center. It's a little spooky that 5 months before the school opens they have no clue where we might be housed. Brian and I plan on going out to TUCOM next week and talking to everyone we can to get some honest answers. Since they already have AOA approval to start this new school I'm sure they'll get it done - or else all the LV people will go to MI, I suppose.

We'll post more info when we have it.

 

[kendahoe]

Elysium,

Give us all the dirt you get on the LV scenerio. I was super excited about the possibilities there but it sounds like a bomb now. Fill us all in as soon as possible. Thanks!!

 

[Robz]

nothing serious to add but I get a smile on my face everytime I hear....

TUCOM Las Vegas

I just reminds me of a new MTV's real world ....

It would be cool to learn medicine in sin city though.

 

[racystacey07]

hey guys, from what i understand, the city of las vegas renigged on giving touro the cashman center (although i guess it is still a possibility that they will be placed there). i took a look at the facility a couple of weeks ago, and it is awesome, so it is rather unfortunate that touro is put in this position. the city is currently looking for a new venue, but as of right now, touro has no campus. im miffed because i think its a bit sketchy that touros been sending out brochures/addresses/pictures of the cashman center when it had never been finalized... a little premature and presumptuous! i will be attending the mare island campus for this reason! hope that helps...
~stacey

 

[jrbrown2bsu]

Hey hey,

Keep the news coming about the Vegas Campus. I am upset too because the Cashman center pictures looked like it would be such a nice location. As long as I get my degree though, I'll study in a cardboard box if I have to. I liked the statement about the Real World scenario. It is a bit surreal to go to med. school in Vegas. It makes the situation all the more exciting, hopefully not distracting though.

JB

 

[NSA914]

Tiffany & Brian, give us much info as you guys can! I think it will be a great help. Thanks...

Honestly, I am pretty confused on what to think. Sometimes I think it would be pretty cool to go to med school in Vegas, but then when I hear stuff like "there is no confirmed location", I get worried again. *sigh*

Oh well, I agree with JR's philosophy on becoming a doctor by any means necessary. At least it's Vegas...

 

[Adapt]

Originally posted by Elysium
I'm really not all that crazy about MI, mostly because it just depresses me. Plus, there's no internet or anything on the island.

It depressed me too which is why I didn't like TUCOM. I'm surprised you would say something like that especially since you are so pro-TUCOM. 😕

 

[Elysium]

I'm disappointed too, Slickness, since I thought you had vanished from my life for good. I must have angered the gods in some past life, which is the only reason I can come up with for why you would be reading threads about TUCOM.

I'm not crazy about Mare Island. I don't think I ever said that I was. I don't like the way it looks , but I like the professors and the way the program is set up. Mostly I want to live in LV because it's a hell of a lot cheaper and there's only one med school in Nevada currently. I thought it would be a cool oppourtunity to see something different. I still like TUCOM and I'm still damned happy not to be at COMP (especially after talking to the folks in the class of 2007), I just thought it would be cool to go to LV. That's all.

Now, I'm bored with this entire conversation.

 

[Adapt]

My post wasn't meant to bore you or to disappoint you. Good luck at TUCOM. 👍

 

[ez073323]

Originally posted by Elysium
Now, I'm bored with this entire conversation.

I 😍 Elysium. We are going to grow old and make fun of people together... I almost feel sorry for our classmates, except I know we are going to have too much fun not giving a crap what anyone thinks about our "non-traditional" arses...

Brian

 

[s42brown]

Don't you think it is kind of a joke to be going to a school that you don't even know where it is.

Wow kinda scary.

 

[Adapt]

Originally posted by s42brown
Don't you think it is kind of a joke to be going to a school that you don't even know where it is.

Wow kinda scary.

I agree. I don't know what TUCOM is thinking. They should have waited till next year when they knew they had ready a building for sure instead of keeping their students in limbo about it.

 

[s42brown]

I think this is a bad step for our profession. First they need a site then labs, library, cadavers, professors, rotation sites, and then they can start taking students. I can't believe some of you are actually excited about going to school next year. Don't you need an address of the school to even fill out your FAFSA? If I were one of the hopefull students I would scramble to get into another school or just sit out a year and apply again next round. We all want to be physicians but not like that.

 

[Adapt]

Originally posted by s42brown
If I were one of the hopefull students I would scramble to get into another school or just sit out a year and apply again next round. We all want to be physicians but not like that.

Wow that's harsh although I do agree with you about finding sites, libraries, professors, and all the other things that make up a successful medical school. Elysium already sat out a year last year when she was accepted to COMP but she turned it down for TUCOM for the following year. I don't think she'd want to sit out again.

Who knows though. Maybe the folks at TUCOM will throw something together over there in the desert next to Las Vegas so their students can become doctors and relax at Circus Circus on weekends. 👍

 

[Marianne11]

I just found out (got my interview date too 🙂 ) that the school will be in Henderson. This is such a better location than downtown scary vegas. There are beautiful malls, stores etc. in Henderson, not the typical vegas hookers, crime, etc. The website will reveal the new address next week. 🙂 Is anyone interviewing for the vegas campus on 3/25?

 

[NSA914]

Good luck on your interview Marianne. You ought to meet up with Brian and the others before you interview. It helps a lot. Oh and thanks a lot for the info on Henderson. Maybe I'll see you there!

Hey S42, I agree with Slickness that it is scary to not know the exact location but there really is no need to jump the gun and reapply. TUCOM is a great school, with an extremely caring administration. They aren't going to screw over their students. Besides, many of us like Elysium have been accepted to other schools and opt to go to TUCOM out of preference.

 

[s42brown]

I understand that TUCOM is a good school. I am not trying to be a jerk. I was thinking how VCOM started and had a great facility and enough faculty and staff before the first student ever sat in a classroom. Now with this new campus in las vegas I just don't see how they can prepare a school for you guys by august. I hope it all works out for the best. 😉

 

[mco]

Congrats!!! I got in there too and have no clue about the campus...I emailed Stephen Davis if I can visit the campus but he said they haven't started building it yet...And the only info. I got from them is that brochure. I'm still tryin to find info...

 

[mco]

I just received an email from the dean with the new info. of the building of the Las Vegas campus...It states...

February 17, 2004

Upon further analysis . . .

Key constituents of the Las Vegas community have come to the same conclusion as did TUCOM, that perhaps there was a site more suitable to a collegial environment than the Cashman Center on Las Vegas Boulevard. TUCOM has always maintained that there are some critical elements that needed to be met. Among them were:

? Adequate affordable housing needed to be close by.

? The actual campus needed to be easily and readily convertible to a medical school.

? There needed to be adequate amenities for students, including shopping and restaurants close by and parking at the College.

? Sufficient space beyond that needed for the medical school must be available to expand into additional schools and colleges.

? The site needed to be situated close to the community that would be primarily served by the medical school.

? Twelve minutes from the airport

With the assistance of the community, a preferred site that meets all of our requirements became available at 875 American Pacific Drive, in Henderson (just outside of Las Vegas) and the decision was made to decline the Cashman option and begin work on the new location. Fortunately, much of what had been developed in terms of construction plans for Cashman is usable for the new location and work on the site is scheduled to begin immediately. Build-out is expected to be complete in June.

Those of us who have been intimately involved with the community on this project are excited and pleased by this good fortune. Perhaps fortune had less to do with it than just hard work, however.

I just returned from some extremely productive meetings with key administrators at UNLV and can report that they are as excited about the opening of our Las Vegas area Campus as are we?perhaps more. Both they and we see a very close relationship between the two institutions, very much in the same mode as our TUCOM, Mare Island Campus has with UC Davis, and perhaps even closer over time.

The TUCOM, Las Vegas Admissions Department staff has been training on our campus for the last two weeks and I am confident that they will be able to provide the same attention to detail and commitment to service that I feel has been the cornerstone of my Department. We plan to work closely over the next several months to make certain that the transition of this responsibility ultimately to TUCOM, Nevada is managed in a responsible manner.

 

[vegasmed]

I think everyone needs to relax and realize that a change in the school's location doesn?t suggest instability. It isn't that big of a deal. In fact, I've been to both locations and the move to Henderson was the best decision. Those of us in the first class were chosen because the admissions committee believed we had the ability to adapt to a changing environment. Also, excessive worrying or complaining might cause administrators to hesitate when making other wise decisions. Reassurance comes from the strength of the TUCOM program and the strict requirements enforced by the AOA. The medical opportunities are going to be awesome in LV. Besides, anyone who works in the medical field knows that only pre-meds ask where you went to medical school. I think most are jealous of our potential residency options due to our available clinical rotations in Vegas. Previous posts have joked about the relocation but people also joked about Dr. Still?s work as well. I want to intern wherever I will become the best possible physician. I doubt there are much better places to practice emergency medicine than in sin city. So, in response to a previous post, ?Yes, I am extremely excited to start med school next year.? It was also suggested that we should ?scramble to get into another school or just sit out a year and apply again next round,? but that?s assuming I didn?t already reject other schools like KCOM, whose average mcat score is not only less than Touro?s but over 3 points less than mine. Let?s get one thing straight; attending a new university does not imply having a weaker application or a lack of options.

For those of you who are interested, I have put together a quick website for us to communicate and gather information easier. Check it out at SinCityMed.com.

 

[NSA914]

I agree with Vegasmed's outlook. I really liked TUCOM Mare Island when I interviewed, and was willing to go there despite its glitches. So I don't see what the uproar is about being in a new, more advanced facility in Las Vegas! I hope our fellow TUCOM-Vegasers will feel the same way. Besides, as long as all 75 of us get along and are happy to be there, it should be a great experience.

Here's another update...I just found out that the Dean of Student Affairs from TCOM (Texas) will actually be the dean at TUCOM-LV. I will post more info as it comes up. But as most of you know, TCOM is a great school...ranked in the top 20 for 'Best in Primary Care' by US News and World Report. So, once again it seems TUCOM is on top of things!

Oh and I really liked the website. Class of 2008 take a look at it. SinCityMed.com

 

[outofit18]

Wow, I am glad to hear so much positive feedback on TUCOM-LV, yet it is a bit painful. You see, I too was accepted to the class of 2008 back in mid February. I was desperately trying to get info on the campus, curriculum, ect. but it didn't seem like the administration for TUCOM-LV had their "stuff" together. So, I had cold feet and withdrew my seat. But hey, it just goes to show that if you have trust and patience in a good school, such as TUCOM, good things will happen. I am sure, if had the assurance and information that has been made available to you future TUCOM-LVers now, I would be one of the 75. Well, good luck to all of you pioneers!!

 

[Forensic Chick]

Hello all,

I kind of gave up hopes for an interview at Touro this year since it's so late -- however I received a letter last week saying that they are still considering applicants and got a packet in the mail today saying that I can schedule an interview for TUCOM-Vegas. Needless to say, I am estatic!! I was wondering, for the people who have already interviewed, if the Vegas interviews are completely separate from the Mare Island interviews and if they are in the same panel format. I will be scheduling my interview tomorrow - but am curious as to how it works in comparison to the Mare Island interviews.

Any information in regards to TUCOM-Vegas is much appreciated!

Thanks!!

 

[box29]

My letter said that the interviews are in the panel format but didn't mention if it only for LV or includes Mare Island interviewees as well...I have no idea...but I am so excited to be interviewing!

 

[ez073323]

Forensic Chick,

Congratulations on your interview invite!! Although many think it is late in the application cycle, those that are applying to the two schools that are opening this fall are working with a significantly time-shifted calendar, so from my vantage point, you are definitely in the driver's seat... especially since you are dealing with TUCOM, a school that will only interview an applicant that: will be a good fit at TUCOM, and has an actual chance of getting in because there is still room in the class (versus interviewing for a waitlist spot).

With respect to the interview, Mare Island interviewees only interview with fellow Mare Island interviewees and Vegas interviewees only interview with fellow Vegas interviewees. Structurewise, the Vegas interview day is basically identical to the Mare Island interview day...

Hope this helps and if you have any more questions, post away!!!

Brian
[email protected]

 

[Forensic Chick]

Hey Brian,

Thanks for all of your great information (as always!!). I hope to be joining you for the class of 2008. Have you decided which campus you will be attending?

I hope all is well and thanks again,
-Michelle-

 

[aquabat]

Forensic Chick--have you scheduled your interview yet? I received an interview invitation today for LV. I'm excited! I had been in the same boat as you--losing hope as it got later in the application cycle. I called and scheduled an interview date already. It won't be until May though (I took the first date available). I guess I'll have lots of time to prepare!

 

[monalisa]

Hi everyone,

I also received an invite too and I'm planning to schedule it for the first week of May. Do you know if there're still seats or are we really being interviewed for the waitlist? Thanks!😀

 

[ez073323]

monalisa,

I know that interviewing in May seems very, very late in the cycle, but you must take a lot of things into consideration. First and foremost, Dr. Haight does not interview candidates for waitlist spots. Don't get me wrong... I am not saying that there will be a lot of seats for TUCOM - LV come May, but among the people that you are interviewing with, some will receive acceptances. The biggest difference about interviewing later in the cycle is that when the admissions committee is presented the files from your interview day, Dr. Haight may say something to the effect of "of these interviewees, you can only accept (insert number here) of them, because we have one more set of interviews and I need to save (insert number here) seats for that group." Earlier in the interview cycle, Dr. Haight probably set no limitations on how many interviewees can be accepted from an interview day (although I have never heard of an interview day where everyone was accepted...)

Another thing that also make me want to assume that there will still be seats in the Las Vegas class come this May is the fact that interviews for the Vegas campus didn't start until January... Many school have well over half of their cohort selected by then, so taking this time shift into account lends me to believe that people who interview in May still have a fighting chance.

Bottom line, Dr. Haight wouldn't make you fly all the way from the Louvre if there wasn't a chance of you getting into the class...

Good Luck and if there is anything I can do, please just ask!!!

Brian Enriquez
[email protected]

p.s. I just got back from France and I left my camera on the Roissybus on the way to Charles De Gaulle... can you retrieve it for me??😀

 

[monalisa]

ez073323,

Thanks very much for your reply. I've just scheduled my interview and it's going to be in mid May. Too bad I won't get to see the Vegas campus but that's okay. I'm still excited.

monalisa🙂

 

[ez073323]

monalisa,

I am not sure where you currently living, but you should definitely try and visit the campus... you could schedule your visit to coincide with the SDN convention (June 26th-28th)

Keep us updated with your progress!

Brian
[email protected]

 

[monalisa]

ez073323,

I didn't know that we could visit the campus. For some reason I thought they're still "building" the school!! Do you know if we can schedule the visit for May?

Thanks.

monalisa

 

[Forensic Chick]

Hey guys,

I'm also set for May. I'm very excited!!

Brian -- thanks for all of the info. If, lets say, we don't get a seat and are waitlisted - we can still be accepted for the class of '09 off of the waitlist, right? Or do we have to reapply?

Any information is appreciated.

Many thanks!!
-M-

 

[ez073323]

monalisa,

I am sure you can go to the campus at your convienence... I just doubt that there will be much to see, campuswise... The buildout is scheduled to be completed by June 15th... I plan on rolling out to Henederson shortly to see what kind of progress has been made with the buildout, but more importantly to run around the town and scope out where I would live if I end up out in Nevada... I don't know about you, but I am excited to see if the OMM and anatomy lab are going to be better than the ones at Mare Island...


Michelle,

Congrats on your interview!!! What day in May are you interviewing??!! Don't even think about getting waitlisted!!! Acceptance is the goal!!!

I really don't know if TUCOM is going to reevaluate the people that are still on the waitlist once school starts... If I had to guess, I would venture that it isn't going to happen this year... My speculation is based on the following:

-I don't think that the waitlist is ranked this year and the implementation of the "oh hold" decision.

-Dr. Haight and the Mare Island office of admissions is building two classes; building one class is difficult enough... building two classes should be twice as difficult, even without factoring the late start with respect to the Las Vegas campus.

The reevaluation of the people still on the waitlist once school started would require even more admissions committee meetings and after this application cycle is complete, I wouldn't be surprised if the TUCOM office admissions shuts its dorrs for a while to catch its breath...

So beef up for your interview so you can knock 'em dead from the get go!

Always here for questions and the such...

Brian
[email protected]

 

[monalisa]

Brian,

Once again thanks for your reply. I guess I'll visit the campus once I received an acceptance from them after the interview.

Monalisa

 

[ez073323]

There is that postive thinking I was looking for!!! Go get that acceptance monalisa!!!

Brian

 

[Baditude]

Hey Brian!
Have you heard any rumors about the hold list? When if ever will it be resolved? I have a couple other options but I am hoping for TUCOM. I haven't heard from Dr. Haight since the last of Feb and I don't want to be a pushy pain in the @$$ by writting or calling too often.
Let me know if you hear anything

 

[ez073323]

I can't believe your application is still on hold!!! I have absolutely no idea what you can do to expedite the decision process, but you definitely have every right to crank out an email to Dr. Haight or Steven Davis to get an update (and/or send an update of your own...) Don't worry about coming across as pushy, especially since your last correspondence was so long ago... The office of admissions is really really busy filling the Mare Island and Las Vegas cohorts, but you deserve an update since you interviewed such a long time ago...

Keep me updated!!!

Brian
[email protected]

 

[DRGIGGLES]

so, i made a visit to your new school, took a little tour, and met with some of the big fish there...

bottom line: if all goes as it's supposed to, you tucom-henderson kids will be in great shape in terms of education, clinicals and post grad stuff.

that's a fair sized "if" mind you; your future depends on a lot of pieces clicking into place. however, there is concrete motion on getting those pieces moving.

if i were doing this again, i'd definitely give tucom-vegas a good look.

-drgiggles

 

[Beckie]

NSA914
I sent you a PM.

Take care,
Beckie

 

[box29]

Hello all,

I have an interview coming up next week and was wondering if anyone can offer any advice to me for the interview. Thanks.

box29

 

[mak98usa]

hey whats up everyone

 

[mak98usa]

hey whats up everyone

just wondering if anyone is willing to talk with me about preparing for an interview at TOuro...i have it in a few days.....my email is [email protected]

thanks