UMDNJ-SOM Discussion Thread 2012 -2013

[Dmr6186]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As long as the quality of education doesn't change, along with good clinical rotations and residency connection and whatever else goes along with a well-established school, I will still try to go to this school. I'll have to contact them about that eventually.

 

[sjagan1]

14 years

 

[psychgirrrl]

Does anyone know about their interview process?

For example how many applicants they interview and of the interviewed how many actually gain acceptance?


Thanks

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Just got an email saying they just received my primary asking me to fill out the secondary. HA! Jokes on them, I already sent it in >_>

 

[HalfListic]

SOMs Dean is a commissioner of COCA. He knows the ins and outs of the accreditation process and along with the other deans have ensured that language was included in the bill to preserve accreditation and allow for a smooth re-accreditation The other medical schools will still need to go through re-accreditation as well because their parent institution has also changed. Although Rowan is not as established as Rutgers they have the resources required to obtain partial LCME accreditation for Cooper Medical School. The Deans have assured the entire student body, staff, and faculty that SOMs accreditation is NOT in jeopardy.

What are the considerations for current applicants? How will this change the DO school?

 

[aspDO]

just got an email saying they just received my primary asking me to fill out the secondary. Ha! Jokes on them, i already sent it in >_>

+1

 

[HalfListic]

Has the merger actually happened? It looks like the board of trustees is against it...do they have any real say or this a done deal?

Is University Hospital staying open as well?

Personally, though Im not from the east coast, I thought UMDNJ had a great reputation, with access to a level 1 trauma teaching hospital. Why break that up? Who is Rowan?

edit: ok, looks like a merger did happen, but that Rutgers stepped up and took over most of UMDNJ, keeping University Hospital established. I think this is a good thing...heres part of an article about it:

State and local lawmakers celebrated the final version of legislation merging most University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey assets with Rutgers University - a merger that as originally conceived would have deprived Newark of its standing as a major medical research and training hub, those officials said.

Instead, the legislation leaves intact all of the academic and medical facilities that now call the city home, establishes a chancellor position based in the city, and will have no effect on the status of any employees within the current UMDNJ system, officials said.

 

[Dmr6186]

Has the merger actually happened? It looks like the board of trustees is against it...do they have any real say or this a done deal?

Is University Hospital staying open as well?

Personally, though Im not from the east coast, I thought UMDNJ had a great reputation, with access to a level 1 trauma teaching hospital. Why break that up? Who is Rowan?

edit: ok, looks like a merger did happen, but that Rutgers stepped up and took over most of UMDNJ, keeping University Hospital established. I think this is a good thing...heres part of an article about it:

State and local lawmakers celebrated the final version of legislation merging most University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey assets with Rutgers University - a merger that as originally conceived would have deprived Newark of its standing as a major medical research and training hub, those officials said.

Instead, the legislation leaves intact all of the academic and medical facilities that now call the city home, establishes a chancellor position based in the city, and will have no effect on the status of any employees within the current UMDNJ system, officials said.

Rutgers is taking over NJMS and RWJMS... but Rowan is taking SOM. What this means for SOM, i don't think anyone at all has a clue.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/rutgers_governing_boards_to_ta.html

Under the final deal, Rutgers will take over UMDNJ’s schools in North and Central Jersey — including Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School — in July 2013. Rowan University in Glassboro will take over UMDNJ’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford and become a state-designated research university.

 

[playaodamonth]

Has the merger actually happened? It looks like the board of trustees is against it...do they have any real say or this a done deal?

Is University Hospital staying open as well?

Personally, though Im not from the east coast, I thought UMDNJ had a great reputation, with access to a level 1 trauma teaching hospital. Why break that up? Who is Rowan?

edit: ok, looks like a merger did happen, but that Rutgers stepped up and took over most of UMDNJ, keeping University Hospital established. I think this is a good thing...heres part of an article about it:

State and local lawmakers celebrated the final version of legislation merging most University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey assets with Rutgers University - a merger that as originally conceived would have deprived Newark of its standing as a major medical research and training hub, those officials said.

Instead, the legislation leaves intact all of the academic and medical facilities that now call the city home, establishes a chancellor position based in the city, and will have no effect on the status of any employees within the current UMDNJ system, officials said.

The full effect is supposed to occur around this time next year. UMDNJ will be fully dissolved Rutgers will be absorbing the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (New Brunswick), New Jersey Medical School (Newark), and New Jersey Dental School (Newark). University Hospital will be partnered with a private hospital chain, but will still be a teaching hospital. The School of Osteopathic Medicine (Stratford) is going to be absorbed by Rowan University, which recently opened up its own MD program (Cooper Medical School). However, SOM will fall under a joint board of governors from both Rutgers and Rowan.

Yes Rutgers is a bigger name than Rowan, a more prestigious research institute, and will now receive a lot more funding because of the merger. But don't let that stop you from applying. The faculty, curriculum, and accreditation will remain the same. The only change is going to be the name of the school and the undergrad it's affiliated with. It is still considered one of the top DO programs in the nation and I doubt that will change just because of this merger. UMDNJ had its financial problems, that's one reason why it's being dissolved. Rowan is going to be established as a research institute and will receive funding from the state, this can only help the SOM. Good luck!

 

[Dmr6186]

The full effect is supposed to occur around this time next year. UMDNJ will be fully dissolved Rutgers will be absorbing the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (New Brunswick), New Jersey Medical School (Newark), and New Jersey Dental School (Newark). University Hospital will be partnered with a private hospital chain, but will still be a teaching hospital. The School of Osteopathic Medicine (Stratford) is going to be absorbed by Rowan University, which recently opened up its own MD program (Cooper Medical School). However, SOM will fall under a joint board of governors from both Rutgers and Rowan.

Yes Rutgers is a bigger name than Rowan, a more prestigious research institute, and will now receive a lot more funding because of the merger. But don't let that stop you from applying. The faculty, curriculum, and accreditation will remain the same. The only change is going to be the name of the school and the undergrad it's affiliated with. It is still considered one of the top DO programs in the nation and I doubt that will change just because of this merger. UMDNJ had its financial problems, that's one reason why it's being dissolved. Rowan is going to be established as a research institute and will receive funding from the state, this can only help the SOM. Good luck!

I didn't hear any confirmation from the AOA about SOM keeping its accreditation once the merger happens though. While I am sure they will fight tooth and nail to keep it, there's a lot of concern because of the fact that Rowan is spreading itself real thin. It has a lot on its plate right now with Rutgers-Camden, Cooper Medical School, and its own campus. Now it has a research institute and another medical school to add to it, all in the same year.

Plus who's to say the current staff and faculty will want to stay? Their website clearly says they were 100% against this. I just don't think they had a choice. Only time will tell what happens. No one really knows, but no one at all is happy about it. It's a shame one of the best DO schools is being put through the ringer like this.

 

[HalfListic]

The full effect is supposed to occur around this time next year. UMDNJ will be fully dissolved Rutgers will be absorbing the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (New Brunswick), New Jersey Medical School (Newark), and New Jersey Dental School (Newark). University Hospital will be partnered with a private hospital chain, but will still be a teaching hospital. The School of Osteopathic Medicine (Stratford) is going to be absorbed by Rowan University, which recently opened up its own MD program (Cooper Medical School). However, SOM will fall under a joint board of governors from both Rutgers and Rowan.

Yes Rutgers is a bigger name than Rowan, a more prestigious research institute, and will now receive a lot more funding because of the merger. But don't let that stop you from applying. The faculty, curriculum, and accreditation will remain the same. The only change is going to be the name of the school and the undergrad it's affiliated with. It is still considered one of the top DO programs in the nation and I doubt that will change just because of this merger. UMDNJ had its financial problems, that's one reason why it's being dissolved. Rowan is going to be established as a research institute and will receive funding from the state, this can only help the SOM. Good luck!

This is what I want to hear and hope is true...

I didn't hear any confirmation from the AOA about SOM keeping its accreditation once the merger happens though. While I am sure they will fight tooth and nail to keep it, there's a lot of concern because of the fact that Rowan is spreading itself real thin. It has a lot on its plate right now with Rutgers-Camden, Cooper Medical School, and its own campus. Now it has a research institute and another medical school to add to it, all in the same year.

Plus who's to say the current staff and faculty will want to stay? Their website clearly says they were 100% against this. I just don't think they had a choice. Only time will tell what happens. No one really knows, but no one at all is happy about it. It's a shame one of the best DO schools is being put through the ringer like this.

I guess this is the biggest fear, will it remain accredited?? Does anyone know this answer (rhetorical question). I hope this doesn't ruin anything and I really hope things are cleared up by the time I (might) interview and (maybe) have to ponder acceptance...

 

[Dr SunDai]

This is what I want to hear and hope is true...



I guess this is the biggest fear, will it remain accredited?? Does anyone know this answer (rhetorical question). I hope this doesn't ruin anything and I really hope things are cleared up by the time I (might) interview and (maybe) have to ponder acceptance...

SOMs Dean is a commissioner of COCA. He knows the ins and outs of the accreditation process and along with the other deans have ensured that language was included in the bill to preserve accreditation and allow for a smooth re-accreditation The other medical schools will still need to go through re-accreditation as well because their parent institution has also changed. Although Rowan is not as established as Rutgers they have the resources required to obtain partial LCME accreditation for Cooper Medical School. The Deans have assured the entire student body, staff, and faculty that SOMs accreditation is NOT in jeopardy.

 

[virtuoso735]

For the secondary, do we get one page for each question or one page to answer both? Should they be answered separately, or do we write one essay which incorporates both questions? And should it be double-spaced or single-spaced?

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

SOMs Dean is a commissioner of COCA. He knows the ins and outs of the accreditation process and along with the other deans have ensured that language was included in the bill to preserve accreditation and allow for a smooth re-accreditation The other medical schools will still need to go through re-accreditation as well because their parent institution has also changed. Although Rowan is not as established as Rutgers they have the resources required to obtain partial LCME accreditation for Cooper Medical School. The Deans have assured the entire student body, staff, and faculty that SOMs accreditation is NOT in jeopardy.

I think you are correct. I think I recall seeing a new amendment that was said SOM must keep their accreditation otherwise the merger would be off. I sent an email asking about what's going to happen for the Fall 2013 applicants but I have had no answer. I assume they will be taking people in and just signing us under the new SOM school. As a UMDNJ GSBS student, I haven't heard anything except an email when the merger first happened that the UMDNJ Dean was excited about the merger.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

For the secondary, do we get one page for each question or one page to answer both? Should they be answered separately, or do we write one essay which incorporates both questions? And should it be double-spaced or single-spaced?

I assumed it was one essay for both questions. Who wants to read 2 essays hahaha. So yes, I answered why I got into Osteopathic medicine and then how the the profession fits into my goals and values. I also did single-spaced and it was about a three quarters of a page.

 

[psychgirrrl]

I assumed it was one essay for both questions. Who wants to read 2 essays hahaha. So yes, I answered why I got into Osteopathic medicine and then how the the profession fits into my goals and values. I also did single-spaced and it was about a quarter of a page.

Hmm...I am writing one single spaced page approximately for each question.
It doesn't have directions so I am guessing as long as you have a compelling argument you will be good.

 

[HalfListic]

SOMs Dean is a commissioner of COCA. He knows the ins and outs of the accreditation process and along with the other deans have ensured that language was included in the bill to preserve accreditation and allow for a smooth re-accreditation The other medical schools will still need to go through re-accreditation as well because their parent institution has also changed. Although Rowan is not as established as Rutgers they have the resources required to obtain partial LCME accreditation for Cooper Medical School. The Deans have assured the entire student body, staff, and faculty that SOMs accreditation is NOT in jeopardy.

I think you are correct. I think I recall seeing a new amendment that was said SOM must keep their accreditation otherwise the merger would be off. I sent an email asking about what's going to happen for the Fall 2013 applicants but I have had no answer. I assume they will be taking people in and just signing us under the new SOM school. As a UMDNJ GSBS student, I haven't heard anything except an email when the merger first happened that the UMDNJ Dean was excited about the merger.

Thanks..please keep us posted on any news.

Personally, I can't see how a school like that would loose accreditation. Even under new "ownership", the program with most likely stay the same its been for the past decades.

 

[Dr SunDai]

For the secondary, do we get one page for each question or one page to answer both? Should they be answered separately, or do we write one essay which incorporates both questions? And should it be double-spaced or single-spaced?

If the questions are the same as last year, I combined my answer.

 

[Dr SunDai]

Hmm...I am writing one single spaced page approximately for each question.
It doesn't have directions so I am guessing as long as you have a compelling argument you will be good.

Make it as concise as possible, 2 single spaced pages seems long

 

[HalfListic]

for what its worth, I wrote almost a page for each...looked like two distinct prompts to me and it stated you could have up to a page.

*one was about a page, one was actually only a little over a half page. I do think they enjoy a well formed, but concise, answer as was alluded to in previous comments

 

[Hopefull22]

Yayyy received secondary today! Also, does anyone have any advice, I don't receive my mcat score until the 24th. Should I wait for my score to send my secondary, or should I just send it in?

 

[Night Hawk]

.

 

[psychgirrrl]

for what its worth, I wrote almost a page for each...looked like two distinct prompts to me and it stated you could have up to a page.

*one was about a page, one was actually only a little over a half page. I do think they enjoy a well formed, but concise, answer as was alluded to in previous comments

Yep it does say to limit it to a page so that's what I am doing. I am answering them as separate prompts.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Yep it does say to limit it to a page so that's what I am doing. I am answering them as separate prompts.

Fair enough, I don't think they will really be on your case if they are limited to one page. If you really get narcotic you can always call them for clarification.

 

[aspDO]

Application is complete 7/9. Waiting for an interview invite.🙄

 

[HalfListic]

Got the email that everything is complete here and under review! I'd love an interview here...

 

[aspDO]

Got the email that everything is complete here and under review! I'd love an interview here...

Congrats! Let the waiting start.

 

[HalfListic]

Congrats! Let the waiting start.

Thats right! We wait together... 🙂

Ps, I've been meaning to ask, are you from Colorado or do you like snakes? (your username...)

 

[poopyhead]

FYI, you OOSers might wanna hang on to this: http://www.umdnj.edu/oppmweb/university_policies/student_affairs/PDF/00-01-25-15_05.pdf

 

[Night Hawk]

.

 

[aspDO]

Thats right! We wait together... 🙂

Ps, I've been meaning to ask, are you from Colorado or do you like snakes? (your username...)

Congrats! Let the waiting start.

Just wanted to write a shorthand form of "aspiring DO", hence my username.🙂

P.S.: I've been to Denver couple times before, and I love it. I'm your fellow Floridian, though.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Got the email that everything is complete here and under review! I'd love an interview here...

+1. Strange thing the email being sent at 10pm.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Noted & thank you. Anyone know if they ever deny a request?

Negative on that ghost rider. Sorry, I've been wanting to say that to you since I saw your profile picture haha. I hear NJ is easier than most states to get residency but I am not too sure on it.

 

[Proteaze]

+1. Strange thing the email being sent at 10pm.

+2. Got my completion notice, and I also noticed the time it was sent to my email. 😱

 

[HalfListic]

Just wanted to write a shorthand form of "aspiring DO", hence my username.🙂

P.S.: I've been to Denver couple times before, and I love it. I'm your fellow Floridian, though.

oh, haha...not sure why that didnt come to mind right away! Makes more sense...


thats cool, I lived outside of Denver for a while and Im alway curious of the origin of some of the usernames..

Anyway, carry on!

 

[HalfListic]

FYI, you OOSers might wanna hang on to this: http://www.umdnj.edu/oppmweb/university_policies/student_affairs/PDF/00-01-25-15_05.pdf

wow..that could save over $100K over the four years...Id like to know how this works as well.

The language in it is pretty promising!

 

[imbackasd]

If a person is applying from Rutgers, any special advantage =P?

 

[playaodamonth]

If a person is applying from Rutgers, any special advantage =P?

That's what a few UMDNJ professors and the Rutgers health professions office said. UMDNJ has close ties with Rutgers so they do have an advantage, but I'm not sure if this whole merger thing changed any of that...

 

[aspDO]

If a person is applying from Rutgers, any special advantage =P?

I think, that person shouldn't be travelling as much as we Floriands would.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

I think, that person shouldn't be travelling as much as we Floriands would.

I agree. While I am a state resident, from Rutgers, went to UMDNJ GSBS, they should select those that are best for the university regardless of past education.

On the second hand, I REALLY want to get into UMDNJ SOM haha.

I think the same thing happens everywhere. Regional Bias (to some degree), in this case its undergrad bias. I do know that regardless of undergrad education, UMDNJ SOM does select more New Jersey residents.

Regardless, I hope you get in aspDO.

 

[aspDO]

I agree. While I am a state resident, from Rutgers, went to UMDNJ GSBS, they should select those that are best for the university regardless of past education.

On the second hand, I REALLY want to get into UMDNJ SOM haha.

I think the same thing happens everywhere. Regional Bias (to some degree), in this case its undergrad bias. I do know that regardless of undergrad education, UMDNJ SOM does select more New Jersey residents.

Regardless, I hope you get in aspDO.

Thanks boss! I hope the same for you.

I know odds are against us Floridians in this school, but I'd love to be matriculated here. It'd also be great to be classmates next summer.

 

[poopyhead]

3 things my interviewer told me last year:

1. If you attended UMDNJ's GSBS program, they will completely override your undergrad GPA with the GSBS GPA. This is done unofficially at the school level.

2. Highest MCAT score is taken, regardless if it's the most recent one taken. The school also accepts MCAT scores up to 5 years old.

3. Applicant materials are placed in folders with different colors depending on IS vs. OOS. My interviewer even showed me the different folders. I guess they want to make sure they remember who is IS and who is OOS. OOS requires higher stats than IS because "the school needs to justify to NJ taxpayers why they should accept someone OOS over someone IS whose parents paid state taxes."

GL 👍

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

3 things my interviewer told me last year:

1. If you attended UMDNJ's GSBS program, they will completely override your undergrad GPA with the GSBS GPA. This is done unofficially at the school level.

2. Highest MCAT score is taken, regardless if it's the most recent one taken. The school also accepts MCAT scores up to 5 years old.

3. Applicant materials are placed in folders with different colors depending on IS vs. OOS. My interviewer even showed me the different folders. I guess they want to make sure they remember who is IS and who is OOS. OOS requires higher stats than IS because "the school needs to justify to NJ taxpayers why they should accept someone OOS over someone IS whose parents paid state taxes."

GL 👍

That's the only reason why I would have a shot here lol. Also cause i'm IS. My MCAT score suckkksssss lol

 

[EnergyDrink]

How have you guys been doing on this secondary?

 

[playaodamonth]

How have you guys been doing on this secondary?

Mailed it in yesterday 🙂

And yourself?

 

[HalfListic]

How have you guys been doing on this secondary?

Mailed it in yesterday 🙂

And yourself?

I wrote it all out one day...then went in and corrected it and filled it all in the next day. then took one last look at the third day, made minor changes and sent er off!

I got an email a while back that they have it too, so I guess they are starting to review files...

 

[EnergyDrink]

Mailed it in yesterday 🙂

And yourself?

I just received it, but I've been working on the essay for a little while now.

As straight forward as it seems, its been difficult for me to formulate it. In general, I appreciate the holistic outlook of osteopathy... its just been difficult to answer their questions.

 

[playaodamonth]

I just received it, but I've been working on the essay for a little while now.

As straight forward as it seems, its been difficult for me to formulate it. In general, I appreciate the holistic outlook of osteopathy... its just been difficult to answer their questions.

For the first prompt about why the osteopathic profession, I answered it kind of like a timeline of how I ultimately chose osteopathic medicine as my focus. In a nutshell, EMT made me want to provide a higher level of care, and doctors have the highest of care so that was my focus. A good friend of mine passed away a few years ago from a heart condition that should have been caught by his primary care doctor. And so that made me fully grasp the concept of how important quality of care is, not just having the full scope of practice in medicine. I then shadowed a DO who explained to me their beliefs regarding patient care. To me, the DO philosophy - multi-dimensional approach - creates strong doctor-patient relationships, which leads to the best quality of care. .

So for that first prompt, maybe you can try to relate osteopathic medicine to your values and beliefs, connecting it to experiences you've had in your life.

That second prompt, I talked about how I want to be a Navy Doctor. They undergo international relief missions all the time. OMM has proven effective in conditions where medical supplies and technology were limited (Guatemala mission trip in 2004). Also, I talked about how important structure and function is in maintaining homeostasis in the body, and thus its overall health. So having extra weapons in the arsenal to diagnose and treat will only make me a more multi-faceted Navy doctor.

Hope that gives you some kind of idea or spark on what to write....

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

For the first prompt about why the osteopathic profession, I answered it kind of like a timeline of how I ultimately chose osteopathic medicine as my focus. In a nutshell, EMT made me want to provide a higher level of care, and doctors have the highest of care so that was my focus. A good friend of mine passed away a few years ago from a heart condition that should have been caught by his primary care doctor. And so that made me fully grasp the concept of how important quality of care is, not just having the full scope of practice in medicine. I then shadowed a DO who explained to me their beliefs regarding patient care. To me, the DO philosophy - multi-dimensional approach - creates strong doctor-patient relationships, which leads to the best quality of care. .

So for that first prompt, maybe you can try to relate osteopathic medicine to your values and beliefs, connecting it to experiences you've had in your life.

That second prompt, I talked about how I want to be a Navy Doctor. They undergo international relief missions all the time. OMM has proven effective in conditions where medical supplies and technology were limited (Guatemala mission trip in 2004). Also, I talked about how important structure and function is in maintaining homeostasis in the body, and thus its overall health. So having extra weapons in the arsenal to diagnose and treat will only make me a more multi-faceted Navy doctor.

Hope that gives you some kind of idea or spark on what to write....

I guess everyone is going with that type of format. I too did a timeline of being an EMT, shadowing a DO Doc that made me think differently about medicine and then that led into how I wanted to be an Army Doc. I mentioned OMM being extremely effective for diagnosis and pretty much drawing the same conclusion you did.

 

[playaodamonth]

I guess everyone is going with that type of format. I too did a timeline of being an EMT, shadowing a DO Doc that made me think differently about medicine and then that led into how I wanted to be an Army Doc. I mentioned OMM being extremely effective for diagnosis and pretty much drawing the same conclusion you did.

Haha, and we're both from jersey (I think I saw you say that somewhere). Got a lot in common there gsun88. Nice to meet a fellow future military doc. Did u submit your HPSP yet?