UNECOM class of 2010!! part 01

[beachbunny]

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I'm also very interested in the DO/MPH...I think it would be a great idea if I don't get in for this fall (member of the current accept space available list--oh yeah!), I wonder if I could start MPH courses this year while not in med school and finish up my first and second summer. I'm just very concerned about taking the additional MPH courses concurrently with med school classes. I don't mind busting my butt during the summers, (and the same will be happening during the school year, that goes without saying) but I don't know if I would want the added stress of MPH courses on top of the already brutal med school schedule. I don't know. Any other thoughts?

 

[SectoidBob]

I'm also very interested in the DO/MPH...I think it would be a great idea if I don't get in for this fall (member of the current accept space available list--oh yeah!), I wonder if I could start MPH courses this year while not in med school and finish up my first and second summer. I'm just very concerned about taking the additional MPH courses concurrently with med school classes. I don't mind busting my butt during the summers, (and the same will be happening during the school year, that goes without saying) but I don't know if I would want the added stress of MPH courses on top of the already brutal med school schedule. I don't know. Any other thoughts?

Well, you guys are going to be on block scheduling for the med school part. Now i can't speak for your MPH schedule, but that means med school will be long sections of nothing by short bursts of sheer terror. Just like flying a plane.

Bottom line, you'll have time for MPH during the school year, no doubt. But if the assignments overlap your test blocks, it'll suck. But test blocks will suck regardless.

Brutal might not be the best word to describe med school. I'd use "grinding" and "relentless."

Hope that helps
S-OUT
PS: 19 days, 😀 8 tests to go

 

[brody17]

Attention future UNECOM MS1s,

Planning for your 1st year of medical school can be both exciting and terrifying. You should know about the organizations that represent your profession as a student and future physician. The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is your representation to the Amercian Osteopathic Association (AOA). As the largest osteopathic medical student association in the world with over 7500 members, SOMA offers works with companies to offer its members several benefits and discounts.

One of the largest programs is the SOMA Health Insurance plan, which is a more affordable alternative to the insurance offered by UNECOM. Also, NOWLoans is a tuition money lender that is specifically engineered for osteopathic students. All SOMA endorsed programs support our local SOMA chapter that allow us to in turn support our medical students in events such as the Post-Gross Toast , OSTEOBlast and D.O Day on the Hill.

Visit www.somainsurance.com, www.nowloans.org and www.studentdo.com for more information and to view additional discount programs that are offered to SOMA members (see “member benefits” page). I encourage you to research SOMA and it's benefits before entering school in August.

SOMA membership is $60 for all 4 years. In addition to these benefits, SOMA offers an Anatomy book used by most students and affectionately known as “Netter's” (Atlas of Human Anatomy by Dr. Frank Netter) thus making membership essentially free. Your anatomy program will be more intense this year so we would love to provide you with this additional tool.

UNECOM is planning a clubs and organizations fair for orientation. You will have an opportunity to learn more about the many additional clubs on campus that focus on specialties such as sports medicine and pediatrics.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about SOMA or any of these programs, feel free to contact me at [email protected].

I congratulate you on your acceptance and look forward to meeting you in the coming months.

Lisa Wuerdeman
UNECOM SOMA President-elect 2006-2007

 

[docbill]

Attention future UNECOM MS1s,

One of the largest programs is the SOMA Health Insurance plan, which is a more affordable alternative to the insurance offered by UNECOM.

Is it the most affordable or best to have???? Cause we saw postings on here telling us how horrible this medical insurance plan is. Did it change or is it still the same.

 

[spartan83]

Ok, i'm officially throwing my hat in the ring. I am looking for a roomate (or roomates). So let me know if anything pops up.

I'm going to be an MSI in the fall.
I'm a 22 year old male.

If this seems good to you. Let me know and we can look for a place (if you don't already have one)

 

[wook]

Is it the most affordable or best to have???? Cause we saw postings on here telling us how horrible this medical insurance plan is. Did it change or is it still the same.

Definitely compare! Neither program is really all that awesome, but scrutinize each option carefully in case you need the insurance.


Wook

 

[brody17]

Though we are in a profession that stresses the importance of preventative medicine and preserving health, you wouldn't know it from the insurance options with which we are presented. Unless you have a better plan from a spouse or parent, any student insurance you choose will be lacking in certain areas. In other words, neither plan is that spectacular. The SOMA insurance offers comparable insurance to the plan that UNECOM provides at a price that is considerably lower. In addition, from what I understand, the compensation amount is higher than the AMSA plan as well.

You can still visit the 2 University campus offices (Saco and Biddeford). They wave the copay for all students, no matter what insurance you have. I am a single, healthy 25 year old so I have only used my insurance once during this first year of school. If you have a family, I suggest you shop and compare. SOMA does offer 3 different plans with one I believe that is targeted more for families. That plan was altered this year so I suggest you call for more information. When I was shopping, I called and spoke to a representative who answered all my questions.

Again, I want every student to choose the benefits that is right for them. I just wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to investigate every option.

Good Luck!
~Lisa
www.somainsurance.com

 

[jonb12997]

as far this insurance thing goes... take a look at both options. i personally have season allergies and need meds and the soma insurance (or one like it that I looked at) doesn't cover anything for allergies whereas the school stuff does, BUT the soma insurance probably covers stuff that the school insurance doesn't. Look at both and figure out which works best of you, their are advantages to both. Another option if any of you are married and have children and are going to be officially moving to maine (changing your residency), take a look at Maine Care. I know a number of med student families who are using maine care.

 

[wook]

as far this insurance thing goes... take a look at both options. i personally have season allergies and need meds and the soma insurance (or one like it that I looked at) doesn't cover anything for allergies whereas the school stuff does, BUT the soma insurance probably covers stuff that the school insurance doesn't. Look at both and figure out which works best of you, their are advantages to both. Another option if any of you are married and have children and are going to be officially moving to maine (changing your residency), take a look at Maine Care. I know a number of med student families who are using maine care.

Good idea. MaineCare could also be used as your secondary insurance, if you opted for either SOMA or the school plan.

Wook


Wook

 

[docbill]

What is primary and secondary insurance?

Which do you need?

I have Canadian Health Care and will be able to use it in emergency, but I don't think we can use it just for clinic. I also think all F1 students need to have medical coverage from the US.

I don't normally get sick often and will not be using clinic often.. at least knock on wood, I hope not. Anyway.. does someone have the price range for these providers.

Thanks again for the help.
docbill

 

[DrKeys]

I'm applying to Maine Care and getting food stamps 🙂 Also I'm going to apply for unemployement (since i'll quit my job in July, hmm.. actually i'm not sure if they'll give you unemployement if you "voluntarily" quit). But I'll have to try.

 

[jonb12997]

I don’t know about everybody else but for me to succeed I need a really good coffee shop (Starbucks does not count). So since there isn’t one in Biddeford my wife is opening one. It will be called Union House Coffee and will be located in one of the renovated downtown mill buildings. As part of my effort to help everybody succeed I will be helping her open it and will be working there in June & July, up till school starts. We are making it a good place to study and socialize so hopefully we can put together weekly study sessions. UHC will open July 1st. Please come by and say hi. Free WiFi, student discounts, and the best coffee around. I will send out more info via pipeline closer to the open date. 🙂

Todd

have you guys already started to set it up? b/c I saw what I'm pretty sure is a coffee shop just down from Happy Dragon... (it was dark inside and I just walked by quickly)... If i've got the right place, it was on a corner I believe, it looks like a really nice place!

 

[spartan83]

I noticed in the packet we got, specifically the foundations of doctoring questionaire, it says there is a booklist. Anyone know where that is, or when we're going to get the list?

 

[fleschnbones]

I noticed in the packet we got, specifically the foundations of doctoring questionaire, it says there is a booklist. Anyone know where that is, or when we're going to get the list?

I called on that and they told me that the list has not been finalized yet so they decided not to send it until it has been finalized.

 

[wook]

What is primary and secondary insurance?

Which do you need?

I have Canadian Health Care and will be able to use it in emergency, but I don't think we can use it just for clinic. I also think all F1 students need to have medical coverage from the US.

I don't normally get sick often and will not be using clinic often.. at least knock on wood, I hope not. Anyway.. does someone have the price range for these providers.

Thanks again for the help.
docbill

Primary insurance would be something like the SOMA or school health insurance. The secondary insurance would cover the cost (or majority of cost) of the portion not covered by the primary insurance.

The SOMA insurance cost is here http://www.somainsurance.com/schedule.htm with a description of the various plans described in here....http://www.somainsurance.com/

The UNE insurance cost is here...http://www.chickering.com/stu_conn/student_connection.aspx?group_number=812810. A description of the plan should be included there as well.


Wook

Wook

 

[SectoidBob]

I noticed in the packet we got, specifically the foundations of doctoring questionaire, it says there is a booklist. Anyone know where that is, or when we're going to get the list?

Not to burst your bubbles or anythign, but there is nothing about a FOD booklist that should worry you at all. In fact, there is no aspect of FOD that's worrisome except for the occaisonal Review of systems/physical exam practical.

Advice = do not get worked up about getting ahead on FOD reading. There's much more important things to worry about. Like relaxing this summer

S-OUT

 

[fleschnbones]

Not to burst your bubbles or anythign, but there is nothing about a FOD booklist that should worry you at all. In fact, there is no aspect of FOD that's worrisome except for the occaisonal Review of systems/physical exam practical.

Advice = do not get worked up about getting ahead on FOD reading. There's much more important things to worry about. Like relaxing this summer

S-OUT

What is a FOD booklist?

 

[akovalsky]

I noticed in the packet we got, specifically the foundations of doctoring questionaire, it says there is a booklist. Anyone know where that is, or when we're going to get the list?

I remember having the same issue last year, with the same answer - 'not finalized yet.' We got it late, and it was a little frustrating; I wonder if it's in part so that we're forced to buy the books at the school bookstore instead of online or elsewhere for cheaper. So I'll give you the long answer...

I'd make recommendations, but it's true that the list may have changed. *Presumably* you'll have gross first like we did, and that will likely be the only thing you worry about for the first month or so (that and embryo). Don't know if they've changed the text for either, and the only other thing you'd need is an anatomy atlas. You could look into inexpensive options, but the most common one - Netter - is sometimes distributed free if you join one of the COM clubs, so you might want to wait. Rohen is also a good atlas - I used both. At any rate, an altas more than anything is equally good in any older edition, so don't bother buying them new. During orientation, you'll also get input on your booklist from our class - what to get and what not to get - but we won't be able to help you out until we see it either...

The major issue we had was with our very pricey 'diagnostic equipment' - stethoscope, bp cuff, ophthalmoscope, etc. There may be some 'package' bargains through the school, but that's one thing most people who bought individually did better. If you want to save some money, look into those 3 things (you'll need others, but they're minor). Consider calling the UNE bookstore for comparison to see what they're offering and for how much.

And, if you want to be lazy, don't worry about it - you have time. When you start it will seem like you MUST have everything at once, but you really don't besides the books for gross.

Oh! And if anyone works in a lab, hospital, or clinic, you'll need boxes of NITRILE gloves (most ppl double-glove in gross, x4days/week x 4 months x bathroom breaks and study sessions...), 1-2 sets of scrubs, and scalpel blades, so get free supplies if you can! I quit my clinic job before I knew...

 

[fozziewan]

What is a FOD booklist?

Foundations of Doctoring

 

[docbill]

Hey Fozziewan, where have you been!!!

You still jumping around and doing biochemistry.

 

[docbill]

Primary insurance would be something like the SOMA or school health insurance. The secondary insurance would cover the cost (or majority of cost) of the portion not covered by the primary insurance.

The SOMA insurance cost is here http://www.somainsurance.com/schedule.htm with a description of the various plans described in here....http://www.somainsurance.com/

The UNE insurance cost is here...http://www.chickering.com/stu_conn/student_connection.aspx?group_number=812810. A description of the plan should be included there as well.


Wook

Wook

Hey Wook,

thanks for the info. I am guess the SOMA is prety cheap. Of course things are always problematic if you do have a serious injury.

In my case, as long as I can make it across the border, I have full coverage. Hmmmm driving 4 hours is difficult in an emergency.

What is everyone else doing? Are there other insurance providers that anyone suggests.

Thanks
docbill

 

[docbill]

Did you guys notice the list of members on pipeline, we are about 80 people now. WOW. I don't know who is who anymore.

 

[Jack Daniel]

Did you guys notice the list of members on pipeline, we are about 80 people now. WOW. I don't know who is who anymore.

I'm the guy from Boston. 🙂

 

[Triage]

Just a reminder for those of you interested in attending:

OsteoBlast May 20th

The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is partnering with the COM Student Government Association and the RSAS office to host an "OsteoBlast" on Saturday, May 20th. The event will start at noon with a barbeque on the Alfond Meadow, followed by awards at 1:00, then a Family Festival of activities and music until 4pm.

Local doctors, alums, and prospective students have been invited to the event, along with all COM students. To RSVP for the event, email [email protected], or call the RSAS office at (207) 602-2329.

(Copied directly from the May 2006 issue of the COMmunicator)

Hopefully I will see many of you there!

 

[markss22411]

For all of those on the "accepted, but have to wait" list, I wanted to let you know that I will most likely be giving up my spot in the coming days.

Good luck and I look forward to working with you in the future.

 

[aau22]

Does anybody here know any more yet on the accepted space available list/rankings? The waiting is driving me nuts! It was ranked I guess May 2 or 3 and I don't want to pester the admissions office but would love if anyone has any info! Thank you!! 🙂

 

[glr33]

Does anybody here know any more yet on the accepted space available list/rankings? The waiting is driving me nuts! It was ranked I guess May 2 or 3 and I don't want to pester the admissions office but would love if anyone has any info! Thank you!! 🙂

Hey aau22...i got some info. on Friday. I'm on the same list as you and was told that last Friday he committee was waiting for the dean to sign off on the ranking sheet and that we would be receiving our numbers by this Friday at the latest. Obviously it seems like today is out since it's already 4PM...hopefully tomorrow

 

[glr33]

by the way...does anyone know (especially if you were accepted space available last year, waited a year, and are now class of'10) if those on this list this year (aau, me, etc.) that might not get in...do we have to reapply through AACOMAS, do secondary, interview, etc.??? or are automatically guaranteed a spot next year?

and then......congrats to you all who are definitely in for this year...I live a few minutes outside of Boston and am thinking about having a house-get-together the end of June/early July for those who want to go.

and then......should those not accepted yet, like me, attend this Saturday function at UNE on May 20th? What is the deal with that?

thanks and take care

 

[Triage]

I don't see why you couldn't attend Osteoblast on the 20th. I mean, you're on the accepted space available list so if UNECOM is truly where you want to go for med school then you will be attending either this year OR next year. I think it would be a great way to meet current students, current students-to-be, and faculty. Definitely a bonus for anyone who can make it. Plus, I hear there's free food (which is what got my attention in the first place!!). 😀

 

[romeolucas]

Ok, i'm officially throwing my hat in the ring. I am looking for a roomate (or roomates). So let me know if anything pops up.

I'm going to be an MSI in the fall.
I'm a 22 year old male.

If this seems good to you. Let me know and we can look for a place (if you don't already have one)

Hi, I have a house for rent in Biddeford that has rooms available. It's $400-$450 per room (depending on how many renters I get).

For next year, I have 1 future MSII and 1 future MSI so far.

I can send pictures if you like.

email me at [email protected] (or AIM screen name UDporkchop) for more info.

 

[beachbunny]

For all of those on the "accepted, but have to wait" list, I wanted to let you know that I will most likely be giving up my spot in the coming days.

Good luck and I look forward to working with you in the future.

👍 Alright!!! You're going to make whoever is #1 on that list very happy!!! Good luck wherever you are going!

 

[aau22]

I called this morning and talked to Lisa Lane...The dean got the rankings to look over last week and she said they'd be meeting this morning to go over it. She said to expect word via email at the latest by early next week though she said she'd like to get emails out this afternoon but she said things don't always go the way she wants and I guess it hinges on how many changes the dean is making but I am really hoping we hear today or tomorrow!

 

[glr33]

I called this morning and talked to Lisa Lane...The dean got the rankings to look over last week and she said they'd be meeting this morning to go over it. She said to expect word via email at the latest by early next week though she said she'd like to get emails out this afternoon but she said things don't always go the way she wants and I guess it hinges on how many changes the dean is making but I am really hoping we hear today or tomorrow!

Thanks for the update...I don't think I have ever checked my email so frequently my entire life 🙂

 

[aau22]

God I know I am with you on that...I wonder if anyone will be accepted outright since they have waited so long to do all of this or if its just gonna be rankings? What do you think?

 

[glr33]

Well, since I was interviewed mid-February and was told I'd hear about a decision in 2-3 weeks AND I finally got my letter mid-April, I tend to think that this extended waiting period isn't than abnormal 🙁

I have heard that our emails should be a little personalized (not just a number and have a nice day) but our number plus some information about what it means, what to do next, etc... maybe that's why it is taking an extra 7-10 days. Don't really know though. As soon as I get something, I will definitely share it, no matter how 👍 or 👎 it is.

 

[spartan83]

Hope all the best to all of you still waiting. I'm sure you'll get in and we'll all see you in the fall.

 

[Mystic03]

I just got my rank on the list. It's so-so, nothing too promising. Seems like I might not have a strong chance for Fall 2006 unless a lot more people withdraw their accpetances. I think I should just start focusing my energies towards planning to attend the other school that i was accepeted to...I've been dodging that for way too long now..

 

[aau22]

Me too...I'm in the lower 75th percentile 🙁 I am pretty disappointed...I thought I'd be competetive to be towards the top with a 29mcat and what I thought was a really good interview. Kinda discouraging but I hope everyone else got good news.

 

[glr33]

What does lower 75th mean? Does it mean 50-75? or 25-50? I am in 2nd quartile (25-50) but I have no idea...
1) how many are on the list?
2) how many are ahead of me?
3) do i apply for fin aid?
4) do i call to find out more about this?
and many other questions.

Lisa Lane said "I am pleased to let you know your candidacy falls in the 2nd quartile"
Is she pleased to let you guys know you are in ??? quartile? How did she word it to you all?

Good luck!!!

 

[Mystic03]

What does lower 75th mean? Does it mean 50-75? or 25-50? I am in 2nd quartile (25-50) but I have no idea...
1) how many are on the list?
2) how many are ahead of me?
3) do i apply for fin aid?
4) do i call to find out more about this?
and many other questions.

Lisa Lane said "I am pleased to let you know your candidacy falls in the 2nd quartile"
Is she pleased to let you guys know you are in ??? quartile? How did she word it to you all?

Good luck!!!

She said I was between the 50th-75th. Last I heard, there were ~ 70 people on this list, but that was way back in early April, so I'm not sure.

Lisa pretty much worded it the same way for me. I'm stumped about what to do for financial aid myself!

 

[glr33]

...and should my letter of intent/interest for joining in '07 be simple, long, concise, personal statement-esque?

Lisa Lane writes, "In MOST instances, candidates will be offered acceptance into the class of 2011 without the need to re-interview" ... doesn't sound like a sure-thing? Anyone know why we wouldn't and how we help ourselves to make it more sure. Write a new personal statement? I don't know.

 

[Mystic03]

...and should my letter of intent/interest for joining in '07 be simple, long, concise, personal statement-esque?

Lisa Lane writes, "In MOST instances, candidates will be offered acceptance into the class of 2011 without the need to re-interview" ... doesn't sound like a sure-thing? Anyone know why we wouldn't and how we help ourselves to make it more sure. Write a new personal statement? I don't know.

Personally, I just can't afford to wait till Fall 2007. So it's either a now or never thing for me.

 

[aau22]

I am confused about this too as far as being assured acceptance or not? Do you guys mind me asking what your stats were and what kind of things you ahve done to prepare for med school? I am getting so discouraged with the whole process and beginning to think about maybe having to reapply and how to improve my ap.

 

[glr33]

MCAT 27
GPA 3.3
Almost completed masters at boston univ. med. school and above gpa is from 1st year med.school classes (physio, immuno, biochem, endocrin, histo, etc)
Lab research in autism, ALS, ADHD
4 years as financial advisor
Good interview

 

[glr33]

aau...29 MCAT and great interview should put you a whole lot better off than where you stand!?!? Are you gonna call and see why you are where you are?

Also, any of you going up to Biddeford May 20 for Osteoblast? Maybe (though I really don't know) it'll give us a chance for some face time with Ms. Lane or Mr. Gaffney.

 

[redwings54]

Hey guys, I got the 25th-50th percentile too, the second quartile. Dont know if this means I am in the top half or bottom half. I was really hoping to become a member of the class of 2010 mainly cause so many of you that I have chatted with are awesome people who I feel are already friends. They said that there hasnt been any movement on the list yet and that last year only 6 people moved off teh list. So being in the second quartile doesnt sound too promising. Anyway, I hope that I join all of you this fall, but at the latest I will be a year behind you...hopefully. And that way you all can help me study Take care all.
-Rob

 

[DrKeys]

Base on the rankings you guys have been posting..


I speculating that it is probably similar to who people would rank a class. Top 25% = 1-25, 2nd Quantile = 26-50, 3rd Quantile = 51-75, and Last Quantile = 76-100.

Since there are about 70 people on the list, you need to normalize the percentages to see how many actual people are ahead of you.

70/100*25 = 17.5 or 18 people for each Quantile.

So for the top half of the list it'll be 18x2 = 36 people which is about 1/4 of the 120 class size. Base on the past accepted applicants to actual matriculant ratio, you can determine whether you have a good chance or not.

I would say if you're between 1-25 you have very good chance (almost good as in)

if you're between 26 to 50, you have equal or greater than 50% chance (depends on how many people withdrew their official class spot)

if you're between 50-75, you have roughly 25% chance (could be more or less) depends on how many people withrew their spot in the offical class.

if you're 76 and beyond, I would probably start the application again.

Remember this is just some speculation/playing with math and statistics.... definitely keep your hopes up and don't give up your dream.

 

[spartan83]

Just a heads up. I know for MD schools the deadline is May 15th. Meaning you can only commit to one school by then. So I'm guessing if some people applied both MD and DO, and decided to go MD, their spots will open up. I was told at Wayne State (MD program in Michigan) the spots from the May15th deadline open up in early June. I hope this helps

 

[akovalsky]

Some years, people at the very bottom of the wait list get in. Ie, one student was the *last* person on the wait list, and got a call 3 weeks before classes started. Of course it is not logistically feasible for some candidates to turn their lives around on such short notice. Alternately, one year (2008 I believe) NOBODY withdrew, so they couldn't even let #1 in off the waitlist.

More than likely, as was mentioned, in the next few weeks or even later in the summer they will be able to start calling those of you on the list. Typically a lot of people on the list make other plans so they have made it pretty far down.

Regarding the financial aid question, file your FAFSA regardless and include every school you MIGHT attend; only the school you are registered at will process it, but it needs to be in.

Best of luck.

 

[aau22]

I applied right before the deadline...I don't know if they think it was done as a safety school or if they think I wouldn't matriculate but I do want to find out why I was ranked so low but I dont want to call and sound like a jerk assuming I should be put anywhere higher on the list, I was just hoping I'd be in a better position. I really did love the school and would go there in an instantbut it doesn't look too good for me right now. Do you think I should email Lisa Lane and see if she might be able to tell me anything as to why?

aau...29 MCAT and great interview should put you a whole lot better off than where you stand!?!? Are you gonna call and see why you are where you are?

Also, any of you going up to Biddeford May 20 for Osteoblast? Maybe (though I really don't know) it'll give us a chance for some face time with Ms. Lane or Mr. Gaffney.