University of Arizona - Tucson & Phoenix Class of 2014

[MadeInReydn]

Hey, I was actually at the MDL's first thing yesterday to get my laptop set up (I think one other person might have shown up after me, some time between 9-11am). In case you're still wondering, the MDL's are one floor above the admissions office - sort of. I took the stairs that are between the admissions office and the library (it's right around the corner of the small nook with soft chairs and some mail? boxes by the library entrance). Go up one floor, down the hall, and look for the rooms with green entrances and histo/patho pictures by them.

I've actually been kind of busy, getting our apartment organized, finding a couch, etc. But I'd be up for something on Orientation Eve . . . Has anyone finished Sizwe's Test? How does it end? JK So far I think it's a great book.

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[jlamee]

Thanks for the info on the laptop setup. I was going to go do that this morning. I understand being busy, my place still looks like a disaster. I clean one room and i turn around and realize i just moved it all to another. I suck at cleaning. I am totally down for doing something on orientation eve, just let me know. I was going to make a joke about the end of the book saying "they all died in the end" (which is my standard answer for any ending) but it seemed highly inappropriate.

thx,
Jon

 

[lrkoehle]

Hey, I was actually at the MDL's first thing yesterday to get my laptop set up (I think one other person might have shown up after me, some time between 9-11am). In case you're still wondering, the MDL's are one floor above the admissions office - sort of. I took the stairs that are between the admissions office and the library (it's right around the corner of the small nook with soft chairs and some mail? boxes by the library entrance). Go up one floor, down the hall, and look for the rooms with green entrances and histo/patho pictures by them.

I've actually been kind of busy, getting our apartment organized, finding a couch, etc. But I'd be up for something on Orientation Eve . . . Has anyone finished Sizwe's Test? How does it end? JK So far I think it's a great book.

I took my computer in yesterday too, but I was a little later (~11:30). The IT guys were...interesting. Your path to the room seems easier than mine, which included feeling totally lost. Luckily I figured it out, but it required using some of the brain power I have been saving up all summer for the start of school.

Setting up an apartment (or anywhere for that matter) usually sucks. The wife and I have been at our place for a few weeks, and we still have boxes that aren't unpacked. It makes me never want to move again.

I am actually just about to start Sizwe's Test. I'm glad to hear its a great book. Hopefully its good enough that I'll want to just power through it today.

Orientation Eve? I like that. It makes orientation feel like its much further away than it actually is too. I hope I'm not the only one who can't believe orientation is TWO days away! I feel like we've all been waiting for med school to start forever. Med school has always been that distant thing that I wanted to do, and now its actually about to start. 😱 I'm super excited, but also kind of nervous. I mean, what if the other kids don't like me? What if no one wants to be my friend? What if I drop a "nasty surprise" in my pants on the first day like Shep did?

Speaking of Shep (and all the Phoenix kids), have your actual classes started yet, or are you guys still on the world's longest orientation? I know Phoenix likes to do everything longer (longer interview day, longer second look, longer orientation, etc.). If so, how are classes so far?

Also, did any other Tucsoners sign up for that Big/Little program they sent out an email for? It sounds pretty cool that they'll pair us up with a second year, so we can have some one to give us pointers about what to watch out for and such.

 

[lrkoehle]

Thanks for the info on the laptop setup. I was going to go do that this morning. I understand being busy, my place still looks like a disaster. I clean one room and i turn around and realize i just moved it all to another. I suck at cleaning. I am totally down for doing something on orientation eve, just let me know. I was going to make a joke about the end of the book saying "they all died in the end" (which is my standard answer for any ending) but it seemed highly inappropriate.

thx,
Jon

Haha, for a book about HIV/AIDS, that might be a little inappropriate, or it could be completely accurate. Give me a few hours to read it and I'll let you guys know.

 

[MadeInReydn]

Also, did any other Tucsoners sign up for that Big/Little program they sent out an email for? It sounds pretty cool that they'll pair us up with a second year, so we can have some one to give us pointers about what to watch out for and such.

I signed up - I think I'd really appreciate having a 2nd year's perspective on the whole process, not to mention any inside tips.

I forgot to ask earlier: will anyone who gets a financial aid direct deposit please let us/me know? 😀 I'm really hoping it's SOON . . .

 

[lrkoehle]

I signed up - I think I'd really appreciate having a 2nd year's perspective on the whole process, not to mention any inside tips.

I forgot to ask earlier: will anyone who gets a financial aid direct deposit please let us/me know? 😀 I'm really hoping it's SOON . . .

I still haven't been able to setup my direct deposit or I'd let you know. I hope I can get it setup for Spring financial aid. I did see that the amount I owe for tuition dropped, so I think my grant money went through. I had to re-do my master promissary note and entrance counseling on Friday, because I thought they would transfer from undergrad but didn't. That means my loans likely won't be processed for a few days. Still, like I said my grant money went through, so hopefully that means your stuff will go through soon too. Just make sure you have the MPN and entrance counseling on file with UA, otherwise you'll really be waiting.

I agree about the inside tips. I hadn't heard of that program before, so I wonder if its new? Regardless, it sounds really cool and should be something UA-Tucson advertises at its interview day.

 

[lrkoehle]

I know we talked about doing something on Orientation Eve (today), but I don't think I'm going to be able to do anything today. I am apparently a slower reader than I thought, so I still have to finish that book which I want to do today. Plus I have to get a couple of other things ready before orientation tomorrow.

Anybody have any ideas of what we need for orientation? Should I bring my laptop? I guess I will.

 

[lrkoehle]

Does anyone know the dress-code for orientation? I know for prologue they tell us which events require formal attire, but I didn't see anything like that for orientation.

They sent out an email answering my question. If others didn't see it, the dress code for orientation is business casual.

 

[MadeInReydn]

They sent out an email answering my question. If others didn't see it, the dress code for orientation is business casual.

Yeah I saw that. I'll post it below in case anyone else didn't. I still feel kind of clueless as to what's going on this weekend . . . I'm glad I'm not the only one with unanswered questions.

So I'm going to interpret part of the email: Saturday morning, for the Team Building portion of orientation, we'll be shuttled to the practice football field. There we will be dividing into 10 teams of 11, and duking it out in a massive tackle football tournament! 😀 Wait a second, they forgot to remind everyone to bring cleats . . . 🙄 (The participant link clarifies).

In other news, my student center also now shows tuition paid - hopefully today or tomorrow we'll all get the refund deposited.

I tried out biking to campus on Monday and it went pretty well. I stayed on Mountain Ave all the way to Drachman. Even being out of shape, from my apartment door to the MDL's it was right around 20 minutes. Mountain is awesome for biking, imo 🙂

------------------------------
Orientation starts tomorrow morning with an 8:30 check in and a continental breakfast. Dress for orientation is business casual. Schedule available on the special events website - www.specialevents.medicine.arizona.edu

Team Building is on Saturday. We will meet outside the Health Science Library by the CatTran bus stop no later then 8:30 to check in and board the shuttles. PLEASE make sure you bring your waivers (Medical Form and Assumption of Risk Form) with you, filled out and signed (they are in the folder you will receive tomorrow as well as on the special events website). Dress is sports attire, please bring water with you. The waivers are also available on the special events website - www.specialevents.medicine.arizona.edu. Info on the event - http://campusrec.arizona.edu/ropes/
Participant information - http://campusrec.arizona.edu/ropes/forms_2005/To_All_Challenge_Course_Participants.pdf

Welcome Reception hosted by the Class of 2013
The Class of 2013 is hosting a Welcome Reception for your class on Saturday, the 31st at 7:30 pm at Gentle Bens on main campus, a flyer is in your orientation folder.

On to White Coat information:
1. The coats you ordered will be available to try on in the special events office, located in the student lounge, BUT you only need to do this if you didn't try it on at the store

2. There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite – the more the merrier.

3. If you have family/friends who are unable to attend, the ceremony will be webcast. Please visit this site for further information - http://webcasts.ahsc.arizona.edu/home/. Please read the "Site Requirements" at the bottom of the page to ensure your computer is set up properly to view the video

4. Dress for white coat is professional attire. Ladies - Please be advised that you will be climbing steps to go on and off the stage, so be careful in selecting the heels you wear. Gentlemen – a suit jacket is not required.

5. The event starts at 5:00 pm and the doors open at 4:00 for your guests.

6. You must be there no later then 4:30 and report backstage to the upstairs dressing rooms. Please do not bring any personal items backstage.

7. If you run into a problem, please call my cell at 520-909-7220 so we know to wait or not wait for you.

8. The ceremony should last about 1.5 hours and there will be a reception outside on the plaza in front of the hall following the event.

9. Parking - is on your own and awailable at the Tyndall Garage - http://parking.arizona.edu/pdf/maps/campus.pdf. Cost is minimal

10. Handicap parking – if you requested this on the events rsvp – your name will appear on a list provided to parking and transportation. Parking lots on South Campus Drive, which runs behind Centennial Hall are reserved for this event. Spaces are on a first come basis with the exception of a few spaces that are reserved for specific guests. You will be greeted by a parking attendant who will ask your name, then park in either lot.

 

[jlamee]

Thanks for the info MadeIn. I keep forgetting to check my UofA mail. So does this mean that there is no orientation eve get together? Thats cool just wondering. Also for those of you who live here or have been here a while, please give me some radio stations! I have found like 3 stations and i know there has to be more. I listen to pretty much everything except for mexican music and country music. HELP!

 

[lrkoehle]

Yeah I saw that. I'll post it below in case anyone else didn't. I still feel kind of clueless as to what's going on this weekend . . . I'm glad I'm not the only one with unanswered questions.

So I'm going to interpret part of the email: Saturday morning, for the Team Building portion of orientation, we'll be shuttled to the practice football field. There we will be dividing into 10 teams of 11, and duking it out in a massive tackle football tournament! 😀 Wait a second, they forgot to remind everyone to bring cleats . . . 🙄 (The participant link clarifies).

In other news, my student center also now shows tuition paid - hopefully today or tomorrow we'll all get the refund deposited.

I tried out biking to campus on Monday and it went pretty well. I stayed on Mountain Ave all the way to Drachman. Even being out of shape, from my apartment door to the MDL's it was right around 20 minutes. Mountain is awesome for biking, imo 🙂

I hope they have us do some sort of sports activities in addition to just the team building stuff. What's more team oriented then a bunch of nerdy med students playing tackle football? God, even just imagining that makes me want football season to start already! Thursday September 2nd is the first college football game of the season! Mark it on your calendars!

Looks like my tuition was paid too, so we should all be rolling in the money in no time when our refunds come in. I think I'm going to cash mine and get all singles, then fill up the bath tub and just bathe in that dirty, dirty money...

How far north does your bike ride start from? 20 minutes isn't bad, but I decided after biking all of undergrad that I was going to spoil myself with a parking pass and drive.

Thanks for the info MadeIn. I keep forgetting to check my UofA mail. So does this mean that there is no orientation eve get together? Thats cool just wondering. Also for those of you who live here or have been here a while, please give me some radio stations! I have found like 3 stations and i know there has to be more. I listen to pretty much everything except for mexican music and country music. HELP!

Yeah, I did the same thing with my UA email account, and then when I checked it after a couple of weeks I found a few important messages in there that I shouldn't have missed. Now I just keep open a tab for my UA email at all times.

As for the get together, it looks like I am out, but I think MadeIn was up for something if you guys wanted to do something.

My wife listens to 92.9, which is like the top 40 type station. I listen to talk radio normally, but its not as good here as it is in Phoenix. Here it seems to be more of the nutty types and in Phoenix I felt like it was more balanced and news oriented, not just political. That station is 104.1 though. I also seem to remember there being a station around 94.something that wasn't bad either. Honestly for the first couple of weeks I was here I just hit the scan button on my radio until something good popped up, then I stopped. Once the song wasn't good anymore I just hit the scan button again.

 

[shepardsun]

I'd like to give a shout out to all my awesome med school buddies: my main man Xian, my #1 girl Phospho and of course last but certainly least my all time partner in crime Brahms2010! Phoenix med school represent!


(Posted solely because Phospho expects me to get onto SDN first thing after I get back from school)

 

[lrkoehle]

I'd like to give a shout out to all my awesome med school buddies: my main man Xian, my #1 girl Phospho and of course last but certainly least my all time partner in crime Brahms2010! Phoenix med school represent!


(Posted solely because Phospho expects me to get onto SDN first thing after I get back from school)

Where are they? Are they shy?

 

[jlamee]

Leave Shep's imaginary friends alone. Shouldn't you be reading?

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

I'd like to give a shout out to all my awesome med school buddies: my main man Xian, my #1 girl Phospho and of course last but certainly least my all time partner in crime Brahms2010! Phoenix med school represent!


(Posted solely because Phospho expects me to get onto SDN first thing after I get back from school)

Haha, I did! I actually started working on the CBI stuff after we got out earlier. I have some ideas, but why did you guys leave me with the ethical stuff? Biological processes are what they are, but ethics.... ethics is sooo.... ethical.

 

[Salt and Lime]

I know you're kidding man, I just want to make sure other people know it! I need to earn my reputation for being a jerk and not have it given to me on a silver platter. And I too was also kidding- anybody who tries to stuff me into a locker is going to have a pretty nasty surprise when I start to shake and then suddenly morph into Ronnie Coleman.

In all seriousness though, because of those pictures I know that like ten people, Phosphorous and Salt and Lime included thought I was a black man, haha.

Well, I at least knew that you weren't Ronnie Coleman. 🙄
Also, how did we all end up in CBI together? That can only mean trouble!

 

[lrkoehle]

Leave Shep's imaginary friends alone. Shouldn't you be reading?

I actually got a pretty good amount of reading done yesterday. I should be able to bust out the rest of the book tonight...well maybe not after that long day of orientation, but I should get pretty close. I didn't see you today (unless I forgot), but I did see MadeIn, ehander, smokeygray, and some others. Not that they ever post on here anymore (except MadeIn, who was in a rush after orientation).

Haha, I did! I actually started working on the CBI stuff after we got out earlier. I have some ideas, but why did you guys leave me with the ethical stuff? Biological processes are what they are, but ethics.... ethics is sooo.... ethical.

Just show the ethics music scene from the office...

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkaozXsKrcs&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

Or just show a video of Shep, and ask how ethical all his steroid and HGH use is

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgvB5YtzGuo&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]

Seriously, I shouldn't be the one posting pictures/videos of shep, that's ehandber's job.

 

[lrkoehle]

I just got back from depositing my financial aid check. Damn I feel rich now. Anyone up for the Casino?

 

[lrkoehle]

bump? Is anyone out their alive, or did none of you survive the first couple weeks of class?

 

[shepardsun]

Tooling around on SDN in between studying and I found this MadEvans gem:
"Immunology was SOO HARD. So hard. To learn immuno, you first have to learn how to speak a foreign language, immunologese I call it. Then, you have to memorize a million different things (cytokines, etc). And by the time they are ready to test you, you have to put everything together, re-learn it since you couldn't speak the language in the beginning, and finally memorize everything. We have one professor, a harvard/yale MD/PhD derm/immuno specialist, that we all hated in the beginning. But, by the time we learned the language and started with memorizing the necessary pieces to finally understand the whole picture, we all loved her. I can't imagine trying to actually learn immuno without a stickler/genius lecturer like her."

I appreciate this quote. A lot. I wish we had Dr. Hastings for every immuno lecture because immunologese is hard enough to learn from her, let alone people who aren't quite as precise in their language as she is.

 

[Brrooother]

Tooling around on SDN in between studying and I found this MadEvans gem:
"Immunology was SOO HARD. So hard. To learn immuno, you first have to learn how to speak a foreign language, immunologese I call it. Then, you have to memorize a million different things (cytokines, etc). And by the time they are ready to test you, you have to put everything together, re-learn it since you couldn't speak the language in the beginning, and finally memorize everything. We have one professor, a harvard/yale MD/PhD derm/immuno specialist, that we all hated in the beginning. But, by the time we learned the language and started with memorizing the necessary pieces to finally understand the whole picture, we all loved her. I can't imagine trying to actually learn immuno without a stickler/genius lecturer like her."

I appreciate this quote. A lot. I wish we had Dr. Hastings for every immuno lecture because immunologese is hard enough to learn from her, let alone people who aren't quite as precise in their language as she is.

Awesome - that was a gem! Thanks for sharing it, good luck with Immuno 🙂

 

[SKYzone6]

Looking back on this thread and seeing how Phoenix has developed over the years into a separate medical institution, if given the chance to attend both, which would you choose and why?

 

[Brrooother]

You mean "either", not "both"- yes? 😉

I'd choose the same one I attended (Phoenix), but I think most graduates would say the same (whichever one they attended). I think most of us would over all view our experiences in medical school favorably, and I know I would have been very happy at either. There are differences between the two that appeal or don't appeal to specific people, so rather than ask those of use who have graduated, I think you'd find the most helpful information and insight by asking current students what they like or don't like at their institution.

Funny- I never check SDN anymore but got an email that someone had posted on this thread!