UTHSCSA Class of 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I am also long time lurker who is in the class of 2012

any ideas where to take biochemistry?

Do you mean undergraduate biochem? I suppose your school didn't offer it this year???

Perhaps some school has a summer course you can take. I don't know where, but I am sure they are out there. The only problem I could forsee is that I would think it would have to be completed before orientation and orientation starts in the third week of July.
 
I am also long time lurker who is in the class of 2012

any ideas where to take biochemistry?

A couple of my classmates (and someone I know will have to take a biochem too), recommended the online course:
Intro to Biochemistry through UC Berkeley Extension:
http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/course351.html

It's pretty much a self-paced program to be completed in 6 months (but you don't have to take the entire 6 months) with a required proctored exam at the end.
Here's a link that might answer any questions you might have concerning the proctored exam:
http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/faq/final.php

One of the students that took it was in a time crunch and had to complete the program in 2 months and she said it was pretty easy (at least easier than taking it in a classroom and considering it's a Berkeley course). She did really well on the final exam as well. There is a required textbook, but she also recommended the Biochemistry: BRS (Board Review Series):
http://www.amazon.com/Biochemistry-Board-Review-Dawn-Marks/dp/0683304917

The class mostly consisted of writing papers (about every 2 wks) but she drew most of her info from the BRS book she recommended and she didn't have any problems churning out the papers especially since she had to do more than one paper at a time due to her time restraint.

Hope this helps!
 
A couple of my classmates (and someone I know will have to take a biochem too), recommended the online course:
Intro to Biochemistry through UC Berkeley Extension:
http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/course351.html

It's pretty much a self-paced program to be completed in 6 months (but you don't have to take the entire 6 months) with a required proctored exam at the end.
Here's a link that might answer any questions you might have concerning the proctored exam:
http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/faq/final.php

One of the students that took it was in a time crunch and had to complete the program in 2 months and she said it was pretty easy (at least easier than taking it in a classroom and considering it's a Berkeley course). She did really well on the final exam as well. There is a required textbook, but she also recommended the Biochemistry: BRS (Board Review Series):
http://www.amazon.com/Biochemistry-Board-Review-Dawn-Marks/dp/0683304917

The class mostly consisted of writing papers (about every 2 wks) but she drew most of her info from the BRS book she recommended and she didn't have any problems churning out the papers especially since she had to do more than one paper at a time due to her time restraint.

Hope this helps!

thanks for the help.
it seems like UT here in austin did offer that class last summer so I dont know if it will be offered this summer so I am trying to plan accordingly
 
Alright guys. I dont know if anyone knows the answer, but I was wondering if anyone knows when they are sending our packets so we can start getting this process rolling. Also I know it is not required but I am going to get a new computer this summer. Does anyone know if we get a computer discount for being a med school student?
 
*sigh* I was just telling someone about my med school days and remembering how much fun I had.
 
thanks for the help.
it seems like UT here in austin did offer that class last summer so I dont know if it will be offered this summer so I am trying to plan accordingly

I was in that class! It was a 9 week course, so it would be finished in time. I would think they offer it every summer.
 
Alright guys. I dont know if anyone knows the answer, but I was wondering if anyone knows when they are sending our packets so we can start getting this process rolling. Also I know it is not required but I am going to get a new computer this summer. Does anyone know if we get a computer discount for being a med school student?

Yeah, i was wondering the same, i already want to see some kind of official letter from the school. On computers, I'm planning to get me a macbook, I know mac doesn't run a couple of cds from the school but i have been trying to get me one for some time that now i have the perfect excuse!! 😀
 
Alright guys. I dont know if anyone knows the answer, but I was wondering if anyone knows when they are sending our packets so we can start getting this process rolling. Also I know it is not required but I am going to get a new computer this summer. Does anyone know if we get a computer discount for being a med school student?

One of the packages they send you will have a info for buying a PC (Dell) or Mac laptop thru the school. It's a preset package and it's kind of pricey. The high price is mostly due to the 4 year warranty that comes with it so it's up to you. In terms of buying that same laptop on your own with the same warranty it will be a little higher than buying through the school but the school's laptop package has all the bells and whistles and might be a little too much for your present needs. You don't need a laptop for UTHSCSA but it is convenient. We have computer labs and there are plenty of people of who don't carry their laptops on their hips (like me). If you're able to, I would recommend not getting Windows Vista quite yet. There are still a lot of driver/ interface issues and you would really need the caliber of a laptop the school is offering or higher in order to have Vista run efficiently since it's a huge virtual memory killer. I believe Windows XP will still be available thru the summer and the bookstore (once you get your school ID) sells them really cheap. But this is my humble opinion......
 
Yeah, i was wondering the same, i already want to see some kind of official letter from the school. On computers, I'm planning to get me a macbook, I know mac doesn't run a couple of cds from the school but i have been trying to get me one for some time that now i have the perfect excuse!! 😀

im pretty sure you can set up windows on new(er) macs
 
Roshario,

What classes are you currently taking this spring for the MPH part of your program? How much time would you say you're spending on that class work (exams, papers, etc) -- if you don't mind sharing?

Gracias
 
Roshario,

What classes are you currently taking this spring for the MPH part of your program? How much time would you say you're spending on that class work (exams, papers, etc) -- if you don't mind sharing?

Gracias

Most of the students in the program are taking 2 classes:
Intro to Policy and Management (online - 3 credit hours)
Public Health Seminar (1 hr class/ 1x wk/ at lunch on Fri - 1 credit hour)

The online class requires several posts per week on a discussion board and I really don't spend more than an hour a week doing that and there usually is a short weekly assignment that at the very most will take an hour. There is no tests and there will be one project/case report that we'll do later on in the semester. There are readings but it really won't negatively impact you if you can't read them all. The seminar doesn't require any work except to attend. It's actually been tailored to meet the needs of the med students because we don't have a seminar class during test weeks.

Now I'm actually taking an extra (traditional sit in class) evening course (Health and Development - 3 credit hours) and yes I'm crazy for doing it. It's once a week for 3 hrs. Now this extra class was not required to be taken this semester and I really wouldn't recommend what I'm doing for most people but I'm really enjoying the topic. It's actually A LOT of reading though and the course is mostly discussion based with no tests and one group project. I usually don't finish the readings....but I know several of the students in the class who are only graduate students also don't finish all the readings so I don't feel that bad about it. But I'll set aside one weekend morning to do the readings (I'm a bit of an early bird even on my days off). It really is an insane amount of reading even though I find the course interesting.

We're at the end of test week right now and so far I've done just as well or better than last semester so all these MPH courses hasn't negatively affected my med grades (although my stress level has increased slightly =o).
 
One of the packages they send you will have a info for buying a PC (Dell) or Mac laptop thru the school. It's a preset package and it's kind of pricey. The high price is mostly due to the 4 year warranty that comes with it so it's up to you. In terms of buying that same laptop on your own with the same warranty it will be a little higher than buying through the school but the school's laptop package has all the bells and whistles and might be a little too much for your present needs. You don't need a laptop for UTHSCSA but it is convenient. We have computer labs and there are plenty of people of who don't carry their laptops on their hips (like me). If you're able to, I would recommend not getting Windows Vista quite yet. There are still a lot of driver/ interface issues and you would really need the caliber of a laptop the school is offering or higher in order to have Vista run efficiently since it's a huge virtual memory killer. I believe Windows XP will still be available thru the summer and the bookstore (once you get your school ID) sells them really cheap. But this is my humble opinion......

Thanks Roshario, I appreciate the info!
 
Yeah, i was wondering the same, i already want to see some kind of official letter from the school. On computers, I'm planning to get me a macbook, I know mac doesn't run a couple of cds from the school but i have been trying to get me one for some time that now i have the perfect excuse!! 😀


I am with you on that one. I have been looking for an excuse to get a laptop and it seems to me that med school is just that excuse, and on top of that I am justifying it becuse my desktop is old and has needed to be replaced for some time now.
 
Hey everyone. Haven't posted on here in a while, but I'm definitely still headed to SA! I'm excited to get to know all of you.

It's been good to read some of the MD/MPH talk around here. I just mailed in my application earlier this week! Does anyone know if the selection process is tough, or is it pretty easy to get in? I've been chattin' with some of my friends who are MS1's and they say hardly anyone does it... so I can't imagine that it is too hard to get accepted, right?

I'm hoping to get some sort of packet or letter soon, too. I wish we could get an e-mail about our class like Filo sent to the A&M people... I'd sure like to know the demographics and size of our class!
 
Hey everyone. Haven't posted on here in a while, but I'm definitely still headed to SA! I'm excited to get to know all of you.

It's been good to read some of the MD/MPH talk around here. I just mailed in my application earlier this week! Does anyone know if the selection process is tough, or is it pretty easy to get in? I've been chattin' with some of my friends who are MS1's and they say hardly anyone does it... so I can't imagine that it is too hard to get accepted, right?

I'm hoping to get some sort of packet or letter soon, too. I wish we could get an e-mail about our class like Filo sent to the A&M people... I'd sure like to know the demographics and size of our class!

In our class we have about 20 MD/MPH students. All that applied were accepted. Originally they said they were only going to accept about 10 last year, but they got such a demand and positive response about this new program from applicants that they decided they could accommodate all of us. Now I can't say they'll do the same this year. I don't know many how people applied nor how many people they'll accept this year but if the demand is greater than their capability they might have to refuse some people. It's still a very new program so they might not want to bite off more than they can chew right now. But I'd bet most that do apply will be offered a spot in the program.
 
*sigh* I was just telling someone about my med school days and remembering how much fun I had.

Do you stay in touch with the folks down here? Evo is MS3 now, I think. It seems just like yesterday we were all just starting off. And then someone hit the fastforward button.
 
I only know Evo, and yes, we stay in touch. I was in town back in december, sadly only for about 30 hours. We hung out (sadly we ate at fudruckers and not somewhere better) but it was fun.

I am still in touch with Tom King as well. One of the best there is!
 
Hey guys!

I've been away from the computer for a day or two and am real happy to see all the posts that have gone on since I last checked!!

I check the mail everyday hoping for that packet!

I passed the time and filed for FAFSA, maybe that will help you guys pass the time until we get some kind of official word from them on what we're supposed to be doing.

I've also been thinking of a laptop, but I think i'm going to stick to a non-mac (although the mac's are sooooo cool.).

Hope you guys are enjoying our last bit of time before med school!!
 
I only know Evo, and yes, we stay in touch. I was in town back in december, sadly only for about 30 hours. We hung out (sadly we ate at fudruckers and not somewhere better) but it was fun.

I am still in touch with Tom King as well. One of the best there is!

Hey I just took Dr. King's exam some hours ago or so it seems in our post exam drunken state. This was the last histo exam of the year, so we're done with the class. He is great.

Nothing wrong with fudruckers. I like their burgers + the jalapeno cheese. 😍
 
alrights guys I love seeing all the activity that has gone on lately, it is much easier finding the thread when it is near the top. I do have another question though in regards to the MD w/ distinction program. Is there anything that we need to do so we can get started with that? or do we wait until we get to san antonio?
 
alrights guys I love seeing all the activity that has gone on lately, it is much easier finding the thread when it is near the top. I do have another question though in regards to the MD w/ distinction program. Is there anything that we need to do so we can get started with that? or do we wait until we get to san antonio?

I want to do the MD w/ distinction too, but as far as I can tell there's nothing we can do yet. If i remember right, one of the first steps is finding a mentor ?? I could be wrong. And I don't feel like looking it up on the website.. 🙄

edit:
ok, a looked it up...
Evaluation Criteria for Entering the Program:
MD with Distinction in Research Application
The student applying for the MD with Distinction in Research Program must submit an application containing the following information:
  • Student's Resume using the NIH PHS 398 format (maximum of 2 pages)
  • Student's Personal Statement. Explain how participation in the Medical Student Research Program would benefit you and the role you will play in the described research project (1 page)
  • Mentor's Resume using the NIH PHS 398 format (maximum of 2 pages)
  • Summary of mentor's current and completed extramural funding (maximum of 2 pages)
  • Mentoring Plan (maximum of 2 pages). Present a systematic plan that:
    • Shows a logical progression from the student's prior research and training experiences to the training and research experiences that will occur during the award period
    • Includes both didactic and research components
      • How often will the mentor meet with the student?
      • Who else will be responsible for mentoring the student?
      • What are the expectations the mentor has for the student regarding attendance at conferences or other educational activities and how do these activities enhance the student's research experience?
      • List the specific resources available to the student to perform the project
    • If the mentor is sponsoring applications from several students working on different aspects of a similar problem, it is extremely important to clarify the specific aspects each student will be working on
  • Project Description (written by student with input from mentor). All of the following elements must be included in the Project Description. (maximum of 5 pages for sections a. through d.; maximum of 1 page for section e) Project Descriptions exceeding 5 pages, including the bibliography, will not be reviewed.
    • Specific Aim(s)
    • Background and Significance
    • Research Plan
      • Study population
      • Study design and research methods
      • Sample size, including sample size justification
      • Statistical analysis plan
      • Expected results
      • Potential pitfalls/alternative approaches
    • Timeline for completion of the project
    • Brief bibliography (do not exceed 1 page)
It also goes into more detail here http://som.uthscsa.edu/AcademicEnhancement/mddistinction.asp

Maybe we can start the personal statement?

PS my resume sucks. i have no research experience whats so ever. i wonder how much that matters?
 
Question:

Will we have the option of testing out of physiology?? I am no expert but I believe my knowledge is solid.

Just wondering
 
Question:

Will we have the option of testing out of physiology?? I am no expert but I believe my knowledge is solid.

Just wondering

In the past this has been the case, though I'd recommend contacting the physio deptt beforehand if you have such aspirations to confirm if they'll still do it this year. I had posted something to this regard back on the first page or so.

You can also test out of biochem.
 
No, nothing wrong, but when you are only in town for 30 hours, you like to maximize where you eat.

But nonetheless... it was fun to hang out. 🙂

I wish I could come back to town and talk to the EM group.
 
Question:

Will we have the option of testing out of physiology?? I am no expert but I believe my knowledge is solid.

Just wondering

We were given the options of testing out of physiology. Physiology doesn't actually start off right away. It started up second module. The course director will send out info if anyone is interested in taking the exemption test around the start of Aug. You have to make a 75 on the test to qualify for the exemption.

Biochemistry was the other course you can try to test out of too. I'm not sure how many in our class attempted it, but I student was able to test out of biochem which I hear is not common. This test is given before school starts.
 
PS my resume sucks. i have no research experience whats so ever. i wonder how much that matters?


Not to worry, you don't need any experience.

Also, when you find a mentor and start talking about a project, you should mention that in order to get the MD w/ distinction, you need to be first author on a publishable paper.
 
Roja,

I take it you're an EM doc? How's life in the ER? Any suggestions on things to appreciate during our UTHSCSA experience.

During interviews I walked away with a sense that the school fosters great community. Since joining this group and the facebook one, that impression is being confirmed. 😀
 
Not to worry, you don't need any experience.

Also, when you find a mentor and start talking about a project, you should mention that in order to get the MD w/ distinction, you need to be first author on a publishable paper.

Roshario,

Do you have any classmates that are thinking about doing the distinction in global/public health research? That would be of great interest to me. I've been managing a basic research lab, and while it has been intellectually challenging and rewarding at times -- it's not my cup of tea. Any thoughts on this?
 
Another class of 2012'r here!




Alright, hopefully I want regret this 🙂

Looking for a roommate to get an apt with:

-Male
-Clean!!!111 (I've had atrocious filthy roommates in the past)
-Willing to get a place with at least 2 baths. No offense, but a setup where we aren't stepping on each others toes is always nice 🙂
-The closer to school the better. My goal is to eliminate any stress outside of the pressure cooked that is med school. I commute a bit now to work, I'd like to minimize that annoyance.


I don't really care about anything else. I'm laid back. I have no pets, but don't care if you do.

PM me if you are interested. I guess I'm also going to contact school for a student roommate list.

Congrats to everyone!!
 
Roshario,

Do you have any classmates that are thinking about doing the distinction in global/public health research? That would be of great interest to me. I've been managing a basic research lab, and while it has been intellectually challenging and rewarding at times -- it's not my cup of tea. Any thoughts on this?

With the distinction in research, does the research area need to be in something we are sure we are going to be going in to? Like, would it look stupid to residency programs if I did neuro research and then tried to get into ortho residencies? This may be a stupid question, but I have no idea what I want to go into.
 
With the distinction in research, does the research area need to be in something we are sure we are going to be going in to? Like, would it look stupid to residency programs if I did neuro research and then tried to get into ortho residencies? This may be a stupid question, but I have no idea what I want to go into.

It doesn't have to relate to what you're going to do. I would try to find something you'll enjoy or find interesting because I can't think of a worse thing than spending the next four years doing something completely boring or something I don't like. Besides that most people don't know what they want to specialize in and if they do going into med school, more than likely that will change several times. There were plenty of MS4 who were still deciding.
 
Roshario,

Do you have any classmates that are thinking about doing the distinction in global/public health research? That would be of great interest to me. I've been managing a basic research lab, and while it has been intellectually challenging and rewarding at times -- it's not my cup of tea. Any thoughts on this?

I know one of my classmate who's doing her MPH thesis in global health issues (she's going to Ethopia this summer for her practicum) but I don't know of anyone who's going to do an MD w/ distinction in global health. Not that no one is, I just don't know all the ones who are even going to do MD w/ distinction. You can do your research in anything but the only caveat is that your mentor has to be local (i.e. San Antonio). So if you can find a mentor in San Antonio that does global health research (which you could definitely find in the school of public health staff) then you're one step closer to getting that distinction.
 
It doesn't have to relate to what you're going to do. I would try to find something you'll enjoy or find interesting because I can't think of a worse thing than spending the next four years doing something completely boring or something I don't like. Besides that most people don't know what they want to specialize in and if they do going into med school, more than likely that will change several times. There were plenty of MS4 who were still deciding.

How do we find out what research projects are out there? do we just google it and then email the person in charge or is there someone we can call? The only research experience that I have was because I had a professor make a comment in class. Therefore, I have no idea on how to go about finding a research project. any help is appreciated!
 
Roja,

I take it you're an EM doc? How's life in the ER? Any suggestions on things to appreciate during our UTHSCSA experience.

During interviews I walked away with a sense that the school fosters great community. Since joining this group and the facebook one, that impression is being confirmed. 😀


The first thing I would do is join the EM interest group. You can also join EMRA (www.emra.org). I would also keep abreast of ACEP, SAEM and AAEM and whenever their conferences are somewhere where you can go, consider going.

You can talk to some of the EM docs and ask them if you can do some shadowing while you are a first and second year. Realize though that UH doesn't function like the vast majority of EDs, but some experience is better than no experience.

Start browsing the EM community here, you will get a good feel for what EM is like.

Other than that, just learn as much as you can, keep some nonmedical activities alive and enjoy medical school. 🙂
 
How do we find out what research projects are out there? do we just google it and then email the person in charge or is there someone we can call? The only research experience that I have was because I had a professor make a comment in class. Therefore, I have no idea on how to go about finding a research project. any help is appreciated!

Go to this link:
http://som.uthscsa.edu/Research/students.asp

It has a link of current and past mentors but it's definitely not comprehensive. If nothing interests you there, try perusing through a department of interest on the school's website and see what research those faculties are involved with and try to contact the person if you'd like to learn more. Also, there are links on that page I sited above that has previous student research and that might also give you ideas.
 
Thanks for the sites Roja & Roshario! It's especially cool seeing all of the research projects going on @ the university.


I have a question for UTHSCSA veterans. I know... I know... I'm Mr. 20 questions... my goal is to give you as much distraction from real work as you want! 😀

Have students been successful at getting funding, from the school or other extramural grants, to attend conferences? Do you have to be presenting to be considered? I think I remember hearing something about this during the interview process, but I can't recall the specifics. Gracias...
 
As a follow up to my previous insurance posts, I found one additional option that were recommended by a few peeps from c/o 2011 on SDN called Unicare.

I haven't looked at the premiums or benefits yet. Just wanted to pass that along for those also investigating the possibilities. Now if anyone knows of fourth years planning on putting their houses on the market... please let me know.
 
Thanks for the sites Roja & Roshario! It's especially cool seeing all of the research projects going on @ the university.


I have a question for UTHSCSA veterans. I know... I know... I'm Mr. 20 questions... my goal is to give you as much distraction from real work as you want! 😀

Have students been successful at getting funding, from the school or other extramural grants, to attend conferences? Do you have to be presenting to be considered? I think I remember hearing something about this during the interview process, but I can't recall the specifics. Gracias...


Haha...I welcome the distraction.
As for funding, it's variable and changes each fiscal year. I know that last year (before I started) there was more funding available for students to attend conferences and international medical mission work. However this year, funding is more limited. Students are only able to apply for money for conferences if they are actually presenting and there has been some but not a lot of money for medical mission work. Maybe there will be more money available next year. We've gotten some pretty big donations this year. Wonder how they'll use it all. :idea:
 
Hey guys! Looks like i'm joining the rest of you fellas at UTHSCSA next year. I have a quick question though: What is UTHSCSA's policy on grades for the remaining semester? Do you have to maintain a C or greater, etc. etc.

I'm taking some tough classes and I'm finding it hard to focus now that i've gotten in 😀. Would like to know the official stance; I wouldnt want to get my acceptance revoked!
 
Hey guys! Looks like i'm joining the rest of you fellas at UTHSCSA next year. I have a quick question though: What is UTHSCSA's policy on grades for the remaining semester? Do you have to maintain a C or greater, etc. etc.

I'm taking some tough classes and I'm finding it hard to focus now that i've gotten in 😀. Would like to know the official stance; I wouldnt want to get my acceptance revoked!

If you're taking any med prerequisites, then yep, you'd have to make at least a C. Not sure about any other of your classes.
 
That reminds me. I have emailed asking this question but haven't gotten a response yet. I have taken 10 bio lecture hours and 3 biochem hours, but the biochem is in the chemistry department. Does the biochem still count towards biology?
 
Go to this link:
http://som.uthscsa.edu/Research/students.asp

It has a link of current and past mentors but it's definitely not comprehensive. If nothing interests you there, try perusing through a department of interest on the school's website and see what research those faculties are involved with and try to contact the person if you'd like to learn more. Also, there are links on that page I sited above that has previous student research and that might also give you ideas.


Thanks for the help roshario, that link is very informative!
 
That reminds me. I have emailed asking this question but haven't gotten a response yet. I have taken 10 bio lecture hours and 3 biochem hours, but the biochem is in the chemistry department. Does the biochem still count towards biology?

I would imagine that it would count, but I would call the registrar to be absolute. That way you can get immediate peace of mind. My emails never seem to get an immediate response either.
 
Is anyone else who's still in school having a hard time concentrating on school work? I just want to be done with this semester already!
 
Umz,

Here's a link to the Viewbook which may have the information you're looking for:
http://studentservices.uthscsa.edu/Publications/MedicalVbk06.pdf


Roshario -- how long after submitting the MPH application did it take for them to confirm your acceptance?

Acceptance notifications will go out inl April. I asked about it for this year and it was the same way with us last year. Yeah, that's incredible short notice especially since you have to start summer classes in May but hang tight.
 
Thanks Roshario! :hardy: You're my lifeline for all things medical! April does seem so far away. 🙁 Oh well..

umz,

I completely feel your pain. Lent for me has come at the perfect time this year! I have a biochem test tomorrow that I will begin studying for AFTER watching House tonight! I'm also working -- and have to keep myself from daydreaming about the wonderful time that will be med school. Where's the fastforward button...
 
hey guys and gals

congratulations on your acceptance to uthscsa!

in regards to a comment i saw as i was skimming down the page, you can wait until you get here to get a new computer. the financial aid office can get you up to $1500 in supplemental loans towards a purchase of a new computer. plus, major microsoft software (xp, vista, office, etc) is available at the bookstore for around $30 each.

anyway, congrats again! i'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, although it looks like there are plenty of current and former students in here already. your best bet is to shoot me a PM 😉

lane
ms4 president
 
Everyone get the pre-matriculation application? I completed the application and spoke to Dr. Henzi today... the program sounds great!
 
I'm about to fill it out, too. Did you find anything out about it that they didn't tell us in the email?
 
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