VCOM - class of 2008

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HokieDO said:
Speaking about last year's class, this did not affect enrollment or loans but that was last year 😎 I would suggest getting everything you can in order before classes :scared: but if you can get your series complete before the clinical experiences start you'll PROBABLY be okay. 👍

They were VERY flexible last year. In fact, Dr. Willcox arranged for special pricing for the titers and all...worth checking into AFTER you get your stuff in the best shape you can ... Good luck and welcome aboard again! 😀
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Hi,

Just wondering... so are you guys officially MSIIs now or are you still taking classes?
 
Hello this is a post for current VCOM students, I have been reading past posts regarding best review books for specfic classes and think that it may depend on each school and how the professors teach. So I was wondering of the first block courses (Immunology, Micro and Biochem) which review books did you feel were helpful for getting a good understanding of the material........or were the lecture notes sufficient.
 
hello, benjamini's immunology was a tough read but the prof heavily relied on it. a lot of people had old immuno books from undergrad and found those very helpful. marks biochem and brs biochem are really good, and i rarely used micro but it is a good book. another thing, i used board review series as a supplement for just about every class b/c they are quick, easy and almost all-inclusive summaries with good practice questions.
 
Amy B said:
Hi,

Just wondering... so are you guys officially MSIIs now or are you still taking classes?
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We're still MSIs, we don't officially become MSIIs until the end of next block, August 28th, so technically we'll still be MSIs when you all come as MSIs too!

Strange!

Also, the board review series books are good resources to supplement classroom lectures. Lots of times you won't have time to read the entire chapter of the book and need a shorter version of the most important facts. That's what you'll find in the board review series books, and also the professors lecture notes are really good!
 
That is funny that we will all be MSIs for a few days 🙂

So fellow classmates, it's been pretty quiet here lately and I was wondering how many of you have moved to B-burg already?

I (and my kids. hubby is still stuck in Northern VA) moved in 2 weeks ago. The weather, aside for the rain, has been lovely. Temps haven't gone over 80 since I got here. I hope it stays like this all summer. 🙂
 
is anyone else having problems securing the alternative loan? i e-mailed the director of financial aid and asked if VCOM could be added to Nellie Mae and a few other providers. it would suck if i cant go to school due to 7k. hope to see ya in the fall.
 
Did you go through T.H.E. (Northstar) to do your loans? That is who I went through they did both Stafford and the private loan within 3 days and with no cosigner.
 
hey there, my response will be incomplete but i will share the piece of info regarding nellie mae that was forwarded to our class quite some time ago. apparently there was a big article in one of the big newspapers, either washington post or NY times, describing malpractices of nellie mae. apparentley they were not reporting their clients good credit standing to the national agency, so when it was time for the client to pursue a mortgage or anything big like that they had trouble with their credit report. so nellie mae would ensure the future business with their clients b/c they had no other choice but to go throuh nellie mae. please take this with caution, b/c i never explored the subject as it did not apply to me. but i do remember reading it in an email.
 
woooo weeee 😱 I got the book list on yesterday. 11 Books. 😱 I was just wondering, do we actually need ALL of those books? I checked them all out on line. Each book is relatively inexpensive compared to what I have spent for books in the past. The total on amazon for only new books was 543.55 excluding the book that is the brand new edition(that text was not posted yet). Oh boy 🙄 I think we have 6 weeks left of summer bliss 😛 Someone give me the heads up on some of these recommended texts.
 
You need all the books 🙁 but you might not get "maximum" use out of some of them till later 🙂

I returned all my epidemiology books the third day of class :meanie: and haven't really regretted that decision. The other books I use fairly regularily. Exceptin' the biochemistry text, but it was ESSENTIAL for block 1 & block 2 biochemistry 😀 but not so much (at least till board review time) since then.

BTW, it was almost $1K initially for books as a package from the bookstore--everything new. You might be able to score some used books from VCOM 2007 😉

Well, back to finals. Good luck and enjoy the summer while you can ;-)
 
walmart.com has cheaper prices by a few dollars per book for the ones they have.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Blacksburg put on a cool fireworks show on Sunday evening.

I wonder how many SDNers we still have left that are going to VCOM (class 2008). I know we have lost a number of classmates to other schools.
 
Youu can order from the publishers as well. I have ordered form Lippincott, Williams and Wilins in the past.

If you go to their web page now and register now you will get a promotion code that is good for 10% off your next order. Register first and then go and pick out the books you want. They have the Bates Guide, plus some of the other books on our list. The 10% off makes them a good place tobuy.

http://www.lww.com/customerservice/submitnewuserregistration/
 
Hey, you don't mean we have lossed/losted classmates since accepted students day do you 😕 Oh wow, I don't know :idea: after spending $1000 acceptance fee my decision was pretty much final :laugh: Kudos 👍 to those who had that kind of money to give away. About how many would you guesstimate have received alternative responses that they have decided to pursue? +pity+
 
As you might have noticed, I haven't been on the VCOM thread for a while. I am sorry to say that I was one of those students. It was a very difficult decision to make as I LOVED VCOM when I was there. I wish you all the best and hope to still talk to you all on SDN after the start of school...and who knows, if VCOM hosts a meeting or something for other DO school clubs, I might just get to meet you all or see you at other national events! I wish you all the best!
 
I think the total is about 5 so far. But that also means that people have been taken off the waiting list. I know of one person so far who has gotten off the waitlist here on SDN.

Box29, I hope the choice you made works the best for you. Sorry you weren't able to join us. Good luck in NV

Class of 2007 - So is epidemiology a dull, dry class? A friend of mine hated that class when she took it at her school. But of course she wasn't at VCOM and all our classes are going to be fun and exciting, right 😀 😎
 
I just ordered the texts from Barnesandnoble.com for $611.60 It appears they're all in stock. I also signed up for the membership which cost $25, but saved $30 on the order. I figured we just might have to order more books over the next few years and it might save some $$.

Jay
 
Amy B said:
I think the total is about 5 so far. But that also means that people have been taken off the waiting list. I know of one person so far who has gotten off the waitlist here on SDN.

Box29, I hope the choice you made works the best for you. Sorry you weren't able to join us. Good luck in NV

Class of 2007 - So is epidemiology a dull, dry class? A friend of mine hated that class when she took it at her school. But of course she wasn't at VCOM and all our classes are going to be fun and exciting, right 😀 😎
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AMY B, glad you're still keeping this thread rocking. We just got finished w/ exams and have started our week long break before GI & endocrine block. We also found out that we're getting an extra week of summer break. Seems they realized having our finals week during ya'll 1st week wasn't a smart idea!
About Epi........the teachers are cool and it'll be an easy A. DOn't spend too much time on the assignments. Dr. Pheley and Scarati will just be giving you an overview...remember an easy A. Any more questions let me know. PS. I am in the process of creating a website for all the study guides(mine are Sams simple study guides) that the class has put together so ya'll may benefit. They go back to block 3 w/ old tests and all. I wish ya'll the best & after the 1st month we'll be there for support.....and venting 😉 ANy more questions shoot them at me or email me at [email protected]
 
Thanks sdeel for the info. I was wondering if any old test were accessible
 
Hello Everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone knows if VCOM has a joint degree program either D.O./M.B.A. or D.O./M.P.H. I believe I read somewhere either on their website or handbook that they had a D.O./M.P.H. but I can't find it now. If anyone has information, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
 
Hello OAM.

I do not know of any dual programs at VCOM as of right now. I do know that they are working on D.O/Ph.D--so I've heard--and I don't think it is an option at the present time. Other dual degrees may also be in the works. This is a new school and it could take some time.

MsJ

VCOM 2008
 
I am not really sure how sdn works, but here's to trying. I was just accepted to VCOM this week. 😀 😀 I was on the waitlist for 3 weeks. I really wanted to pull my hair out waiting. I kept getting emails from Megan saying we should have a spot in 2 weeks don't worry about next year. 😛 It didn't help. Anyway, I am very excited about medical school and having 4 actuall seasons. Being from Florida we have hot and really hot. I can't wait to have fall and winter. I bought my first coat.. EVER! I sent the deposit money in today and I am looking into buying my computer this week. Now I just need to secure an apartment. Hopefully the application for Fox Ridge will go thru this week. There is a lot of stuff that needs to get done to move to a new state, and not very much time to do it in.

See you all in a few short weeks.

Allison
 
Hi Allison,
Welcome to our class. Glad you made it. Hope things go well with your move. Many congrats 👍 :clap:

Thanks again sdeel for the info. Once again, you have helped us out and we really appreciate it. 👍

I am actually on vacation, but had some free time and use of a computer so I thought I would check in and see whats up on SDN. Yes, I must be a SDN addict 🙄 😉

Take care all. August 23 is right around the corner. :scared: 😀 🙂
 
Hi,

Just wanted to mention something..for those of you who don't know, we have some fellow classmates serving in Iraq right now. They may not get home in time to start with us and may have to defer.

I just wanted to mention this and ask that we keep them and everyone else there in our thoughts and prayers and hope they make it home soon.
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Amy B said:
Hi,
Just wondering where eveybody was this summer?
Our class thread has kind of died.
Anyone still out there?
bek082.gif
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Hi Amy

Jacque here. My summer is going well. I'm still working and will be moving to Blacksburg next weekend. I'm trying to relax before classes start. But I can't wait! How is your summer?
 
Hi Jacque,

My summer is going well, but it is moving too fast and I still have lots of boxes to unpack.

Good luck with your move next weekend. Moving stinks. I think unpacking is worst than packing. Trying to decide where things should go is a pain.

See you in a few weeks.
😎 😀
 
sdeel said:
AMY B, glad you're still keeping this thread rocking. We just got finished w/ exams and have started our week long break before GI & endocrine block. We also found out that we're getting an extra week of summer break. Seems they realized having our finals week during ya'll 1st week wasn't a smart idea!
About Epi........the teachers are cool and it'll be an easy A. DOn't spend too much time on the assignments. Dr. Pheley and Scarati will just be giving you an overview...remember an easy A. Any more questions let me know. PS. I am in the process of creating a website for all the study guides(mine are Sams simple study guides) that the class has put together so ya'll may benefit. They go back to block 3 w/ old tests and all. I wish ya'll the best & after the 1st month we'll be there for support.....and venting 😉 ANy more questions shoot them at me or email me at [email protected]
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Hello sdeel, could you tell us what to expect in the first block in addition to what you have already told us about Epi. What was immuno, micro and other classes like? What was the stress level like in this block? What strategies would you suggest to us........ to make this block go smoothly? 🙂
Thanks
 
Cool. Our first letter from a professor was emailed today.

I thought, "neat" and started to read it.... and got to the word "Test" , and my stomach jumped into my throat. The reality of the approaching school year just hit me. Yikes, is all I can say. :scared:
 
The class was principles of primary care and osteopathic medicine
 
Dont worry be happy. PPC is a fun and not to hard class. I have some study guides posted for blocks 4-7 at www.vcomstudent.com/ACOFP/SSS

THat me....ha............look forward to meeting everyone on the 20th

sam
 
Hey Everyone,

I just joined the SDN yesterday. I'm starting school this August. I was wondering if anyone knew when we take the boards after our MS-2 year? I look foward to seeing everyone in August.

Greg
VCOM Class of 2008
 
Hi Greg,

Welcome to our class.
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and welcome to SDN
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I don't know about when we take the boards. I wonder about which one we will take first, COMLEX or USMLE. It seems like the COMLEX is after the USMLE but I am not sure.

Of course, we do have to get through the next 2 years before we worry about the board's schedule 😎

Again, welcome.

Amy B
 
I was wondering what school supplies we will need to stock up on? Of course we need all the computer and copy paper stuff. I kind of like to take notes by hand from time to time. Helps keep me awake for LOOOOONG classes. What size binder should I purchase, how many? Do I need loose leaf paper? any highly recommended pens? Any preferences in ink color by the professors? Any advice you can offer will help..... :scared: trying to get my last few days of good 😴 sleep before I hit the books 😛
 
Well, I guess everyone is either in the middle of moving or now chatting on the Yahoo groups. I am not really sleeping much these days, just to busy packing when I'm awake and thinking about bpacking when I am asleep..... 😱 oh the torture.
 
Paper, paper, paper.... 🙂

I used to use my computer for everything...now, I play on paper ;-)

Get more more paper!
 
drbrowneyes said:
I am not really sleeping much these days, just to busy packing when I'm awake and thinking about bpacking when I am asleep..... 😱 oh the torture.
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Don't know what is worse......Packing or unpaking.

Not fun to dream about packing unless you are dreaming about backpacking and that is fun. 🙂 Hope you get some sleep!

So HokieDO, did most people in your class print out the notes or just leave them on their laptop?
 
I just wanted to verify that we only have 3 days of orientation. I got the email yesterday and I saw it went from Wednesday to Friday. I think the class of 2007 went until Sunday. Am I reading it right, or did I skip over something?
 
I wondered about this because on the web page, on the events calendar it says that orientation goes till Saturday. Maybe we will receive more info later on.

Hope everyone that has already moved here is planning on coming to the cookout at Alice's house. If you didn't get the email for some reason, PM me and I will pass the notice on to you.
 
Any ideas on where to fly to from Los Angeles for an interview? Roanoke is something like $550 and up but I don't know where else I can fly into. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
OnMyWayThere said:
Any ideas on where to fly to from Los Angeles for an interview? Roanoke is something like $550 and up but I don't know where else I can fly into. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
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You can fly in to Greenboro, NC but it is probably a two hour drive. It would be better to just fly into to Roanoke. If you stay at the Comfort Inn in Blacksburg they will pick you up from the airport, and take you to your interview. This would save money on rental cars and a taxi. Hope this helps.
 
DO4SHOR said:
I live in California and am more than likely going to accept VCOM's offer. As a matter of fact, my husband has started hunting for employment in the Blacksburg area. The school, it's faculty and staff are awesome and Blacksburg seems like a nice place to raise kids. Plus, there's NO TRAFFIC...YEAH!!! I have another interview scheduled for next Wednesday with another osteopathic school. Since its already scheduled I'll attend, but am debating whether I will consider additional interviews in light of how I feel about VCOM. Have you interviewed elsewhere?
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Hi! I'm from Roanoke (45mins) NE of Va Tech, the gameday traffic is really bad. Try finding an apt on the opposite side of Blacksburg AWAY from
I-81/460 route.
 
Amy B said:
I was wondering if the person you know got any great news this week.

I found out early over the phone (10/10) but got my "official"letter in the mail on Monday, which happened to be my wedding anniversary.😀 All the letters were mailed out on October 17.

So Has anyone from SDN gotten their acceptance yet from VCOM and will be joining me next fall in the class of 2008?
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Amy,
I am a VA resident, and I plan on staying in VA to practice medicine. Why are they not calling me for interviews yet? I already got accepted to LECOM. and despite all the things said about VCOM I still want to know why they haven't said anything to me yet? Don't they want in state students?? grrr.
 
Hi Amy,

I can't answer your question. Sorry, but since thre are so many variables that come into play in the application process, it is hard to put your finger on what is the hold up.
How long have they had your application, when did you send in your secondary? How long did you live in Va? Do you have good stats, clinical experience, shadowing of a DO, etc......?

My suggestion..... call Megan Price and ask her about the status of your application.

Good luck. Keep postive 👍
 
Can anyone tell me if VCOM has any hospital affiliations in the Northern VA area? I'm a 2nd year at AZCOM trying to set up my rotations in NOVA since I'm from there.

Thanks!

fozzy40
 
I just heard from a few other students that the MS2 students were allowed to copy past exams & that some of these exams were given to some MS 1 students. And that many exam questions were recycled.

Not sure if this is true or not but if it is, doesn't that mess up the class avg if other students are in a way cheating?

Just keeping my ears open.
 
I haven't heard of this going on. That would be against the Honor code. No one is allowed to copy exams. We are not allowed to leave the lecture halls with any exams.

If you are a VCOM student, you should talk to your class officers if you believe this has happened and they can talk to the administration if there is a problem.
 
AmyB or any VCOM student...

I heard that Dr. DeFeo is leaving...is that true? Is he going back to the Northeast? Where is he going?
 
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