Western / COMP 2007

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Does anybody have any info regarding the white coat ceremony (if there is one)? When is it? Is it worth inviting friends and family? What is it like?
 
Thanks for the info Tae, let me know if you find any good ratings apts around the area.

Does anyone know when exactly school starts? As far as I know it was Aug 11th or 12th, can someone verify this info, thanks
 
White coat ceremony is held at Claremont College last year, and I think it'll be the same this year. They'll be sending you a packet with all the info. I thought it was very nice- sort of like an initiation into medical school. And everyone looked so sharp with our coats on.

My family came, and I think it was nice for them too. Took tons of pictures to show the folks at home. I mean, it's no biggie, but it's cool. Meet your classmates and their families 🙂

So definitely go. And bring someone with you. Also, check out our class' website for some pictures from white coat -- http://do2006.net
 
The white coat ceremony is on Aug 9th.
 
August 9th? I forget when it was last year. I might want to go check it out for fun.. it's always cool meeting first years. =) I went to my own white coat (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and I helped usher for the 2006 class' white coat ceremony... it was a fun time, especially with the bbq lunch outdoors afterwards back at the University.

Btw, if anyone interviewed today (Friday, Mar. 28) I was one of the tour guides. They decided to extend interviews a few more dates (i'm not sure if this was the last or are there one or two more groups) I believe because they had some good applicants they didn't want to exclude. Good luck!
 
Like your avatar melancholy....
coolness
 
Thanks.. I actually found the COMP logo on Tae's DO 2007 Yahoo forum in the files section. Go Tae!
 
RE: White Coat Ceremony

I thought the white coat ceremony was kinda lame...sort of a waste of time.....this was a couple years ago and it was a little dull...they had some backdrop or something and it looked like it was designed/created by a bunch of kindergarden children or something.......I did meet a couple people there which was okay...but I could have just met them at school. I would've rather gone to the beach! 😎

I wouldn't invite friends or anything, maybe just mom and dad or something...but some classmates had their entire family I think. They must have shipped them in via a bus. I invited my mom and dad and I think they enjoyed it...but that is because I hate fuddy-duddy crap like that....and since I didn't go to my high-school or college graduation I figured I would let them enjoy the moment.

I am not big into stuff like that and I really don't want to go to med school graduation...but I feel like I owe it to my parents. I just don't think its a big deal.....So I guess its really a matter of your personal preference who you want to have there...I think the school says it is mandatory...but I don't know how true that is....probably scares us all into going or something...
 
Tae- You'll have to show me how to do the animated gif thing some day. For now, I will stick with the good ol' COMP. Not the old colors though.. I'll show those to you one of these days.

Re: ceremonies- White coat ceremony and the bbq are usually on a warm day so going to the beach wouldn't have been a bad thing. I do think many parents get a kick out of all the events though. Also, at the end of the ceremony while reading the osteopathic oath, it is sort of a nice feeling to shake everyone's hands. Personally, I think it's worth soaking in all that positive energy while you can... because you'll be busy soon afterwards!

I wouldn't miss med school graduation... I've put my family through enough stress that when graduation FINALLY comes around for me (and I have just put that back another year.. jeez!), I'd better have my butt in that seat waiting to walk up to stage.
 
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I attended COMP's med school graduation ceremony, and I was extremely disappointed at the way it was organized. I heard the same comment from various other attendees.

Because WesternU held a graduation ceremony for its DO, PA, PT, Nurse, PharmD graduates at the same place (such as Anaheim Convention) and at the same time, guests would have to either sit there for a long time to see its DO graduates, or go in and out of the convention which causes disruption for other attendees. I felt like attending a HIGH SCHOOL graduation.

Why can't COMP has a separate ceremony for its DO graduates???? I do not want to hear speakers for the other programs. I suppose WesternU rent the Anaheim Convention for the whole day. It can have the DO ceremony in the morning, PharmD in the afternoon, or others in the evening etc, etc.

COMP graduates should be rewarded with much better recognition than something comparable to a high school ceremony. After all, they work their butts off for four long years, and pay through their noses for their education. I know that having separate ceremony for each program would require Pumerantz to spend a WHOLE day there, instead of just a FEW hours, I hope he feel that he owes that to his graduates? It's only ONE day out of a year, and he is paid a seven digit number salary for it.
 
Originally posted by melancholy
Tae- You'll have to show me how to do the animated gif thing some day. For now, I will stick with the good ol' COMP. Not the old colors though.. I'll show those to you one of these days.

I did darken up the green for COMP gif - might work out better.

MY wife figured out how to animate them, then showed it to me. I'd be happy to muddle it through for you. "See one, do one, teach one." 😉

- Tae
 
I think a number of us have joined the yahoo group, that's why there are not as many msgs
 
Opps.. i completely forgot about it. I'm part of it too hehe..
 
Originally posted by kpax18
I think a number of us have joined the yahoo group, that's why there are not as many msgs

Yeah, but I still come here to read the other messages ... :laugh:

- Tae
 
that makes 2 of us....
man, i got no life.....😛
 
Hey you guys,

The pictures for the talent show are up in our site. Check it out. Click Here!!

Melancholy and I are in some of the pictures. See if you can pick us out 🙂
 
Hi Class 2007,

Just wanted to post a quick post re: the summer anatomy classes offered at Western before you start your 1st year of med school.

By now you guys are probably furiously trying to fill out all the bs paperwork from the school, but you should have gotten information re: the SAPP (Summer Anatomy Prep Program) or ISAC (Intensive Summer Anatomy Course). I just wanted to put my plug in for both because if you are worried about anatomy (as I was) and want to do well in the fall, I suggest one or the other.

SAPP is a nonstress three weeks of anatomy w/ Dr. Leo. It is a prep course for those who have never had Human Anatomy and is taught from 8-4pm M-F for 3 weeks (usually in July). I took this course 2 years ago and taught it last year. It is awesome. First, Dr. Leo lectures for about an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon, and the rest of the time you guys are in small groups taught by MSIs soon to be MSIIs. It's a great way to meet your future classmates, and you learn some GREAT headsup re: different professors, what books to buy, how to study, great pneumonics, and of course you get a good preview of the different organ systems in anatomy. It is a pass or fail course, Dr. Leo is probably the BEST PROFESSOR at Western, and this will probably be the only time you will get so much one on one time w/ him. I think the cost is $300 but SO WORTH IT! I don't think I would have gotten an A in anatomy if it wasn't for SAPP.

If you have had anatomy and would like the opportunity to teach anatomy as a TA in the fall and test out of anatomy, there is ISAC. This course is basically the entire anatomy course taught in 6 wks (June-July) and is for a grade. There is no cost and if you score higher than a B at the end of 6 wks, you become a TA for the fall and don't have to take anatomy in the fall with your classmates. It is very intense and probably a good look into what the next 2 years will be like. If you don't get a B I think you test out of the "exam" portions of anatomy but only have to take the anatomy practicals. If you don't pass the class, no problem cuz you just take anatomy with your peers in the fall, which should probably be easier the second time around.

Either way, the anatomy at Western is probably the best part of the curriculum and if you are worried about doing well, I suggest one of the two. I am sure Melancholy can add a little more re: ISAC since he took it and if you have questions re: SAPP I can answer those.

Well good luck to you all and for those who aren't planning to do either, enjoy your second to last summer of your lives!

FYI-Anyone needing to find a place in mid June for ISAC can email me as I am looking for someone to sublet my place for 2 mos and then the place is yours. It is a Portofino Apt in Chino Hills (8 min to school) and new (includes Fridge, W/D, A/C, gated, clean) amnenities ($950/mo). :clap:
 
Thank you docmartin for your info on SAPP.
I sent out the $300 like 2months ago,, I think.
I recieved the letter saying they've got my check.
but after that I didn't recieve any info on the course.
I didn't know it was M-F 8-4 full day course.
Well, I'll think that as a practice for the med school..

By the way,, do I have to finish with the physical examination
to start the sapp course??

Thanks,,
 
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Sarang,

Best to get EVERYTHING done before you get here. Get your paperwork in now. And make copies of everything. There were a couple of my documents that were "never received" so when I found out stuff was missing, I had copies handy.

But to answer your question, yes you should have everything done before you set foot on campus.

Although SAPP is 8 hours, SO WORTH IT! You are rarely there past 4pm, usually like 3pm but it is so kickback and fun :clap:
 
Hi everyone,

If anyone is familiar with Claremont, I would definitely appreciate your opinion on the different apt complexes COMP has listed for that city. I'd like to know which apts are in the best part of town. Would greatly appreciate opinions on Claremont apts, such as Brighton Park, Spring Hill, Plum Tree, Cambridge, Bonita Terrace, and Claremont Pacifica.

Thanks! And, I'll post this in the COMP 2006 thread as well.
 
HI y'all!

Has anyone gotten Financial Aid info yet? I filled out the FAFSA in Feb. but haven't heard anything from the Financial Aid Office. I called them this am and left a msg, but no one has called me back!

Also, where can I get info about clinical rotations for 3rd/4th year? I'd like to get a place relatively close to campus and rotation sites so that I don't have to uproot and move my family again.

Thanks for any info!!!
 
I spoke with the admissions director this morning who told me to call the fin aid office but that she knew they were working on it and award letters should be going out soon.

I also completed my fafsa in feb and heard nothing.


Anyone have thoughts on ISAC or the other Anatomy course? Has it already been addressed on this post?

I'm at work and limitted in my search time.

Back to work
 
HEY - very shortly after my l.ast post I discovered all the previous dialogue about ISAC - felt quite dumb.

Thanks though
 
No problem.. I'll post more ISAC stuff if you want. There maybe some info on the Yahoo DO2007 message group too.
 
hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone knew the date COMP starts (or orientation if we have one). Basically, I want to know when I should quit my current job and still have a nice 2 week to month break for chill time...

thanks guys

aaron
 
I'm not sure and would like to know myself.

I think orientation begins on Aug 7. White Coat Ceremony on the 9th. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
OKAY YOU GUYS/GALS...LISTEN UP!!!!

Here's some advice for you incoming first years that I wish I had been told.

Want to ACE the Boards?...then do this!

First semester, while you are learning all the basic sciences...follow along and study FIRST AID for the USMLE Step 1

Once you start in with the systems, get STEP UP for USMLE, it is a system based review of stuff you need to know for the boards. Also, another good book to study while you are going through the systems is Pathophysiology for the Boards and Wards.

There you go....that is some good free advice....I strongly suggest you take it.

Any questions, let me know.

Vince
 
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Do any of u have a list of the most recent residency spots of graduating DOs?

thanx
 
I am getting a little worried about my financial aid package, as I am still waiting for it. I will call the financial aid office tomorrow.

Anyone has received the award package? Thanks.
 
Originally posted by Flintstone
I am getting a little worried about my financial aid package, as I am still waiting for it. I will call the financial aid office tomorrow.

Anyone has received the award package? Thanks.

This was a topic of discussion on the mailing list. The short answer that everyone who called COMP got was that they should be going out sometime in May. I guess they are a little crazy with commencement at the moment ...

- Tae
 
Originally posted by GoForIt
Why can't COMP has a separate ceremony for its DO graduates????

COMP is separate this year. Now held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

14 days until MSIV
 
Hi,

I just wanted to bump this thread. I have recently been accepted to Western/COMP and can't wait till classes start! If there are any lurkers out there that have not signed up to the yahoo forum, I recommend you do it. It has been very helpful to me!!!

Have a great summer everyone and I'll see you in August!

Cory


P.S. - Anyone else from the Virginia/Maryland/DC area going to comp???
 
Bumping this thread up.. you can find the link to the message group above.
 
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COMP 2007...anyone want to talk about our class??
 
it sucked from the 1st min all the way til the last. at least we got a goood laugh from a funny question during the lab portion 😛
 
so what's everyone been up to this summer?
 
I am starting COMP this August, and I would like to know which textbooks are worth buying for COMP MS1 classes. I heard that some of the textbooks were worthless and too time consuming for some of the courses, and that studying the syllabus/notes/old tests/board review books were the way to go. Please comment.
 
kpax18 said:
so what's everyone been up to this summer?
I'm going to enjoy unemployment till school starts....I'm gonna be in the COMP Class 2008.
 
Hey chilipina.. I don't recognize your sn. Have I ever met you?

At any rate, you guys will get a more updated version of that clinical education manual when you are nearing the end of your second year. In the meantime, maybe your link is a bit old since that is the 2003-4 version. Here is a more updated link I think for the 2004-5 version:

http://wsprod.westernu.edu/webrot/pdf/clinicaleducation.pdf

I had the impression that the shelf exams that have been implemented so far would be in place for the class of 2006 already, at least for certain specialities or certain rotation sites (i.e. Arrowhead, Riverside County, etc.) but I could be wrong since I don't know the specifics. At any rate, many other schools have shelf exams and if they are properly designed, they should help out with giving students an idea of what they should take away from a rotation (even if by self-study) to help prepare for the boards.
 
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