Western/Comp class of 2005

[TNT]

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The COMP health plan is one of the WORST health plans I have ever seen.

Plan A: It's cheaper, so you get less. Basically, everytime you visit the doc, you pay the first $150, then anything over that, you pay 20% of. No vision, dental, or medication coverage.

Plan B: cost more. you pay the initial $150 for the whole year, and any visit cost or procedures you have, you will pay 20%. I think this is the better plan, and i'm going with this. There still is no vision, dental, or medication, but if you tend to go the doctor a lot, this will save more in the long run.

Also, for both plans, there is a 25K cap. once you hit 25K, you cough up the rest.

My advice...Don't get sick, especially if you're on the COMP plan.

 

[innerpower]

Does anyone know the greatest number of posts on a single thread in SDN forum?

Just curious 'cause we're rapidly approaching "1,000".

 

[melancholy]

Hi fellow COMP'ers,
I am wasting the last few minutes of my study time at the HP building before it closes to write to you! 🙂 Gemini is sitting right across the table from me.. but she is diligent and studying hard!

I went with the bare minimums for the COMP health insurance. It's true that the plans aren't too good, but I seem to never get seriously ill at all.. and luckily, for some reason I am still covered under my family's insurance plan for one more year. If you are going to use one of COMP's plan, I suggest to go for the optional major health insurance even though it is an extra $200 or so. I think it covers up to $200,000 or $250,000 or something in a major medical injury.. not sure though. I have no real experience with these plans.

Yosh- I posted a few days back when the library was supposed to open. I'm too lazy to go back and check though.. I don't think it will open until late July or early August because they still have to setup everything before all the students get there. I hope you're getting plenty of sun over there.. because you'll be spending all your time indoors studying here! 😛

You actually ordered those shorts? Hmmm.. the standard issue I guess. That organization is probably run by someone affiliated to COMP.. although the name sounds like it covers a broader range of customers.


Smiles- The weather is hot hot hot.. consistently mid-high 80's.. maybe down to 60-70's at night. It is dry heat for the most part. I haven't been here during the winter so I can't say how it is.. but I imagine it is extremer temps. than closer to the water.. so it probably gets down to 40's or so in the coldest winter time. Don't quote me on that though.. just bring all the sunny weather clothes you can for the first semester!

Ok well, they are closing up so I'd better get going.

 

[lemon]

hi all,
😀 smiles, I can't be under my parents' insurance because I'm "past" that age of being their dependent 🙁

yosh, try the website again, WWW.3DQUOTE.COM - I just tried it and it worked fine .

Lemon

 

[Yosh]

Lemon,
I got the web page now...the coverage looks really YUCHY! The deductible, co-pays and this 80%/20% deal isn't working for me...I dunno

When I was in college, we could always go to the infirmary for any medical problems, such as simple prescriptions, (Kelfex, bioxin..etc) Apparently it is not the same at COMP?

When I was in school at Miami...I used the school's insurance...and it worked fine(then again..I never went to the doctor)...but being in L.A. with no dental or prescription coverage??? YIKES!!!!!

There HAS to be a better way.....

We can't see anyone at school???

 

[prolixless]

I remember the lady at the COMP orientation warning us to NOT get on the COMP health plan. She was saying it is like the worst one ever. Apparently it's super expensive and you hardly get any benefits.

 

[prolixless]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you speak spanish? LA (specifically Pomona) has a large latino population and I think if I knew spanish I could be an even better doc..

 

[Yosh]

Lemon
I really don't know what to do about this health insurance issue...it seems crazy as medical studnets, that we have crappy coverage ourselves...seem like a really bad and ironic situation....

This is really bothering me....and I don't know what to do about it....

Proxiless
About the spanish curriculum....I think that learning Spanish terminology would be incredibly helpful...and open many doors to non-English speaking patients...I rmemeber hearing that TCOM offers it...but no other D.O. school...

Maybe we can look into that when we get to school...I would definately be interested..Great IDEA!!!

 

[smiles]

I took Spanish in junior/high school for five years, but I don't remember much. I think speaking spanish is a very valuable tool in medicine. So, Western doesn't offer Spanish classes? I don't know if I remember correctly or not, but do we have a choice of any electives that we can take at Western???

 

[Yosh]

Smiles
I think that would great..I too took Spanish for many years and would like to "re-fresh" my Spanish...
Like I said..we should look into this...I would be VERY Interetsed!!!

My Spanish is RUSTY at BEST!!!!

 

[slehrner]

HOpe everyone's day is going well.

I skipped work today so no compliants from me.

About the Spanish--People say that you learn a language better in a country where the lang is spoken. I'm thinking about going to Costa Rica next summer to learn spanish. It is a safe, beautiful country and they speak spanish a little slower than other spanish speaking countries.

 

[peiyueng]

Smiles,
There is a "Medical Spanish" class that you can take during the first two years of WesternU. It is a short class, but it will give you the basics. You need to practice on your own to get improvement.

Pei
WesternU/COMP MSIV

 

[peiyueng]

Smiles,
There is a "Medical Spanish" class that you can take during the first two years of WesternU. It is a short class, but it will give you the basics. You need to practice on your own to get improvement.

Pei
WesternU/COMP MSIV

 

[Yosh]

That medical Spanish class looks good..at least they have something...Is it an elective? Does everyone get to take it??

I am interested!!!!

 

[melancholy]

I think that medical Spanish class is taught on and off in terms of the professor/teacher who was running it in the past (I briefly remember this being discussed during Dean Lenz's lecture to the ISAC'ers). It's an elective though.. and probably a popular one for many reasons. San Bernadino County, which is nearby, has one of the highest percentages of Hispanics in California and probably in the U.S.... so Spanish speaking seems to be a huge plus to practicing in this area and plenty of other areas in the U.S.

 

[Yosh]

Lanny
Do you know if or when it is being offered? I am really interested in this Spanish class...

SAPP Coloring
As a side note....I finally started with my colored pencils..and it is becoming painfully apparent that 12 pencils are not enough...so I am gonna need to get more..

It has taken me 40 minutes to color pages 1 & 2 and part of 13...As time goes on...I assuming that coloring will be less "artistic" based, and more just trying to get it done....

Ah...once again..reality rears its UGLY head...Dilillusion 101...

Anyone else coloring along with me?

Let's commiserate eh?

 

[adismo]

Learn Ghetto, its more useful in SoCal.

 

[Yosh]

Hmmm.....Is there a course offered in that as well???

 

[melancholy]

Yosh- I will try and see if I can grab some information on the Spanish class, but if you have your course catalog, you could take a look at the course listing for medical Spanish.. it should be in the electives section somewhere.

As for the coloring, wow.. I didn't know you needed that many colors. Try to find a way to organize groups so you can color them all one color and not have to switch a billion times.

Adismo- Spanish people don't speak ghetto! Spanish is what will be valuable around here. You think you're living in Compton or something? 😛

About to go sleep now at 3:30am.. full day of studying coming up tomorrow.. thank God we get tomorrow off to prepare for Friday's exam. Still haven't really touched embryology or this whole section on joints that was convered in a single 1.5 hr lecture. :/

 

[pyoj]

no wonder there not a soul in the computer lab or in any other room in this building!!!

it's really really hot right now, i dunno what's worse, a dew point of 75 degrees in the middle of a humid new york summer or 99 degrees at 10 am in pomona.

so how about that car chase yesterday, i hope none of you were on the I-10 during rush hour. it's a good thing i decided not to go into LA last night...

stay cool.
~j

 

[GDubDO]

Hey just out of curiousity, are any of you COMPers racquetball players? I'm lookin for people who would be interested in getting some games going on a regular basis (exams,etc. permitting of course).
I'm assuming LA Fitness has courts...

Greg
COMP '05

 

[SaintM]

Hi.

I have finally made a decision to attend COMP instead of CCOM in August...It's a little late for this but.....ummmmm....does anybody still need a roommate? If so, please hit me at [email protected]. For those already in Pomona, is there any affordable single person housing? I live in Missouri so I'm terribly spoiled when it comes to rent prices.
Thanks

 

[SammyK]

I'm seriously up for that Spanish class. I checked the catalog and while it tells when most of the others are, it doesn't say anything about when it is offered. But I figure I should definitely take it, as the only thing I could ask a patient is if they want water.

Welcome to the group SaintM. 🙂

 

[TNT]

SaintM,

I think you made the right decision.

 

[slehrner]

Am I the only person out here without a catalog???? 😕 Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday....right???? 😕

 

[Yosh]

SaintM..

Just wanted to say WELCOME to the maddness...we post alot...and seem to be forming quite a cohesive group..which is GREAT!

I know there are people still out there loking for roomates....and you can also contact the school, as they have a "roomate list" as well.

Congratulations on your decision..and welcome...welcome...


Just a brief update....I saw Chicago tonight...What an AMAZING play....WOW!!!

I saw Rocky Horror two weeks ago..and planning on seeing 3 or 4 more plays before I leave...seeing how the Theatre district in L.A. is practically non-existant...and who'll have time.... ???

I'll be in touch...and the tan...Well..its coming along...Sicilian skin tans soo nicely.....Ahhh.....

 

[smiles]

Hi SaintM, welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About the affordable housing... What do you consider affordable? And what kind of area are you interested in living??? There is such a wide spectrum of communities around Western!

 

[innerpower]

gwarner
I'll dust my racket. When should our first game be? 😀

SaintM
Now you're stuck w/ all of us. 😀

 

[Yosh]

SaintM,
As far as housing goes....depending on where you live, the prices can vary greatly. Low end would be about $300/400 to rent a room in someone's house, up to $1,000 to have a relly nice one bedroom.

Having a roomate would significantly cut your cost, and make things much more affordable..and open more doors of opportunity, as far as housing goes...

Try www.rent.net or www.aptsforrent.com they have good stuff usually....


Hope this helps...finding an apt is a pain in the hiney....I KNOW!!!!!

 

[GDubDO]

Innerpower,
Very cool! Can't wait to play. We'll have to see if either the YMCA or LA Fitness has courts...maybe we can squeeze in a few games during orientation week?? Let me know.

Greg
[email protected]

 

[Vince]

gwarner - I play raquetball...a few times a month...let me know if you want to play sometime.

 

[Yosh]

I used to play in Miami on and off...how good are you guys...? I used to just play for fun....

If you need someone..I am sure I could hit the ball around..but sadly..not competitive at all.....

Let me know....

 

[GDubDO]

Glad to see a few of you interested...I play at the intermediate level (if there is such a thing), and am all about having a good time while playin. Although I have been known to get a little competitive. 😉
Looks like we'll definitely get a few games goin!!!

 

[Yosh]

Sounds good...regular excerise will be good for me!!!!

I am looking forward to this....!!!
Any other activities?

What's up with our orientation weekend???

 

[pyoj]

oh yeah, i watched the producers a few nights ago, it was quite entertaining.

i say we get together some intramural thing going...challenge the upperclassmen to some friendly competition...i don't care what sport we play. i just want to kick ass and show that our class is not only the brains of this school but also the athletes. 😀

so there's an LA fitness in chino hills, one in la verne, anywhere else...
~j

 

[pyoj]

vince, yosh-how much are you guys paying /mo for your apartments?

 

[Yosh]

Pyoj
I got a two master bed/master bath with a ton of ammenities for $1200/month, in Chino Hills...

I am up for sports...a little out of shape..but up for friendly competition....

 

[sown]

vvv

 

[smiles]

Hi Sown! I am so glad you finally posted on here! I'd like to be the first to welcome you... 😀
So, when exactly is the party gonna be???? I'm down for sure, considering that I will probably be living there too. hehehe!
Ok then, talk to you soooooon......
And by the way, how was the ISACers' first exam today??? I wish you guys all super good luck!!!

 

[Yosh]

Sonal
Party? Well..that's one way to make friends real quick!!! Sound like a plan..it'll be good to get to know people on a less stressed level.
When I was in Pomona, I actually met Faiz and spent and afternoon talking to him about life in Calfornia...and hearing all about his "tricked-out" ride...I actually saw it...not bad...
I am sure that you will assimilate well into the group, and like I had said before...you will make a welcomed addition to our web chats!

Welcome again!!!

 

[melancholy]

Yeesh.. ok I am done with my first anatomy exam of medical school!!!! The lab practical was pretty scary in some parts, but the written exam seemed to go smoothly for the most part. So many posts to answer.. ok here goes.

Team Racquetball!- There are some racquetball courts in the YMCA although I can't really say how their condition is.. I've just passed by them. I would love to try the sport as I have played some tennis in the past and racquetball is supposed to keep the reflexes sharp.

SaintM- I think for a single bedroom apartment, you will be looking at something from $670-$1000 to give you a rough range. Renting a room in a house will run cheaper and getting a roommate would be a good alternative as well for a two bedroom. As Yosh mentioned, you can get a 2-bedroom in Chino Hills for about $1200. You can probably get a small single in the Plaza Apts. across from school for around $670 if they have any available... then you won't have to worry about driving to school at all.

Slehrner- I don't even remember where I got my Western U. catalog from. It's kinda nice to browse through and if you're bored, you can look at the curriculum for the other schools at Western as well. As for the Spanish course, I can't seem to find it in the courses for the Western U. server we have access to. I think they will offer the elective depending on the professor teaching it.. and I don't know if we will have any time to take an elective our first year anyway.. heh.

Yosh- damn.. watching musicals, tanning.. that's what I should be doing instead of inhaling formaldehyde these days.

As far as orientation "week" goes, I just know that Dean Lenz stressed that all the orientation activities were mandatory. Nuff said I guess.

Sown- Hey Sonal! Wow.. I had no idea you were Smiles' future roommate.. how cool. Nice area you'll be living in as well.. I would definitely love to pay a visit, although I will have to wait for ISAC to cool down because we have an exam the Monday after July 4th weekend. Hey Smiles.. are you moving down in early July also?

-I was chatting with Adismo the other night and he mentioned being excited to watch that Fast and Furious car-racing movie that would be coming out this Friday. It is supposedly based in Southern California in case any of you have no idea how fanatical some Californians can be about their cars.. heh. (I'm sure the movie is a bit exaggerated, but you might get the point) I should just say now that I love driving my car and I wouldn't be able to live without it.. but cars are mostly a functional thing for me.

Anyway, I have about half an hour before the exam is over.. gotta go back and collect handouts from Dr. Bales.. our next professor for the next few weeks. It sure doesn't get any easier. I also need to find pyoj because none of us have figured out what to do this evening to celebrate the passing of the exam. Tomb Raider perhaps??

Lanny

 

[Vince]

pyoj - my rent is $1285/month...2bed/2bath

 

[Yosh]

ISAC-ers
Congrats on completing your 1st exam!!! You must all be glad its over!!! Save your old exams for us Fall people eh???

Hoping everyone did well....how was it?

I am curious to know...

 

[pyoj]

i am no longer homeless!! set up a deposit and moving in in august!

with a little luck and some help from the gods, i found myself a 2bed/2bath at Plum Tree in claremont for $1060, and i'm rooming with a 2nd year. should be interesting.

my business here is done, time to work on the pleasure. 😉

~j

 

[Yosh]

Pyoj

Congrats....Thank God you found an apt....When are you coming back to da Island? We need to get our **** together...and meet up!

 

[Halcyon]

hey everyone...

nice to see all the new peeps in here too. can't believe there were so many posts within the 4 days that i didn't check. ok so i just wanted to say that i'm back home. flight from delhi to singapore...then to tokyo...then to LA...and finally back to san diego (about 22hrs in the air) 😀 time to sleep...have a months mail to check and catch up. can't wait to meet everyone early july.

prit

hope everythin is well for those doin isac

 

[innerpower]

Racketball during orientation sounds perfect!

A Big Hello to our newest member Sonal!

Party at your place sounds soooooo perfect too. 😀

 

[lemon]

Woo-hoo - Today was my last day working! Goodbye lab monkey, hello medical school!! Now we can get ready for the "big move" on July 1. Lotsa work ahead this next week...

Did you guys get that laptop lease form? I think I'm going that route because I'm too po' to buy one right now. Thank God we could have the money deducted from our student accounts.

Hey Isacers, congrats on getting through your first exam!! Stay strong!

Welcome Sonal and SaintM... I look forward to meeting you!

Lemon

 

[Yosh]

Once we all get settled in...we should exchange numbers and addresses so we can contact each other...in the Great Beyond of Western U.

I still want to know what they are replacing our "camping" weekend with...at this point...I am feeling like it is not going to be replaced with anything....

😕 😕 😕 😕

I gotta get to bead...I need hit the beach again tomm....and its 3:23am..EASTERN time(that is...)

 

[melancholy]

Well, I managed to relax a little bit since the end of my first exam today. I got to try a Vietnamese restaurant around Pomona, walk around the Village area in Claremont, and rent a video from Blockbuster too! Tomorrow might be a beach day.. guess I'd better bring the sunblock because it will be scorching. I figure I don't want to stay around here for the 90+ weather in the afternoon.. heh.

It's exciting that people will be moving in within the next two weeks. I am having a hard time figuring out who is moving in when though.. even though I shouldn't have time to hang out with everyone, I'd like to meet each of you and maybe even help move for a short while on your move-in day. (or provide some local advice at least) When is everyone moving in? We need some sort of a list.. hehe.

PV1- Good to hear you're back already. I didn't even remember when you were going to come back. Can't want to hang out with you when you're in the Plaza Apts!