What about Northwestern?

[KalebMD]

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Hey, just figured I would bump this thread up so the people who just found out about their acceptances would have a place to chat. I was accepted in November and have withdrawn at every other school. Pumped to be moving to Chicago next fall.

 

[youngin]

Found this thread again, still a lot of good information here for those looking at NU.

 

[UCLAMAN]

hey can someone comment on the Northwestern curriculum in terms of the 3rd & 4th years?

i am impressed w/the M1 & M2 curriculum, but i am wondering about the clinical exposure. is med student involvement limited because you are working in mostly private hospitals?

thanks! 🙂

this is prolly a late response...but hey...i cant sleep yet and i havent posted up in this piece for awhile.

i am a 2nd year and i just scheduled my 3rd year rotations...

basically NU is affiliated with 4 main hospitals... Northwestern Memorial, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, St Joe's, and the Westside VA.

I scheduled the first 6 weeks of my medicine rotation at the westside VA...so if u want a public hospital kind of atmosphere u can get it.

Furthermore, despite the fact that the other hospitals are "private" its not like they dont let you do anything. As second years we have a physical diagnosis class where we basically have to get histories and perform complete physical exams on patients once a week. This year I have rotated at both NMH and St Joe's and can tell you that most patients will let you do whatever physical exams you want to perform and get histories without a hitch. I also have friends who have sutured in the NMH ER as first years...I know people who have shadowed surgeons at NMH who have let them have a hand at suturing in the OR as first years. If they let first years (who know jacksquat about anything) do basic stuff like that...u can bet that as long as u gain the trust of your resident during the 3rd and 4th years they will let you do things regardless if whether you are at NMH or at the VA.

Dont buy into the myth that because it is a "private" hospital that you dont do anything. You definitely will not get scut out at any of the Northwestern hospitals. Also keep in mind that we still have a VA connected to us where as a med student you are basically the resident.

 

[Dorise04]

What does it takes to get into NU? GPA, MCAT, research, etc


Thanks for any info

 

[youngin]

Do NU medical students have many opportunities to work with low income patients because that was one thing that people said University of Chicago was much better than NU.

 

[DrRads101]

Do NU medical students have many opportunities to work with low income patients because that was one thing that people said University of Chicago was much better than NU.

Well, the VA hospitals are part of the system you can work in. It doesn't get much "lower income" than disabled veterans. And there are many low income hospitals around Chicago that you can be a part of with Patient Perspectives, such as the Ashland Clinic (primarily Spanish speaking), etc.

 

[DrRads101]

Did anyone on this board attend 2nd Look Weekend?

 

[UCLAMAN]

Do NU medical students have many opportunities to work with low income patients because that was one thing that people said University of Chicago was much better than NU.

don't believe the hype...in an age when the majority of hospitals are in the red, EVERY hospital is trying to find ways to boost profits. Consequently many univeristy/academic hospitals flex/advertise the fact that they are academia (and therefore provide the best healthcare) in an attempt to attract as many paying patients as possible.

University of Chicago may be in a ghetto area but I'd argue that their patient population isnt worlds of difference between Northwestern. Both Northwestern and Univ of Chicago take medicare/medicaid patients. yet, both hospitals advertise that they are the best academic center in chicago. Why? Because they can use that to boost profits. University of Chicago is just as guilty of this as any other academic hospital. Want proof? Walk through Water tower place in mich ave...what ads do you see? thats right...University of Chicago Healthcare...open up "Chicago" magazine(a ritzy chicago-lifestyle magazine) and what ads do you see?...University of Chicago Healthcare...Why is university of chicago wasting space advertising in water tower and ritzy magazines if they were so concerned about the underprivilieged blah blah blah...answer?...they are not....they want paying patients.

So dont believe that just because UofC is on the southside that they have a significantly greater underprivileged population that they are looking to serve...There may be a difference because of their location but I'd argue that it is not as large a difference as they are probably advertising to you. UofC is fighting tooth and nail for EVERY paying patient in the greater chicagoland area.

Now if University of Chicago were a county funded hospital (ala cook county/rush)...well...thats a different story...But UofC is not Cook County. Cook County is affiliated with Rush. If you want a lot of underprivileged patients then you need to deal with a goverment funded hospital or VA.

And keep in mind...Northwestern has a VA.

if they mean by "better opportunity" that they are closer to free clinics and such...hey...Northwestern Students work at many free clinics as well. Just because we are on the northside does not mean that our students cannot leave the northside and deal with poor clinics on the south and westsides.

 

[KalebMD]

Hey, I attended Second Look Weekend, and wanted to thank all the M1s for how cool everyone was, and tell you guys that I loved the school and cant wait for next year. Heck, I think I even found an apt building. Great to see this thread alive again. Sadly, I didnt get to meet anyone from on here over the weekend

 

[DrRads101]

How was 2nd Look Kaleb? What was the general sense you got from your fellow prospects? Were they impressed and can't wait to start? So-so? Never want to go back? What? 🙂

It's too bad it was so unseasonably cold. You guys got here right after it was 80 degrees and now that you left, it's 65 and sunny out right now. 😀 At the very least, you got to check out our new lecture hall facilities which just opened...

 

[KalebMD]

Hey ctwickman, 2nd look weekend was great. The prospects I met were all really cool, and most of them were weighing between two schools but said they were leaning towards NU. So, I hope that most of them decide to come. Being from Michigan the weather didnt surprise me in the least, the only thing was that I forgot a coat. Oh well, I am a tough midwestern guy, haha. The new facilities look amazing. Just wish I could have gotten my hands on one of the Chocolate Lurie buildings they gave out at the ceremony. How many days until August?

 

[youngin]

Good response UCLA, thanks.

 

[beep]

does anyone know for sure when northwestern's orientation starts?

 

[evendry707]

I GOT IN OFF THE WAITLIST!!! I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED! i was also interested in the mph program. any opinions? CT and current NU peeps, do you guys know of people in the dual program that are going crazy over the work? any input would be great!

IM GONNA BE A DOCTOR BABY!!!!!

 

[UCLAMAN]

.....and because i hate studying for step 1 i just want to add...

I am scheduled to do the first 6 weeks of my medicine rotation at the va westside. where is the va westside? it is across the parking lot from cook county and across the parking lot from juvey detention center. (i think i will go kick it with carter and then go pimp nurse/medical student/doctor abby[or whatever the hell she is on the show these days] during my lunch breaks) i am also trying to switch schedules with someone so i can get my neuro rotation at the va as well. nothing better than dealing with the neuro problems of disabled vets on the westside of chicago.

point is...if you want unusual/severely neglected health problems/underprivileged cases where you will get to call more shots and do more procedures than you would be able to do at a regular university medical center, northwestern has got you covered in that department as well folks. we have more to offer than just the bling bling of mich ave.

btw...congrats to evendry707

 

[evendry707]

now that i want to soak up everything northwestern related, i actually read all 10 pages of posts here. man, last year, it seemed like there were hella people constantly posting their excitement and concerns. where's everybody?! =)

thanks UCLAMAN and CT for your kind words. im HELLA excited! so when do i start getting more info? or a big packet full of stuff and official papers?! i almost feel like i need a nice big envelope to validate all my excitement - what if im just dreaming it all up?!

where's everybody living next year? where are you guys coming from? how are you moving all your stuff?! (it's DAMN expensive to move from SF to Chi-town) anybody going to U2 in september?! how long was your longest hangover??!

 

[KalebMD]

Hey Everybody,

Good question evendry, I was wondering where everybody was too. I just went to Chicago with a friend of mine and signed a lease at Lake Shore Plaza. I tried a couple of other places, calling them, but they never called me back. Also, it was a little cheaper for more room. I went with the convertible. Uh does anyone know when classes start.

 

[UCLAMAN]

Hey Everybody,

Good question evendry, I was wondering where everybody was too. I just went to Chicago with a friend of mine and signed a lease at Lake Shore Plaza. I tried a couple of other places, calling them, but they never called me back. Also, it was a little cheaper for more room. I went with the convertible. Uh does anyone know when classes start.

oohh damn...did u use a referral?...my shameless plug...if anyone visits lake shore plaza and uses me as their referral and signs lease i will split the 500 dollar referral bonus with them. 250 for u and 250 for me. 😀

and for anyone else looking for housing...before u sign lease try to find a refferrer and see if they will split the referral bonus with you. i know people in all of the buildings so if u want a few hundred and need a referral i can probably hook up up with someone from whatever building u are interested in. just PM me.

 

[evendry707]

last year, orientation was the 23rd-27th, and the first day of class was the 30th. i'd imagine that it'd be pretty much the same this year - orientation from the 22nd to the 26th, first day of class the 29th.

i just sent in my acceptance form and im working on all my financial aid now. so when do we get more info? I WANT A BIG PACKET!!!!

when is everybody moving to chicago and getting settled? im getting married the end of july, honeymooning for 2 weeks, and then 10 days later, it'll be orientation. should i go to chicago and get settled first? wut is everybody doing?

 

[derzornhistolog]

Hey, I attended Second Look Weekend, and wanted to thank all the M1s for how cool everyone was, and tell you guys that I loved the school and cant wait for next year. Heck, I think I even found an apt building. Great to see this thread alive again. Sadly, I didnt get to meet anyone from on here over the weekend

Kaleb, was it you who came along to Bucca di beppo on the Saturday night dinner run with Mark Yaffe et al?

_____
SPQR

 

[KalebMD]

Yeah, derzorhistolog I came along with Mark et. al. to Buca di Beppo for the dinner. Who were you? To think I met someone from SDN and didnt know it. Evendry707, I am moving in on the first of august, if I were you I might move in and get settled, but thats just me. And, last, UCLAMAN, I didnt know anyone who lived in the building or I would have used a referral. Is it too late to call?

 

[UCLAMAN]

Yeah, derzorhistolog I came along with Mark et. al. to Buca di Beppo for the dinner. Who were you? To think I met someone from SDN and didnt know it. Evendry707, I am moving in on the first of august, if I were you I might move in and get settled, but thats just me. And, last, UCLAMAN, I didnt know anyone who lived in the building or I would have used a referral. Is it too late to call?

ya...too late. you hafta give them the referral person's name when you first meet up with/call the office to negotiate a deal. (I'm assuming you have already signed contract since you are moving in on aug 1.)

all good though. 🙂

 

[CC128]

hey guys,

i'm on my way to northwestern as well, although i'm deferring for a year so i won't be starting until next fall. i was looking at housing just to see what was out there, and i was wondering if any current students know anything about worcester house. it's cheaper since it's subsidized and it's really close to the school, but do many med students live there, and is it more isolated than mcclurg, onterie, etc. since it's on the other side of campus? i heard there's a year long wait list, so i was thinking if i put my name down now i might be able to live there when i come next year....any thoughts are appreciated! thanks!

see you guys in a year! 🙂

 

[04DukeBio]

Hey.

M1, soon-to-be M2 after my Epidemiology thing Friday...

Quick thing about MPH. If you want to do it, don't let a workload stop you. I'm not in the program, but I do know a few people who are. Yeah, sure, there will be times that you'll say 'dang it, why the heck am I doing this?' Sometimes projects and reading for MPH seem to pop up at really bad times. But our class is really supportive, and we all seem to be truckin' along fine. I'd say, if you have an interest in MPH go ahead and enroll, and if it really is too much, you can work on what to do then.

And congrats y'all! Any Dukies coming up to this icebox?

04DukeBio, back from the SDN Dead

 

[evendry707]

so, so, so much valuable info here. it's a pain to search for this thread.

to all the M1's - congratulations on finishing your first year! so how was it? i saw a thread started by a sinai student who thought it was a piece of cake! how was your first year and what advice could you give us lowly incomers on what to expect and how to best get through it?

 

[04DukeBio]

How to survive...

I guess my advice is to keep it in perspective. Know that it's going to get crazy sometimes, but that you need to stay human, take some time out for yourself. My response to stress is to paint or bake... or just take a walk. We're more than just vessels for memorization. Knowing the material is important, yeah, but don't let it become your life.

Also, at least with NU and my class, if you're having trouble, don't feel concerned or worried about seeking out help. The class of 08 at NU is a cohesive bunch and we care about each other a lot. The faculty here is supportive, and I feel that everyone in my class wants everyone else to succeed. Having rough spots is not representative of your ability or your competence as a person. No one will look down on you or think less of you if you're having difficulty.

Oh, yeah. Before you start studying, plan your time well. Time management is very helpful, particularly with a procrastinator such as myself :>

And, hmm... other advice... heh heh, eat well... exercise some... and take time out to explore Chicago.

04DukeBio

 

[04DukeBio]

Oh - apologies for the double post.

But if you've been accepted and are coming down/up/left/right to Chicago this summer, come to Breakaway! It's a lot of fun, and worth the lodging cost. A whole mess of us former M1s will be there and it's a great intro to the year. Plus, it's Wisconsin! Excit... oh, wait. Well, it's pleasant. (I suppose I should explain - Breakaway is a combined M2/M1 retreat that happens the weekend of Orientation Weekend for new NUers...)

Shameless plugging, too, but if anyone's interested in joining an improv troupe or doing stuff for In Vivo, our variety show in the spring, when you get here ask around for M2 Steve. We're looking for skit ideas/scripts, stage managers/hands, business managers, actors, and four assistant producers to carry on the tradition.

::back to lab work::

 

[jshcan]

so, so, so much valuable info here. it's a pain to search for this thread.

to all the M1's - congratulations on finishing your first year! so how was it? i saw a thread started by a sinai student who thought it was a piece of cake! how was your first year and what advice could you give us lowly incomers on what to expect and how to best get through it?

i think, in retrospect, that first year wasn't really too bad. i managed to waste hours and hours of time not studying when i was supposed to, and still passed. i had plenty of time to go out and party, watch tons of sports (march madness!) and movies and the works. i think the key for me was using my time right after class in the afternoons to stay on top of school and do some studying. a lot of people sort of go home and take naps and all that (which i've done too) but if you can get out of class, eat lunch and then go study for a few hours a day, you'll be perfectly fine. (of course, right before exams the studying will increase a lot). i don't want to say that it will be a piece of cake, but i really think that staying on top of things is crucial right from the very beginning....good luck! and ditto to everything 04dukebio says...

 

[04DukeBio]

Hey y'all,

Just checking in and bumping this thread to see if we can catch any early students from the Class of 2009 who are moving/have moved to Chicago already.

There are a bunch of us '08ers in the area, so hopefully this'll be a good way to get in touch with the fresh mea... er, M1s.