WVSOM future students!

[EMTLizzy]

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I'm from Manasquan, NJ!

I'm getting really excited about leaving for school!

 

[Richie Truxillo]

HeY! I'm from Sandusky, Ohio. If anyone has ever heard of Cedar Point, the big amusement park, that's my hometown! I go to school in Bowling Green, OH though, which is an hour west of Sandusky.
Janice

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always wanted to goto Cedar Point! How far of a drive is it to there and is it easy to find good hotel accomidations. It's one of my destination points this summer as far as theme parks go! 8)

-Richie

 

[JRiCe09]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always wanted to goto Cedar Point! How far of a drive is it to there and is it easy to find good hotel accomidations. It's one of my destination points this summer as far as theme parks go! 8)

-Richie

HeY! Well, Sandusky pretty much consists of Cedar Point, hotels and resturaunts. It's pretty boring other than that, so yes they have TONS of hotels to choose from. One in the park, Hotel Breakers, is cool cause it's right there, but more expensive. You can search around and I will let you know if it is a crappy hotel or a good one! It takes about 7 hours to get from Lewisburg to Sandusky, it's kinda long, but the drive is easy. It's also right on Lake Erie, so it's fun to go out to some of the islands, like Put in Bay or Kelley's Island. But I could give you info about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you wish to know about Sandusky and Cedar Point. Hope this helps some!
Janice

 

[snorth]

Just wondering out of everyone that has been accepted and is going to WVSOM…how many are from out of state and which state?

I'm from the great state of Texas! Arlington specifically! Bluebonnets are in full bloom!

 

[Bill_Brasky]

I hail from Midland, TX, though currently finishing school at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, halfway up the panhandle

-Bill Brasky
"First Friend of Brasky: He once punched a hole in a cow just so he could see who was comin' up the road."

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Just go ahead and wait for the application to arrive. If it is late, you can bring it with you to the interview, but you have to have it completed.

Constant communication with Angie in admissions is essential to making sure everything comes together. 👍

-Richie

 

[Megalofyia]

Quick and Easy Medical Terminology - Has anyone gotten this book? Think there are difference between the 3rd and 4th editions?
What level is the book written on?

 

[Richie Truxillo]

I got it, it's ok. Well actually it's not so great but if you learn the basics of that book, you will have a much easier time in class, ESPECIALLY since you are in PBL.

Recommended for learning medical terminology. 👍
Not recommended for your average lesiure reading

 

[Megalofyia]

How basic is the terminology.. like is it geared towards someone who's had NO medical terminology? Think there is a noticible difference between editions 3 and 4?

 

[JRiCe09]

How basic is the terminology.. like is it geared towards someone who's had NO medical terminology? Think there is a noticible difference between editions 3 and 4?

Hey! Sarah told me that it will probably be your only 100% in medical school. So basically she was telling me that it's not hard. Either you know the words you or dont, but don't stress about it. She said if anything, review some anatomy before you come. So, I don't think the med. term. test will be too bad, as long as you just know what the words mean!
Janice

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Trust me, the med terminology test is an absolute joke! It's like matching. 😉

Don't get fooled into thinking the rest of the year will be easy hehe Some of these real-deal tests are quite hard, especially the PBL ones (since they are essay format) If you understand the material you'll do ok. 😉

So repeat after me....

7...0...equals D.O.

one more time friends!

7....0..equals D.O. 😉

You will remember this my friends! Meditate on this knowledge

Your amigo,
-Richie

 

[Megalofyia]

Richie what is the dress code for OMM?

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Depends on what you are doing in OP&P that day. Some days jeans and a sweater are ok. In general though, you want a T-shirt and some shorts. Something that gives your partner easy access to your skin. Can't do the sacral rocking if you are wearing jeans. Oh and I advise to not wear alot of jewelry. 😛


As for dress code at school, I wear jeans and a t-shirt almost everyday. Heck, sometimes I wear flannel for fun hehe. Only time I really dress up is everytime I put my white coat on to goto clinic. I enjoy dressing up occasionally...reminds me of my days at Corning hehe. Feel all professional and stuff.

 

[JRiCe09]

Hey Richie, or whoever! Meg & I were just wondering exactly how grading works...is it only a percentage, and a 70% is passing? I wasn't sure if say 90 % and above is "passing with honors" or something like that. What do most students get on exams and stuff? Like what are common averages for exam scores. Just wondering...thanks!
Janice

 

[MountaineerDoc]

Hey Richie, or whoever! Meg & I were just wondering exactly how grading works...is it only a percentage, and a 70% is passing? I wasn't sure if say 90 % and above is "passing with honors" or something like that. What do most students get on exams and stuff? Like what are common averages for exam scores. Just wondering...thanks!
Janice

Future Gunner

 

[Bill_Brasky]

You know what, I'm going to go right ahead and say this, I plan to be a "gunner" in medical school.

It's not because I've been a slacker in undergrad, although that certainly is true, its just that I'm pretty excited about being a doctor, and want to learn absolutely EVERYTHING.

This isn't possible, I know, but I want to try. And I'm not going to be a gunner for some inferiority complex help. I'm just really excited about medical school.

If people hate me for this, or think I'm a terrible person because of this, screw 'em I guess.

I feel better.

-Bill Brasky
"First Friend of Brasky: Brasky still believes in Santa Claus! And he wants to put him in porno films."

 

[Megalofyia]

Maybe we can start a suport group. 😉

 

[Richie Truxillo]

In response to Miss Janice: Grades are on the A,B,C 10 point scale. Anything below 70 (read: 69.5 hehe) is considered FAILING.

Now with that said, it is hard as hell to make good grades in med school. For those in SBL, it is mastering the art of cramming, figuring out which classes to skip and taking multiple choice tests. For those in PBL, it's more complicated as not only do you have to master taking essay exams (admittedly requires much more in depth knowledge of a given topic to answer their questions) but you also have to master group-style communication and learning (you are graded on your performance in group substantially also).

Anatomy is hard as hell, and it will make you scream for your mommy (I should know, I am sitting here with my laptop and my WVSOM anatomy lab manual by my side studying for my final exam on May 2nd). It's doable though but don't expect a cakewalk.


Ah, the age old "gunner" talk. Allow me drop some crusty knowledge on you all. 🙂 Basically a "gunner" is defined as someone who values grades over the efforts of others. An example of this is someone who hides reserve materials in the library from other classmates in order to put them at a disadvantage, to raise their class rank.

Conversely, someone who makes stellar grades and wants to excel, while still helping their fellow classmates through (the do no harm principle) is NOT A GUNNER.

"Gunners" will be hated intensely by everyone. If you are a stellar student who is still friendly, personable and helpful, you will still be loved. This mechanic applies not only to medical school, but just about any place you work.

With all that said, my point is I definately don't consider any of you "gunners" hehe. Being excited about learning school (like I am) is definitely not being a gunner. 😉 Hell, I was so freakin excited to get out of the working world and back into school I could skip down the street. Medicine is fun, and even when I am tired, weary and plum exhausted from studying anatomy...there is still no other place I would rather be right now. My wish is that this excitement carries all of you through both your education here at WVSOM but also into your career as a caring, compassionate and street-savvy physicians 😉


Ok I am loafing, dangit! It's midnight! I got PBL at 8am 🙁 So much for sleep hehe

-Richie

 

[Bill_Brasky]

Oh, ok. I definitely picked up the wrong definition of the term gunner somewhere. This makes me feel much better. Richie, you rock.

My slogan for medical school is: Embracing my inner nerd.

I was not cool at all in high school, moderately cool in college. I think being a nerd is a better choice. I did a vast amount of stupid stuff in college, for instance making my liver angry and related jijinx. It wasn't a planned transformation, it just sorta happened. Bill Hicks had it right: Anybody can grow up to become a bum, all you need is the right job, woman, and friends, and you're well on your way.

But now I'm looking forward to being a nerd again. Medicine is too cool not to be a nerd about it.

That doesn't make any sense at all. Its 3:13 am, Lord I need to go to bed. Also to finish this paper that was due last Friday. <Sigh> the closer I get to graduation the smaller my motivation and ability to anything useful accomplished.

-Bill Brasky
"Fourth: Bill Brasky once gave me a videotape of him having sex with my wife, and it was the most beautiful damn thing I ever saw!

Second: I have that tape!

Guy At Bar: [ turning around ] So do I! "

 

[JRiCe09]

Richie-
Thanks for replying to my actual question instead of getting off on this "gunner" tangent. I didn't intend to start all of this "gunner" talk. Anyway, in response, I will not be a gunner in the sense that I will hide references or tear out pages from books in the library. However, I will work hard to get the best grades that I can acheive and learn the most that I can learn. It's pretty simple...I think most people come in to medical school with these same intentions. But, a 70 is all that really matters I guess! Thanks for the info.
Janice

 

[EMTLizzy]

I can't even imagine trying to intentionally hurt other people by keeping stuff out on reserve and tearing out pages in books. ::shudder:: Though I went to college with a guy like that so it doesn't surprise me.

What really attracted me to WVSOM was the overall friendly atmosphere. Not just the students, but also the helpfulness of the faculty. Is this really how it is, or did everyone put on a good show for the interviewees?

I'm terrified about the amount of work and the difficulty of it. I really want to do well and intend to do my best, but I still get a sick feeling thinking about late nights studying. I haven't had to do that for a few years. Grad school was easy in comparison.

So, what stuff is there in town? I'm going to need furniture if I get an unfurnished place. Is there a furniture store or a department store nearby? How about someplace to buy a mattress? I can buy furniture online, but I need to bounce on my mattress before I buy it.

Also, do you find that you get a reasonable amount of down time? I'm doing SBL so my life may be a little different. By "down time" I mean weekends when you don't have a huge test to study for or are cramming for an anatomy exam. I was hoping to not only get a good education, but have some time to enjoy the experience of living someplace different for a while. Plus, I have to plan a wedding too! 😍

 

[Megalofyia]

Richie: a question right up your alley as it's a technology question.

Do we really need a lap top for the first year? I ask this because Lornhorn is coming out next year and I dont want to buy a new laptop over the summer and then only a few months later this new OS come out.

The alternative to this is: Does WVSOM offer heavily discounted software to students? Like I got XP pro for $5.00 at school because there was some contract with microsoft.

 

[MountaineerDoc]

😱 Good lord folks lighten up! only joking around. 15 years ago on the first day of PT school on the chalk board was written, "C=PT"...

So repeat after me....

7...0...equals D.O.

one more time friends!

7....0..equals D.O. 😉

You will remember this my friends! Meditate on this knowledge

Your amigo,
-Richie

thus, C = DO. I'll reserve any further comments to myself, see y'all in August

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Mega: I highly recommend getting a laptop as you'll be doing lots on it. As for Longhorn coming out, I wouldn't worry about it at the moment hehe. Windows XP professional is stable as a rock! 😉 I love it, especially for gaming. I built my own but there is a nice company called MorelPC which can build you an Alienware-like laptop for 60% of the cost. As for software and stuff, don't trust WVSOM for any help. No educational discounts. 🙁

Lizzy: Downtime. "Work Smarter, not harder!" Remember, learn what classes to skip and spend that time diligently reading the lecture notes and books. You'll free up some time that way but don't expect too much free time during anatomy. 😉

Janice: I aim to please I love giving the gunner lecture though as it is quite the common topic on SDN these days hehe. I have the reputation of being quite the jokester on campus. 😉 Just ask Angie!

Bill: I was the "Zack Morris" everywhere I went but let's face it, I am a huge geek at heart. I love playing video games, I like medicine and I try to dance alot spontaneously without any music. I have embraced my inner geek and I fit in quite nicely! Relax, thoust art among friends 😉 Heck, I am wearing my scrub pants with an autographed Guild Wars T-shirt right now. (see www.guildwars.com)

Ok I need to get back and study I will check back later.

-Richie 🙂

 

[Megalofyia]

I'll just have to make sure my brother remains a student then next year...
I would love to get an alienware desktop but I already have a great Dell. I'm gonna get a tablet PC. A friend of mine has one and I got to play with it.. I loved it.

 

[CanuckDiana]

Just wondering out of everyone that has been accepted and is going to WVSOM…how many are from out of state and which state?

hey everyone! Just got accepted about a week ago to WVSOM and I was hysterical when I got the news! 😀 I am from Houston, TX, like Ms. turtlebebe, who happens to be my best buddy! I also saw a few Texans joining me to WV. Can't wait to meet everyone in a few more months!

By the way is anyone having trouble finding apts? I'm just starting so any recommendations? 🙂

 

[Bill_Brasky]

From a fellow Texan, big time congratulations on heading up to WV, where I'll be soon as well.

-Bill Brasky
"First Friend of Brasky: He loved extension cords!

Third Friend of Brasky: He hated Mexicans!

Second Friend of Brasky: And he was half Mexican!

First Friend of Brasky: And he hated irony!"

 

[Megalofyia]

It actually looks like our class is mostly Texans But that's ok cause everyone knows Texas is bigger and better. 😉 This is good .. we'll be able to all huddle together in the winter as our friends and family back home are wearing shorts and t-shirts and we're scraping snow off.

 

[EMTLizzy]

I'm feeling really left out as the sole northeasterner. I didn't expect to find anyone else from New Jersey, but I was hoping there would be someone else who talked like me!

LOL. I'm all about accents, though. I always wanted to have one, though I guess to people not from Jersey I do have an accent.

I am really excited about getting to know people from other areas of the country.

 

[Megalofyia]

I'm feeling really left out as the sole northeasterner. I didn't expect to find anyone else from New Jersey, but I was hoping there would be someone else who talked like me!

If it helps people think I'm from the northeast all the time because I talk quickly and dont have an accent.. well certainly not a Texan accent. 🙂

 

[rchrest1]

I can't even imagine trying to intentionally hurt other people by keeping stuff out on reserve and tearing out pages in books. ::shudder:: Though I went to college with a guy like that so it doesn't surprise me.

What really attracted me to WVSOM was the overall friendly atmosphere. Not just the students, but also the helpfulness of the faculty. Is this really how it is, or did everyone put on a good show for the interviewees?

I'm terrified about the amount of work and the difficulty of it. I really want to do well and intend to do my best, but I still get a sick feeling thinking about late nights studying. I haven't had to do that for a few years. Grad school was easy in comparison.

So, what stuff is there in town? I'm going to need furniture if I get an unfurnished place. Is there a furniture store or a department store nearby? How about someplace to buy a mattress? I can buy furniture online, but I need to bounce on my mattress before I buy it.

Also, do you find that you get a reasonable amount of down time? I'm doing SBL so my life may be a little different. By "down time" I mean weekends when you don't have a huge test to study for or are cramming for an anatomy exam. I was hoping to not only get a good education, but have some time to enjoy the experience of living someplace different for a while. Plus, I have to plan a wedding too! 😍

👍 Well, if you're SBL, you're going to have many sleepless nights and even more sleepless weekends. SBLs don't have the option of family time on the weekends. With a block of exams every 4 or 5 weeks, you'll have a week or so after each one to unwind and decompress. This doesn't mean classes stop. They'll start right up again at 8 or 9 monday morning. Anatomy is incredibly demanding because it's 3 days a week and you're responsible for completely dissecting everything on each cadaver... as well as being able to identify not only structures on your cadaver, but the other *19* as well. It's very do-able... but you just have to put a ton of hours into studying.

👍 There is a Big Sandy Superstore with some decent furniture. Mattress store in the plaza beside walmart. It might sound funny at first when you hear that the movie theater only plays 2 movies at a time, but you'll count on one hand, or half of one hand, how many times you've been able to go to the movies in the first year. I do wish we had a mall. That's the only thing missing in my opinion. However, I encourage you to support some of the local businesses (Krogers, Kmart, downtown shops, local auto mechanics) who helped build the town. They actually pay decent wages and provide afforable health insurance for employees. Yes, I hate walmart.

👍 Like I said, you'll have some time when you don't have a test coming up, but the VOLUME of material you cover will take your time on the weekends. Can you spare 1 or 2 a month? Maybe! Not at first. You'll have to get a feel for what academic level you are capable of or comfortable with. There is a pretty big fuss over anatomy. However, the SBLs will have to study for an anatomy practical on 20 cadavers on Friday before block week. Monday you'll have a 4-hour written exam. Wow, that was tough. But wait, you still have an embryo, histology, OPP practical, OPP written, and oh, there's biochem... So, get your rest because as soon as anatomy is over, you have to come home and study for Tuesday. After the Tuesday exam, you have to come home and study for Wednesday. After Wednesday, you have to come home and study for Thursday. After the Thursday exam, you have to come home and study for Friday's exam. Rest a couple days because classes and labs start right back up on Monday.

👍 Get your rest and spend some time with family and friends. You'll have fun when school starts as long as you get off to a good start and don't end up playing "catch-up" for the rest of the year. Good luck!

 

[rchrest1]

For those in PBL, it's more complicated as not only do you have to master taking essay exams (admittedly requires much more in depth knowledge of a given topic to answer their questions) but you also have to master group-style communication and learning (you are graded on your performance in group substantially also).

I'm withholding a response to this statement.

 

[rchrest1]

tests are quite hard, especially the PBL ones

This keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Rchrest is right on the money with SBL stuff. SBLs get the shaft with volumes of material. SBLs get rear ended with block week. I have no logical reasoning for why they make SBLs do block week but he's got a valid point. All my SBL friends didn't really sleep during block week. From the SBL tests I've skimmed through, some are doable and others are just downright pure evil (especially the biochem ones).

As Rchrest has demonstrated, you'll also see that especially with the class of 2007, there is an unspoken social rift between the SBL and PBL students of his class...but the details of that are for you to query one of them for. I can only speak of my class, to which there isn't as much of a rift.


Anyway, I've given my view. Rchrest has given his too! The harsh reality is that medical school is not an easy matter no matter which track ya slice it with. Just wish more people from our school posted on here 🙁

I have my anatomy final on Monday and it's going to be 48 hours of hell trying to prepare for it.

-Richie

 

[EMTLizzy]

👍 Like I said, you'll have some time when you don't have a test coming up, but the VOLUME of material you cover will take your time on the weekends. Can you spare 1 or 2 a month? Maybe! Not at first. You'll have to get a feel for what academic level you are capable of or comfortable with. There is a pretty big fuss over anatomy. However, the SBLs will have to study for an anatomy practical on 20 cadavers on Friday before block week. Monday you'll have a 4-hour written exam. Wow, that was tough. But wait, you still have an embryo, histology, OPP practical, OPP written, and oh, there's biochem... So, get your rest because as soon as anatomy is over, you have to come home and study for Tuesday. After the Tuesday exam, you have to come home and study for Wednesday. After Wednesday, you have to come home and study for Thursday. After the Thursday exam, you have to come home and study for Friday's exam. Rest a couple days because classes and labs start right back up on Monday.

Lovely. So tell me exactly why I'm doing this?

Ugh! There has to be something enjoyable in this to make it worthwhile.

 

[JRiCe09]

Lovely. So tell me exactly why I'm doing this?

Ugh! There has to be something enjoyable in this to make it worthwhile.

I was begining to think and feel the same way. Just try to think of all the great new people you will meet, and I'm sure there will be time for a least a few days of fun! Always keep the future in mind...that might help as well!
Janice 😳

 

[turtlebebe]

hey guys,

do any of you know if there are any other apts other than woodland akers that are nice and around the same price if not cheaper? Im on the waiting list (@ Woodland Akers), and while the apt is close to the school and all, I would be more comfortable knowing I had a apt set up for sure. Thanks!! =D

 

[JRiCe09]

hey guys,

do any of you know if there are any other apts other than woodland akers that are nice and around the same price if not cheaper? Im on the waiting list (@ Woodland Akers), and while the apt is close to the school and all, I would be more comfortable knowing I had a apt set up for sure. Thanks!! =D

When I went down to look I really didn't find anything cheaper than those. There was one place I looked at that was 600/mo, but it was two bedroom, if you shared it wouldn't be too bad. The view off the back deck was amazing! It's on Blackbird Way, just further up the hill than Woodland akers. But the cheapest place I found was living in the upstairs of a house with someone, which I am doing. Other than that most places were 5 or 600.
Janice

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Just for reference, a boatload of people are moving out of Woodland Akers in June. I know of at least 6 units opening up where second years are moving out.

Just keep calling Julie every week for an update. I pestered the heck out of her until I got my place.

-Richie

 

[DD214_DOC]

Can you get broadband internet access anywhere near WVSOM, outside of campus?

 

[Megalofyia]

Hey JKD are you in the class?

Richie or JRiCe09: what's the cheapest hotel/motel I can stay in while I'm waiting for my furnature to arrive?

 

[EMTLizzy]

I was begining to think and feel the same way. Just try to think of all the great new people you will meet, and I'm sure there will be time for a least a few days of fun! Always keep the future in mind...that might help as well!
Janice 😳

I know. I'm always thinking about the future, but it just seems to take forever to arrive!

I really hope it all flies by, though. Plus, I'll be getting married inthe summer of 2007 so I have wedding planning to do. And that's definately something to look forward to!

 

[rchrest1]

Can you get broadband internet access anywhere near WVSOM, outside of campus?

Both charter cable and verizon dsl available.

 

[rchrest1]

Hey JKD are you in the class?

Richie or JRiCe09: what's the cheapest hotel/motel I can stay in while I'm waiting for my furnature to arrive?

The Greenbrier starts out at $595.00, but if that sounds like too much there's Rodeway Inn ($46) and Econolodge/Fort Savannah (~$52). Rodeway is a few miles from school in fairlea and econolodge is about a 2 min drive from school on 219. These rates might be cheaper with AAA discount. You'll have to check on that.

 

[Megalofyia]

The Greenbrier starts out at $595.00, but if that sounds like too much there's Rodeway Inn ($46) and Econolodge/Fort Savannah (~$52). Rodeway is a few miles from school in fairlea and econolodge is about a 2 min drive from school on 219. These rates might be cheaper with AAA discount. You'll have to check on that.

I'm going to assume that you mean the Greenbrier is $59.50 and not $595 😉

Thanks!! I do have AAA so I'll def be asking them about that.

 

[rchrest1]

I'm going to assume that you mean the Greenbrier is $59.50 and not $595 😉

Thanks!! I do have AAA so I'll def be asking them about that.

🙂 Actually it really is 600 a night. A round of golf is 300. http://www.greenbrier.com/

 

[Megalofyia]

ACK! Well since I do plan on needing books next year I'll pass on that.

I'll wait till a few years after I graduate to book a room there.

 

[Richie Truxillo]

Cheapest Inn: Econo Lodge or maybe the Briar Inn.

Broadband Access: Charter Highspeed or Verizon DSL. I recommend Charter High speed if you are getting cable anyway.

I am sure that Rchrest would agree with me in that broadband internet is the shiznit and beats dial-up hands down. (I play online games on the weekends so it's a necessity for me hehe)

JKDmed: Can get it probably within 5-10 miles of the school. Some places out in Ronceverte have it too but the further out you get, the lower your chances of receiving it.


On a lighter good note. I have crammed all that anatomy into my pea brain for tomorrow's final anatomy exam and practical! Yay! I might just pass! 😉

-Richie

 

[DD214_DOC]

Hey JKD are you in the class?

No, but I had an interview last year that I didn't go to; I still think I could have gotten in.

Just curious, as WVSOM is slowly crawling up my list of DO schools since I'd prefer to stay away from large metropolitan areas. (Read: PCOM, NYCOM, PCOM-GA, etc.)

 

[EMTLizzy]

I am sure that Rchrest would agree with me in that broadband internet is the shiznit and beats dial-up hands down. (I play online games on the weekends so it's a necessity for me hehe)

On a lighter good note. I have crammed all that anatomy into my pea brain for tomorrow's final anatomy exam and practical! Yay! I might just pass! 😉

-Richie

Good luck on your exam. Let us know how it goes.

Online video games, huh? That's been a problem for me. My fiancee and I have an XBOX and a PS2. I'm on either one of them whenever I have free time and am particularly addicted to XBox live. So my dilemma is if I should bring either or both of the game systems down. Originally I decided I wouldn't because it would be too much of a distraction. I told Ryan to bring them with him when he comes to visit so I can limit my gaming time.

And Xbox 2 is coming out at the end of the year, so that presents a whole new set of problems. 😀