Making Use of the Library

I had no idea I would find myself in a library so soon. It feels as though I just finished preparing for board exams and now it's time to start all over again. After being in clinic so much, it was rather refreshing to visit the book vault again.

House of Books

Despite the clinic hours in third year, I still manage to find time to study at home. The library tends to change things up a little and re-engages the wayward dedication to endlessly cramming information into my head. Well, if for nothing else, at least it is a change in scenery. It was nice to see the tome-filled shelves in every direction. At Touro University Nevada, the majority of library resources are online and there is one shelving unit housing medical journals and old editions of various medical texts.

In this digital age, there is little need for printed editions of books. Almost everything can be found online, on compact disc, or on digital readers. It makes me wonder how medical school was years ago when the books in the library were the only source available. There were likely less distractions as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were not yet evolved. If your library only had one book on the subject being researched, that was all you had to learn, instead of the plethora of Google results we have today that create an endless stream of knowledge.

The benefit of a digitized world is that the information is at our fingertips, whenever we need it and it doesn't require a body builder's physique to carry it around. We can get the information fast and from numerous sources. But those poor books at the library will just sit and go untouched for years because the sound of paper turning has been replaced by mouse clicking and key tapping. Being at the library was simulated going to a museum and experiencing first hand what black print on white smells and feels like. Perhaps one day I will be able to put screen culture aside and actual enjoy simpler things. With board exams approaching, I don't think that will be any time soon.

Question of the Week

A 24 year old male presents at the emergency department complaining of groin pain. On exam you find no testicular/scrotal swelling or discoloration, positive cremasteric reflex, and positive Prehn sign. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Torsion of the Appendix Testis
B. Spermatocele
C. Epididymitis
D. Testicular torsion
E. Testicular Cancer

Answer & Explanation

Health Care Training

And it's over. All week long I thought for sure I would be looking for a new career path as the exams seemed to get tougher and tougher. One thing is for sure, your doctor has gone through a lot of tedious training to get where they are, more than likely they have some idea of what they are doing.

Allied Health Programs

When researching schools, I was happy to learn that Touro University Nevada supports a variety of health care professions such as nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, and occupational therapists with the intention to expand into other fields of similar interest.

If you are considering health care careers there are many to choose from that may fit your personal interests. Whether you want to learn a new skill or need a complete career makeover, it can be done. A number of health care programs, online training, and trade development courses can be found with the click of a button.

The growing demand for health care professionals has shown a dramatic increase in nursing schools, radiography training, and various other allied health certification opportunities. Although there may be a shortage of physicians now and in the future, without the support staff, there is no way a physician could safely manage a patient's care.

Nonetheless, I am happy to say that when I reviewed my grades this time around, I was very pleased with the outcome. Despite contemplating other professions in case the exams had a poor outcome, physician is still at the top of my differential for future careers.

Board Prep Question of the Week

A 25-year-old professional cyclist is diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoes chemotherapy. One month after beginning treatment, the patient complains of difficulty hearing. Which of the following chemotherapeutic agents is most likely responsible for this side effect?

A. Bleomycin
B. Busulfan
C. Cisplatin
D. Cytarabine
E. Doxorubicin

Answer & Explanation

Medical Training

We are slowly making progress through the body systems and their related pathologies. Fortunately, the curriculum is set up to permit a significant overlap in material so that most courses are reinforcing concepts of an important nature. This repetitive exposure has been helpful to build working knowledge of how differing subjects can contribute to a comprehensive understanding.

Medical Program

All of our courses, during the second year, relate in some way to the health of the human organism. The learning process at Touro Nevada has been made simpler by combining topics from the multiple courses to coincide with one another to some degree. For example, this week in Pharmacology we covered Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). At the same time in the Clinical Systems course we learned about various rheumatologic diseases that employ the use of NSAIDs to treat symptoms. Additionally, the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine staff presented lymphatic treatments that could be used to aid in the recovery process.

The combined efforts of each course is to develop a well-rounded understanding of the approach to various body systems. So while studying for one class, I am equally reviewing material for another. The pieces of this "human puzzle" come together quite nicely to paint the whole picture.

Board Prep Question of the Week

A 40 year old female presents to her physician for worsening joint pain. She has had joint pain for many years in both wrists, MCP joints, and PIP joints. Her DIPs are spared. Her pain is always worse in the morning and improves as the day goes on. Lately she realizes both knees also hurt her and she is more tired than usual. Examination reveals her painful joints to be mildly warm and her PIPs are flexed, while her DIPs are extended. Laboratory testing reveals high titers of rheumatoid factor (RF), an elevated ESR and C-reactive protein, and a normocytic normochromatic anemia. Examination of the synovial fluid at the involved joints would most likely reveal which of the following?

A. Clear fluid; 125 WBC/mm3; 20% PMNs
B. Clear-yellow fluid; 1,800 WBC/mm3; 20% PMNs
C. Cloudy-yellow fluid; 6,000 WBC/mm3; 60% PMNs
D. Turbid, purulent fluid; 50,000 WBC/mm3; 80% PMNs
E. Reddish fluid; 1,500 WBC/mm3; 20% PMNs

Answer & Explanation

Physician Continuing Medical Education

Just when I thought my shadowing experiences had finished I was given the opportunity to explore medicine in a very different way through the Medical Education and Research Institute of Nevada.

Surgical Training

Currently, MERIN is the largest bio-skills lab in the Western United States and boasts their unique second floor observation area. Major medical companies converge on this site to host physicians from around the world for seminars and research on the latest in surgical techniques and procedures.

This well developed facility is housed under the Touro University Nevada roof, yet remains independent of the school. Willing medical students can spend a day rubbing shoulders with physicians as they learn or relearn critical medical treatments. With cadavers as patients, radiographic imaging when necessary, and the semblance of a sterile environment, the experience is the next best thing to performing the actual procedure on living subjects.

Their most recent clinic focused on pain management devices with guest lecturer Dr. James Chao from UCSD. (The subject matter was rather fitting as I recently finished shadowing a local anesthesiologist/pain management physician.) MERIN clinics host knee, shoulder, and hip surgical training to name a few. The two students in attendance moved among the stations with the doctors, networking and learning along with everyone else.

It is one of the few times, recently, that suggests the educational loans we students incur are going to be worth the pain. Although pain management may not be my specialty of choice, this experience certainly opened my eyes to the ongoing effort by physicians to maintain optimal performance and patient care through physician continuing medical education.

Student Organizations

With the latest public health scare, swine flu, people are taking drastic measures to avoid exposure and in some cases society. There is no need to show up at work or school in your bio-suit yet.

Medical Student Organizations

I am certainly not avoiding the masses, at least not those that get together at school or in the community. As the first year of medical school comes to a close and the second year students are graduating from the classroom setting, each organization has to pass the torch to next year's student officers.

Organizations range from student government and class officers to a smattering of specialty interest groups. Recently, I was voted into office as secretary/treasurer of both the TUNCOM a cappella singing group "in TUN" and the "Emergency Medicine Interest Group." With the course load I anticipate next year, preparing for board examinations, and my involvement in another handful of groups these positions suit me just fine.

In preparation for residency programs, many students incorporate a variety of skills to better their curriculum vitae. Participation in student organizations provides opportunities for leadership, community service, and an unique way to learn a new skill or interest. Officers and members of these organizations build skills that are valuable in residency and future careers. Holding leadership positions, however, build a student's CV for the upcoming residency interviews. The bottom line is, get involved. Just like going from college to medical school, they will be looking for diversity and experience.

If your school doesn't have an organization that you think would be helpful, start one. Not only would you be a member, but you could be the founder too. If you are looking for organizations outside of school you may consider the Red Cross or Medical Reserve Corps for opportunities to get involved in your community.

Spring Break

As I wait to board my plane to kick off spring break, the ringing of bells and spun slot machines echos in the background. They are one of the obvious features of the Las Vegas airport that seem to pacify impatient passengers looking for one last effort to win a buck. I'm just trying to get away from it all.

Vacation

This break could not come at a better time. I know my classmates and I were all burnt out, ready to get a breather from the books and excessive notes. The thought of getting away for the entire week and a half was tempting, but the weather in Vegas is just to nice to miss out this time of year. (I'll be back to enjoy the weather soon)

TUNCOM provides a spring break during the passover holiday, which extends beyond the common week-long break. In an effort to get my head out of the books and into the real world setting, I plan to visit the Emergency Department where I gained most of my clinical experience. This is a much needed reminder as to why I sit through 8 hours of lecture and lab every day. Being among the patients and providers has appeal that cannot easily be put into words.

Safe travels to my colleagues, Happy Easter or Passover to you, and welcome back Spring!

Choosing a Medical Specialty

After a grueling week of exams I finally had time to repose and realized it has been one year since the start of this blog. Thank you to all who read and comment, your encouragement is greatly appreciated.

Clinical Experience

With one more exam week in the past, I had time to consider my future as a physician. Knowing what field of medicine to enter is the difference between a happy doctor and the miserable one you don't want an appointment with tomorrow.

As is the case with other medical schools, TUNCOM offers students an opportunity to shadow physicians as an introduction to clinical medicine. For some, this experience can be an eye-opener to the routine doctor-patient interactions they will one day conduct. Fortunately, I have some clinical experience under my belt and will be using my shadowing experience to explore some of the various fields I may not have otherwise considered.

Although I have a few fields of interest, I would like to ensure my rotation months are spent in quality rotations that pertain to my future. Too often, students return from rotations only to realize they have just wasted a month of their time in a field that has no personal appeal. That said, I feel confident that the more clinical experience you can get, the better.

Clinical Corner

Medical Specialty

In an effort to save you precious time, I have listed a few resources that you may find valuable in your search for the perfect specialty.

• Specialty flowchart (above) - It is a quick and simple method of generally learning where you stand with an added touch of witty humor.
• Specialty flowchart No. 2 - If the first one didn't cut it, try this one.
  
• MSAT - Short for Medical Specialty Aptitude Test, the University of Virginia has compiled a simple survey that takes 10 minutes to complete. The results are ranked specialties according to the answers you provide.
• The Doctor Job - Gives a great rundown of the basics along with factors to consider when choosing a specialty.
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty - Written by a resident for students choosing a specialty.
  
• Specialty Ranker - I have put together a modifiable document that allows you to view various aspects of individual specialties and rank them according to your interests. It covers the basic specialties and then some. If you would like to try it, click the image to the right and save it to your computer. Leave a comment or email me if you have questions. Please consider donating $1 payable through PayPal in exchange for this file...thanks and good luck!
  

Tax Time

Just when things start to mellow out, I can feel Uncle Sam reaching deep into my already emptied pockets. It's that time of year again when W-2 forms show up in the mailbox, numbers get crunched, and taxes get paid.

Tax

Considering all the things that taxes are used for I guess they aren't too terrible, but they certainly don't help my situation financially as a student in plenty of debt. Once all the government documents arrive and get filed we get to file even more as students.

It wouldn't be possible to pay for school without a little help from the government. Therefore, completing the FAFSA and other scholarship opportunities permits my education to continue. Considering some of the tax breaks, the process a little more bearable (thank you new house). I certainly don't mind being able to file taxes for free.

Expenses

As the numbers become quite important, I thought a running total of expenses for Touro University Nevada's College of Osteopathic Medicine would be appropriate.

• Tuition - Roughly $37,000
  
• Books - $1000.45 (Used and new)
  
• Equipment - $1,550.65 (Laptop, lab coat and diagnostic tools)
  
• Clubs - $40
  
• Extra - $202.29 (Software, vaccines, etc)

Obviously these will vary from year to year and student to student, but it is in the right ballpark. Moving, housing and food expenses have not been included. With Valentine's Day around the corner, you can help curb some of these costs and get some fantastic deals, consider some of these great gift ideas.

Clinical Corner

Epistaxis (Nose bleed)

Research says that about 90% of nose bleeds occur as a result of damage to Kiesselbach's area. It is found in the front part of the nose and has a rich blood supply. The predominant reoccurring trauma is caused by fingers that are doing too much scratching. A smaller percentage comes from the back of the nose that cannot be reached by fingers which often requires medical help. Stopping a nose bleed may take time, and is good knowledge to have if you ever need it.

Balance

It seems that every day is another drain on the energy built up during the few hours of sleep the night before. Do I still have a life outside of school?

Balance

When final exams are done or in my case the week of block exams, it becomes much easier to slow down the pace as far as studies go. Unfortunately, the material continues to come unrelentingly. Finding balance in student life can be a difficult task and some days I find myself deep in an anatomy book, where other days I am ready to sit back and watch a good movie.

There is no right way to do it, and every student has to learn what works for them. Let's face it, studying until 11pm or later is definitely possible with all the information available, but is it the best thing to do, or will it lead to burnout. I have actually found both to be true. Constant stress with little relaxation or time to get away is similar to the "all-nighter" mistake many of us have made. On the other hand, not studying enough when quizzes, exams or boards are approaching could be costly.

Personally, I have found that a dedicated time allocated to sufficient review of materials on a constant basis will actually reinforce important principles and topics. Leaving enough time for meals, sleep, and exercise is crucial to balancing the mentally heavy load of medical school. It may be wise to set up specific hours each day for study, sleep, exercise etc so that your body gets into a rhythm. This will make study time more effective while ensuring you get the most out of your free time.

Loose Ends

Now almost four months into the curriculum, I am starting to feel a little more at ease with the whole medical school experience. With time I have become more organized and oriented as to what is expected of me. There are still a lot of questions to be answered down the road, but for now the stress associated with the 'unknown' is being whittled away.

TUNCOM is making progress in their ongoing accreditation process. As one of the newer medical schools, it has to show the accreditation board that the curriculum is sufficient and that students are getting the education they seek. Policies and programs continue to change, developing the already well structured programs. The rapidly growing student body compounds this process, however, as we were able to meet with the board and discuss the matters that concerned us most. Even as a new student it is nice to be heard.

I am continually amazed at how much we learn in such little time. Trying to absorb anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology and everything else has definitely kept me busy. If we keep learning at this rate, I will have more information than room to store it.

White Coat Ceremony

I walked in a student and walked out a “Student Doctor.” Bally’s Resort and Casino event center in Las Vegas was filled with family, friends, and healthcare-professionals-to-be. We literally walked into the beginning of our new profession.

Coat of Honor

When we matriculated, we knew the goal was to walk away a physician educated in the art of medicine. Some have said that by the end of four formative years in medical school, the white coat is donned four years too late. Rather than waiting until our two years of classroom work and two years of clinical studies are completed, the esteemed white coat was presented to us this last week as a manifestation of the profession we are entering.

A historical tour of medicine reveals that the white coat is reserved for the medical professional. With more experience, it is appropriate for the coat to become longer. Thus a medical student wears a coat that reaches to the waist whereas that of a seasoned physician will hang at the knees. Both are a symbol of the provider's dedication to the practice of medicine and the patients with whom he or she interacts.

Dignified Ceremony

Seated guests looked for ‘their’ student as they processed to the chairs at the front of the hall. The color guard presented the nation’s flag and I participated in the a cappella group that sang the national anthem before taking my seat among my colleagues. As TUNCOM is a Jewish institution, the governing Rabbi offered an invocation in the Hebrew tongue. The Dean of the school took a moment to express the significance of this event and then read each name one by one.

Students crossed the stage and handed their white coat to a member of the faculty who shook the coat before handing it to another professor who then assisted the student into their coat. This symbolism represented the formative classroom and clinical years respectively. Once the coats were received, the students stood to take The Osteopathic Oath:

I hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter.

I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery.

I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person though it be asked of me.

I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.

I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biological truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of Osteopathic medicine which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.

In the presence of this gathering I bind myself to my oath.

Similar to the Hippocratic Oath given to allopathic counterparts, this oath embodies the characteristics of sound, dedicated physicians. It is a standard of care physicians attempt to deliver every day around the world. Although the formalities of the evening may be over, the journey is still in its infancy for the many medical students who wear the white coat and experience this honored rite of passage.

Yom Kippur

Once again Touro students find themselves at a time of holiday. Almost ten days ago Rosh Hashanah started and we are now in the midst of Yom Kippur, or the "day of atonement." It is considered to be the most important Jewish holiday, representing repentance and the atonement. An extended fast is performed during this time which is accompanied by considerable prayer. A normal day usually consists of three prayer services whereas this special day commonly has five.

Yom Kippur falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah when it is believed that God writes the fate of individuals into the book of life. The ten day period between offers time for repentance at the start of the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur is the day when the "verdict" of God is sealed. May your Yom Kippur be a day of renewal.

Rosh Hashanah

Shana tova. This traditional Hebrew or Jewish greeting is an expression of the Jewish New Year or Rosh Hashanah (ראש השנה).

Rosh Hashanah

Touro University is a smaller branch of the larger Touro College and as such holds true to its Jewish history. As Jewish men and women come together to celebrate this new beginning, I thought it would be appropriate to understand the significance of this important day in Jewish culture. Touro institutions give their students vacation time during this time of Holy Holidays, or Yamim Noraim, which is considered one of the most important holidays.

Rosh Hashanah is considered as sacred as the Shabbat and is therefore a day of rest. The shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn, is sounded to wake those who "slumber" and alert them to their impending judgment. Symbolically, prayers are offered near moving bodies of water where bread or pebbles are thrown to signify one's sins being "cast off." From the first day of Rosh Hashanah, individuals are given ten days to repent and leave their sins behind before the arrival of Yom Kippur when names are written into the book of life or are "blotted out of the book of the living."

Similarly, traditional Jewish foods characterize this sacred holiday. As a "sweet" new year is expected, apples, honey and pomegranates are commonly served. Recipes include meats from the head of animals are used symbolically as Rosh Hashanah is literally translated to mean "head of the year." Challah, a round bread, represents the cycle of the year. Other typically Mediterranean foods are served such as dates, gourds and beans.

Though I am sure many students will use this three day vacation to catch up on their studies, it is great to know why we have the time off in the first place. This respite to a hectic life certainly plays a significant role in global appreciation.

Ketiva ve-chatima tovah, "May You Be Written and Sealed for a Good Year."

Back to School

Would you believe I made it through the second day of medical school and still had a smile on my face?! So, I had to force it a little. The first week is behind me and classes are under way.

Orientation

Touro University has chosen to start the school year with a two day orientation that gives the new medical students an opportunity to meet administrators, professors, and the other students. We worked out technological kinks, signed a lot of paperwork, and learned a little about the background of our new school.

As TUNCOM is still rather young, there has been a lot of change from year to year. Each professor has been assigned four or five students whom they mentor. Mine happens to be one of our biochemistry professors. A large portion of our teachers have foreign backgrounds; my mentor hails from Russia.

What did I take away from orientation you may wonder? Medical school is going to be really...really hard and keep us extremely busy. However, they want us to succeed and will help us get there (I wish I could say, "or my money back.") I really believe they are looking out for our best interest. On top of all that, we received our ID badges and multiple kosher meals. When was the last time you had kosher pizza?

First Day of School

Bright and early, we all filed into our lecture hall (for the next year), turned the room into what looked like a laptop convention, and received a two hour orientation to anatomy procedures. As creepy as it may seem, a room with 40 cadaveric patients is an awesome sight. It was soon time for our first lecture...biochemistry.

Anyone who has taken a course in biochemistry knows that there is a lot of information to absorb learn in an hours time. Fortunately, we only have a little more than a month of biochemistry, and I am sure they will cover everything. That being the case, they sure have started us on the right foot. After six hours of biochemistry, I think we were all ready to go home and catch up.

All the Rest

We had full days of school from 8 in the morning until 5 at night. A break for lunch and dinner were followed by more intellectual feedings. I don't know about my counterparts, but I was studying until 11:00 or later each night and trying to get up early enough to exercise before classes. The days are full; what else could I have expected?

Our first quiz was this week and we have already started dissecting our cadavers quite extensively. They want us to finish anatomy early on so we have a good understanding of human geography for the remainder of our education.

Murphy's Law

You know, 'if anything can go wrong, it will.' These are not problems with the school, but issues none the less. I am reconsidering my decision to save $400 by not purchasing a laptop protection plan. The girl next to me spilled her soda on her laptop only two days into the year. At least it wasn't a month later, but she still had to purchase a new one and this time she bought the protection plan. This warranty will usually cover everything from spills to running over your computer with a car. Unfortunately, you still run the risk of losing stored information.

When I chose my lender, I thought I was getting a great deal and saving quite a bit in the long run. Perhaps I should have gone with a well known lender. Only a few days into the year and they called to let me know they were changing their company organization and would not be able to guarantee when my loan would be available. That is bad news when your bank account cannot afford a $40,000 tuition cost. With my new lender, I think things are now moving in the right direction.

And with that I would say to anyone who has gotten this far, enjoy your free time. At least do it for those of us who don't get much.

Touro University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

With the successful withdrawal of my medical school tuition deposit and my second transcript sent, I am not only poor, but I have been added to the class roster of 2012 (At least it is something worth being poor for)! When I share the good news with friends and family, they have often never heard of the campus, the school, or its programs. Encouraged by those who are curious and those who will be applying, I have compiled some information about the osteopathic program at Touro in one blog.

Certainly this is not the comprehensive tell-all, but a way to paint the picture from my current perspective and experience.

Location/Facility
On the outskirts of sparkling Las Vegas, Nevada in the suburb of Henderson not far from Lake Mead. (Map) Touro University's Nevada campus is housed in a modified warehouse that has the basic necessities of any medical school (anatomy lab, fitness equipment, lecture halls, electronic library, etc).

The Big Picture
Touro University Nevada is a sister school to the Mare Island, California campus of which Touro College in New York City is the parent. These institutions are Jewish sponsored and welcome students of all religious denominations.

Touro is a private institution "educating caring professionals to serve, to lead, and to teach." All school purchased foods are kosher although nutritional choices are left to the student. The Nevada campus educates the following professionals: Doctor of Osteopathy, Physician Assistant, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, and others within the School of Education.

Demographics
Approximately 300 medical students are instructed among a student body of nearly 600. The average age of entering students is 27 years and all students have a baccalaureate degree. MCAT scores are 23 or higher and GPA starts at a minimum of 3.0. The admissions committee has accepted students below these numbers on a case by case basis. Contact the admissions office for current details.

Mission Statement/ Accreditation
Prospective and current students at Touro are expected to embody strengths that enrich their education through Judaic commitments. The school became accredited in 2004 and will therefore be celebrating the graduation of its first class in 2008.

Applying
The first place to start is AACOMAS, the generalized application form for Osteopathic medical schools. Candidates will have a baccalaureate degree, MCAT scores not older than 3 years, and prerequisite course grades of "C" or better. If minimum requirements are met, applicants are invited to submit a secondary application at a cost of $100. A large portion of applicants who submit their secondary are invited to interview through the end of April. It is in your best interest to have shadowed an osteopathic physician well in advance to provide them with ample time to write a letter of recommendation.

Tuition/Expenses
Although it is variable, the reported 2007-2008 cost for tuition and fees was approximately $37,000. This does not include the estimated equipment ($4000), personal ($4000), transportation ($6000), and room/board ($18,500) expenses. The grand total is nearly $69,000 of which Stafford and Grad PLUS loans will cover if eligible.

Interview Day
This can be one of the most difficult experiences in the whole process. With an interview, you have the opportunity to prove in person who you are, and without it you will go nowhere. To be honest, I thought I performed horribly in the interview and was happily surprised to be accepted. It is common for interviewers to give the impression that they are not interested or that they do not agree with your responses. Whatever you do, stick to your story, be honest and be you. A great resource for past questions can be found at the Student Doctor Network.

Applicants will arrive and sit in the lobby until the day begins. Get to know the other candidates (it will help ease some tension later), dress professionally, do not chew gum, and use good manners. When the day begins, they take you to a conference room and explain the process. While some applicants take a tour of the facility, the other applicants are interviewed by two members of the staff. I say staff because I had a librarian and a professor. Once your half hour interview is finished and the tour complete, a kosher lunch is served before going home.

The Wait
Probably the best part of the process is when the interview is over and the wait begins. Those who are interviewed, and accepted, receive an email to that extent one week later (unless the director of admissions is asked by the applicant to send the committee's decision). It takes a few days to receive the official letter after the initial one week wait. The letter contains one of three possibilities: 1. Accept 2. Wait List 3. Denied. Two weeks are given to submit the letter of intent and initial deposit.

Resources
The brochure that is provided at college fairs contains a general overview of the school, similar to the information provided here. Their 2008 supplemental application may vary, but will likely be similar in future years. This is the TUNCOM portion of the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book that provides a general overview of the school.