The Perfect Computer

This blog post comes to you from the keyboard of my first laptop. It is amazing to think I have made it this far without one. The upgrade from a 4GB desktop to a 250GB laptop is a huge technological advancement I am learning to appreciate very quickly.

Many institutions of higher education are requiring their students to have laptops and medical schools are no exception. Had it not been mandatory, I am certain by the time I graduate, I would have a tree or two sitting in storage from all the paper I would have used.

Choosing a ComputerLike the desktop I used, computer technology becomes obsolete in no time at all. Knowing that medical school is at least four years and another three to four for specialization, I opted to purchase a laptop that would have the latest technology to meet these long-term needs.

With all the features a new computer provides, you can imagine the difficulty in finding 'the perfect computer.' Most schools will provide a list of minimum requirements which the majority of newer models fulfill. After a little searching, I found Best Buy's laptop discovery tool, that helped narrow the options easily (Under the 'compare laptops' tab).

Although the models offered did not include everything available on the market, it was an useful way to see a variety of brands and features in one place. It led me to the HP Pavilion series. After a little in-store shopping, I found the dv6838nr model seen above.

Computer Deals

It will not take long for you to find that computers come at a hefty price. Obviously, some are more affordable than others, at the cost of less technology. Below are some suggestions for getting more bang for your buck:

• School discount programs - Many schools offer discounts to their students when they purchase computers from them rather than other corporate entities
• Online discounts - Companies offer significant discounts when items are purchased online because there are less retail expenses involved. Circuit City, CompUSA, Best Buy and Frys are some of the major vendors that have a large selection.
• Online stores - Some companies solely operate online and can therefore charge less for their products. Consider buy.com, overstock.com and tigerdirect.com
• Used Computer - Both used and refurbished computers can offer significant savings
• Listing Services - You can save when you buy from craigslist, ebay, and amazon, but know that the product is not always guaranteed.
• Free Shipping - Vendors that offer free shipping can help keep money in your pocket.
• Student Discount - Many companies offer discounts to active students, be sure to ask about available savings.
• Mega Stores - Sam's Club and Costco offer member savings that are generally lower than competitor prices.

Buying a Computer

Once you have found the right computer, try to find a local store that carries that model or one similar. Actually handling the computer before you purchase it can have a lot of sway in your decision. Some stores offer competitive discounts as well if you find the same computer elsewhere.

Check out some of the discounts on computers and accessories available at Amazon that can be shipped right to you.


Touro University, as well as other medical schools that require notebook or desktop computers, account for this purchase in their first year student expenses. TUNCOM specifically assumes a $2000 allotment will be sufficient for this investment which tends to be more than my total computer expenditure. It is considered a school expense and therefore loan money would be used appropriately in this purchase.

Above all else, know that you and your computer will have to become very good friends during the medical school experience. Take some time prior to the start of school to use some of the programs, find where things are located on your computer, and set up your software before classes start. This will save you the headache of trying to learn it at the same time you are learning course material and improve your classroom efficiency.

Housing

Finding housing can be one of the most exciting and stressful experiences of the pre-matriculated medical student. While obtaining all the necessary documentation, supplies, and loans it is crucial not forget that you have to live somewhere. I was actually surprised to learn that my wife and I could afford more than a one bedroom home from Monopoly.

Studies have shown that individuals who buy a home tend to have more money saved than those who continue to rent. In our case we had to choose between paying $1200 for rent every month or paying a mortgage of $900-1100. Obviously the former choice would be throwing money to the wind whereas the later would ultimately build equity in our name. The decision was not hard to make as you could imagine. With that in mind, this blog will concentrate more on the purchase of a new home rather than renting a unit.

Home Loan
Many of us who are entering medical school have never purchased a home and likely do not have the money to afford paying cash for one. Currently, we are in a 'buyers' market which means it is easier and cheaper for buyers to get a home. Certainly my wife and I would love to have a lavish home with furnishings and the like, but neither of us make the kind of money that would be required for this to happen.

Our first task was to find a mortgage lender, someone who could determine how much home we could afford. Through a careful review of our expenses, debts owed, savings, and salary we could determine a monthly mortgage payment that would not be too expensive for our budget. In our case, I do not plan to work as I will be a student. This means one salary will be figured into the equation, which is usually a safe way to avoid foreclosure.

The goal here was to become pre-qualified and pre-approved. Qualified simply means you are eligible for a loan where approved means you have the loan waiting to be used. Sellers prefer an approved buyer as they will not have problems receiving their money. Thus pre-approved buyers have a greater chance of purchasing the home they want sooner than a buyer that is only pre-qualified.

Now that my wife and I knew how much our monthly payments would be, we also knew the price range in homes that we should be seeking. This significantly reduces the amount of homes in our search and allows for a more focused house hunt.

Location
Knowing where your school is located and the neighborhoods in the area helps greatly when looking for a new home. In my case, I would like to be able to live close enough that I could bike to and from school. Not only to economize with rising gas prices, but for the sake of exercise and proximity. If you are fortunate, Google will have your neighborhood on their street view allowing you to see it online before visiting in person.

Safety, climate, populations and other information may be useful as you look for the perfect place to call home. Consider your city's reported values and how they compare to national averages. After all, a purchase suggests you will be there for an extended period and you want to be certain it is the right place for you.

Realtor
Let's face it, you are strapped for time and orientation is just around the corner. Looking for all the available homes would be impossible without a realtor who's job is to help you find the right place. Our lender helped us find a realtor and we have been running ever since.

Know what your home must have so your realtor can narrow down the listings. We chose to have at least three bedrooms and two baths. The garage was not mandatory, but it would be nice for storage purposes. Having the proper hook-ups for a washer and dryer were the other must as the coin laundry gets really expensive. Other things to consider would be cabinetry, appliances, basement, landscaping, backyard and remodeled features.

Walk Through
Since you will be eating, sleeping and studying in your new home, you had better like it. Take time to actually walk through the home yourself or have someone you know do it in your place. If you are out of town, the realtor could take pictures of the home and email them for your approval.

We drove to Las Vegas and stayed with family over Memorial Day weekend. Our realtor sought out homes to visit and we spent a couple days looking at various locations, properties and options (condominiums and houses). This visit was valuable as we could see the homes and their respective neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the real estate market is moving fast and the homes we tried to obtain were already sold by the end of the weekend. This only emphasizes the need to start early.

Many of the homes on the market today are repossessed by banks as foreclosures. The savings can be extremely valuable. In fact, the only homes that we visited were foreclosed as they were in good condition, newer models, and most importantly in our price range. For example the home we are currently looking to buy has been reduced in price by more than $100,000 in less than three years!

Buying Your New Home
So you have finally found the home you like. Your realtor and lender will do most of the difficult paperwork and organizing your offers to the seller. Once accepted they work out the details necessary to close in a timely manner and you make your move into your new home.

Any day now we will be hearing back from the bank as to whether our offer was accepted. It is stressful not knowing if we need to keep looking for other homes or if we can start planning our move in its entirety. In the meantime, wish us luck and happy hunting!

Student Loan

There are a few ways to pay for that expensive medical school education. Unless you have a great inheritance, win the lottery, or find a sac of hidden cash, it is likely that student loans are the only way to pay. I never found the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and now must look for other financial options.

Scholarships and Grants
If you have the grades, the time, and the will power, it is wise to search for a little free money. Grants and academic scholarships helped fund a large portion of my undergraduate studies leaving me debt free upon graduation.

The hardest part is sitting down and looking for matches that meet your personal qualifications. FastWeb is a great place to start as it does the sorting for you. With the right grant or scholarships, the medical school expenses can be significantly buffered.

Student Loans
Once scholarship opportunities are exhausted, the most common method for payment comes from borrowed money in the form of a loan. With rising costs for medical school, loans are becoming more substantial all the time. Loans to consider: Stafford, Grad PLUS, Perkins, and private.

Stafford Loans
Stafford loans come in two forms, unsubsidized and subsidized. $32,000 and $8,500 can be borrowed from these loans respectively, totaling $40,500. This will satisfy tuition, but not easily the other expenses of room, board and supplies. Interest is paid by the US department of Education for subsidized loans while in school where unsubsidized loans require the interest to be paid by the student from the time of disbursement. Obviously subsidized loans are preferred in this regard. Interest rates may be high, but some lenders offer benefits to curb the overall expense.

Grad PLUS Loan
These loans are backed by the government and come with a fixed interest rate of 8.5%. As these are usually supplementing the Stafford loans, they are not need based and vary according to the amount of aid already received. You cannot borrow more than the cost of attendance. A good credit history will make this loan easy to obtain.

Perkins Loan
The Perkins loan is a federally funded loan that provides aid to those who are exceptionally needy. It offers a low interest rate to those who qualify.

Private Loans
Should the loans above not provide adequate funding, private loans are available to supplement your resources. Do not over-borrow as it will one day have to be repaid. Interest rates are not fixed and other requirements may apply.

Lenders
Finding the right lender can be difficult. Compare the terms of service and special offerings before selecting your lender. Some will offer all or a couple of the loans listed above. Use one lender for all your loans. Once the time comes to repay your loans, the process of loan consolidation will be made easier offering a lower interest rate.

I chose to use MedInvest as they offered greater discounts than the other lenders I researched. With on-time payments and direct withdrawal, similar sized loans save almost $2,000-3,000 over the lifetime of the loan.

Application
I have chosen to apply for the Stafford loans and some Grad PLUS loan money. TUNCOM has a loan application form that is filed once a lender is chosen. The financial aid office applies for Stafford loans on my behalf. In order to obtain Grad PLUS money, I must apply with my lender of choice for the amount of desired money on my own. Since my wife will be able to work during my time in school, it is not requisite that I borrow the full amount available. Since I would like to buffer some of the expenses, I will obtain a small Grad PLUS loan to help cover living expenses.

In every case, it is necessary to fill out a FAFSA application as this is how lenders approve your loan request. Never incurring debt until this point in my life has been a great accomplishment. Now that I must borrow money to thrive, the natural fear that is associated with owing something to someone else is very daunting.

One physician I spoke with said that students are poor and doctors are rich. Borrow a little extra during school in order to live moderately so that the transition is not too drastic. Good advice, I hope that is still the case when I graduate.

Achievement

The sweet taste of achievement is immeasurable by anyone other than the one who obtains their own success.

Making it to the Top
Defined as "a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill," achievement is the result of a goal set and accomplished.

More than eight years ago, I embarked upon the collegiate journey as a lowly freshman without a notion of the things to come. During orientation of that first year, many made a trek to the over-sized, cemented 'Y' on BYU's eastern backdrop. It was by no means the hardest climb, nor the longest. Simply an afternoon walk that lasted a couple of hours. We stopped at the base of the 'Y' and never climbed the extra 380 feet to its top.

As we hiked back to our dorms I remember thinking to myself that I would one day hike the remaining 380 feet. Time passed quickly, and I never returned to finish what I had started. Now graduated, I had more time to see that my goal was not abandoned. On a day off, I set out to hike the 'Y' once again, this time all the way. In a matter of hours I was there, peering out over the valley, soaking in the sun, and feeling the cool valley breeze. Finally, I made it to the top.

Success
As cliche as it may seem, the mountainside hike was a moving experience. I made a goal and saw its successful completion. In a like manner, my education has carried similar feelings of accomplishment. Knowing from a young age where I wanted to be and shaping my life to get me there has been a rough ride.

With medical school only a couple months away, last week I made the final $1000 deposit reserving my position in Touro University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Medical school is no longer a possibility, but now a reality.

In a couple months I will be making new goals and finding new 'mountains' to hike. The process will begin again taking me one step further than the last, starting the adventure all over.

This has been my success. Sure it may be expensive, have long hours, and stretch me beyond my current capacities, but it could not be more satisfying than seeing the achievement of my dreams become reality.

According to the definition used above, the recipe calls for a little effort, courage and skill. The first step is usually the hardest, often leading to the greatest rewards.

Set a goal for yourself and don't give up short of success. A big thanks to all those who have helped me along the way by means of support, education, encouragement, and understanding. You made this journey possible.

Moving

Is it already time to pick up the house and move? It can definitely be one of the most stressful events of the year. With a little planning, a lot of cardboard, and helpful hands, your move can be rather painless. As my hands will be full the day of my move, I decided to discuss the topic early.

Plan Ahead
Some medical schools offer relocation allowances for new students. Unfortunately, TUNCOM is not among them. Before finalizing reservations, contact your school to determine the allowance they offer, as they may require the use of a particular service.

Although my move is not planned for another two months, it was necessary to ensure a vehicle would be reserved for the big day. Depending on the time of the month, rates will change according to demand. Commonly the busy days are Fridays or Weekends near the end of the month. Agencies will rent moving space or trucks with little or no prior notice, but be prepared to pay significantly more. A reservation can usually be canceled with no penalties if your service is given 48 hours notice.

Movers
In searching for a moving company, there are many options and it is wise to shop around. Compare some of the major companies, their offered discounts, and options. Below are some notable commercial movers and a few pros and cons:

• Ryder- 15% discount when reserved online, few locations
  
• U-Haul- 3 days, 500 miles included, poor customer service, old fleet
  
• U-Pack/ABF- they drive, gas price included, 10% discount
  
• Budget- 3 days, 10% online discount, limited miles
  
• Penske- 4 days, unlimited miles, ~20% discount (online only), new fleet
  

What Size Mover?
Knowing how much space is needed may be difficult to determine without a little help. Penske has a great tool they call the Truck Loading Wizard, which helps calculate the appropriate size truck for your move.

Insurance
Some auto agencies will cover you during your move. Contact your agent to learn if this is the case, if not, you may consider purchasing moving insurance. This is often provided as a service through the moving company.

Timing
Give yourself adequate time to pack your belongings and load the truck. Start early packing boxes, dismantling furniture, and discarding unwanted objects. If you intend to sell furniture or other items, list them well in advance to ensure they are sold by the time of your move. The more you have packed before your truck arrives, the less stress you will have to incur.

Here's to happy moving!

Graduate of Higher Education

Certainly, one of the more significant accomplishments of my younger life, has been the completion of my undergraduate studies. This last week I participated in my University's graduation ceremonies and to my surprise, my good friend and I were featured the following week on the front page of the campus newspaper! My education at Brigham Young University spanned almost a decade, cost a bundle of money, and sadly moved me from my Chicago home. The experience was wonderful and definitely worth the effort.

Going the Distance
Just when it seems that my educational career has come to an end I am about to embark on even higher education, that will cost even more, and take almost as much time. It seems that the end of the road is so far from reach, but once again, the experience will be worth the effort. Of course I wonder if this is the right decision, or if there is another route to take. The calming thought comes when I remember that this road is one that fulfills a dream.

Work
Let's face it, being employed is very nice as it allows us to have fun when we want. Once finished with medical school, we will be working, a lot. It is easy to drowned ourselves in overtime now, but due to the inevitable burn-out it will cause, we must consider other activities for our "spare time."

Vacation
What to do then with my educational "layover?" You know, the time after undergraduate graduation and before graduate orientation. There are a few options that can better prepare for medicine that I would like to explore. As always, suggestions are welcome in the comments section.

Experience
Gaining more experience in your field will undoubtedly build confidence, character, and/or technical skills. Bellow are some possible opportunities to be explored in the medical field:

• Research or Internship Opportunities
  
• Hospital Volunteer - Search a local hospital
  
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Medical Assistant (MA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Position in any medical setting - Retirement/Nursing home, Home health, Hospital

Some of these positions take a small amount of time to become certified or licensed. Start early and remain in the position for a significant amount of time. Keep a record of the dates as medical schools will want to know how long you have been there in addition to your responsibilities.

Fun
As medical school is known for its rigorous demands, time with loved ones and friends would be well used before matriculation. Whether a week-long trip to a novel destination or simply a night out on the town, your mental health depends on it. Enjoy a hobby, learn a new skill, or read that book you have always wanted to read but couldn't because you were studying your textbooks. Here is a small list of ideas to get you started:

• Up the road or across state lines, plan a road trip
• Visit a local theme park, water park, amusement park, or zoo
• Go on a bike trip
• Bring a tent or RV and go camping

Sure it may cost a little, but relatively speaking, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the years ahead. Get out there and have some fun.

The Science of Healthy Living for Success

It is not astonishing that some of the brightest minds in our world's history have researched the human body to some extent. Complex beyond belief, mankind has been studied by millions who have compiled literature on healthy habits, proper body function and medicinal remedies to heal the broken body. This type of knowledge relates to the field of health science, which applies scientific study to improving healthcare and the treatment of the body.

Physical Exam
In preparation for matriculation, I had my physical exam this week. I was fascinated by the numerous 'tests' used to assess for optimal health. From head to toe, the body is put through rigorous strain which can be expressed by various ailments and yet history has discovered ways to unmask some those that may be hidden from first glance.

I have yet to hear of anyone who is excited about hernial, prostate, rectal, or other intrusive exams. Nonetheless, it is amazing that we have learned the bodies reactions to abnormalities and can thus identify problems through simple tests. Need an exam? My recommendation is to find someone you know well to conduct your physical exam. They are much more likely to use prudent judgment when it comes to the nitty-gritty.

The physician that performed my exam is a good friend that I work with on a regular basis. He reminisced about the days when he was in school learning the techniques himself. We laughed as he explained that neighboring classmates were used to practice techniques pertinent to the eye, ear, mouth and other exams. It was great until the dreaded time came to practice the more personal exams. All he could think was, "how will I ever face my classmates for the next three years after doing those?!" Fortunately, the school hired individuals to participate where the students probably should not. Despite the trepidation that may arise, it is exciting to know I too will one day have the skills needed to adequately assess physical health.

Immunizations
Can you remember when you received that shot for Hepatitis A? How about the measles? I certainly can not recall them with certitude. If we are going to heal the sick, we have a really good chance of contracting various illnesses if not properly protected. Medical schools, similar to entering high school or an undergraduate university, require vaccinations and their documentation. As I do not have a copy of all my immunizations, I had to rely on other sources to obtain the necessary information. Each of the suggestions listed below will send you a copy for a couple dollars if not for free.

1. Contact your current and former county health departments. Use a search option to find 'local health department' or 'county health department' to find the contact information.
   
2. Contact your high school.
3. Contact your college or university.
4. Some employers such as health providing institutions will offer immunizations. Be sure to contact them for applicable information.

Physical and Mental Health
Whatever it takes to keep your head on your shoulders is worth doing. Life is going to get crazy really fast in medical school. New terms, people, activities and routines are just the beginning. Maintaining healthy habits are crucial. Every aspect is vital to scholastic success; nutrition, exercise, and leisure are just as important as the long hours studying bio-molecular pathways. A healthy balance will invigorate the mind and keep your physical state up to speed with the demands on your mental state of being. Currently, I am on vacation as there is no homework, test or quiz in the immediate future. Does that mean I am in a vegetative state...perhaps, but I am convinced it is good for my physical and mental health.

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.

Late Nights and Long Shifts

The day this picture was taken at 3 in the morning, the local trauma room was quiet. It certainly doesn't take much for it to become the most active place in the hospital in a matter of minutes. Just this past week, this room alone was used to stabilize, save and improve the life of dozens of individuals. The occasional and emotional loss of life occurs inevitably, but you had better believe the room is usually in shambles as a result of all the effort put forth to overcome another expiration.

I love my job. As an Emergency Department Technician we may do a lot of the so called "dirty" work, but it has its perks. Watching people get better usually ranks among the better ones. If we aren't doing CPR, starting intravenous (IV) access, drawing blood, collecting urine or stool samples, then we are probably transporting patients to radiology, their longterm rooms, monitoring their vital signs or preparing for the next ambulance to arrive. Usually working long 12 hour shifts, the work-week commonly only requires three shifts, translating to four days off.

With an understanding that medical school will be quite expensive simply for the education itself - not to mention housing, car and other expenses - paying off any existing debt now will certainly help down the road. I commonly pick up extra shifts to help buffer the onslaught of bills and rising prices in all markets. Being at the bottom of the totem poll though, means that I work the graveyard shifts quite frequently in addition to some of the other unwanted shifts. Not always the most pleasant of circumstances, but at least it pays to have the experience in preparation for long hours as a physician.

There is something great to be said about working hard and earning money for your own efforts. I've always enjoyed working and earning, but I have always had a hard time spending. Usually looking for ways to save or invest my income, I find it difficult to incur so much debt at this point in my life. As a rule of thumb, I make it a point to invest 10% and save 30% of my net earnings, leaving 60% to go towards bills and other expenses. Now I know this will likely have to be modified as the income stops and the payments start, but in the meantime I have the plan to keep me on track. For some other tips and ideas, you might want to head over to the Poor MD blog.

Financial Woes Before Matriculation

With a letter of acceptance in my hands and only two weeks from the date of its arrival, I had to decide whether Touro was the school for me. One week passed and the deadline continued to approach ever so quickly. I faxed my letter of intent to the office of admissions; confirming my decision to attend TUCOM in the fall.

If only it was that simple. Just when I thought I was done, in order to show them proof of my desire to attend, I had to make a sort of down payment, that would "reserve" my seat. That wouldn't have been so bad if it were pocket change; it cost $2000. Lucky for me I had enough in my savings account to meet the demand and still eat my peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch! Can you see me smiling? You know the big cheesy grin that says, 'I can't believe I just spent so much money and to think this is only a fraction of the cost.' At least this goes towards my tuition.

A couple days later, still eating PB&J for lunch and loving every moment of it, I received more letters of felicitation emailed to my inbox. They were well received until I realized it was time to get back to work. My "To Do" list just quadrupled in size... literally. I had just paid $2000 to find out it was time to spend more money.

1. New this year, Touro is requiring all first year students to have a laptop. So if you own one, that's not really a problem. Unfortunately, I don't fall into that category. Now I'm on the hunt for a new way to spend another $2K, this time in the form of a mechanical box that is smarter than me. I am considering a tablet PC as it may offer functions more suitable to the classroom. (I could just write my notes on slides rather than type my own set in an outline) The appeal of a regular laptop is that I already know the major functions and could work efficiently from the start.
   
2. All students are required to have medical insurance. This isn't really something new, just that it means I have to look for insurance again as I will be leaving my current employer. They mentioned that there is an allotment of $2000 which I assume can be included in the cost of my loan to cover this expense. That is unless my wife has a job that comes with the proper benefits.
   
3. Speaking of loans, in my mind this translates to debt. The school pointed me in the direction of an online loan counseling session. It is a program that defines the main points of loans, important definitions and some of the consequences if I fail to repay the borrowed money.
   
• Certainly, the first place to start is with the FAFSA once your taxes are finished.
• Next, look for independent scholarships to help reduce overall costs at FastWeb.
• Specific to Touro and many other institutions is the online loan counseling.
• It is recommended that you verify your credit report FREE for any inconsistencies.
4. Before matriculation, I have to prove my health in the form of a physical. An immunization and medical history, if I can gather all that paperwork, is needed too.
5. Perhaps only requested by Touro, one more copy of my undergraduate transcript showing that I really did attend college and meet the prerequisite requirements.

They informed me that I was placed on the mailing list for my graduating class of 2012. That should be really nice for study groups and other activities, should we ever have the time for a BBQ or something. After a little searching, I found my class had a group on Facebook and a forum at the Student Doctor Network. It's good to know I have a way to contact other students before even attending the school.

Now that I've officially declared my future full of debt, it's time to look at housing. To buy or not to buy... condo, townhouse, single family home. What lender is going to want me -- pretty soon I won't even own half of the assets I use!

In the begining...

It all has to start somewhere. I just happened to become a junkie of the sciences when I turned an apartment living room into a surgical suite for one lucky amphibian. Sitting on the basement stairs of my grandparents home in Chicago's western suburbs, I ran past the creature so many times and always wondered why it sat there, untouched for so many years. Only eight or nine, I learned that my dad and his siblings purchased it when they were my age and that they were too afraid to perform the dissection themselves. With all the fascination a young child could have, I procured a book from the local library, a scalpel, forceps and other tools needed to perform the operation of a lifetime. Once home and multiple decades later, my amphibian friend came to realize the purpose for which he was preserved, lighting my mind with discovery and intrigue.

Since then I've gone the way of most students finishing high school and trying to earn the honors necessary to one day prove competency in a collegiate setting. In 1999 I graduated from Glenbard East High School and was accepted to Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where I would earn my bachelor's degree. It was a long road, finally coming to an end in December of 2007. Always knowing I wanted to practice medicine, just not knowing fully in what capacity, I chose to follow the Exercise Science curriculum as it satisfied the prerequisites for premed students.

For a long time I considered and promoted the idea of being a physician's assistant not fully believing that I could pass as a physician myself. It didn't take long for my wife to change my thinking and medical school became a feasible option. With all the necessary classes taken or registered for, I prepared to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and started the rigorous application process.

In my spare time, if I was not volunteering at the hospital, volunteering as an EMT, or working on chemical research, I would be filling out various applications for a chance to pass the primary applications. All while attending school full time. Unfortunately, I applied and sat for the MCAT very late in the cycle which meant I would receive my scores even later. When the optimal time to apply to schools is in the summer, my applications did not get submitted until late fall and even some in the winter.

In all I processed nearly 20 primary applications, 10 secondary applications, took the MCAT twice, applying to both M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) programs. By the first of 2008, I was playing the waiting game. A college grad now, I was fortunate enough to have obtained a great job in the local emergency department as a full time employee gaining a significant amount of clinical experience.

Each month I would receive word from one or two schools as to my status either rejected or wait-listed. It looked as though I would have to go through the whole process again only to wait one more year. But then it happened, I received a letter from Touro University- Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM). They invited me to interview mid-March for a seat in the upcoming class that was slated to graduate in 2012.

I attended the interview and was fortunate to have family in the region with whom I could stay, somewhat buffering the expenses incurred. All prepared and ready to sell myself after months and even years of preparation, I attended the interview. Walking away, I felt horrible, that all had failed and been for naught. My answers didn't flow smoothly, I felt as though I had not shown my best self and returned home to wait a week for the committee's decision. Well, I had better start thinking about other options as this was not looking too promising.

To my surprise, I received a letter of acceptance which set my future rolling once again. My wife and I can now plan the next few months and years as we have somewhere to go. The housing hunt has begun and my initial deposit of $3000 for tuition will match the $3000 I spent simply applying to all these schools in the first place. I'm already cringing to think of what my financial situation will be in the coming years.

In this vein, I have elected to start this blog as a journal of the events as they happen. My initial intent is to make a weekly addition so that friends, family and anyone interested can get a glimpse of what life as a medical student is like. Should you have questions, please make them known and I'll do what I can to answer. As for right now, I'm still basking in the fact that I've been accepted!