2018-2019 Creighton University School of Medicine

[chief_bison15]

II! Completed 7/25, OOS

Congratulations! Stats?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Chlorophyll Oracle]

Stats?

LM 72, OOS


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[McNerdy]

Anyone know what kind of interview it is?

Historically 2 open interviews. 1 faculty 1 student. approx 30 minutes in length each.

 

[McNerdy]

Received my II today!! LizzyM 73, ORM, from Utah but did undergrad at CU. Nontrad.

I'm reluctant to stay with a student host because last time, they freaked me out. but I was thinking of using Airbnb in the area. i found a host that is willing to drive students to and from interviews. Has anyone used airbnb so far? Had any bad experiences that I should know about?

Im really shocked and sorry to hear you didn't have a great experience with the student host. I personally think using a student host is a great option because they are supposed to provide you with a ride to and from the airport as well as living accommodations, and its typically rare to find an airbnb + uber rides to and from the airport for as cheap as staying with a student is. I'd encourage you to try to give student hosting another go and if you remember your host request not to be paired with them again. Most M0s report loving the student host program.

Aside from my little plug, airbnb is a great option, and I suspect you can find many affordable accommodations. I'd suggest staying East of 72nd Street and no farther west than Council Bluffs, Iowa. This would ensure your commute isn't too far to and from campus.

 

[mariposas905]

For this essay, "Please describe your current activities/employment if you are not currently enrolled as a full-time student," can we still state that we are going to start a masters this fall and our other volunteering activities that go with it? Or do we absolutely have to avoid this essay since it says "if you are not currently enrolled...?"
""

 

[mariposas905]

Also, am I screwed if I submit Creighton's secondary in two weeks? I know they like early applications, but does being complete late August mean I won't get any chance at an II? Does Creighton really send the majority of II in August?

 

[imdrbrightside]

LM 71. OOS, no significant ties to Nebraska. Extensive laboratory and clinical research experience with three publications (1 first author). I have had abstracts presented at 11 national conferences. Past employment as a CNA. Tutoring experience. Other strong EC’s in volunteering/community service. My MCAT is a few points above the median. Chances?

Shoot your shot! I’d say you have a decent chance

 

[McNerdy]

Also, am I screwed if I submit Creighton's secondary in two weeks? I know they like early applications, but does being complete late August mean I won't get any chance at an II? Does Creighton really send the majority of II in August?

My personal experience is anecdotal but I submitted much later in the cycle than August and somehow got accepted.

If you think your a good fit for our creighton family and would be interested in coming here for med than go for it! As my homie above said, shoot your shot.

 

[McNerdy]

For this essay, "Please describe your current activities/employment if you are not currently enrolled as a full-time student," can we still state that we are going to start a masters this fall and our other volunteering activities that go with it? Or do we absolutely have to avoid this essay since it says "if you are not currently enrolled...?"
""

If its original information and allows you to expand upon upcoming experiences you have yet to detail than go for it. If you already discuss your masters elsewhere I would say to hold up and not be repetitive. Just my 2 cents though.

 

[mariposas905]

If its original information and allows you to expand upon upcoming experiences you have yet to detail than go for it. If you already discuss your masters elsewhere I would say to hold up and not be repetitive. Just my 2 cents though.

I have not mentioned the upcoming masters in my primary, so I guess it would be safe to put it here to let them know what I'm doing this year. Thanks!

 

[mariposas905]

My personal experience is anecdotal but I submitted much later in the cycle than August and somehow got accepted.

If you think your a good fit for our creighton family and would be interested in coming here for med than go for it! As my homie above said, shoot your shot.

Thanks for sharing! Is it okay if I PM'ed you with a few questions?

 

[McNerdy]

LM 71. OOS, no significant ties to Nebraska. Extensive laboratory and clinical research experience with three publications (1 first author). I have had abstracts presented at 11 national conferences. Past employment as a CNA. Tutoring experience. Other strong EC’s in volunteering/community service. My MCAT is a few points above the median. Chances?

Nonexistent. Creighton only accepts people with 5 first authors, at least 2 patents for ground breaking drugs, 20 presentations, past experience as an actual doctor, and an mcat at the 99th percentile.


Reel in the neuroticism a bit buddy. Creighton takes 90% of its students from OOS, you have research experience that would be impressive at any school, CNA employment is about as hands on clinical experience can get, other service opportunities and you say your quantitative stats are above average. On paper you sound like a solid candidate for many medical schools, creighton included.

 

[McNerdy]

Thanks for sharing! Is it okay if I PM'ed you with a few questions?

go right ahead. I am more than willing to offer whatever info i can.

 

[McNerdy]

I can't answer that, but honestly, I would hope they are LGBTQ friendly since the basis of Christianity is love. Not sure it's allowed or colleges to discriminate based on sexuality these days. Hopefully someone else on this thread knows???

As a current med student, I have never witnessed any sort of anti-LGBTQ discrimination. We have students of all faiths and sexual orientations. Never have I heard a professor or jesuit preach against homosexuality or say anything I would deem remotely discriminatory towards the LGBTQ community. On the contrary, we are exposed to clinical scenarios involving LGBTQ SPs (Standardized patients) so we are adequately trained to care for all members of our community.

The jesuit philosophy as i've experienced it thus far is to seek out and serve the humanity in each and every person regardless of whether or not you agree with certain aspects of their life. It's much more of the love thy neighbor even if you don't agree with them than a "fire and brimstone" kind of university.

 

[amess]

By the way, I know that AMSAR says they accept a max of 7 letters of rec but the website makes it seem like they prefer to have just 3, and the additional letters can be submitted to help your app. I have 5 letters of rec. Should I send all 5 if the two other letters is from a PI who knows me very well and a physician I shadowed?

 

[premeddestiny]

By the way, I know that AMSAR says they accept a max of 7 letters of rec but the website makes it seem like they prefer to have just 3, and the additional letters can be submitted to help your app. I have 5 letters of rec. Should I send all 5 if the two other letters is from a PI who knows me very well and a physician I shadowed?

I’ve sent in 5 letters and they invited me for interviews. Those extra letters are fine as long as you believe the letters are great.

 

[sillyxwabbit]

II earlier today! First of the cycle
OOS, LM 69-70
Super excited to see Omaha
Submitted 8/12

 

[pinkandwhite]

II this morning! I’m so excited!!! Submitted first week of August. OOS LizzyM ~74.

 

[sinhark]

II this morning! LM 70-71, OOS. Anyone know how/when I can get in contact with a student host?

 

[sillyxwabbit]

II this morning! LM 70-71, OOS. Anyone know how/when I can get in contact with a student host?

They sent me an email a bit after the interview invite.

 

[cherto11]

II today! Submitted late July.

 

[JugglesMed]

Just got an II

 

[McNerdy]

II this morning! LM 70-71, OOS. Anyone know how/when I can get in contact with a student host?

You should receive an email with the interview invite or shortly after that will discuss signaling your interest in staying with a student host.

You will be able to preference somewhat what type of student (i.e. your a female and want to stay with females), but you will be placed at random to you with a med student who signs up to host for that weekend.

High Yield: wait for email, you will be matched to a host.

 

[premeddestiny]

It's sort of my first time going to Omaha (last time was years ago when a close relative of mine graduated from Creighton); what are some things to do/eat/see before and after interviews?

 

[McNerdy]

It's sort of my first time going to Omaha (last time was years ago when a close relative of mine graduated from Creighton); what are some things to do/eat/see before and after interviews?

1st Go to Friday M0 dinner. You'll simply go out to eat with current med school students at a local restaurant (never a chain).

With that being said, Omaha is quite the little foodie city. There are tons of places to go eat pending your mood and location and what meal you are eating during your stay.

Block16 is pretty common, kinda a hipstery burger and fry place.
Theres literally too many awesome steakhouses to count. Bars are all over omaha and have really good food. You can't go wrong eating at leadbelly, Farnam brewhouse, or any of the dozens of other bars that are in omaha.
I really like Plank seafood downtown as well as hiro88 for sushi.
Theres some good american mexican places like Roja downtown. If you want more authentic mexican you can make a trip to South-O.
Salween is pretty popular for Thai food. I like Mother india for indian.
lalibela for ethiopian is pretty good too.
Crescent moon is a must for having the "original Reuben sandwhich recipe"
Lisa's radial cafe is incredible for brunch.
If you like icecream, I'd hit up Coneflower in blackstone district or ecreamery in dundee.

As a general rule of thumb, Downtown will be much more independently owner eateries traveling west on dodge you will get more fast food options with things like Buffalo wild wings, chipotle, and such out by the crossroads mall (72nd and dodge).
There are tons of places, my list is limited by me not being able to eat out for every meal. In general the food in omaha is pretty good, even by coastal city peoples' standards.

As for things to do, really depends on what you want to do. Zoo is actually pretty dope (ranked above the san diego zoo as best zoo in world by trip advisor), the art museum is free, and i've heard good things about the Durham museum and the Lauritzen botanical Gardens. These are all in/near downtown Omaha.
We do have major concerts that come in town so perhaps see whats playing at the century link center (will be changed to CHI health center).
If you like to golf there are a number of golf courses within a short drive of downtown, more courses available towards west Omaha.
There's a decently big casino right across the river which would be less than 10 minute drive from campus.
If you like performing arts, I'd check and see whats playing at the Orpheum which hosts major plays/theatrical productions.
If you enjoy religion/architecture the cathedral is kinda cool to just checkout, look at the stained glass and such.
There's a million movie theaters, bike paths, and parks as well.

I guess I could try to keep listing stuff but I think this gives a general idea of things to do.

I can provide more info/advice pending more information about your length of stay/ location.

 

[JugglesMed]

Any idea what time the interview ends? It doesnt say on the email or website.
I haven't picked a date yet because it depends on what time it ends

 

[premeddestiny]

Thanks for such a detailed response! I am going late September and planning a 2 night stay with a student host. (Friday - Sunday)

 

[imdrbrightside]

Any idea what time the interview ends? It doesnt say on the email or website.
I haven't picked a date yet because it depends on what time it ends

I think it’s from 8-3

 

[wwjd777]

1st Go to Friday M0 dinner. You'll simply go out to eat with current med school students at a local restaurant (never a chain).

With that being said, Omaha is quite the little foodie city. There are tons of places to go eat pending your mood and location and what meal you are eating during your stay.

Block16 is pretty common, kinda a hipstery burger and fry place.
Theres literally too many awesome steakhouses to count. Bars are all over omaha and have really good food. You can't go wrong eating at leadbelly, Farnam brewhouse, or any of the dozens of other bars that are in omaha.
I really like Plank seafood downtown as well as hiro88 for sushi.
Theres some good american mexican places like Roja downtown. If you want more authentic mexican you can make a trip to South-O.
Salween is pretty popular for Thai food. I like Mother india for indian.
lalibela for ethiopian is pretty good too.
Crescent moon is a must for having the "original Reuben sandwhich recipe"
Lisa's radial cafe is incredible for brunch.
If you like icecream, I'd hit up Coneflower in blackstone district or ecreamery in dundee.

As a general rule of thumb, Downtown will be much more independently owner eateries traveling west on dodge you will get more fast food options with things like Buffalo wild wings, chipotle, and such out by the crossroads mall (72nd and dodge).
There are tons of places, my list is limited by me not being able to eat out for every meal. In general the food in omaha is pretty good, even by coastal city peoples' standards.

As for things to do, really depends on what you want to do. Zoo is actually pretty dope (ranked above the san diego zoo as best zoo in world by trip advisor), the art museum is free, and i've heard good things about the Durham museum and the Lauritzen botanical Gardens. These are all in/near downtown Omaha.
We do have major concerts that come in town so perhaps see whats playing at the century link center (will be changed to CHI health center).
If you like to golf there are a number of golf courses within a short drive of downtown, more courses available towards west Omaha.
There's a decently big casino right across the river which would be less than 10 minute drive from campus.
If you like performing arts, I'd check and see whats playing at the Orpheum which hosts major plays/theatrical productions.
If you enjoy religion/architecture the cathedral is kinda cool to just checkout, look at the stained glass and such.
There's a million movie theaters, bike paths, and parks as well.

I guess I could try to keep listing stuff but I think this gives a general idea of things to do.

I can provide more info/advice pending more information about your length of stay/ location.

Thank you so much for this detailed information. Is M0 dinner offered only on Fridays? For those who have interviews on Saturdays, would they get Saturday dinner option?

 

[imdrbrightside]

Thank you so much for this detailed information. Is M0 dinner offered only on Fridays? For those who have interviews on Saturdays, would they get Saturday dinner option?

I also have this question. Or would we go to the Friday one the night before?

 

[premeddestiny]

I also have this question. Or would we go to the Friday one the night before?

I have a Saturday interview and they do have the dinner option

 

[McNerdy]

Any idea what time the interview ends? It doesn't say on the email or website.
I haven't picked a date yet because it depends on what time it ends

As my other bro said, I believe 8-3 is a reasonable time frame to expect.
Interviews themselves are earlier on in the days, the latter bit is lunch followed by tours and such.
In general I'd say the day ends like 3-4pm. I wouldn't expect to leave much earlier than 3. This, of course, is based on last years time frame and there may be changes.

 

[McNerdy]

Thank you so much for this detailed information. Is M0 dinner offered only on Fridays? For those who have interviews on Saturdays, would they get Saturday dinner option?

Historically speaking this is a Friday night only event so if your a Saturday interview you'd go the Friday night before. I honestly think this is way better because you can hang with med students, ask students, and get a feel for the creighton culture prior to the interview.

The main reason for this is likely logistics because we'd have to reserve and put on a second dinner which is entirely organized by medical students in the admissions committee.
Plus, medical students are busy and while we love M0's we also don't want to spend what free weekend nights we have solely catering to y'all lol.

 

[McNerdy]

Thanks for such a detailed response! I am going late September and planning a 2 night stay with a student host. (Friday - Sunday)

Weather should be pretty nice, around that time. I'd for sure check out zoo, walk around old market, cross the pedestrian bridge and take your stereotypical tourist picture stepping over the state line.

Make sure to try some omaha beer while here (assuming you drink) because we do have quite a few small breweries. I personally really like brickway brewery and vanilla bean infusion beer.

I like our art museum, smaller than most big cities, but its free and is basically on campus.

When staying with a med student understand they may have to ghost you a bit to study, but make sure they don't vanquish you from their life because that shouldn't happen.

Ask your M1/2 to drive you out to see CHI Bergan because idk if that'll be on the tour since the hospital is off campus. Your host may roll their eyes but most will probably be cool with it if its not an exam weekend.

 

[SaltySprings]

So i should not apply if I havent taken physiology correct? Or would i still have a chance?

Did you call them about this requirement?

 

[wwjd777]

Historically speaking this is a Friday night only event so if your a Saturday interview you'd go the Friday night before. I honestly think this is way better because you can hang with med students, ask students, and get a feel for the creighton culture prior to the interview.

The main reason for this is likely logistics because we'd have to reserve and put on a second dinner which is entirely organized by medical students in the admissions committee.
Plus, medical students are busy and while we love M0's we also don't want to spend what free weekend nights we have solely catering to y'all lol.

That indeed works out better for the Saturday interviews. Appreciate you and all other students in the admission committee for taking time out of you busy schedule to help us out!

 

[CardioEnthusio15]

Just submitted my secondary. The more I learn about this school, the more I fall in love with it. Everything about the school aligns perfectly with my experiences and background and what I want my medical education to be. God, please bestow upon me a chance to study here.

 

[cm58]

Got an email yesterday saying my LOR's didn't meet their requirements. Asked for another one to meet them, but does anyone know how to submit it once I've got it? Do I have to do it through AMCAS or just through their portal? I'm hoping that not having LOR's meet requirements won't disqualify me for an II...

 

[McNerdy]

Got an email yesterday saying my LOR's didn't meet their requirements. Asked for another one to meet them, but does anyone know how to submit it once I've got it? Do I have to do it through AMCAS or just through their portal? I'm hoping that not having LOR's meet requirements won't disqualify me for an II...

I'd call/email the admissions committee on monday to gain clarification on this issue. They will be much more helpful than anyone on this forum could be regarding the re-submission of a LOR.

 

[McNerdy]

Just submitted my secondary. The more I learn about this school, the more I fall in love with it. Everything about the school aligns perfectly with my experiences and background and what I want my medical education to be. God, please bestow upon me a chance to study here.

Ill be rooting for you!

 

[CardioEnthusio15]

Ill be rooting for you!

Thanks! You are awesome.

 

[ghosty_migee]

Good question to ask during your interviews, Creighton is doing a substantial overhaul of their medical school curriculum and it will be introduced in 2019 (LCME is conducting their survey of Creighton in 2019 so this timing is no coincidence). You could ask what their new curriculum will consist of and how it is an improvement over previous years.

 

[tidyberry]

Good question to ask during your interviews, Creighton is doing a substantial overhaul of their medical school curriculum and it will be introduced in 2019 (LCME is conducting their survey of Creighton in 2019 so this timing is no coincidence). You could ask what their new curriculum will consist of and how it is an improvement over previous years.

Thanks for the info!

 

[McNerdy]

Good question to ask during your interviews, Creighton is doing a substantial overhaul of their medical school curriculum and it will be introduced in 2019 (LCME is conducting their survey of Creighton in 2019 so this timing is no coincidence). You could ask what their new curriculum will consist of and how it is an improvement over previous years.

You are the bomb for pointing this out.
I'd imagine you all will get a talk about this on interview day but please ask your interviewers about what changes will be happening because you all (future class of 2023) will be inheriting a brand new curriculum.

Based upon what I know about the curriculum, I think I'd rather have the new curriculum.
Currently the first semester starts off with Molec cell bio, anatomy and ethics running throughout the entire first semester at the same time. The Spring of M1 was immunology, pharm, behavioral medicine 1, and neuroscience with neuroscience being the first legit "system." M2 is entirely systems i.e. doing one subject for a month than moving to next system (heme/onc, cardio, renal etc.)

WARNING: What you are about to read is not by any means set in stone and is based upon what limited information students been told.

The new curriculum will have ya'll starting systems in the first semester of medical school with anatomy being integrated into each system.
I believe your systems will also conclude earlier than our current curriculum does during M2. I think this will ultimately manifest as more step studying time, both in terms of dedicated step studying time as well as school sponsored review which is a HUGE bonus.

Furthermore, you will select one of several tracks or concentrations (not sure what official designation is) and be awarded time to pursue electives that correspond to a "track" or "concentration" of your choice.
I do not know what specific tracks or electives will be available but two examples would be something like :
Clinical skills track: electives spent doing additional interviewing, procedural simulation training and clinical experiences.
Humanities track: electives spent learning more about medical ethics, law, public and global health.

These electives would be in addition to base requirements. So everyone still will take ethics/interviewing coursework, but you may do extra of one pending your concentration of study.

As a M2 they've made changes to this years curriculum to cut back on lecture time, focus lecture material more on high-yield board material, and open up afternoons for independent studying rather than having afternoon lectures. They have also transitioned our small group discussions from being largely faculty mediated to self/student directed.
We are also the first beneficiaries of school purchased firecracker subscription which they seem to be trying to incorporate into our systems curriculum.
While speculation, I'd imagine these qualities (more independent learning, less lecture, student lead group learning, and firecracker incorporation) will be carried into the new curriculum. For what its worth, I think this is a massive improvement and would much rather finish lecture at noon each day with the afternoon off to study something like pathoma, shadow doctors, volunteer, or do research as opposed to having lecture until 3 or 4 pm.

Once again let me just restate, I may be completely wrong about a lot of this and am not sure just how set in stone a lot of these changes are.
I'm just providing what I have been told to provide you with a basis to inquire further during your interview days.

 

[lolahola]

Are they receptive to ITA/ how do people normally send ITAs?

 

[McNerdy]

Are they receptive to ITA/ how do people normally send ITAs?

Forgive me but what is ITA?

 

[lolahola]

Forgive me but what is ITA?

I thought it meant In the Area but im not 100% sure

 

[DoctorDragon22]

I thought it meant In the Area but im not 100% sure

Creighton is very receptive to people showing interest in general. They are not like most who limit your updates either. They are extremely welcome to showing you are genuinely passionate about their school.

 

[demrepmck]

Has anyone found an answer to the advanced physiology requirement? I took three physiology courses, but none of them required a prerequisite to take them. I'd really like to apply to Creighton, but would hate to waste money if they are just going to toss my application away. Thanks.

 

[McNerdy]

How are you all answering "Why Creighton", there isn't much information on the website..... besides saying the school is about service what else stands out?

We love "because its a medical school and I just want to go somewhere"

But in all seriousness it's understandable that you might have difficulty because at the end of the day many medical schools offer similar educational experiences. I can guarantee you however that their emphasis on different parts of the curriculum will vary.

Many medical schools offer free clinics service opportunities but how many schools offer the ability to serve at multiple clinics, that operate weekly with service opportunities in different specialties?

Most medical schools will offer service opportunities, so Creighton is by no means unique in this aspect, however each and every student who graduates from Creighton participates in voluntary service. I think that says something about the culture of our school.

What is the clinical education/opportunities like at each school? Although I can't tell you what it will be like with new curriculum, I can say that Creighton seems to begin teaching clinical exams/interviewing skills much earlier than other schools do (subjective based upon my friends experiences at other schools) and we offer our longitudinal primary care program where you will spend an afternoon every 2 weeks shadowing a family med, IM, or OBGYN doc (this may change to be earlier with new curriculum). This is alot more clinical experience in the first 2 years than many other medical schools that I am aware of.

Does spending 2 years in Omaha and 2 years in phoenix appeal to you? This is another incredibly unique educational opportunity unique to Creighton. If you aren't interested in Phoenix, Does staying in the Midwest appeal to you? that can be a reason of Why Creighton.

Perhaps living in a small city appeals to you, that could be a reason.

We utilize a vital signs mentorship program where each M1 is paired with an M2 (and an M3, M4 going down the line) A group of these student mentors are provided a faculty mentor. This is something I believe is fairly unique to Creighton (I know of some schools that have mentoring of some sort, but lack faculty mentoring components) and provides a strong support structure during your transition into medical school and throughout your education.

Interested in Global Health? over 20% of our class participated in CURA trips this past summer. I know other schools participate in global health experiences however I don't believe they do it to the magnitude (in the sense of number of student participants) as Creighton does.

Do you enjoy a non-competitive atmosphere that is collaborative? Creighton was easily the most relaxed school I visited on the interview trail and is still the most laid-back collaborative medical school environment I know of.

Fostering of your religious beliefs/spirituality could also be an important reason of why to apply to creighton (many catholics/jesuits really like that creighton is jesuit).

In short, there are plenty of things to write about. We have our faults and short comings but Creighton truly is a great medical school that is will offer you a unique and empowering educational experience.