KCOM Interview - A.T. Still University

Today I interviewed at A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Kirksville was the first osteopathic medical school, established in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still. Dr Still was a licensed MD, but was not satisfied by what he saw as limitations in traditional medicine. His research and clinical observation led him to believe in restoring and maintaining proper health through stimulating the musculoskeletal system. This led to the development of osteopathic manipulative medicine, also called OMM, OTM, and OMT.

My KCOM interview day started at 8:00 am and began with a curriculum overview. This was followed by two one-on-one interviews which lasted one hour each. I was interviewed by Ron Gaber, Vice President and Dean of Students, and Dr David Middlemas (Pharmacology). Both seemed very friendly and warm, and both expressed great interest in my extracurricular activities, grades, letters of recommendation, and my application in general. I was amazed; both seemed like they were really trying to convince me to come. I had a really good feeling afterwards, as if they really wanted me to like the school. Dr Middlemas knew some of my former profs too. After my interviews I met with Donna Sparks in Admissions, and then all of the interviewees had lunch together. We were joined by five Student Ambassadors who answered our questions while we enjoyed turkey wraps, baked potato chips and cookies. The Student Ambassadors were awesome!! They were warm, welcoming, and helpful.

Lunch was followed by a presentation on the "Still-Well Program," which encourages students take care of themselves through healthy lifestyles and fitness, and a presentation on financial aid. A number of great Student Ambassadors gave us an extensive tour of the new OTM lab (with demonstrations), simulator lab (has six rooms all equipped with simulator dummies that breathe, have bowel, lung, and heart sounds, can talk, have blood pressure and pulses, and can be set up with any scenario for ACLS practice). There were also Standardized Patient rooms where hired actors come in and play patients who come to see the "doctor" played by a medical student who practices history-taking (1st year) and examination skills (1st and 2nd years). The tour was excellent and allowed for lots of interaction with the students, who were friendly, helpful, and interesting.

I really like this school. I really feel that if I did not have an addiction to the Arizona desert that I would have a tough time choosing between KCOM and AZCOM.