by Jared Rutecki

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” says the invitation to PreCOM, reciting the well-known Chinese proverb. Almost half of the Class of 2011 will take those steps this Saturday at PreCOM, the college’s orientation for incoming students.

PreCOM, which is in its second year, will give 47 students and 53 family members and significant others the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the college, the campus, the osteopathic educational program and the options for living in Athens. A second PreCOM session, which takes place in April, will accommodate the remainder of the class.

PreCOM begins in Irvine Hall at 8:30 a.m. when students check in and are measured for white coats. Light refreshments will be served.

“One of the most important factors in choosing a medical school is for the student to find the school that works best for him or her,” says Jill Harman, associate director of admissions. “PreCOM gives students the chance to work out some little and some big details before they begin school.”

“We get students together in one room, and they can ask all the questions they need to, face-to-face with the people who can answer them.”

It also provides a final check for them to make sure that OU-COM is the place for them to pursue their medical educations. “We want our students to be happy with choosing OU-COM. This event truly is about providing our incoming students with a sense of community.”

Including their families, says Harman, allows students to give family members a chance to see OU-COM up close and personal and to be involved in their choice.

Students will be introduced to faculty and staff who will help guide them through their four years of medical school. At 9 a.m., Dean Jack Brose, D.O., will welcome the students and talk about the various kinds of opportunities at OU-COM, such as research, volunteerism and community service.

Incoming students will split from their guests from 9:30 to 10 a.m. While parents and significant others will be treated to a tour of campus and Community Health Programs’ Mobile Health Van, students will get a chance to meet each other during a mock scavenger hunt and curricula overview. Students will also receive information on immunizations, insurance and background checks.

This visit will be the first for most incoming students since their admission interviews months ago. Students also will be able to look over housing and roommate options and receive last-minute financial aid counseling.

“A student who comes to PreCOM gets the chance to get more things done than somebody who comes to OU-COM first at the summer orientation,” Harman says. Harman and Ann Brieck, associate director of Student Affairs, were the primary planners of PreCOM. PreCOM is probably unique among D.O. schools.

“We’re not aware of any other osteopathic college that offers this type of opportunity,” Harman says.

Students will be able to use a new Web site to search for roommates, meet classmates and offer useful information for the incoming class. They also will have the opportunity to meet current students, who can offer advice on life in Athens.

“Once you get over the initial high of being accepted to medical school, PreCOM helps you focus on these detail-oriented parts of your education,” says first-year student Mike Schilb.

Students and guests will be reunited for lunch at Baker University Center. During lunch, Bradley Finger of the federally-funded, non-profit organization American Student Assistance, will speak. “The information on loans should be very helpful,” Schilb says.

“PreCOM gives everybody the opportunity to experience the family sense that happens when you walk through the door at OU-COM,” says Jennifer Lykens, a first-year medical student who attended PreCOM last year. “The activities give you a chance to meet the people that you’ll be around for the next four years of your life.”