Free backpack?

[lostintime]

I heard this rumor that we get free backpacks at some point....

(And the fact that I see med student clones carrying those same green backpacks around hahaha)....

So I am in need of a new backpack, and if this rumor is false, I should really get one now as opposed to later. Does anyone know how exactly these "free/clone backpacks" came to being?

[Madz25]

ummm we (at dal) got ours during O-week...dunno how it works for other schools.

[BMO guy]

the backpacks are given out by MD Management...
at UBC they have a little event where they have free pizza and give out the backpacks at the beginning on the year.

[lucy98]

Hey lostintime,

If I recall from previous posts, you're headed to UWO. Last year at UWO, we got our backpacks just after the White Coat Ceremony. They are pretty decent backpacks as well. And, it's a good way to identify your fellow classmates in the first few weeks (or in my case, months) when you still don't know everyone yet! :)

Lucy

[onlytemp]

The backpacks have been around a while. I think my class (started in 1999, graduated 2003) were either the first or second class to get them (think the first). They seem to have gotten a lot nicer, from what I see of current/recent students.

The zipper is broken on mine, but my husband still takes it camping/snowboarding occasionally.

At first people do look like clones, and we had a bit of a problem with grabbing each others' backpacks accidently in class and the computer lab... but after a while it becomes a great way to identify other people in your med school year from around the country. When you're away on electives, at the airport, etc, it's nice to see someone with the same bag as you... you know immediately that they're a med student and in the same year. Occasionally I still see some antiquated dinosaur roaming around with a "Class of '03" bag!

the colors ought to have repeated right? i remember several years ago, the bags were blue too hmmmm

[Dante]

YES BLUE!!! the green ones were... not pretty.

i think most of the recent years were some shade of blue... it was just this past year that went green. or so i'm told.

[Poolboy]

My friend put a patch on his and now he stands out among the clones. I tried using mine, but I only lasted a week - I found last years had so many pockets that I got frustrated wit trying to fit in my big books - I did like the free pen light though!

[mbene085]

Score, my friend asked me what colour it would be this year and I randomly guessed blue, just because I wanted it to be blue. Clearly I can manipulate the universe. Now I must go use my powers for evil...

[lostintime]

Yay! I wanted blue too! Is it like turquoise blue? Navy? Gah, too curious for my own good. I'll find out in a couple of weeks.

[lostintime]

Whattt...it's baby blue?! Ick....

[reminisce]

just think of it as "sky blue" =)
what about a red one? :)

[Charlatan]

Hey aranndil,

Is it really going to be baby blue this year? Or did you just guess or make that up?

Baby blue or sky blue is quite acceptable to me actually :cool:

[lostintime]

So from another thread, they ARE going to be "sky/baby" blue. *groans* Must not be too greedy...free backpacks...good...good....*repeats to self*

[onlytemp]

So from another thread, they ARE going to be "sky/baby" blue. *groans* Must not be too greedy...free backpacks...good...good....*repeats to self*

argh baby blue? i guess i'll use a crayon and color over it :P

[lostintime]

Lol aranndil must be psychic.

[Jikuty]

I'm going to drop out and reapply next year for a better colour. :P

[0T6]

I used to love the meds backpack but it's lost a bit of its novelty this year - I like the anonymity of a good old MEC backpack

[Swift Fox]

Sky blue eh? Well you will be able to identify med students from pretty far away with that bright color.

So if you got it and want to flaunt it... :p

[KennethToronto]

I guess we should be happy for a free bag :) But it'd be really great if they gave out sweet MEC or Black Diamond bags that were rebadged or whatever. Nothing beats the quality of those bags :)

[silverjelly]

I for one actually liked the green. It really stands out, and is a welcome change from the sea of blue and black backpacks you see around school campuses in general.

[rogerroger]

I have one sitting in my bedroom now (as Calgary starts early we get our backpacks early) and I would NOT classify the colour as baby blue.

Not even close.

I would say the blue is closer to a royal blue (a bit lighter) and the bag has black and grey accents. It's kind of the colour of the QuickTime logo...if that helps

Quicktime eh? That's a pretty good color. WAY better than baby blue! :rolleyes: Thanks for the clarification futdoc!

[worriedandwaiting]

I think a picture should be posted :D

[jajabinks]

yup! futdoc08 - cough up the photo please :)

(wow...are we an anxious group of almost-med-students!)

[DrTruth]

a few of your are gonna have to get your bags cleaned the moment you get em if you stay this excited
a bag sighting:
http://photos-220.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v307/201/72/501601220/n501601220_1664417_5301.jpg

[jajabinks]

nice! darker than the previous years..

[rogerroger]

a few of your are gonna have to get your bags cleaned the moment you get em if you stay this excited
a bag sighting:
http://photos-220.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v307/201/72/501601220/n501601220_1664417_5301.jpg

Yeah, that looks slick, I will use that. ;)

[Darla]

Yes. Yes you will.

It can't hurt to put a patch or pin on yours.

[mbene085]

Quick question - do the bags have a laptop compartment built-in, or one that could easily be used as such?

I just got my tablet and figured there's no point in getting a case if I can just carry it in the backpack (which would be way more convenient anyway).

[reminisce]

i'm not sure about the laptop compartment, but you could still get those zippered "sleeve" type cases (unless thats what you already meant). I dropped my laptop while it was in my targus laptop bag and a piece of the frame came loose :(, luckily i was able to snap it back together, but i would recommend getting a case anyway.

[bustylegs]

Quick question - do the bags have a laptop compartment built-in, or one that could easily be used as such?

I just got my tablet and figured there's no point in getting a case if I can just carry it in the backpack (which would be way more convenient anyway).

Judging by the spy photo posted above, the style of the bags have not changed.

If the bag style does remain identical, then there is a separate labtop compartment. It's not amazingly padded, but it is an "off-the-floor" design and does its job.

Hope this helps.

[justletmein]

Isn't anyone tired of discussing these friggin backpacks?
Can't you just wait to get them???

[mbene085]

Isn't anyone tired of discussing these friggin backpacks?
Can't you just wait to get them???

Waiting, like school, is for fools.

[lostintime]

So do you guys like them? Meh is all I can say.

[A-Stark]

I like it well enough that I've been using it for the past week. It has lots of useful pockets - if I really need to carry a lot of stuff, I'll probably switch back to my old red one (which is actually only a few months old). Haven't tried packing my laptop in yet - I suppose that will be the rest test!

[xylem29]

I WANT TO BE IN MED SCHOOL SOOOOOO BADLY Whenever I see groups of students walk around with these bags!!!! The pharmacy bags we get are so cheap :(.

[rogerroger]

I like the bag. We actually got two bags. We got the blue CMA bag and a black UofT Medicine sling type bag. Both are really useful for identifying people in your class on the street or around campus. That reason alone makes it pretty cool. I think both bags are pretty nice for carrying stuff as well. If you only have a few notes (like when you are visit a hospital) whip out the black sling bag. If you have a bunch of stuff (like when your going to class) go to the blue CMA bag. For everyday stuff I tend to like the blue CMA bag.

[AMmd]

wow! are they gonna start giving you clothes next! hahahaha im jealous...

[rogerroger]

wow! are they gonna start giving you clothes next!

Haha too late, we already got TWO t-shirts. I don't really like them and I think I will use them as PJs. :)

Plus I also got a water bottle, travel mug, book on Osler, clinical exam guide, lil' thing of mints and a years supply of pens and highlighters. So I guess you can say the freebies start early, as in day one of med school. But when you look at the tuition I pay you soon realise that many things are not really free, they only APPEAR free.... For example, the "free" private transportation I get too and from the hospitals.

[xylem29]

Haha too late, we already got TWO t-shirts. I don't really like them and I think I will use them as PJs. :)

Plus I also got a water bottle, travel mug, book on Osler, clinical exam guide, lil' thing of mints and a years supply of pens and highlighters. So I guess you can say the freebies start early, as in day one of med school. But when you look at the tuition I pay you soon realise that many things are not really free, they only APPEAR free.... For example, the "free" private transportation I get too and from the hospitals.

What's the private transportation, the UHN shuttle bus?

[rogerroger]

What's the private transportation, the UHN shuttle bus?

Hahaha! No it is not the good ol' "private" bus. But my transportation isn't anything luxurious I assure you.

I don't want to give too much away because it could ruin my anonymity. I heard the bus is very nice however. ;)

[A-Stark]

Hey, you got the Osler book too? Think you'll actually read it? ;)

Doctors NS provided us with complimentary stethoscopes Thursday. :)

[rogerroger]

Hey, you got the Osler book too? Think you'll actually read it? ;)


If I had time in my life I would take a look at it. But UofT pretty much owns me right now... But I took a history of med class a few years ago and learned about Osler. He is a fascinating guy being a Canadian who changed the medical world and all. The book probably is a good read. Maybe I will crack it open while doing an observership up north or something this summer. ;)

[MD Financial]

You’ve asked about it – now you can make it happen!

The search is on for MD Financial’s 2009 backpack colour. We’re inviting all medical students to cast a vote for your favourite colour. By doing so, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $300 from Future Shop!

Help create history. Vote Now! (http://www.mdfinancial.cma.ca/backpacks)

[Madz25]

WHAT?! I WANT A STETHOSCOPE! We got a tshirt.

I tried to read Osler but it is the most BORING book ever. I bought the history of medicine book... "A scandalously short intro" ... it was excellent. Why can't they give us that one instead.

just to add to the list of free stuff...new brunswick students get a free stethoscope in first year and a PDA in 2nd year (you can take the monetary value of the PDA if you prefer) :)

ofcourse all the extra goodies from doctors NS - reflex hammers, tuning forks etc. oh and all the stuff from o-week (t-shirts, mugs etc.)

[elaine]

So do you guys like them? Meh is all I can say.

I like my backpack! It has lots of sections - one for my books & laptop, one for my lunch, and one for pens/pencils/etc. There are also separate pockets for my keys, waterbottle and umbrella.

Elaine

[rogerroger]

You’ve asked about it – now you can make it happen!

The search is on for MD Financial’s 2009 backpack colour. We’re inviting all medical students to cast a vote for your favourite colour. By doing so, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $300 from Future Shop!

Help create history. Vote Now! (http://www.mdfinancial.cma.ca/backpacks)

I vote RED for the 2013s. The color is most important for finding classmates out of a crowd. So I THINK 2010 is blue (but a different style), 2011 was green, 2012 was blue... The reasonable options are getting limited... So red it is!

[bustylegs]

So I THINK 2010 is blue (but a different style), 2011 was green, 2012 was blue... The reasonable options are getting limited... So red it is!

Close!

2010 is blue/light grey. To be distinguished from 2009, which is the same blue but with dark grey in the middle.

The styles from 2009 to 2012 are all identical.

Keep in mind, you may be seeing first-year residents with 0T9 bags because they graduated from 3-year program medschools!

[ointment007]

Close!

2010 is blue/light grey. To be distinguished from 2009, which is the same blue but with dark grey in the middle.

The styles from 2009 to 2012 are all identical.

Keep in mind, you may be seeing first-year residents with 0T9 bags because they graduated from 3-year program medschools!

bustylegs you are so hard core! :P

[Beekeeper]

I voted red too!

[xylem29]

>__< My new bag has a little rip in it.

awww man, that sucks!

Can you get it fixed?

[AMmd]

>__< My new bag has a little rip in it.

bastards! how dare they give you cheap sh.it for free! lol

[Lactic Folly]

There is a lifetime warranty against defects in High Sierra products - you can look into that.

[rogerroger]

Well if it means anything I as a stereotypical UofT student lug around 100lb of books everyday. ;) Mine seems to be holding up...

Maybe you just had bad luck??? :( At least it was free!

[Charlatan]

>__< My new bag has a little rip in it.

Call the surgical department :D

[MD Financial]

MD Financial's backpacks are covered by a lifetime warranty. Below is a list of authorized repair depots who will accept and repair damaged backpacks. If there is not a depot in your area, you can send your bag to the nearest depot to be fixed, but you will be responsible for the shipping costs.

The warranty covers defects in workmanship and defective materials. Please note the warranty will not cover misuse of the bag.
MD Financial

Authorized Repair Depots

Ontario
Luggage Town Ltd
644 Millway Ave., Unit#1 Concord ON L4K 4H4 905-669-6358

Evex Luggage Center
71 Doncaster Ave., Thornhill ON L3T 1L6 905-881-9161

Evex Luggage Center
1911 Dundas St. East, Unit#19 Mississauga ON L4X 1M1 905-238-7900

The Luggage Shop
2064 Manning Rd., Tecumseh ON N8N 2L9 519-256-1724

Ottawa Leather Goods
179 Sparks St., Ottawa ON K1P 5B9 613-232-4656

Capital City Luggage
1337 Wellington St., Ottawa ON K1Y 3B8 613-725-3313

K. Jamson Leather Goods
First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Toronto ON M5X 1B5
416-362-0230

Bagot Leather Goods
34 Princess St., Kingston ON K7L 1A4 613-544-4612

Québec
Bagages et cetera
430 Saint-Vallier St. W, Quebec City (Quebec) G1K 1K8 418-529-3522

Holiday Luggage
4875, Des Grandes Prairies, Montreal (Quebec) H1R 1X4 514-325-0660

J.P. Grimard
177, Rue Beaubien East, Montreal (Quebec) H2S 1R3 514-277-4171

J.P. Grimard
2305, Rue Guy, Montreal (Quebec) H3H 2L9 514-932-6979

British Columbia
Weston Luggage Ltd.
316 1st Avenue East, Vancouver BC V5T*1A9 604-685-9749

Quickie Cobbler
1824 Byland Road, Kelowna BC, V1Z 1A9 250-769-4292

Godfrey’s Luggage
2508 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4M1 250-388-5262

Alberta
McLean Luggage
3743 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T6E 6J7 780-413-8295

Luggage Land
15, 221 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton AB T5P 3Y4 780-413-4124

Handy Luggage
4704 Manhattan Road S.E., Calgary AB T2G 4B5 403-287-3179

Handy Luggage
240 Stewart Green S.W., Calgary AB T3H 3C8 403-242-4801

Wood’s Leather Goods
4816, 35 B Street S.E., Calgary AB T2B 3N1 403-228-3849

Manitoba
U.N Luggage Ltd.
175 Mc Dermot Ave E., Winnipeg MB R3B 0S1 204-943-1068

Maritimes
Kelly’s Limited
2021 Brunswick St. #101, Halifax NS B3K 2Y5 902-454-8654

Jiffy Shoe Service
Millidgeville Market, Saint John NB E2K 2Y7 506-658-1262

Saskatchewan
Clark’s Luggage Repair
3000, 5th Avenue, Regina SK S4T 0L5 306-525-5563

The Awl Shoppe
714 2nd Avenue N., Saskatoon SK, S7K 2E1 306-652-2188

[ploughboy]

ROFL - I put on an iron-on patch over it :)

I suppose that gives you something to talk about on a first date...

[ploughboy]

I've already had people ask me about my patches. I have them on all my bags. If not, I draw on them with sharpies and white-out pen... it's actually not as bad as it sounds. :p

BTW. Date? WHEN DO I HAVE TIME TO DO THAT?!

I'm not convinced that your comment, my comment and Charlatan's comment are all in synch. Regardless, if I were trying to hide Fournier's Gangrene with an iron-on patch, I would expect my date to be impressed. Or impressively disgusted...

pb

[UBCmed09]

BTW. Date? WHEN DO I HAVE TIME TO DO THAT?!

You've got more time now than you are going to have for most of the next 3-8 years of your life...

[lolo5]

can someone from MD financial , or anybody confirm the backpack's color for this yrs class,class of 2013 please....
l voted red too and im hopeful .....thank you so much :)

[Renin]

can someone from MD financial , or anybody confirm the backpack's color for this yrs class,class of 2013 please....
l voted red too and im hopeful .....thank you so much :)

If you guys get red, I'll be jealous :p

[ontariostudent]

Ohhh red would be fun. Does anyone remember what other colours were in the running? I didn't see the poll until it was too late.

[tooty]

we can vote for the colour?! wtf??!

and i second red, as long as it's crimson red, not bright red.

i hate the bright blue they gave out. it sucks a lotta balls imo.

[xi88]

What is this voting deal? and where were we supposed to vote?

[dan0105]

there used to be a thread about it a while ago. Dunno if it actually lead to anything tho.

[astudentis]

http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29407

[tooty]

the red backpacks looks good imo. i'm excited.

[anonymity]

its confirmed? they're red?

[dan0105]

I don't think its been released yet. We gotta wait for the first class to start their program. (Who starts earliest, McGill, Aug 18th? anyone earlier than that?)

[tooty]

hint:

1) starts with a 'C'
2) ends with 'algary'

[anonymity]

Red!! Very canadian :)

[astudentis]

anyone have any pics?

[mandolin]

They look good! :)

[tooty]

anyone have any pics?

compared to last year's blue ones, red replaces the blue and grey replaces the black.

[gibson303]

That sounds pretty good, and drastically different from all the other bags, sweet.

[Renin]

Grrrr. I'll have to steal one from a Med 1.

[skye]

can anyone provide a picture? i hope it's a nice shade of red :)

[Senorita~M]

They are "primary colour" red and the grey is a lightish grey silver, from what I recall. Not as hideous as those light green ones, but I would have preferred a burgundy with a darker grey, but obviously we have no choice in this matter now...... :)

[astudentis]

do most med I's actually use these backpacks?

[The_B]

do most med I's actually use these backpacks?

Heck ya, they rule. Us 4th years still use ours.

[tooty]

i think i'll feel a little self-conscious wearing mine.

does anyone else feel that using these backpacks is a little pretentious? or is it just me? i suppose we worked hard and earned the right to show off our med student status, but i feel like doing so conveys the "better than thou" message.

[chemgirl]

I felt the same way... and if you get your LOC with MD management the bank card says "MD" on it in gargantuan letters and I always say "sorry about my pretentious bank card" if I notice the cashier looking at it and rolling their eyes... I know I did when I was a cashier every time someone had a credit card with "Dr." in front of their name.

i think i'll feel a little self-conscious wearing mine.

does anyone else feel that using these backpacks is a little pretentious? or is it just me? i suppose we worked hard and earned the right to show off our med student status, but i feel like doing so conveys the "better than thou" message.

[phulmayaa]

i think i'll feel a little self-conscious wearing mine.

does anyone else feel that using these backpacks is a little pretentious? or is it just me? i suppose we worked hard and earned the right to show off our med student status, but i feel like doing so conveys the "better than thou" message.

Agreed, but is there actually any advantage in using these backpacks over the ones we already have? Perhaps something to do with the convenience of identification?

[lostintime]

They're nice and large, and have a laptop compartment. Otherwise, they're kinda too bright and stick out too much. Would you REALLY want to be identifiable everywhere?

[rmorelan]

i think i'll feel a little self-conscious wearing mine.

does anyone else feel that using these backpacks is a little pretentious? or is it just me? i suppose we worked hard and earned the right to show off our med student status, but i feel like doing so conveys the "better than thou" message.

I didn't think so until everyone chimed in with the whole "status thing" and how prevalent they are at universities with a medical school attached. Originally I was lumping them into that general "frosh get free stuff" category which seemed perfectly normal to me. Heck I still have tee shirts from first year, and I still get stuff from conferences etc all the time. I don't wear any of that stuff to impress anyone, but this bag seems to be in an entirely different category and thus now I am not so sure :)

[lostintime]

It's not so much status as the fact that sometimes you just want to be a face in the crowd instead of being identified as from somewhere etc.

If you wear a UWO T-shirt, it's kind of different given the population of UWO or even one of their residences. But the med class of 2013 or 2012 or whatever is only like 100-200 people lol.

[Jochi1543]

I'm not wearing it as my regular backpack. 1) pretentious 2) makes you easily identifiable, which can be a bad thing if you just wanna relax and not be bugged by premeds or just feel like having a drink or dropping the F bomb without some whiner running to the dean and complaining that a med student is acting "unprofessional."

[tooty]

if you just wanna relax and not be bugged by premeds or just feel like having a drink or dropping the F bomb without some whiner running to the dean and complaining that a med student is acting "unprofessional."

if that ever happens to me, wayne brady is definitely gonna have to choke a b1tch.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a344/alchohollie/Actors%20artist%20and%20music%20stuff/waynebrady.jpg

[Microbiodude]

hmmm of all the premeds on this forum, how many of you have actually approached a med student you didn't know to ask about admissions information? For all the med students, how many of you have actually been approached by premeds when you were wearing something easily identifying you as a med student? I'm just trying to figure out if we're making assumptions or this actually happens. I remember when I studied at my library and sat about two tables away from a either a group of med students or even one med student on their own, over the span of 5 hours I never saw them approached even once. I've seen them once/twice a week over the span of a year.


I'll need a new backpack for the upcoming year and I'd rather use the one they give us then dish out another $60 or so. But if does attract unwanted attention then perhaps it'll be worth the investment to just buy a new bag.

[anonymity]

Completely agree with the above. In all my undergrad years, I've seen med students countless times, but never once have I seen them approached.

As for the whole pretentious thing... it's what you make it out to be. It's not like you are going to be sporting the bag and flashing a sly grin when a premed makes eye contact with you. If you feel self-conscious about it, then by all means, don't use it as a regular backpack.

I've been using the same beat up bag for school, camping, carrying gym clothes, etc, for four years so I'll gladly accept a new and free backpack. I just hope I won't be labelled as pretentious just for using it.

[ploughboy]

"Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" - attributed to Sigmund Freud

...and sometimes a backpack is just a backpack. I think some people are *really* overanalyzing things.

Aside from the CMA, MD Management and relevant provincial medical association logos (1.5" high in white thread in a panel across the bottom), there's nothing special about the bags. Believe it or not, there are people with the same High Sierra backpacks in the same colour schemes who aren't med students. If you find the bag useful, great. If you don't, great. Just don't expect it to confer some sort of rock-star status upon you. :rolleyes:

Premed101 - taking obsessiveness to a whole new level...

[dan0105]

I'm not wearing it as my regular backpack. 1) pretentious 2) makes you easily identifiable, which can be a bad thing if you just wanna relax and not be bugged by premeds or just feel like having a drink or dropping the F bomb without some whiner running to the dean and complaining that a med student is acting "unprofessional."

I'm with jochi on this one.

[tooty]

"Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" - attributed to Sigmund Freud

...and sometimes a backpack is just a backpack. I think some people are *really* overanalyzing things.

Aside from the CMA, MD Management and relevant provincial medical association logos (1.5" high in white thread in a panel across the bottom), there's nothing special about the bags. Believe it or not, there are people with the same High Sierra backpacks in the same colour schemes who aren't med students. If you find the bag useful, great. If you don't, great. Just don't expect it to confer some sort of rock-star status upon you. :rolleyes:

Premed101 - taking obsessiveness to a whole new level...

relax dude. we're chill.

[RCP90]

Whoah. Didn't read the whole thread but....

Are we getting a little ahead of ourselves here. "Pretentious" display of achievement? Its a red backpack that means you got into medical school. Big flippin deal. It's not like you're Master of the Universe, or something worth a second look. Get over yourself. You're not that important. And neither am I.

If you're worried you might look like you think you're the ish and showboating, then try this: I knew med students who sported the bag, but in their behaviour, they were extremely modest, polite, humble, chill and didn't walk with their noses in the clouds.

And if a prememd approached me asking admissions questions. No problem. Happy to help.

Oh, and what pb said.

[BigManOnCampus]

I'm gonna rock the bag like I bought it, and I really don't give a **** what other people take it to mean.

co-sign pb and rcp90, too

[tooty]

Whoah. Didn't read the whole thread but....

Are we getting a little ahead of ourselves here. "Pretentious" display of achievement? Its a red backpack that means you got into medical school. Big flippin deal. It's not like you're Master of the Universe, or something worth a second look. Get over yourself. You're not that important. And neither am I.

If you're worried you might look like you think you're the ish and showboating, then try this: I knew med students who sported the bag, but in their behaviour, they were extremely modest, polite, humble, chill and didn't walk with their noses in the clouds.

And if a prememd approached me asking admissions questions. No problem. Happy to help.

Oh, and what pb said.

how strongly do you think anyone can feel about this? we're talking about backpacks. in my list of priorities, it's listed just below the next time i'll need to take a dump (in 30 minutes).

i'll probably still wear mine and will continue to think that i and everyone else who will wear one will appear a little pretentious. if you can't respect that, then whatevs hommie.

[Jochi1543]

hmmm of all the premeds on this forum, how many of you have actually approached a med student you didn't know to ask about admissions information? For all the med students, how many of you have actually been approached by premeds when you were wearing something easily identifying you as a med student? I'm just trying to figure out if we're making assumptions or this actually happens. I remember when I studied at my library and sat about two tables away from a either a group of med students or even one med student on their own, over the span of 5 hours I never saw them approached even once. I've seen them once/twice a week over the span of a year.


I'll need a new backpack for the upcoming year and I'd rather use the one they give us then dish out another $60 or so. But if does attract unwanted attention then perhaps it'll be worth the investment to just buy a new bag.

My most memorable one so far was when I got cornered by a kid at my gym's front desk when I put in "medical student" as "occupation" on my membership application. Had to listen to a 20-minute story of his entire academic record, ECs, etc, was polite and feigned extensive excitement when he asked how I feel about being admitted, etc. He was a nice kid and was genuinely curious about everything, but I don't want that happening every day.

Considering I only recently got admitted and have not yet stepped foot on campus, I can only imagine how often it would happen once classes start, but after being asked by everyone and their mother "so, tell me about some cool calls you've had" and "I don't know how you people deal with all that bloody stuff" about 500 times while wearing my EMS uniform or jacket in a public place, I'd rather stay unidentified as a medical student.

However, the potential for getting free/discounted food compensated for the nuisance of being barraged by the public, so I still wouldn't leave my EMS jacket in the car if I wanted to stop for coffee or something on the way home from work.;) You gotta take the bad with the good.:p

[sasquatch86]

My most memorable one so far was when I got cornered by a kid at my gym's front desk when I put in "medical student" as "occupation" on my membership application. Had to listen to a 20-minute story of his entire academic record, ECs, etc, was polite and feigned extensive excitement when he asked how I feel about being admitted, etc. He was a nice kid and was genuinely curious about everything, but I don't want that happening every day.

Considering I only recently got admitted and have not yet stepped foot on campus, I can only imagine how often it would happen once classes start, but after being asked by everyone and their mother "so, tell me about some cool calls you've had" and "I don't know how you people deal with all that bloody stuff" about 500 times while wearing my EMS uniform or jacket in a public place, I'd rather stay unidentified as a medical student.

However, the potential for getting free/discounted food compensated for the nuisance of being barraged by the public, so I still wouldn't leave my EMS jacket in the car if I wanted to stop for coffee or something on the way home from work.;) You gotta take the bad with the good.:p

Simple solution, just put 'Student' down as an occupation. You get your membership, no questions, everybody is a winner.

[gibson303]

Anyone who isn't going to wear this bag, because they think it is "pretentious" = self-righteous

Anyone who is wearing this bag because they simply think it is a "free bag" = lying

I think it is a little bit of both. Yes, the bag is free, that saves you $80 and from talking to other Meds apparently it is actually a decent bag. Any student that attends an university with a medical school can easily identify these bags. And every medical student knows this! The bag is hideous...let's be honest. It is in bright colors and stands right out. People wear it because yes it is a free bag, but also because it is a MED SCHOOL bag.

There is nothing wrong with this however...referring to the person who was "embarassed" to show their MD management bank card, really? you are way too self concious if you think people get bugged seeing a card like that.

Believe it or not, it is OKAY to be proud of your accomplishments. The bag is free, but is also a sign of your accomplishment, wear it proudly, the law students wear theirs, the dents wear theirs and I don't think anyone thinks they're pretentious. At the very least, they say, "oh there goes a med student, what an ugly bag".

Sport that bag you deserve it, if you don't like it buy a new bag, it is no different than wearing an University T-Shirt that Says "Schulich Medicine". You don't need that bag to be a pretentious med student.

Also...like others said this bag isn't celebrity status, it isn't going to get you premeds rushing in to ask you questions, get over urself.

[WaveSense]

I'm not going to wear my bag.. Couple buddies of mine that are on campus are having problems getting into med schools and i don't want to remind them of that everytime we see each other. My old bag works just fine

[astudentis]

You know, I didn't even know about these colored backpacks for each class year until this year when a UofA student actually told me a day before my interview. Coming from a undergrad school that doesn't have a med school, I presume most wouldn't even know about it.

But, I do have to agree that these brightly colored backpacks are too vibrant...

Personally, even if I chose to wear the backpack, and was singled out by premeds for advice, I would be glad to help :) (to return a favor)

[Lactic Folly]

While I'm also the type of person who prefers not to advertise my future occupation in public, I don't feel that the med backpack falls into the same category as, say, clothing with "Medicine" in big letters on it, or that credit card with "MD" in even bigger letters.

How many people who are not knowledgeable about med school will know what it is or notice you wearing it in a public area? If you are self-conscious about the white embroidery, just put some patches on the bottom. It is a very practical bag with multiple compartments.. still using it (albeit slightly worn and frayed) as a resident because I don't want to bring anything else to the hospital. The bag *is* highly recognizable in the med school and hospital environment, but can hardly be said to be a status symbol there, lol.

[gibson303]

While I'm also the type of person who prefers not to advertise my future occupation in public, I don't feel that the med backpack falls into the same category as, say, clothing with "Medicine" in big letters on it, or that credit card with "MD" in even bigger letters.

How many people who are not knowledgeable about med school will know what it is or notice you wearing it in a public area? If you are self-conscious about the white embroidery, just put some patches on the bottom. It is a very practical bag with multiple compartments.. still using it (albeit slightly worn and frayed) as a resident because I don't want to bring anything else to the hospital. The bag *is* highly recognizable in the med school and hospital environment, but can hardly be said to be a status symbol there, lol.

Well put. I agree with this 100%, this "backpack" status is limited to I believe those students who are in universities with med schools and even more those who are pursuing meds. No one else will really notice them. So why not wear it? I still don't think its pretentious. I had thoughts about wearing the bag myself because of these very notions, but then I realized that instead of worrying about it looking pretentious, I should see it as a backpack which I'll be proud to wear.

I simply do not buy however that students wear this bag only because it is free...it just looks ridiculous when 150 students come out of a classroom wearing the same hideous blue or bright green backpack.

Ppl wear it because those who know, know it is a med school bag. That is all. It is great, convenient, free, but above all a designation that you are in med school. But again no one says this is a bad thing.

If you are a pretentious douchebag, you will be one regardless of this bag trust me.

[JPJ]

Anyone who isn't going to wear this bag, because they think it is "pretentious" = self-righteous

Anyone who is wearing this bag because they simply think it is a "free bag" = lying

I think it is a little bit of both. Yes, the bag is free, that saves you $80 and from talking to other Meds apparently it is actually a decent bag. Any student that attends an university with a medical school can easily identify these bags. And every medical student knows this! The bag is hideous...let's be honest. It is in bright colors and stands right out. People wear it because yes it is a free bag, but also because it is a MED SCHOOL bag.

There is nothing wrong with this however...referring to the person who was "embarassed" to show their MD management bank card, really? you are way too self concious if you think people get bugged seeing a card like that.

Believe it or not, it is OKAY to be proud of your accomplishments. The bag is free, but is also a sign of your accomplishment, wear it proudly, the law students wear theirs, the dents wear theirs and I don't think anyone thinks they're pretentious. At the very least, they say, "oh there goes a med student, what an ugly bag".

Sport that bag you deserve it, if you don't like it buy a new bag, it is no different than wearing an University T-Shirt that Says "Schulich Medicine". You don't need that bag to be a pretentious med student.

Also...like others said this bag isn't celebrity status, it isn't going to get you premeds rushing in to ask you questions, get over urself.

excellent post

[astudentis]

heh good thing I asked the question eh? I wonder if this issue has been discussed before. btw, does anyone know when this backpack thing started? (ie when they started to give them out)

[tyro]

It's just a freakin' backpack. And that's it. No one cares you're wearing it. Moreso, as hard as this is to believe, no one actually cares that you're a med student.

I had a med school attached to my uni, and premeds did not swarm around the med students, let alone give them a second glance. There is no celebrity status associated with being a med student, let alone a backpack.

So relax guys, you can wear the backpack without inducing inferiority complexes into the onlookers. It is pretentious to assume that it is pretentious to wear one.

[astudentis]

only on pm101 we can have discussions on backpacks lol

[Jochi1543]

It is pretentious to assume that it is pretentious to wear one.

I think it's pretentious to assume that it is pretentious to assume that it is pretentious to wear one.:D

[chemgirl]

Telling people who are simply expressing their honest opinion on an internet forum that they need to get over themselves does not equal "polite" or "chill". Just sayin'.

I don't like the bag. I don't like walking around with MD bags or clothing. It's a personal choice. It's that simple.

Yours truly,
She-Ra
Master of the Universe
Medicine 2010

Whoah. Didn't read the whole thread but....

Are we getting a little ahead of ourselves here. "Pretentious" display of achievement? Its a red backpack that means you got into medical school. Big flippin deal. It's not like you're Master of the Universe, or something worth a second look. Get over yourself. You're not that important. And neither am I.

If you're worried you might look like you think you're the ish and showboating, then try this: I knew med students who sported the bag, but in their behaviour, they were extremely modest, polite, humble, chill and didn't walk with their noses in the clouds.

And if a prememd approached me asking admissions questions. No problem. Happy to help.

Oh, and what pb said.

[medordie]

I wouldn’t describe the bag as pretentious but it is certainly on the garish side (last years blue, anyways, and it sounds like the new red follows suit). I use it regardless.

Bottom line for me is, it’s a free bag. If you already have one, or can afford another backpack/Lululemon bag etc, than you’re set! If you don’t want to spend money from your student loan/LOC then use this one! I understand the need for anonymity also so if that’s a concern, do what you have to do.

I and many others are simply past the point of either believing or caring that the average stranger is interested in me, my backpack, whether or not I’m in med school etc. (Yes, I was once questioned by a premed I happened to sit down right next to on public transit but was not bothered by this).

We are all entitled to our opinions/rebuttals and it certainly makes the thread more fun than if everyone was ‘chill’ and I don’t see where anyone has stopped being ‘polite’. Truthfully, I would feel more than a little ridiculous whipping out the gold ‘MD’ mastercard at McDonalds or wearing a faculty sweatshirt with a big rod of Asclepius on the back, lol. I feel EXTREMELY pretentious walking through the hospital in a white coat with stethoscope around my neck that I barely know how to use, but that's life!

[chemgirl]

Gosh, you certainly took the wind out of the sails of my, IMO, silly and funny post... I guess tone is hard to determine on the internets.

I'm not offended by things that were said in the least, I was just pointing out what I thought was an interesting contradiction... Maybe it's also just me but I don't think eyerolling and being told to "get over ourselves" because we are not "Masters of the Universe" is polite, but hey, it's the interwebs and I wasn't looking for polite-just thought it was an interesting comment in the context of the entire post.

Besides, I was offended by the impolite comment because I am Master of the Universe and I'm tired of the persecution... however, my psychiatrist keeps telling me otherwise, stupid muggle killjoy that he is :p


We are all entitled to our opinions/rebuttals and it certainly makes the thread more fun than if everyone was ‘chill’ and I don’t see where anyone has stopped being ‘polite’. Truthfully, I would feel more than a little ridiculous whipping out the gold ‘MD’ mastercard at McDonalds or wearing a faculty sweatshirt with a big rod of Asclepius on the back, lol. I feel EXTREMELY pretentious walking through the hospital in a white coat with stethoscope around my neck that I barely know how to use, but that's life!

[Microbiodude]

You know, I didn't even know about these colored backpacks for each class year until this year when a UofA student actually told me a day before my interview. Coming from a undergrad school that doesn't have a med school, I presume most wouldn't even know about it.

But, I do have to agree that these brightly colored backpacks are too vibrant...

Personally, even if I chose to wear the backpack, and was singled out by premeds for advice, I would be glad to help :) (to return a favor)

I didn't know about the backpacks until I read this forum. I've been at an undergrad school with a med school for 4 years and I still have no idea what this backpack looks like.

[medordie]

Gosh, you certainly took the wind out of the sails of my, IMO, silly and funny post... I guess tone is hard to determine on the internets.

I didn’t intend to direct my post at you and wasn’t trying to specifically call you out so quoting your words probably wasn’t helpful. In any case, I think you might be right about this here ‘internets’ thing. After all, I was amused by my own silly and funny post, apparently it was not as whimsical as I thought :mad: . I doubt any of us will lose any sleep tonight over “Backpackgate” :o (yes, lame, I already know, lol), especially not the Princess of Power!

[chemgirl]

Medordie... backpackgate, I love it!!! Sorry for misinterpreting your post... I think we have a similar sense of humour and therefore I, She-Ra, cristen thee Princess of Bright Moon! Errr... or He-Man if you are a guy... another thing you can't tell on the internets!

(And really, it must look like I have so much time on my hands but I'm online trying to find elective accomodation in Nanaimo BC which is about as hard as it sounds, lol.)

[medordie]

Medordie... backpackgate, I love it!!!

Hahaha, I'm glad you got the joke...But seriously, now that I got what I really came here for (validation of my ideas from a perfect stranger on the internet, of course), I guess I can move on, lol. Enjoy the day, all!

[AssayPlate]

I didn't know about the backpacks until I read this forum. I've been at an undergrad school with a med school for 4 years and I still have no idea what this backpack looks like.

Same here. Live and learn.

[SpanishFly]

man, I didn't even know we got backpacks! These better live up to all the hype...

[Wut?]

These backpacks are great for travelling / going to conferences, because it's a great networking tool. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to pick out another medical student out in the terminals and whatnot, and it gives a great basis for breaking the ice.

I personally don't wear the backpack unless I'm travelling because I don't like to be one to stick out from the crowd in my day-to-day life. However, even if you do choose to wear the backpack, I'd say that 90% of the people outside of medicine don't even know the significance of the backpack (they just wonder why there's a bunch of students with similar colored backpacks - especially during the tours of Orientation Week). Furthermore, really the only 'identifier' on the bag is the "MD Managment" and "Alberta Medical Association" (on ours), but that really doesn't point you out as a medical student to a stranger. It's not like the bag actually has in big bold lettering "I AM A MEDICAL STUDENT".

[ploughboy]

These backpacks are great for travelling / going to conferences, because it's a great networking tool. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to pick out another medical student out in the terminals and whatnot, and it gives a great basis for breaking the ice.

True. During CaRMS interview season it was actually kind of funny to see so many (relatively speaking) of the backpacks in the airport.

[Renin]

It's not like the bag actually has in big bold lettering "I AM A MEDICAL STUDENT".

... no, but the people on my bus route have associated them with med students, so the 5 days I wore mine, I got questions like... "My daughter has this fever that won't break, what should I do about it?" to... "Will you take a look at this fungus on my finger?"

I just use a regular bag.

[tooty]

... no, but the people on my bus route have associated them with med students, so the 5 days I wore mine, I got questions like... "My daughter has this fever that won't break, what should I do about it?" to... "Will you take a look at this fungus on my finger?"

I just use a regular bag.

L0L that's terrible if true..

[Wut?]

I got questions like... "My daughter has this fever that won't break, what should I do about it?"


Answer: Tamiflu is apparently the new solution for everything.


"Will you take a look at this fungus on my finger?"


Answer: That's not fungus, you just need to wash your hands after you eat.

[MD Financial]

The MD backpacks are red this year. This was the result of a vote we held last year - thanks to everyone who voted!! The backpacks are given to all first year students during orientation.

We've been giving the backpacks to First Year Medical Students across Canada since 1997.

[thebouque]

These backpacks are great for travelling / going to conferences, because it's a great networking tool. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to pick out another medical student out in the terminals and whatnot, and it gives a great basis for breaking the ice.

I personally don't wear the backpack unless I'm travelling because I don't like to be one to stick out from the crowd in my day-to-day life. However, even if you do choose to wear the backpack, I'd say that 90% of the people outside of medicine don't even know the significance of the backpack (they just wonder why there's a bunch of students with similar colored backpacks - especially during the tours of Orientation Week). Furthermore, really the only 'identifier' on the bag is the "MD Managment" and "Alberta Medical Association" (on ours), but that really doesn't point you out as a medical student to a stranger. It's not like the bag actually has in big bold lettering "I AM A MEDICAL STUDENT".


I would even say 99%. Ie: 90% of university students outside of medicine (or lets say health), and 100% of pple (nonstudents) outside of health sciences.

[lolo5]

Finally
Thanks MD Financial.
RED is good :o)

[WaveSense]

Is there a MD financial person giving out these backpacks to UofT students on the down low? lol

[nothingdoing]

^^

Yea, seriously... slip a few our way :p

[x-over]

do we get anything else for free? i.e. water bottles etc...always up for freebies!

[thebouque]

in new brunswick they get scopes i believe! (by scope, i mean the steth, not the ophth or the endo!)

[zuluman007]

In Sherbrooke we got a few waterbottles from National Bank and Welch Allyn. Don't worry... your first few weeks should be filled with freebies ranging from pens to water bottles to lunch! The banks are particularly looking for your business.

Have fun all you new meds! Enjoy orientation/initiation/whatever they call it in your end of the woods! It should be a blast!

[2014?]

Anyone know what colour the backpacks are going to be next year? I need to coordinate my wardrobe.... JUST KIDDING! But I am (on a very superficial level) kind of curious.. those backpacks have been haunting me for years!!:)

[Microbiodude]

As far as I know there hasn't been a vote on the colour yet (if they're doing a vote this year as well). So undetermined at the moment.

[thoughtkinetic]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

[VitaminC]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

Yes!! Thanks for posting thoughtkinetic!

[Superking25]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

Complaints from UBC!? My free backpack is awesome!

[rmorelan]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

awesome :)

[durock21]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

Nice, thanks for the info!!

[reflex]

I just spoke with an agent with MD Management, and there definitely will be backpacks this year, despite complaints from UofT and UBC...They will be two tones of grey, and I'm stoked to rep it with pride!!

Will they still give them to UofT?? Last year they delayed giving them to U of T students because U of T gave their own students special bags themselves.

[UTPEOPLE]

Will they still give them to UofT?? Last year they delayed giving them to U of T students because U of T gave their own students special bags themselves.

apparently the alumni bags are out of order

[switchit]

Hey guys,

From the UofT 1T4 fb group:

"Hi all,

This year, the CMA/OMA will be distributing the backpacks to your class. The colour and design of the backpack has not been made public yet, so be skeptical of any rumours that you hear. All I know is that it's by the same company (High Sierra) and it's fancier than last year's.

The MAA will not be distributing backpacks this year.

Love,
Team 1T4ientation (aka the O-Week committee)"

I'm guessing CMA/OMA backpacks = MD financial backpacks

[thoughtkinetic]

MD Management is owned by the CMA ;)

[orange123]

... no, but the people on my bus route have associated them with med students, so the 5 days I wore mine, I got questions like... "My daughter has this fever that won't break, what should I do about it?" to... "Will you take a look at this fungus on my finger?"

I just use a regular bag.

Lol! I was just thinking that! I thought, "do I really want undue attention? And nosey questions? I'm only a first yr med student for god's sake."

[postman]

You should have taken a couple of pictures!

[postman]

Do we still get a free backpack even if we don't get a LOC from MD Financial?

[BigM]

Do we still get a free backpack even if we don't get a LOC from MD Financial?

Yep, all med students get them

[Plasma]

Is the design the same for all universities?

[BigM]

Is the design the same for all universities?

I believe so, almost everything I had read about past years seems to suggest it is the same across the board. Although I heard something about UofT having a seperate one with a different sponsor. I don't recall if that was sometime in the past or the plan for this year.

[DOC_Ma]

Now I can rest in peace. Getting the backpack was the whole purpose of getting into med and become a doc :D





j/k ofc

[Madz25]

Is the design the same for all universities?

yes the backpacks are identical for all universities excepting the logo of the provincial medical association which is embroidered on the bottom.

I believe so, almost everything I had read about past years seems to suggest it is the same across the board. Although I heard something about UofT having a seperate one with a different sponsor. I don't recall if that was sometime in the past or the plan for this year.

UofT had different backpacks for the first time for the class of 2013 (last year), i believe. Dont know if they plan on continuing this trend.

[runningdoc]

yes the backpacks are identical for all universities excepting the logo of the provincial medical association which is embroidered on the bottom.



UofT had different backpacks for the first time for the class of 2013 (last year), i believe. Dont know if they plan on continuing this trend.

Someone posted that UofT isn't doing them this year.

[ploughboy]

Now I can rest in peace. Getting the backpack was the whole purpose of getting into med and become a doc :D


It's all downhill from here. :p

[itimebomb2]

Bump!

Who else is stoked for the new backpack? So is there like some kind of massive backpack ceremony where the Prime Minister shakes your hand and gives it to you? Or is it Wayne Gretzkey?

Seriously though, when do we all get our FREE BAGS?!?!?

[mizz.lee]

i think we get ours the wednesday morning of O-week. but I want it nooooooooooow :P

[MD/CMA]

For over 10 years, 1st Year Medical Students have looked forward to receiving their cohort's backpack from MD Physician Services, a Canadian Medical Association company. The backpacks are clearly identifiable by colour and will be distributed by the CMA, MD and Provincial Medical Associations. Med Students from across Canada tell us this signature bag enables them to quickly identify colleagues in the same year or from other graduating years.

This year, the 2010 MD/CMA backpacks are two tone silver/grey.

The first ones will be distributed at the University of Calgary later this week. Stay tuned for the backpack distribution date in your area.

Enjoy the backpack and congratulations on making the choice to pursue a career in medicine!