fiu college of medicine view book
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2009 View bookTRANSCRIPT
MEDICAL STUDENTVIEW BOOK
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medicine.fi u.edu CREATING A NEW PARADIGM IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
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Florida International University (FIU) is Miami-Dade County’s
fi rst and only public, four-year university. Th e University’s very
strong record of innovation and research continues to improve the
quality of life in our communities. FIU has an interesting history
that dates back to 1965 when the Florida legislature passed a bill
for the development of a state university in Miami. Th e new uni-
versity was developed on the grounds of the abandoned Tamiami
Airport and opened in September 1972 with 5,667 students - the
largest opening day enrollment in U.S. collegiate history. Since
then the university has grown to more than 38,000 students with
over 1,000 full-time faculty and more than 135,000 alumni. Th e
University off ers more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral
programs in 21 colleges and schools.
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
College of Architecture and the Arts
School of Architecture
Department of Art and Art History
School of Th eatre, Dance, and
Speech Communication
School of Music
College of Arts and Sciences
School of International and Public Aff airs
College of Business Administration
School of Accounting
College of Education
College of Engineering and Computing
School of Computing and Information Sciences
Honors College
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Law
College of Medicine
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and
Social Work
FIU has two main campuses, the 344-acre University Park
campus in western Miami-Dade County, and the 200-acre
Biscayne Bay Campus in northeast Miami-Dade County. Th e
University also has an academic site in Broward County, FIU
Broward-Pines Center in Pembroke Pines. A major research
and teaching facility, the 40-acre Engineering Center is located
near the University Park campus. Th e Downtown Center,
located in downtown Miami, off ers graduate level business
courses for busy professionals.
Ninety-fi ve percent of the University’s full-time, tenure, and
tenure earning faculty hold doctorates or the highest degree
attainable in their fi eld.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
3
FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its
mission. Sponsored research funding (grants and contracts)
from external sources for the year 2006-2007 totaled $108
million. Th e University is ranked as a Research University
in the High Research Activity category of the Carnegie
Foundation’s prestigious classifi cation system.
Th e University’s 2007-2008 operating budget was
$648.9 million. FIU has more than 4,800 employees. Th e
University has an economic impact of more than $1.7
billion on the South Florida economy.
FIU is the youngest university to have been awarded
a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and
most distinguished academic honor society. FIU recently
ranked among the best values in public higher education
in the country, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
magazine’s 2006 survey, “100 Best Values in Public
Colleges.” FIU ranked among the top 50 nationally for
in-state students and among the top 100 nationally for out-
of-state and international students.
FIU ranked 3rd in granting bachelors degrees to
minorities and 9th in granting masters degrees to
minorities (among the top 100 degree producing colleges
and universities), according to Diverse Issues in Higher
Education, June 1, 2006.
U.S. News & World Report ranked FIU’s undergraduate
international business programs 7th in the nation and
their graduate programs among the top 20. Th e university
has also been named one of the “10 Cool Colleges for
Entrepreneurs” by Fortune Small Business magazine. Our
Executive MBA program was recently ranked #1 in Florida
by the Financial Times.
FIU’s intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division
I, the nations most competitive college sports division,
the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA. Seventeen
sports programs are off ered, including football (Division
I-A), basketball, track and cross-country, soccer, volleyball,
softball and baseball.
In recent years, FIU has emerged as one of South Florida’s
major cultural assets, off ering programs to both students
and the local community. Several of its programs are
nationally renowned for their excellence. Th e Patricia and
Phillip Frost Art Museum celebrated the grand opening
of its new facility on the University Park campus in 2008.
Th e Wolfsonian-FIU museum, located in Miami Beach,
promotes the collection, preservation and understanding of
decorative art and design from the period 1885-1945.
Th e School of Th eatre and Dance produces a wide variety
of live student performances, and Th e School of Music
presents an annual fall series of concerts that
showcase talent in a variety of genres.
Th e festival features FIU musicians
as well as distinguished visiting
performers.
Under the direction of the
Creative Writing Program, the
Writers on the Bay lecture
series presents noted authors
and poets. Th e School of
Hospitality and Tourism
Management helps present
the annual South Beach
Wine & Food Festival,
one of the major culinary
events in the nation.
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
Th e area that now constitutes the city of Miami was
originally inhabited by native Americans including the
Tequesta Indians. Spanish explorers, including Juan Ponce
de León, visited South Florida in the early 1500s. Th e area
in and around the current city of Miami was later claimed
for Spain in 1566. In the 1800s, the Miami area was the
site of fi ghting in the Second and Th ird Seminole Wars.
Prior to the Civil War, Fort Dallas was built at the mouth
of the Miami River as a military post and cantonment and
was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. After
the soldiers left, a village grew up around the old fort and
was named Miami. In the late 1800s a prominent citrus
grower, Julia Tuttle, and a prominent landowner, William
Brickell, attracted Henry M. Flagler to extend his Florida
East Coast Railway to the Miami area and Miami started
its substantial growth leading into the early 1900s. Miami
was offi cially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896, at the
beginning of this expansion period.
Th roughout the 1900’s Miami withstood
a number of signifi cant obstacles impacting
growth. Hurricanes, the Great Depression,
the Second World War, the rise to power of
Fidel Castro, riots and drug wars all shaped
the development, growth, and culture of
the city. Th e population has grown from
1,681 people in 1900 to approximately
404,000 people at the present time with a
Miami metropolitan population (Miami-
Dade County) of more than 2,253,000
people. Th is substantial population growth has occurred
with an infl ux of a number of very diverse cultural groups
including Cubans, Haitians, and African-Americans, as well
as others. Th ough these diverse cultures have blended over
time there still remain areas of the Miami metropolitan
area that favor an individual culture such as Little Havana,
Little Haiti, Overtown, and Liberty City.
Today, Miami is a major international fi nancial and
cultural center. Because of its proximity to Latin America,
Miami serves as the headquarters for Latin American
operations for many multinational corporations such
as American Airlines, Cisco, Disney, Exxon, FedEx,
Microsoft, and Sony. Many large national and international
companies also maintain their headquarters in the Miami
area including Burger King, Norwegian Cruise Line, Ryder,
and Wachovia. Th e Miami International Airport and the
Port of Miami serve as some of the nation’s busiest ports of
entry. Tourism remains as one of the largest industries in
the Miami area.
Th e Miami area is the home of numerous colleges and
universities including Florida International University.
Four diff erent professional teams are located in Miami
and include the Florida Marlins, the Miami Dolphins,
the Miami Heat, and the Florida Panthers. Miami is
rich in opportunities for arts and culture with a resident
New World Symphony and regular appearances by other
symphonies such as the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
Art galleries and restaurants are many and allow for a rich
diversity of cultural experiences. Additional attractions
include the Everglades National Park, Fairchild Tropical
Gardens, Hialeah Park, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the
Miami Metro Zoo, the Miami Museum
of Science, and many others. Miami
Beach and South Beach are popular
areas for sun and sand, as well as
dining and shopping.
MIAMI, FLORIDA
5
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
UNIVERSITY POLICIES, SERVICES, AND ACTIVITIES
EDUCATIONAL POLICIESFIU is an urban, multi-campus, research university serving
South Florida, the state, the nation and the international
community. It fulfi lls its mission by imparting knowledge
through excellent teaching, promoting public service,
discovering new knowledge, solving problems through
research, and fostering creativity.
As an institution of higher learning, Florida International
University is committed to:
Freedom of thought and expression
Excellence in teaching and in the pursuit, generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge
Respect for the dignity of the individual
Respect for the environment
Honesty, integrity, and truth
Diversity
Strategic, operational, and service excellence
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYUniversity Technology Services (UTS) is the central
technology resource provider for FIU. Its mission is to
provide leadership, consultation, access, and support for
technology that serves UTS customers and FIU’s academic,
research, and business goals.
Each enrolled student receives a free FIU e-mail account,
where students receive University announcements and
notifi cations. Wireless connectivity is available throughout
the campus. UTS has thirteen instructional labs with high-
speed Internet access, state-of-the-art workstations, and
software.
Th e UTS Support Center provides a Phone-in Help Desk,
Walk-in Support, a self-service website, and a comprehensive
on-line FAQ and Knowledge Base.
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL Th e University Graduate School has oversight of post
baccalaureate programs in all colleges and schools with the
exception of the J.D. program in the College of Law and
the M.D. program in the College of Medicine. Working
with the Graduate Faculty and the Graduate Council of the
Faculty Senate, the University Graduate School develops and
implements the policies and procedures that guide graduate
education at the University. Graduate Admissions is usually
the fi rst point of contact entering graduate students have with
the University Graduate School. Students are admitted to the
University Graduate School upon recommendation of the
graduate program to which they have applied.
Th e University Graduate School oversees the university-
wide fellowship programs: Presidential Fellowships,
Presidential Enhanced Assistantships, and Dissertation Year
Fellowships. Th e University Graduate School also works
with the graduate programs to provide support to Graduate
Assistants. Th e stipend for Graduate Assistants is provided by
the graduate program, within guidelines set by the University
Graduate School, and the accompanying tuition waivers are
provided by the University Graduate School.
CAMPUS STUDENT LIFECampus Life provides a variety of programs and services to
students and the University community. Students’ academic
learning is enhanced through their active participation in
additional educational opportunities in the areas of leadership
development, communication and organizational skills,
service, event planning, and evaluation techniques.
UNIVERSITY DIRECTORIESTh e Faculty/Staff Online Directory allows users to search
by department, telephone number, and the individual’s fi rst
and/or last name. Th e directory may be accessed from the
FIU homepage or on the following website: http://www.fi u.edu/phonebook.html.
7
THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINETh e Florida International University College of Medicine
obtained preliminary accreditation by the Liaison Committee
for Medical Education (LCME) in 2008. Th e four year program,
leading to the Doctorate of Medicine degree, involves an
in-depth exposure and training in all of the areas of medical
education recommended by the Association of American
Medical Colleges (AAMC) with a specifi c focus on family and
community medicine. Unique to the FIU College of Medicine is
the hands on experience that each student receives in observing
and caring for families who have little or no access to medical
care, and to the eff ect on quality of life that basic care provides
to these families. Equally important are the exposure and
experiences students receive which help them to select an area of
medicine for their future practices. College of Medicine students
will experience all areas of medicine from family and community
medicine to specialty and subspecialty training. Key in the
medical training program is the focus on the importance of the
doctor-patient relationship in a diverse patient population.
THE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCESTh e College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by
the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission,
and the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia
Educational Programs, and is approved by the Florida Board of
Nursing. Nursing education at Florida International University
dates back to 1972 at which time the School of Public Aff airs and
Services off ered a RN-BSN degree. In 1982 a separate School
of Nursing was established which merged with the College
of Health in 1997 to create the College of Health Sciences
which included the School of Nursing and the Departments
of Physical Th erapy, Occupational Th erapy, Dietetics and
Nutrition, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, Health
Information Management, and Speech-Language Pathology. In
2006 the School of Nursing was transformed into the College
of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS). Th e College includes
Nursing and the Departments of Physical Th erapy, Occupational
Th erapy, Health Information Management, Health Science,
Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Athletic Training.
Th e College of Nursing and Health Sciences now off ers
programs leading to the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral
degrees in nursing.
THE ROBERT STEMPEL COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK
Th e Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work
off ers master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Public Health in Epidemiology
and Biostatistics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention, and in Dietetics and Nutrition.
Th e School of Social Work off ers undergraduate and graduate
programs leading to the Bachelors (BSSW) and Masters (MSW)
and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Social Work.
Seeks to educate and train future leaders, researchers and health professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Seeks to conduct innovative research and translate that research into policy, program and practice
Seeks to promote healthy lives for the diverse community of South Florida, especially the underserved, and people of the Caribbean and Latin America
Serves as a model for stimulating educational programs and community based research in the advancement of public health that refl ects a dynamic multi-cultural environment.
Is concerned with preventing and ameliorating social problems and enhancing the quality of human life. Professional practice focuses on the transactions between people and their environments that aff ect their ability to accomplish life tasks, alleviate distress, and realize individual and collective aspirations.
Consists of the School of Social Work and the Departments of:
Dietetics and Nutrition
Environmental and Occupational Health
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Health Policy and Management
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES
8
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
MISSION STATEMENT
INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES
Th e Mission of the College of Medicine at Florida International University is:
To serve as a model for the next generation of medical education and to elevate the level of care available to the South Florida community.
Th e goals of the College of Medicine are to:
1. Educate culturally competent physicians to serve
diverse populations;
2. Provide South Florida students greater access to
medical education, admitting a student
body that refl ects the rich diversity of the region;
3. Develop a curriculum focused on community
medicine, elevating the quality of medical
care; and
4. Develop basic, translational and clinical research
programs that will ensure state of the art
care and will substantially expand the economic
growth potential of the region.
Ten-Year Goals include:
1. Providing an aff ordable, accessible College of
Medicine in South Florida;
2. Partnering with community hospitals and healthcare
clinics;
3. Maximizing an eff ective public/private partnership
funding model;
4. Developing a strong bioscience research enterprise
with signifi cant federal and private funding;
5. Enhancing the quality of healthcare in South
Florida by increasing the number of culturally
competent, underrepresented minority physicians
serving South Florida;
6. Graduating up to 120 medical students each year,
and assisting in the development of 500 residency
positions, addressing the region’s current and
anticipated physician shortages; and
7. Contributing to the economic development of the
region, state and nation.
MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE Students must demonstrate the application of
knowledge about established and evolving biomedical,
clinical, epidemiological and social behavioral sciences
to the delivery of quality and safe patient care.
PATIENT CARE Students must demonstrate willingness and ability to
provide health care to patients that is compassionate,
appropriate, and eff ective for treating health problems
and promoting health.
INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLSStudents must demonstrate interpersonal and
communication skills that result in eff ective information
exchange and teaming with patients, patients’ families,
and professional associates.
PROFESSIONALISM Students must demonstrate a commitment to service,
adherence to accepted ethical principles and norms,
sensitivity to diverse patient populations and to
professional colleagues.
SYSTEMSBASED PRACTICE Students must demonstrate an awareness of and
responsiveness to the larger context and systems of
health care and the ability to call on system resources to
provide optimal care.
PRACTICEBASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENTStudents must be able to investigate and evaluate patient
care practices, appraise and assimilate scientifi c evidence,
and continually improve their practice of medicine.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Students must recognize and adapt best practices to
accommodate the specifi c health care needs of their
patients, families, and community.
Sanford M. Markham, MDExecutive Associate Dean for
Student Aff airs
Sanford M. Markham, MDExecutive Associate Dean for
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
FOUNDING DEANS
Th e Offi ce of the Dean in the College of Medicine is composed of four major subsections which include:
Offi ce of Clinical Aff airs
Offi ce of Academic Aff airs
Offi ce of Student Aff airs
Offi ce of Finance and Administration.
J. Patrick O’Leary, MDAssistant Vice President for
Strategic Planning and Executive Associate Dean
for Clinical Aff airs
Joe Leigh Simpson, MDExecutive Associate Dean for
Academic Aff airs
John A. Rock, MDSenior Vice President for
Medical Aff airs and FIU Founding Dean College of Medicine
10
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Each of the four major subsections of the Offi ce of the
Dean in the College of Medicine includes an Administrative
Offi ce section staff ed with directors, assistant directors,
coordinators, and administrative assistants to support the
mission of the College of Medicine.
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTSTh e College of Medicine has 15 separate Academic
Departments in which medical students will receive their
professional training.
Basic Science Departments
Cellular Biology and Pharmacology
Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Human and Molecular Genetics
Pathology
Immunology
Clinical Science Departments
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Surgery
Medicine
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Orthopedic Surgery
Neurology
Radiology
Ophthalmology
Health, Humanities, and Society
BYLAWS AND POLICIESFaculty of the Florida International University College of
Medicine are governed by a specifi c set of Bylaws approved
and published by the Provost. Th e Bylaws specify the
structure and function of the College, faculty appointments
and faculty responsibilities, promotion and tenure, faculty
evaluations, and procedure for grievance and for confl ict of
interest.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYTh e College of Medicine’s Offi ce of Information
Technology has as its mission to enhance the application
and use of information technology for teaching, sharing, and
learning consistent with the strategic plans of the College of
Medicine; to provide expertise and guidance to the faculty,
physicians, students, and staff in their use of information
technology. One objective of Information Technology is to
design, develop, and help select and implement information
systems in support of academic and administrative
departments.
Th e primary objective for the Offi ce of Information
Technology is to actively support members of the College of
Medicine in the use of information technology in ongoing
and future work; to create and maintain relationships
between other institutional organizations using IT and
who are providers of IT related services; to provide the
organization with state-of-the-art development techniques,
professional growth and personal technology fulfi llment
for its staff ; and to assist the College of Medicine with
eff ectively planning for the use of current and future
technologies.
Th is mission will be accomplished through the delivery
of effi cient and collaborative support and services, fostered
by the development of innovative and proactive information
technology expertise.
Future FIU Academic Health Sciences Center Development
Jackson North Medical Center Mount Sinai Medical Center
Mercy Hospital Miami Children’s Hospital
11
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
LIBRARY SERVICES
STEVEN AND DOROTHEA GREEN LIBRARY AT FIU’S UNIVERSITY PARK CAMPUS
Th e Medical Library is situated on the third fl oor of the
Steven and Dorothea Green Library (GL) at University Park.
Th e library off ers ample individual and small group study
spaces, and a wide variety of services such as workstations,
laptop loans, interlibrary loans, scanning, copying and printing.
More than 19,000 online full-text journals are available,
including more than 4,000 in medicine and health science
subject areas, and a broad collection of the latest medical
texts, databases, images and learning programs.
Access to online resources and virtual library services is
available to students from any location in the world. Use of
the University of Miami’s Calder Memorial Medical Library
is available for FIU medical students in programs located at
the Jackson Medical Center in Miami.
Additionally, professional medical librarians provide
personal, in-depth assistance with research as well as
instruction in how to use the growing array of medical
knowledge-bases. Th e library is an active member of the
National Network of Libraries of Medicine.
FACILITIES
HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES II BUILDING AT FIU’S UNIVERSITY PARK CAMPUS
Th e College of Medicine’s administrative and academic
facilities are located in two newly constructed buildings located
on FIU’s University Park Campus. Th e primary building for
the COM is the Health Life Sciences II (HLS II) building
constructed in 2005. Th e Health & Life Sciences I (HLS I)
building, constructed in 2002, houses research space.
For the initial class of 40 in 2009, COM facilities will be
comprised of a dedicated classroom, fi ve small group teaching
rooms, four small group study rooms, and a group study
lounge, all located on the sixth fl oor of HLS II. In addition,
the COM has access to an anatomy lab and the 144-seat Blue
Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) lecture hall located on the fi rst fl oor
of HLS II, and to the wet labs located on the second fl oor of
HLS II. Furthermore, the COM maintains approximately
7,000 square feet of total dedicated, partitioned space on the
third fl oor of FIU’s Green Library. Th is includes approximately
40 private study cubicles. Also, COM students will have access
to the Center for Research in Medical Education, near Jackson
Memorial Hospital, for training in clinical skills, CPR training,
and administering Objective Structured Clinical Examination
(OSCEs). As the initial class size of 40 develops to the
projected size of 120, additional classroom, study room, and
lounge space will be available in HLS II. Clinical training will
primarily occur at Jackson North Hospital (part of the Jackson
Memorial Hospital system) with additional training taking
place at Mount Sinai Medical Center on Miami Beach, Mercy
Hospital and Miami Children’s Hospital. Additional research
facilities are available at Miami Children’s Hospital.
FIU Health & Life Sciences II Building at University Park Campus
12
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATIONTh e College of Medicine is dedicated to providing the
opportunity for an exceptional medical education to all
medical students who are prepared to benefi t from this
specialized curriculum and instruction. Th e primary
objective is to produce and qualify humanistic, ethical and
culturally sensitive physicians responsive to the medical needs
and health care challenges faced by the Staate of Florida. Th e
mission of the College of Medicine Offi ce of Students Aff airs
will be to recruit, enroll, and graduate a diverse student body
capable of pursuing a full range of opportunities available to
physicians through medical practice, service, education, and
research.
Th e College of Medicine of Florida International
University, as an institution of the State of Florida, requires
United States citizenship or Permanent Resident status as a
requirement to be considered for admission.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTSTh e College of Medicine has developed a list of required
coursework, academic requirements, and recommended
coursework for applicants to the College of Medicine. We
believe that this coursework is necessary to provide the
medical student with an adequate base foundation for their
medical education. Th ese requirements and recommendations
are similar to those required by other institutions and those
outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC), listed below:
• General Biology with laboratory: 2 semesters
• General Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry with laboratory: 2 semesters
• Physics with laboratory: 2 semesters
• Mathematics: Calculus or Statistics: 2 semesters
• English and English Composition: 2 semesters
• Demonstrated profi ciency in spoken and written English
Th e bachelor’s (baccalaureate) degree is required for all
students attending the College of Medicine. All coursework
must be completed in a satisfactory manner at an educational
institution located in the United States, approved by a
regional accrediting body, and listed in the current Education
Directory of the U.S. Offi ce of Education.
Applicants with baccalaureate degrees from non-U.S.
institutions may be considered provided the granting
institution has accreditation by a recognized accrediting
authority or a documented equivalent. Applicants with
baccalaureate degrees from non-U.S. institutions as well as
applicants with degrees higher than a baccalaureate degree
will be considered on a per-case basis. To provide reasonable
grade compatibility with their peers, these applicants must, at
a minimum, have taken all required courses for admission to
the COM, regardless of prior foreign academic history, at an
educational institution located in the United States, approved
by a regional accrediting body, and listed in the current
Education Directory of the U.S. Offi ce of Education.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits
may not be used to fulfi ll any of the premedical course
requirements listed above. Online courses for prerequisites
may be accepted on a case by case basis. Advanced Placement
(AP) credits or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits for
English, Biology, Math, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry are
acceptable so long as they appear on college transcripts and
are verifi ed by the American Medical College Application
Service (AMCAS). However, in these instances, graded,
advanced courses in these areas are highly recommended.
We have identifi ed additional courses, including those
outside of the fi elds of mathematics, physical sciences, and
life sciences, which are recommended but not required for
admission to medical school. Th ese recommended courses
are listed to provide additional guidance to the potential
applicant. Th ey would be helpful in developing a base for the
medical school curriculum.
Wertheim Performing Arts Center Photo by: Ken Johnson
13
1. Additional Recommended Science and Mathematics Coursework:
• Biochemistry
• Biostatistics
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Embryology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology
2. Additional Recommended Coursework:
• Anthropology
• Art / Art History
• Computer Science
• Ethics / Bioethics
• Foreign Languages
• General Humanities
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Public Speaking
• Sociology
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
A SUMMARY TABLE IS PRESENTED BELOW:
Course Required Recommended Lab Hours
English and English X 2 semesters
Composition
General Biology X X 2 semesters
General Inorganic Chemistry X X 2 semesters
Mathematics: X 2 semesters
Calculus or Statistics
Organic Chemistry X X 2 semesters
Physics X X 2 semesters
Anthropology X
Art X
Biochemistry X
Biostatistics X
Cell Biology X
Computer Science X
Developmental Biology X
Embryology X
Epidemiology X
Ethics X
Foreign Languages X
Genetics X
Humanities X
Immunology X
Medical Anthropology X
Medical Ethics X
Medical Sociology X
Microbiology/virology X
Neuroscience X
Nutrition X
Physiology X
Psychology X
Public Health X
Public Speaking X
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
CRITERIA FOR INTERVIEW1. Completion of the American Medical College Application
Service (AMCAS) formal application process.
2. Receipt of the AMCAS application and secondary
application in the Offi ce of Student Aff airs.
3. Receipt of three letters of recommendation:
(a) Health Professions Advisory Committee report preferably with attached three or more letters, or
(b) individual letters from science faculties
(no more than two), and
(c) individual letter from non-science faculty
(no more than one)
(d) and up to two additional letters as desired by
the applicant
4. An AMCAS application showing a MCAT score of 25
or higher for Regular Admission and 32 for Early Decision.
5. An AMCAS application showing a GPA of 3.0 or higher
for Regular Admission and 3.7 for Early Decision.
6. An AMCAS application showing personal
experiences suggesting a minimum of 2 of the following 4:
(a) patient medical care exposure
(b) research exposure
(c) altruism
(d) leadership
PLUS applicant must show:
(e) strong interest in medicine
7. An AMCAS application indicating no felonies.
Misdemeanors are not desirable but would be considered
on a case by case basis.
8. A statement from the applicant as an addendum to
our COM secondary application indicating that he/
she has read our Standards of Conduct, Honor Code,
and Technical Standards and that he/she will abide by
the Standards of Conduct and the Honor Code and can
comply with the Technical Standards.
9. An understanding (signed) that background screening and
drug testing will be required of all applicants accepted into
the College of Medicine. Th is screening and testing must
be completed and results returned before the student can
be enrolled and begin their fi rst year program.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCTTh e College of Medicine at Florida International University
has established a Standards of Conduct Policy which
represents the expectations of the Deans and the faculty
regarding the professional and personal activities and actions
of all medical students matriculating in the College. Th ese
Standards of Conduct are summarized below.
American Medical Association’s Principles of Medical Ethics:
1. Medical students shall be dedicated to providing
competent, compassionate, and respectful medical
service to all patients, considering each as an individual,
regardless of characteristics such as race, national origin,
color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disease,
or disability.
2. Medical students shall deal honestly with patients and
colleagues, and strive to expose or otherwise respond in
a professional manner to, those persons of the health
care team whose behavior exhibits impairment or lack of
professional conduct or competence, or who engage in
fraud or deception.
3. Medical students shall abide by the law.
4. Medical students shall respect the rights of patients
including the right to confi dentiality, and shall safeguard
patient confi dences within the constraints of the law.
5. Medical students shall continue to study, apply, and
advance scientifi c knowledge; make relevant information
available to patients, colleagues, and the public; suggest
consultation when appropriate; and use the talents of other
health professionals when indicated.
6. Medical students shall recognize a responsibility to
participate in activities contributing to an improved society.
Additional Florida International University College of
Medicine standards:
7. Medical students shall not become involved in unethical
and unprofessional conduct such as:
a. Plagiarism
b. Cheating
c. Dishonesty
d. Th eft
e. Falsifi cation of documents
f. Violations of confi dentiality
g. Mistreatment of patients, simulated or real
h. Unlawful activity
8. Medical students shall abide by the
principles and responsibilities of the COM
Teacher/Learner Relationship.
9. Medical students shall abide by the
Medical Student Honor Code.
10. Medical students shall abide by the
Medical Student Dress Code.
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THE HONOR CODE
Th e College of Medicine at Florida International University
has established an Honor Code which represents the
expectations of the Deans and the faculty regarding
professional activities and actions of all medical students
during their matriculation in the College. Th e Honor Code
is the responsibility of the Medical Student Honor Council
and will be reviewed by and revised by the Council on a
yearly basis with approval by the Executive Associate Dean
for Student Aff airs.
Th e Honor Code presumes the absolute honesty of each
individual. As a result, medical students live with the
freedom of knowing that:a. Th eir integrity, intentions, work and word are
unquestioned;
b. Th eir personal property and academic work are respected and free from theft;
c. Classroom, clinical and research environments for learning and evaluation are honorable;
d. Th e learning environment is safe and equitable regardless of the student’s gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. Students and faculty together
establish, maintain and protect trust in these beliefs.
1. Cheating: A medical student who does not do his or her
own work on an academic exercise or otherwise gains
unfair advantage over his or her colleagues is guilty of
cheating. Examples of cheating are:• Copying from another student’s examination
• Allowing another student to copy from your examination
• Collaboration during an examination with any person
• Using unauthorized materials during a test
• Preparing notes to take into a closed-book examination,
for example, writing on one’s hand or desk
2. Plagiarism: Like other institutions of higher learning, the
College of Medicine recognizes plagiarism as “the act of
appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts
or passages of his writings, or the ideas or language of the
same, and passing them off as the product of one’s own
mind.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)
Th e Honor Council identifi es two distinct categories of
plagiarism, conscious and unintentional. Both are violations
of the Honor Code. Th is means that students who do not
understand the process of crediting sources consulted in the
writing of a paper may inadvertently fi nd themselves subject
to Honor Council investigation. To avoid such unintentional
plagiarism, students must familiarize themselves with the
appropriate documentation of resources. Students should
also consult faculty for assistance should there be any doubt
about what constitutes plagiarism.
3. Fabrication: When a medical student consciously
manufactures or manipulates information to support
an academic exercise, he or she has fabricated evidence.
Some examples are:• Falsifying citations
• Manufacturing data to support research
• Taking an examination or writing a paper on behalf of another student
• Listing sources in the bibliography that were not used in the academic exercise
• Falsifying information in patients’ charts
4. Sexual Harassment, and/or Discriminatory Practices
Based on Race, Religion, Gender or Sexual Orientation.
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
5. Violation of Confi dentiality: Knowingly releasing
confi dential information inappropriately, or using
computer generated medical records to gain access to
patient records without justifi cation are each examples of
such violations.
6. Other Acts: Students who misrepresent information to
College offi cials – for example by falsifying grades or by
forging College documents or records – have violated the
Honor Code.
7. Students must:• Not condone cheating on the part of others
• Refuse to assist others in fraudulent acts
• Take steps to ensure that other students cannot cheat from one’s examination or paper
• Ask the professor for clarifi cation if the student does not understand how the Honor Code pertains to any given assignment.
• Be willing to speak to fellow students about violations of the Honor Code, or to report suspected violations to the Honor Council.
Academically successful students are expected to:
• Communicate eff ectively and sensitively with patients,
health professionals, teachers, staff , and peers in settings
where communication is typically oral, or written, or
when the time span available for communication
is limited.
• Accurately observe a patient from a distance and at close
range, obtain a medical history directly from the patient,
and directly observe a patient’s medical condition.
• Acquire, assimilate, interpret, integrate, and apply
information from direct observation and oral
communication, written messages, fi lms, slides,
microscope, imaging science, ECG readouts, and
other media.
• Perform diagnostic and emergency maneuvers and
procedures, such as palpation, percussion, and
auscultation, airway management, cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation, and suturing, as well as assisting in surgery.
• Perform problem-solving tasks quickly and effi ciently
in an environment that may change rapidly, without
warning, and/or in unpredictable ways.
• Comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
• Carry out procedures involved in learning the sciences
fundamental to medicine. Th is includes the ability to
participate fully in activities dealing with curriculum
requirements in the classroom, laboratory, and
clinical setting.
All applicants to FIU’s College of Medicine will be provided
with a copy of these expectations of academically successful
medical students and asked to advise the Admissions Offi ce in
the Offi ce of Student Aff airs if they are unable to meet them.
FIU will make reasonable accommodations, in accordance
with law, for any student who, due to a disability, is unable
to meet the expectations or requirements necessary to be
admitted as a medical student and to successfully obtain the
Doctorate of Medicine degree. Th e fi nal decision, as with all
decisions on acceptance of medical student applications, will
be the responsibility of the Admissions Committee.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
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APPLICATION PROCESS AND INTERVIEW
PHASE I THE AMCAS APPLICATION PRIMARY APPLICATION
Th e Florida International University College of
Medicine (FIU COM) participates in the American
Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
application process, and applications verifi ed by
AMCAS will be the fi rst step in the FIU COM
applicant screening process. All data will be received
directly into the COM Admissions Section of the Offi ce
of the Dean for Student Aff airs Using a management
report program of our student database, this data will be
retrieved to provide a specifi c list of candidates.
Florida International University’s College of Medicine
is committed to the education of students from the
State of Florida seeking a doctorate of medicine degree.
Student applicants will not, however, be limited to
candidates with Florida residency. Once the initial
application is received the application will be reviewed
for completeness and the data will be verifi ed to ensure
accuracy of information.
PHASE II THE FIU COLLEGE OF MEDICINE SECONDARY APPLICATION
Following receipt and verifi cation of the AMCAS
application and an assessment for meeting the College
of Medicine’s minimum criteria for consideration,
the applicant will be sent a Secondary Application for
completion. A $30 non-refundable application fee will be
required with submission of the Secondary Application.
Th is Secondary Application will require directed essays
that provide additional insight into the applicant,
focusing on issues such as the applicant’s desire to become
a physician, interest in medicine, commitment to Florida,
and interest in Florida International University. Th e
Secondary Application will also require three letters of
recommendation which could consist of: (a) a Health
Professions Advisory Committee report preferably with
attached letters of recommendation, or (b) two individual
letters from science faculties and one individual letter
from a non-science faculty. Two optional letters may
also be sent. Th ese may be from physicians, researchers,
mentors, or other professionals with knowledge of the
applicant’s abilities, character, or activities. All letters of
recommendation must be sent directly to AMCAS and
not viewed or forwarded by the applicant. If a college has
a Health Professions Advisory Committee, it is expected
that the student will have letters sent by that committee.
As part of the Secondary Application packet, each
applicant will be provided with a link to:
(a) our Standards of Conduct, (b) our Honor Code,
and (c) our Technical Standards for Medical School
Admissions and Graduation. All applicants will be
required to read these documents and to sign a statement
that they understand the documents and can and will
comply if accepted into the FIU College of Medicine.
Th e COM’s Admissions offi ce will determine which
applicants will be invited for interviews based on
baseline requirements established by the Deans and
faculty. Either through phone calls, emails, and/or a
formal letter of invitation, students will be informed
that they are invited for a personal campus interview.
On a yearly basis, interview and admission criteria
will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and
recommended to the Dean for approval. Th e criteria
will be disseminated to all appropriate personnel in
premedical education, as well as to university recruiters.
PHASE III THE INTERVIEWStudents invited for an interview will experience a formal
interview, have a chance to view the campus and facilities,
and have an opportunity to meet students and faculty.
Interviewers of COM candidates will be part of an
appointed Interview Committee and will be charged
with the task of assessing applicant motivation,
understanding of the challenges of being a physician,
communication skills, and personality. FIU COM
will use a blinded interview process. None of the
interviewers will have access to the applicant’s fi le
prior to the interview and submission of their report.
Interviewers will make their assessment based on
the applicant’s individual responses to questions and
discussions during the interview process. Each applicant
will be interviewed by two interviewers jointly who will
each submit an evaluation.
Interviewers will be appointed by the Executive
Associate Dean for Student Aff airs and will be trained
by the Executive Associate and Assistant Deans for
Student Aff airs.
A pool of standardized interview questions and
unstructured topics will be rotated throughout the
interview sessions. A formal evaluation form will be
used in an eff ort to gather the interviewer’s input. Th e
data will be entered in the student’s application fi le. Th e
interview rating will then be forwarded to the Admissions
Committee for fi nal assessment of each candidate.
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
PHASE IV THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
Th e Admissions Committee will meet on a regular basis as
requested by the Chair. Application documents and interview
reports for each applicant will be disseminated to members of
the committee prior to committee meetings.
Applicants interviewed in prior weeks will be scheduled for
committee review. Evaluation criteria will include the science
grade point average, non-science grade point average, overall
grade point average, MCAT scores, activities summary, the
interview reports, letters of recommendations, and personal
statements. Each application will be carefully reviewed by a
Sub-Committee prior to presentation to the full Admissions
Committee. Th e Chairman of the Committee or appointee
will present each applicant to the Full Admissions Committee.
Sub-committee members will submit their opinions and
recommendations. Each applicant will then be discussed by
the whole committee prior to making a decision.
Th e committee will then move to formally: (a) accept the
applicant, (b) place the applicant in the fi nal pool, or (c) reject
the applicant. Applicants who are placed in the fi nal pool will
be reconsidered after all applications have been received and
reviewed. At that fi nal pool review, the remaining applicants
will be either: (a) formally accepted, (b) placed on a wait list,
or (c) rejected based on the number of remaining admission
slots available. Th e Admissions Committee decision will be
fi nal and will not be subject to override or change by other
College of Medicine, University, or state offi cials.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND INTERVIEW
Th e responsible body for the evaluation and acceptance
of applicants to the Florida International University College of
Medicine will be the Admissions Committee. Th e Admissions
Committee will be made up of faculty, medical students, and
community physicians. Faculty members will be selected from
both the basic and clinical science areas. Th e chairperson of
the Admissions Committee will be appointed by the Executive
Associate Dean for Student Aff airs based on experience, skill,
and interest in medical education, and after consultation with
the Dean of the Medical School.
Th e Admissions Committee will also review and make
recommendations to the faculty and administration concerning
admissions standards and policies; policies and criteria for the
granting of scholarships, loans, and grants in aid or other forms
of fi nancial aid to students.
Th e College of Medicine Admissions Committee
recommendations are made in accordance with the educational
goals articulated in the medical school mission statement.
Leadership of the University, College, or other parties will
be unable to exert infl uence or subvert the decisions of the
Admissions Committee.
Th e Admissions Committee will be composed of
approximately 5 sub-committees. Each sub-committee will have
periodic assignments to complete an in-depth review and present
their opinions regarding applications. Th e sub-committee’s
opinions will then be discussed by all Admissions Committee
members at that session. When discussions have been completed,
a vote will be taken on the status of each applicant.
By majority rule, each applicant’s recommended status will be
either designated as “off er acceptance,” “rejection,” or “placement
in the fi nal pool” for additional review. Th e fi nal pool candidates
will later receive a fi nal review and recommendation of “off er
acceptance,” “rejection,” or “wait list.”
Th e Admissions Committee will be composed of the
representation listed below. We intend to fully constitute this
committee over time as the College of Medicine’s activities
and personnel ramp up.
A. Admissions Committee:
1. Chairperson to serve a fi ve (5) year renewable term and appointed by the Executive Associate Dean forStudent Aff airs.
2. Faculty to serve a three (3) year renewable term with 1/3 new or renewable members each year.
3. Medical students to serve a three (3) year term with one (1) M2 student appointed each year.
4. Community members will serve a three (3) year renewable term and will be practicing physicians usually with FIU faculty appointments.
5. Renewable appointments must be at the invitation of the Executive Associate Dean for Student Aff airs.
6. All names of Admissions Committee members will remain unpublished and secure.
B. Admissions Committee Voting Members:
1. One (1) Faculty Chairperson (must have previously served on the Admissions Committee for one term).
2. Ten (10) Basic Science Faculty (no more that two from any one department or course).
3. Eleven (11) Clinical Science Faculty (no more than two from any one department or course).
4. Th ree (3) Medical Students [one (1) M2 student, one (1) M3 student, and one (1) M4 student].
5. Two (2) Community Members (physicians preferably practicing in the family medicine area with FIU appointments).
C. Admissions Committee Non-Voting Members:
1. Executive Associate Dean for Student Aff airs
2. Assistant Deans for Student Aff airs
3. Minorities Staff Offi cer from the Offi ce of the Dean
4. Admissions Committee support staff from OSA
ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE AND REVIEW PROCESS
(continued from previous page)
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
ADMISSIONS PROCESS FLOW CHART
PHASE I
PHASE II
PHASE III
PHASE IV
Student is sent secondary application (minimum GPA 3.0 and MCAT score 25)
Primary AMCAS application submitted
Secondary application returned by students
Admissions Offi ceapplication assembly
Interview Scheduled
Applications are presented to Admissions Committee
Application fi le to include: AMCAS application, secondary application, recommendation letters, interview assesments
Verifi ed AMCAS application + MCAT scores
Sub-committees reviewapplications
Letters of recomendation received
Interview not scheduled
Applicant interviewed
ACCEPTED
ACCEPTED
REJECTED
REJECTED
FINAL POOL
WAIT LIST
Orientation
Pool revisited by committee
Vote of Committee
Remains on wait list until
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APPLICANT BACKGROUND CHECK
Th e College of Medicine of Florida International University
has, since the beginning of its planning stages, favored the
requirement of a Criminal Background Check (CBC) as
a prerequisite for entering the fi rst year of medical school.
Th is action was taken due to the obligation of our College
of Medicine to train and grant medical degrees only to
individuals who have demonstrated the professionalism
expected of all physicians and students. Th e Association of
American Medical Colleges (AAMC) will require all accepted
applicants to medical schools to undergo a CBC starting with
the AMCAS 2009 year.
Th e AAMC-facilitated CBC is accomplished by Certiphi
Screening, Inc. and is done for all FIU College of Medicine
applicants following acceptance. Th e AAMC does not charge
an additional fee for a CBC unless the applicant pre-orders
a report for personal reasons. Information on the AAMC-
facilitated CBC can be found at the following web site:
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/background.htm.
Th e results of this CBC will be necessary before the
applicant can begin his/her 1st year of medical school
training. Findings of documented felonies or worse will be
grounds for cancellation of the applicant’s acceptance into
medical school. Findings of documented misdemeanors will
be considered on an individual basis but could be grounds for
cancellation of the applicant’s acceptance into medical school.
APPLICANT DRUG SCREENINGTh e College of Medicine at Florida International University
has, since the beginning of its planning stages, favored a
drug screening program (DSP) for controlled substances and
alcohol as a prerequisite for entering the fi rst year of medical
school. Th is action was also taken due to the obligation of our
College of Medicine to train and grant medical degrees only
to individuals who have demonstrated the professionalism
expected of all physicians and students. It should be noted
that other Colleges at Florida International University
currently have a DSP in operation.
Th e College of Medicine requires a comprehensive drug
screen on all applicants admitted into the College prior to
the beginning of 1st year classes. Drugs screened include
amphetamines, cocaine metabolites, marijuana metabolite,
opiates, phencyclidine + propoxyphene, barbiturates,
benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and alcohol.
Any student who has a drug test that is positive for alcohol
or the drugs listed above could become ineligible to attend
the College of Medicine. Th e cost for the drug screen is
approximately $42 and will be the paid by the applicant.
Th e 10-panel screen + alcohol has been developed by
American DataBank (820 16th Street, 8th Floor, Denver,
CO 80202, telephone: 1-800-200-0853). Additional
information can be obtained on their web site: http://www.americandatabank.com/drugscreening.htm
Th e drug screen can be done at any of the Quest
Diagnostics locations. Appointments are necessary.
Additional information can be obtained at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com. It will also be necessary to present a
Chain of Custody Form provided by the College of Medicine.
http://www.fi umedicinescreening.com.
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
MEDICAL CURRICULUM
GENERAL INFORMATIONTh e course of study leading to the FIU MD degree involves
the study of the topics of Human Biology; Human Disease;
Clinical Medicine skills competencies, and Community
Health combined with development of life-long Professional
Skills, Behaviors and Attitudes. Th e degree program is
preparation for: (a) advanced study (Graduate Medical
Education, residency) in an area of medical specialization
followed by clinical practice, (b) research, (c) health care
policy administration or (d) other related pursuits. Th e
curriculum is designed for achievement of broad competencies
in scientifi c and medical knowledge, clinical skills, critical
thinking and professional behavior. Th e emphasis in each of
four sequential temporal periods diff ers, but each strand listed
above is covered throughout.
Th e curriculum encompasses four years of study in fi ve
major thematic strands which include: Human Biology (core
sciences); Disease, Illness and Injury (pathology); Clinical
Medicine; Professional Development; and Medicine and
Society (cultural competence). Each of these strands has its
own distinct set of courses, which are off ered in sequential
fashion. Courses in each of the 5 strands run concurrently
in all periods. Initially the overall focus (period 1) is on
understanding the core scientifi c principles, however,
development of the required skills, behaviors and attitudes for
clinical medicine is concurrently instilled as well. Th e second
period emphasizes anatomy and pathology of human disease,
while reinforcing scientifi c principles introduced earlier. In
the third period clerkship year direct clinical experiences are
combined with translational application of medical advances
applying an evidence-based updated approach to management
of medical illness. Th e fi nal period involves advanced clinical
medicine, scholarship and varied clinical experiences in
multiple medical specialties.
Th e entire curriculum is outcome based. Courses are
planned utilizing learning objectives which have been selected
in order to fulfi ll the necessary competencies expected for
graduation. Active, self-directed learning and scholarship
are the primary modes of learning in the FIU curriculum.
Great emphasis is placed on active (small group) learning as
compared to passive (lecture hall) learning. It has been the
observation of medical educators that students achieve greater
understanding and retention of
course material through the small
group learning process.
Problem-based clinical cases
are favored as the basis for
study. Th roughout problem-
based studies, instruction is
predicated on three successive
levels, 1) initial introduction,
recognition of terminology
and understanding in
broad context of human
biology; 2) understanding
clinical context of disease,
illness and injury; and 3)
application of knowledge
and skills in the diagnosis
and management of clinical
problems.
Students will develop a
portfolio that documents
their knowledge, skill and
behavioral development.
Th is portfolio will aid both
students and faculty in
measuring and achieving
competencies, further
providing a logbook of
experiences in fulfi llment of
requirements for entry into
postgraduate study.
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CURRICULUM DETAILS
MEDICINE AND SOCIETYA special feature of the FIU curriculum is our Medicine
and Society strand, a four-year sequence of courses
encompassing experiences in the community. Th e goal of
this program is to enable students to gain an understanding
of factors that aff ect personal and community health
care, thus producing culturally competent physicians.
Experience will be gained in multi-professional health care
delivery. Students will work with families and communities
in teams of health care professionals (physicians, nurses,
social case workers, public health workers). One medical
and one nursing student will function as a team to study
personal health, community health, health care services,
health systems and social factors that impact individual
and community health. Students will engage in projects to
improve health in the communities in which they study.
THE CURRICULUM HAS FOUR SEQUENTIAL PERIODS OF STUDY:
Period 1: August through March year 1. Th is period
provides the foundations of medicine, both core sciences
and social sciences. Core medical sciences include medical
genetics, cell biology, general body anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry, homeostasis and energy metabolism,
pharmacology, microbiology and infections, pathogens
and response to attacks and injury. Organ specifi c anatomy
and histology are deferred until period 2. An introduction
to clinical skills in period 1 focuses on doctor-patient
communication, general physical exam, foundations of
evidence based medicine and quantitative measurements,
medical research design and conduct. Course work in
Medicine and Society is designed to prepare students for
their forthcoming experiences in community health care.
Period 2: April year 1 through March year 2. With
a 6 week break from mid-June to July, this period of
eight courses covers each of the major organ systems:
Hematopoietic Lymphoreticular Systems and Neoplasia;
Reproductive Systems; Gastrointestinal System and
Nutrition; Musculoskeletal System, and Skin; Endocrine
System; Renal Urinary System; Cardiovascular and
Respiratory Systems; Nervous System: Brain and Behavior.
Anatomy and pathology will be taught in organ specifi c
context, as will pharmacologic agents. Core principles
of cell biology, medical genetics, physiology and
pharmacology are reintroduced in these organ system
courses, built around discussions of cases aff ecting that
organ system. Simultaneously, courses in the strands
of Professional Development, Clinical Medicine and
Medicine and Society continue. Physical diagnosis,
laboratory medicine and imaging technology are covered in
Clinical Medicine, as is inter-professional communication.
Vertical integration will be assured through illustrative
cases, further indicating professional behaviors and
appreciation of social factors. Th ese cases will be identifi ed
by students during their community health projects
(Medicine and Society).
At the end of period 2, a clinical skills evaluation
(OSCE) will be required prior to clerkship experience.
Period 3: April year 2 through April year 3. During this
period the emphasis is on clinical medicine, through
integrated clerkships of varying length in Internal
Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Neurology. Students
will pursue outpatient, hospital, simulation and didactic
study during this period. Students will have individual
schedules, in groups of two or three with a faculty member
in the specialty area. Th roughout the year each Friday
will be devoted to in-depth studies of illustrative cases,
using lecture and problem based formats to reinforce
scientifi c principles introduced earlier (periods 1 and 2).
Community and family projects will continue. Expressly
devised FIU educational programs in cardiac life support,
23
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
stroke, emergency, neurology and bioterrorism will be
scheduled during this period. At the end of this period
students will be expected to pass step 1 of the USMLE.
Period 4 (June year 3 through May year 4) is devoted to
advanced medicine, allowing scholarship, and exploration
of specialty areas to facilitate choice of postgraduate study.
Th is period covers fourteen months which includes two
months of vacation. Each course is one month in duration,
and students will make individualized schedules that best
serve their long term goals.
Six of the one-month rotations are targeted selectives
(1 month sub-internship, 2 months surgical subspecialties,
2 months non-surgical specialties, and 1 month hospital
based specialty). Two additional months are dedicated to
individual scholarship or research.
A one-month capstone for the Professional
Development strand emphasizes health care economics
and policies and a one-month capstone for the Medicine
and Society strand will be used to complete community
based research projects. Th e remaining two months will
be devoted to genuine electives. Students are allotted
two months during Period 4 as vacation during which
interviews or special examinations will be accomplished.
Th e USMLE step II examination (CS and CK) must be
completed during this 14-month period.
RESEARCHAs in all medical educational facilities, medical research
is an important part of the curriculum at FIU’s College
of Medicine. Th e purpose of COM research is to create
new knowledge through study of normal and abnormal
human cell function or study of organ or structure activity.
Th ere will be opportunities for research in the laboratories
of COM faculty during the fi rst summer and again as
electives in periods 3 and 4. Th e COM has dedicated
research lab space in buildings HLS I and HLS II with
additional research space at Miami Children’s Hospital.
Students are encouraged to become involved in research
projects or to become a part of new or existing projects
to further their knowledge and experience during their
medical education. Targets/topics of new and existing
research projects being accomplished by faculty members
will be disseminated to medical students along with those
projects in need of support by students.
REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTORATE
OF MEDICINE DEGREE
1. Successful passing of all required FIU College of
Medicine courses and clerkships.
2. Successful passing of USMLE Step I examination.
3. Taking of USMLE Step II (CK & CS) examinations.
4. Persistent evidence of professionalism as assessed
by the Honor Council and/or the Evaluation and
Promotion Committee.
5. Review and approval of academic and professional
record by the Evaluation and Promotion Committee
with recommendation of graduation and receipt of
the Doctorate of Medicine Degree.
6. Review and approval of the Evaluation and Promo-
tion Committee’s recommendation by the Dean of
the College of Medicine.
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
MEDICAL STUDENT INFORMATION24
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRSTh e FIU College of Medicine Offi ce of Student Aff airs
is dedicated to all of the following activities: (1) admission
of medical students, (2) counseling of students regarding
professional, personal, and fi nancial issues, (3) maintaining
offi cial documents and records on each student, (4) providing
medical student requested information to organizations for
application and licensing purposes, (5) preparation of the
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (Dean’s
Letter), (6) completion of designated entries into the Electronic
Residency Application Service (ERAS) program, and (7) serving
as a medical student advocate in all actions and activities within
the College of Medicine.
Th e Offi ce of Student Aff airs is directed by the Executive
Associate Dean for Student Aff airs who is supported be two
Assistant Deans, one for Admissions and Records, and one for
Counseling and Communities. Th e offi ce additionally consists
of three directors, the Director of Admissions and Records, the
Director of Personal Counseling, and the Director of Financial
Aid. Th e Director of Admissions and Records is supported by an
Associate Director of Admissions and Records.
DEANS OF THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRSDr. Sanford M. Markham is the Executive Associate Dean for
Student Aff airs. Dr. Markham received a B.A. degree from the
University of Kansas and an M.D. degree from the University
of Kansas School of Medicine. He accomplished a Rotating
Internship at Indiana University School of Medicine and a
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Th e New York
Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. After a number of years in
clinical practice Dr. Markham returned to the academic arena
where he completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology
at Th e Johns Hopkins University. Since then he has been on the
faculties of Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University,
and most recently the University of Iowa where he was Professor
of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assistant Dean for Student
Aff airs and Curriculum in the Carver College of Medicine.
He has had extensive experience in the medical education of
students, residents, and fellows as well as in the practice of
medicine in the venues of academic institutions, private practice,
and in federal service.
Dr. Robert F. Dollinger is the Assistant Dean for Student
Aff airs (Counseling and Communities). He received a B.S.
degree from the University of Miami and an M.D. degree from
the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed an
Internal Medicine Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Dollinger has a long history as a medical educator as well
as a practitioner. He comes to the College of Medicine from
the University Health Services at FIU, where he served as the
Executive Director for 19 years overseeing primary care student
clinics and the Wellness Center. Prior to coming to FIU he was
the founder and initial President of Westgate Medical Center
in western Broward County, as well as the Medical Director of
the Bonaventure Spa providing clinical consultations. He has
served on the Executive Board and is a Fellow of the American
College Health Association and twice was elected President of
the Southern College Health Association. He developed and
teaches a three-credit undergraduate course entitled “Healthy
Lifestyles Th rough Wellness” for the College of Nursing and
Health Sciences. Dr. Dollinger has extensive experience with the
medical issues of college students as well as in the personal and
academic counseling of students.
Dr. Barbra A. Roller is the Assistant Dean for Student Aff airs
(Admissions and Records). Dr. Roller received an A.B. Biology
degree from Barnard College, Columbia University, where
she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She then received a Ph.D.
in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Following
Graduate School, Dr. Roller served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in
the Department of Human Genetics at Yale University School of
Medicine. Dr. Roller has had extensive teaching and premedical
advising experience. She came to the College of Medicine
from the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International
University, where she had been the Director of the Pre-Health
Professions Advising Center. Dr. Roller has had wide exposure to
colleges of medicine and medical school requirements.
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MEDICAL STUDENT COUNSELING AND WELLNESS SERVICES
Th e Medical Student Counseling and Wellness Center is
part of the College of Medicine Offi ce of Student Aff airs.
Located on the third fl oor of the Green Library, the Counseling
and Wellness Center off ers individual counseling on medical,
personal psychological, health promotion and academic issues.
Personal counseling is provided by a trained psychologist
who has experience in issues of stress and depression as well
as with identifying and working with students with learning
disabilities. Th e COM psychologist is additionally supported
by the FIU Psychological Counseling Service which has
psychologists as well as psychiatric support when needed.
Academic counseling is provided by the Associate
and Assistant Deans of Student Aff airs who may arrange
additional counseling with individual course or clerkship
directors or faculty, or with area clinicians who have expertise
in the area of interest. Students may elect to consult directly
with faculty or course and clerkship directors to best meet
individual academic needs. Additionally, tutoring is available
for specifi c course topics and can be arranged through the
Offi ce of Student Aff airs.
FINANCIAL AIDFinancial Aid and fi nancial counseling is provided by a
dedicated Director of Financial Aid with experience and
knowledge in the availability of both federal and commercial
(private) grants and loans and with the availability of COM
and FIU scholarships. Th is counselor is also experienced in the
process of application for the fi nancial aid sources and well as in
advising on fi nancial planning that may be necessary.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICESUniversity Health Services (UHS) at FIU provides
registered students with confi dential, professional, and
culturally sensitive primary medical care and health education
for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of routine illness
and injuries in two convenient ambulatory care centers. Th e
University Park University Health Services Complex (UHSC)
is a 20,000 square foot facility consisting of the following
departments: Th e General Medical Clinic, Women’s Health
Services, the Wellness Center, Pharmacy, Immunization
Department, Laboratory Services, the Counseling and
Psychological Services Center, and a Victim Advocacy Center.
Students requesting clinical care services are requested
to call to schedule an appointment. Students without
appointments are fi rst triaged by a Registered Nurse and then
referred to see a nurse practitioner or physician based on type
and severity of symptomatology and/or urgency of medical
complaint. Th ere is a nominal charge for ancillary services,
such as vaccines, lab tests, medications, and offi ce procedures;
this charge is considerably lower than that charged by local
urgent care centers and emergency rooms. Appointments are
required to access the Wellness Center services and personal
consultations. Th e following is an outline of services off ered
to registered, health-fee paying students through University
Health Services:
CLINICAL CARE SERVICES1. General Medical Clinic – primary care services, including
physical examinations and screenings; diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness and injuries; fi rst aid and blood pressure screenings for employees.
2. Women’s Health Services – prevention and treatment – GYN services, including pap and pelvic exams; colposcopy performed by a gynecologist.
3. Laboratory– Typical tests include blood, urine, cultures, STD checks, pregnancy, mono, Strep, and others.
4. Offi ce procedures: EKG, TB screenings, respiratory therapy, vision screening, audiology, pap smears, suturing.
5. Immunizations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis A and B, infl uenza, tetanus/diphtheria, varicella, meningitis, HPV, and others.
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MEDICAL STUDENT INFORMATION
6. Pharmacy: Rx fi lled from any licensed provider
Source: FIU University Health Services policies and programs. Brochure and web
site at (www.fi u.edu/~health).
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTSTh e FIU College of Medicine (COM) is committed to
protect students, staff , and patients from potential health
threats including infections. As part of its commitment to
professional educational and clinical service excellence, the
COM has implemented a number of programs to educate
students about ways in which they can help protect themselves
as a future health worker. In addition, the COM maintains a
number of requirements in regards to immunization and event
reporting practices to help protect students.
Proof of the following immunizations or lab evidence is
required. Th ese must be kept up to date in order for students to
participate in any clinical activities, including year 1 and year 2
preceptorships.
a. Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, or 2 doses of MMR):
- Th e State of Florida pre-matriculation immunization requirements, Rule 6C-6.001(4), F.A.C. address documentation of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity for all students prior to the registration for classes for the fi rst semester. Written documentation of
immunity is required for all students born after 1956
and acceptable proof must list the date (month/day/
year) of administration of each vaccine dose. Th e fi rst
dose must be given on or after the fi rst birthday and in
1969 or later. Th e second dose must be given at least 28
days after the fi rst dose.
b. Polio (3 doses)
c. Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussus:
- Based on CDC guidelines, matriculating students who have not had a tetanus booster within the past two years should receive the Tdap vaccine. Th ereafter, students
should have the Td booster every 10 years. Students who become due for a tetanus booster after matriculation should receive the Tdap vaccination as per CDC guidelines.
d. Varicella (chickenpox) – Proof of one of the following is required.
- Varivax (2 doses). Second dose should be received at least 4-8 weeks following fi rst dose.
- Positive varicella titer. Student must provide copy of lab documentation of a positive titer.
e. Hepatitis B – Th e 3 dose series over a minimum of 6 months is required:
- After the 3 dose series is completed, the student will be responsible for checking immunity to Hepatitis B with blood antibody test.
- Proof of receiving at least the fi rst dose of the Hepatitis B immunization series is required before the start of classes.
f Infl uenza: Vaccines are required each year during which students are enrolled in the College of Medicine.
RECOMMENDED VACCINEMeningitis Vaccination: Th e Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention recommends that adolescents between the age
of 11 and 12 receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine
(Menactra). Young adults over the age of 12 who are at high
risk should also receive this vaccine, including college students
between the ages of 18 and 24 who live with more than two
people in any setting, particularly college students living in on-
campus housing units.
All students must provide documentation of vaccination
against meningococcal meningitis or provide a signed waiver.
All students who decline vaccination must sign a statement that
they have been made aware of the potential fatal nature of the
diseases and choose not to be vaccinated.
(continued)
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REQUIRED TB TESTINGProof of annual PPD screening and/or testing is required for
all students. Th e FIU COM follows CDC guidelines. a. Unless a student has proof of having a current two-step
PPD test (defi ned as at least 2 intracutaneous Mantoux tests, given a minimum of 1-3 weeks apart, within the previous 12 months) or history of a positive PPD at the time of matriculation, he/she is required to have the two-step test completed prior to orientation.
b. If the student has had at least one PPD done in the past 12 months, one test at the time of matriculation will be suffi cient to meet the two-step test requirement.
c. Once the two-step test is done initially, students are required to have one annual PPD test performed. Th e two-step test is generally performed only once.
d. If a student has documentation of a previous positive PPD test, proof of at least one baseline chest x-ray is required.
e. Students who are found to be PPD positive by initial testing will be required to have a baseline CXR and an evaluation by the FIU General Medical Clinic or their private physician for further recommendations.
f. Decisions will be made on an individual basis as to the ability of a student on active TB treatment to pursue coursework and/or clinical rotations.
GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:1. All students are expected to provide the appropriate
immunization documentation prior to orientation. Students who fail to submit complete immunization and physical examination documents will be unable to attend classes or clinical rotations until all information is complete. Exception to this policy may be granted in the event of valid medical contraindications or for religious reasons. In the event that the student is unable or refuses to complete an immunization, a complete series of immunizations, or screenings as required, the student will be required to sign a formal
declination acknowledging the risks and that should a local outbreak occur of the infectious disease to which a student is not immune, the student will not be permitted to participate in any clinical care activity until the epidemic is cleared by the Miami-Dade Department of Health.
2. To satisfy FIU COM Admissions requirements, students must complete the FIU COM “Medical History” form and “Immunization and Medical Examination” form. Th e form must have the signature of a physician or an authorized designee and the license number or offi ce stamp with address. Th ese forms must be returned to the FIU University Health Services before the fi rst day of orientation.
3. All medical students are required to have health insurance coverage with basic minimum benefi ts.
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C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
HEALTH AND DISABILITY INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCEMedical students in the College of Medicine are required
to maintain adequate health insurance to cover emergencies and common medical problems that might occur during their educational training period. Th is is meant to cover the cost of medical care beyond the services provided by the University Health Services. Th is requirement may be satisfi ed by documentation of a valid medical insurance plan already in eff ect. Th e determination of a valid policy will be made by the Offi ce of Student Aff airs in consultation with the University Health Services on a case-by-case basis.
In the absence of a valid existing policy, all medical students may take advantage of the Florida International University student health insurance plan which is off ered to all students at a low group rate.
Th is policy covers most services of standard medical insurance policies including prescription drugs, emergency room expenses, laboratory testing, and mental health care with a deductible and copay. Information about the FIU student medical insurance plan is available at the FIU University Health Services website at www.fi u.edu/~health.
MINIMUM BENEFIT REQUIREMENTSAll medical students must either enroll in the FIU student
health insurance plan or have in eff ect a comparable policy that provides minimum benefi ts as detailed on the College of Medicine web site. Coverage must include the entire academic year, including annual breaks, and must provide continuous coverage for the entire period the insured is enrolled as an eligible student. Specifi c minimum benefi t requirements are available at the COM web site http://medicine.fi u.edu.
DISABILITY INSURANCEMedical students in the College of Medicine are required
to enroll in a disability insurance plan to cover disability issues that might occur during their educational training period. To facilitate this requirement the College of Medicine will provide a group rate disability insurance package to cover all enrolled medical students. Students will be required to pay for this insurance during orientation.
FINANCIAL INFORMATIONTh e College of Medicine currently (2009) has tuition of
$21,000 for Florida residents and tuition of $51,000 for out-of-state students. All students will be required to pay approximately $3,350 in student fees. Th e student fee includes a student health fee, health insurance, university fees, a lap top computer, and IT service fee. Registration and tuition fees are established by the Board of Trustees as required by the Florida Legislature. Th ese fees are subject to change without notice.
Th e College of Medicine is quite sensitive to the issue of the cost of a medical education. All attempts have been made to keep the tuition and fees to the lowest possible cost while continuing to provide an extremely high quality medical education. To support medical students in their educational goals, a number of full tuition scholarships have been established through generous donations. Th ese scholarships are targeted to help those students with the greatest fi nancial need with the highest academic records. Additional scholarships are forthcoming and will be available to other medical students with fi nancial needs.
Medical students may also apply for a variety of federal and state low interest loans. FIU and the College of Medicine have contracted with commercial banking and loan organizations to make available additional low cost loans to medical students with fi nancial needs.
Th e Director of Financial Aid in the Offi ce of Student Aff airs may be contacted regarding all available scholarships and all available federal, state, and private low interest loans. Th e Director of Financial Aid will help medical students with the process of applying for and receiving scholarship and loan monies for their educational support.
TUTORING AND MENTORINGTh e College of Medicine is committed to helping students
achieve their academic and personal goals through quality academic advising. Using a holistic approach to the students’ development, advising services will provide students with information, guidance, and access to a network of resources to obtain maximum benefi ts from their educational experience. New students will engage in a required orientation program designed to assist with the transition to medical school, outline resources,
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and provide an opportunity to meet with faculty members, course directors and members of the Student Aff airs team.
Academic advising of students in the fi rst two years of medical school will be provided by the course directors, faculty and the COM Offi ce of Student Aff airs.
To ensure students receive the assistance they need when experiencing academic diffi culties, the Offi ce of the Dean for Student Aff airs will invite a student to meet if they feel the student: (a) may be at risk of failing a course, or (b) have achieved a borderline but passing performance. Students will also be encouraged to self-identify and/or self-report academic diffi culties if the student feels he/she may be at risk of failing a course. Th is identifi cation/reporting may be directed to the course director, to the Student Counseling Service in the Offi ce of the Dean for Student Aff airs, or to one of the Deans in that offi ce.
Th e Student Counseling Service in the Offi ce of the Dean for Student Aff airs will provide a counselor(s) with training and experience in detecting and addressing learning disabilities of medical students as well as other social, emotional, and psychological issues that would impact their medical education. Students desiring personal counseling may be seen by a psychologist in the counseling center located in the Green Library.
Th e mentoring of medical students in the College of Medicine will be accomplished through a wide variety options. Th e Offi ce of Student Aff airs will promote an open door policy inviting each and every student to come in with or without an appointment. Additionally, the Offi ce of Student Aff airs will provide a Student Counseling Center that will off er counseling and support with academic and career issues, fi nancial issues, health problems and personal issues. Students will also be encouraged to develop a mentoring relationship with any faculty member.
Tutorial services will be available for students who are experiencing academic diffi culties. Th ese services will be cordinated by the Offi ce of Student Aff airs,
Th e tutorial sessions may be either group sessions or individual sessions. Students may, on their own and independent of OSA, contact faculty, graduate students, and upper classmen for tutoring services should they desire; however, the cost of this independent tutoring will be at the student’s own expense.
EVALUATION AND PROMOTION COMMITTEETh e progress and promotion of all students in the College
of Medicine is monitored by the Evaluation and Promotion Committee. Th is committee will assure that each student achieves the training and progression necessary to be promoted to the next period, and at the end of the curriculum, to graduate from the College of Medicine and receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Th is committee will additionally review and act on issues relating to poor performance or disciplinary problems and make recommendations regarding repair or improvement of medical students experiencing academic diffi culties.
PANTHER COMMUNITIESTh e medical students enrolled in the FIU College of
Medicine will be assigned to one of four Panther Communities. Each community will eventually consist of 25% each of Period One students, Period Two students, Period Th ree students, and Period Four students. Once assigned to a Panther Community, the student will remain in that community throughout his/her medical school career.
Each Panther Community will be directed by an appointed faculty member who will be supported by a coordinator and an administrative assistant. Th e students in each community will be led by an elected mayor, who will hold offi ce for one year, subject to re-election by students in the community.
Th e objectives of the Panther Communities include the following:
(1) To encourage medical student members to participate in community service activities such as outreach medical clinics, soup kitchens, community education projects, and other service events, perhaps competing with the other Panther Communities.
(2) To provide a medical educational venue within the “Medicine & Society” Program.
(3) To provide an environment for small group study opportunities, academic counseling, and special presentations.
(4) To provide a social network for students, including student organizations and FIU activities and programs.
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OUR COMMUNITY
MEDICAL STUDENT HOUSINGMedical students enrolled in the FIU College of
Medicine have options for housing accommodations
during their academic tenure at FIU, including apartment
complexes and suites available for rent through the FIU
Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL).
DHRL off ers a wide variety of on-campus
accommodations. Th ese facilities include fully furnished
apartments and traditional suite-style residence hall
accommodations. DHRL additionally maintains a list of
off -campus housing options in the FIU geographical area.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
One of the unique aspects of the College of Medicine
educational curriculum is the Medicine and Society
Program. Th is program will provide each student with an
in-depth understanding and experience into medical needs
and care in underserved community areas of Miami-Dade
County. Th is exposure will occur throughout the entire
four-year academic period and will allow each student to
follow families to better understand issues of medical care
(or lack thereof ) and quality of life improvement eff orts.
In addition, students will be encouraged to become
involved in one or more community service projects
along with other students in their student Panther
Communities (see Panther Communities information).
Th e students assigned to each Panther Community will
select a variety of community service projects in which
the entire community will become engaged and may
include community health clinics, support centers, soup
kitchens, or counseling services. Th ese community service
opportunities are considered to be key in the development
of culturally competent physicians.
RESIDENCY PLANNINGOne of the major tasks that each medical student faces
during their medical education is the decision on post-
graduate residency and the type of medical specialty they
will pursue upon completion of their medical school
education. Th e Offi ce of Student Aff airs (OSA) sponsors
a number of programs to help students make this decision
and to assist them in the process of residency planning and
preparation.
One of the more important and useful programs is
the Association of American Medical Colleges-sponsored
“Careers in Medicine” program which is designed to help
students select a medical specialty and to select and apply
to a residency program. Th is program has four targets to
assist the medical student: (1)understanding him/herself,
(2) exploring options, (3) choosing a specialty, and (4)
applying for a residency. Th e program begins in the fi rst
year of medical school and follows a well planned timeline
through the fourth year.
Additionally the OSA provides programs that
include the opportunity to meet with generalists and
specialists. Th e multiple clinical rotations that each
student experiences will allow maximum exposure to
patient care in most specialty areas, helping to expand the
understanding of the diff erences in specialties.
Th e OSA will also provide one-on-one counseling
with one of the Deans or appointments with individual
specialists allowing students maximal opportunity to
explore specialties of interest.
As students approach the residency application process,
sessions are provided to help students with the ERAS
application process, by assisting with the selection of
residency programs and interviews. Additionally, individual
counseling is provided on programs that would best fi t the
student’s expressed interest and abilities. Other sessions will
provide guidance in the writing of personal statements and
essays as well as preparation for the actual interview.
C R E AT I N G A N E W PA R A D I G M I N M E D I C A L E D U C AT I O N
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE CONTACT INFORMATIONhttp://medicine.fi u.edu med.admissions@fi u.edu
Offi ce of the Dean, College of Medicine HLS II 693 305-348-0570
Offi ce of Clinical Aff airs HLS II 660 W1 305-348-0648
Offi ce of Academic Aff airs HLS II 660 W1 305-348-0646
Offi ce of Student Aff airs HLS II 660 W2 305-348-0644
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