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

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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.

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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

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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

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.

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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

CAMPUS MAP

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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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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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medicine.fi u.edu CREATING A NEW PARADIGM IN MEDICAL EDUCATION