Florida Thread

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QofQuimica

Seriously, dude, I think you're overreacting....
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Felt inspired to start this thread A) because of seeing several fellow Floridians on the forum; B) because of some inspiration a la "Florida Man" (worth reading if you never have), and C) because I felt like it. Non-Floridians who want to chat about Florida are free to join in, too.

Finally, just to make this thread somewhat medicine-related, if any of you Florida premeds are looking for shadowing opportunities, feel free to PM. I have been told that we are allowed to have students shadow us. I also love having a captive audience. :D

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Woah, woah, Q, we can shadow you?! You just gave all your SDN stalker license to.. You know.. Stalk you IRL!
 
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Yes, yes, no stalking--errm, shadowing for brainnurse. :(
 
Yes, yes, no stalking--errm, shadowing for brainnurse. :(
I mean, you could shadow if you really wanted to. It's not like it's a bad thing. But I rather doubt anyone is going to be concerned that you don't know what the job of a physician entails, and it's really not the best use of your time.
 
lol, if I were anywhere near FL I would totally take you up on the shadowing offer. *le sigh*

I spent most summers as a kid on the coast around Pensacola and wish I could get back there. I miss the Gulf Coast in a lot of ways (though not so much Florida Man and his buddies :p)
 
First of all, despite living here for much of my natural life, I'd never seen the Florida Man twitter feed. Absolutely hilarious, although I must say I dread logging on to Facebook every day to see my out-of-state friends posting news stories about some craziness that has gone down here. The general consensus outside of this state is that we are all insane, like characters in a Carl Hiaasen novel.

Do you reveal on the threads what city you're in @QofQuimica? I grew up in Miami and I'm in Central Florida now. Are you originally from here?
 
First of all, despite living here for much of my natural life, I'd never seen the Florida Man twitter feed. Absolutely hilarious, although I must say I dread logging on to Facebook every day to see my out-of-state friends posting news stories about some craziness that has gone down here. The general consensus outside of this state is that we are all insane, like characters in a Carl Hiaasen novel.
Oh, like they don't have equally crazy people everywhere else. They just don't have as good of a twitter feed as we do. :p

Do you reveal on the threads what city you're in @QofQuimica? I grew up in Miami and I'm in Central Florida now. Are you originally from here?
PMed you. I was not born in FL, but my family moved down when I was four, so I basically did grow up here and in GA.
 
Oh, like they don't have equally crazy people everywhere else. They just don't have as good of a twitter feed as we do. :p

You can bet I will be posting that twitter feed on Facebook tomorrow for all to see. I'm guessing it will get some new followers. ;)
 
Hey Q we spoke a couple of months ago about Ga and sandy springs actually. I'd be interested in finding out where in Florida you're at. I've had a decent bit of exposure as a nurse but I think when I'm closer to finishing up classes it'd be good to formally shadow some and this could be a possible option.
 
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Q, the shadowing thing I would consider. But based on some of your posts, I anticipate that your not in the same urban center.
 
Born and raised in FL, Jax actually. Been trying to escape this crazy state ever since, but ya know once it gets its hooks in you, you're a goner. ;) Currently in Miami and loving it.
 
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You can bet I will be posting that twitter feed on Facebook tomorrow for all to see. I'm guessing it will get some new followers. ;)
This is completely irrelevant, but I died when I saw the name "Snakes on a Cane." Bravo.
 
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Hey Q we spoke a couple of months ago about Ga and sandy springs actually. I'd be interested in finding out where in Florida you're at. I've had a decent bit of exposure as a nurse but I think when I'm closer to finishing up classes it'd be good to formally shadow some and this could be a possible option.

Florida sounds so good right now. DancingDays- noticed that you're probably in GA. Have you had any luck finding shadowing opportunities in GA? I am really struggling. I rarely see my PCP besides for my annual physical. I have been cold calling doctor's offices but never really get to speak to a physician. Any thoughts/recommendations?
 
Florida sounds so good right now. DancingDays- noticed that you're probably in GA. Have you had any luck finding shadowing opportunities in GA? I am really struggling. I rarely see my PCP besides for my annual physical. I have been cold calling doctor's offices but never really get to speak to a physician. Any thoughts/recommendations?

I'm from Georgia but I'm actually in Florida now. I've never formally shadowed but from what I've gathered from Q and others, as a nurse I've already had the opportunity to see some of what doctors do and what I'm getting myself into. It might be worth asking your PCP (if your annual check up is near) if you can shadow though. Maybe face to face that way it's harder to say no? Or perhaps that's too up front? Otherwise I'm not full of many good ideas in that regard. What part of Georgia if I may ask?

Edit: I hadn't noticed your name till after so I assume Atlanta area. During my community health rotation we worked with BPSOS which serves the huge underserved Vietnamese population in Atlanta/Norcross. You may be able to get a gig volunteering at one of their community health clinics and be able to work your way into a shadowing opportunity. Otherwise I think persistence might be best. Keep calling different places until someone hopefully offers you an opportunity.
 
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Yes, I'm in Atlanta area but I wouldn't mind shadowing anywhere within 30 to 40 miles. I volunteer at Grady but they have a strict policy of no shadowing so I can't ask the physicians there lest I get in trouble. I'm thinking of volunteering at Atlanta Medical Center since it's not so much of a teaching hospital like Grady is. I may have some luck there - maybe?

My physical is early next year, but I'm trying to get some shadowing hours and hopefully apply the next cycle.
 
Yes, I'm in Atlanta area but I wouldn't mind shadowing anywhere within 30 to 40 miles. I volunteer at Grady but they have a strict policy of no shadowing so I can't ask the physicians there lest I get in trouble. I'm thinking of volunteering at Atlanta Medical Center since it's not so much of a teaching hospital like Grady is. I may have some luck there - maybe?

My physical is early next year, but I'm trying to get some shadowing hours and hopefully apply the next cycle.

I'm not sure how it is on other floors/specialties but I know in the ED at Emory Midtown a lot of the docs worked at Grady or other hospitals as well. Maybe one hospital policy will be more lenient than the other. Unless it's just plain out of the question to ask if you can shadow period. AMC might be good. I've never been on the floors there so I have no idea.
 
Felt inspired to start this thread A) because of seeing several fellow Floridians on the forum; B) because of some inspiration a la "Florida Man" (worth reading if you never have), and C) because I felt like it. Non-Floridians who want to chat about Florida are free to join in, too.

Finally, just to make this thread somewhat medicine-related, if any of you Florida premeds are looking for shadowing opportunities, feel free to PM. I have been told that we are allowed to have students shadow us. I also love having a captive audience. :D

Proud Floridian born and raised :-D

Nice to meet everyone!
 
Born and raised in FL, Jax actually. Been trying to escape this crazy state ever since, but ya know once it gets its hooks in you, you're a goner. ;) Currently in Miami and loving it.

How do you like Jacksonville? I have an interview coming up there and know nothing about it
 
@QofQuimica

Thank you for starting this thread.

In your opinion are there schools in Florida which are more friendly towards non-residents?

What about schools which are more friendly towards non-traditional students?
 
First, Q, since you grew up in Ga, does that mean you have a southern accent? I sort of never pictured you with a southern accent. LOL

Second, just b/c one has a lot of clinical experience as a nurse, it doesn't mean that she/he couldn't benefit from shadowing certain kinds of physicians. For instance, having spent a lot of time in critical care, it wouldn't hurt me to shadow with some primary care physicians. It's a bit of a different world. Shoot it can even be very different worlds between hospitals and units.

About the invite to other Floridians, Q, be careful what you ask for. ;)
 
Expatriot here. Whatever I miss about the gulf coast wears off after a quick visit. I rarely go back now. It has a fascinating history full of subtropical, semi-caribbean weirdness. But that's all been subsumed by a half century of northern migration of old retried f@cks who don't give a crap about anything but their own enjoyment. The rest is rednecks. And then there's always Miami and Orlando. Whatever the hell those places are. I can't make sense of either.
 
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Expatriot here. Whatever I miss about the gulf coast wears off after a quick visit. I rarely go back now. It has a fascinating history full of subtropical, semi-caribbean weirdness. But that's all been subsumed by a half century of northern migration of old retried f@cks who don't give a crap about anything but their own enjoyment. The rest is rednecks. And then there's always Miami and Orlando. Whatever the hell those places are. I can't make sense of either.


LOL, Oh Lord, Nas, please don't tell me you are now one of those stuck-up Bostonians? ;)

Boston: Nice place to visit. My friends live there and like it. Not for me though. If I'm living that far north, might as well go all the way and live in Maine. :)
 
@QofQuimica

What about schools which are more friendly towards non-traditional students?

@QofQuimica prolly has good choices to offer probably.

To put my two cents in cause I was just talking about this the other day (never took the time to really evaluate the student body). University of Florida is pretty friendly. I worked for the college of medicine (low-base job, high interaction with medical student body). It had a ton of nontraditionals and just overall good student body that was diverse. Age means nothing, but it had people from batches of late 20's, 30's, about 3 - 10 students per class that were in their 40s - 50s. I can tell you they def adhere to all forms of nondiscrimination. From sexual preference to disabilities (regardless of degree) to name a few. I sat in on USF Morsani lectures, it was an interesting experience, I really loved it. When I volunteered with the medical students during rounds (USF), this awesome nontraditional student was so welcoming. He was married with kids in his 35s. I asked him about the others in his class, and he said there were others like him. I didn't inquire about his background specifics. He has no idea he is an inspiration, might need to track him down to see where he is at ! Both schools had people who had previous degrees and changed lanes in life. Just friendly extra change of my two cents, other fields of healthcare are also quiet diverse for both schools (nursing and so on).

Cheeeeers to Floridians :p
 
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@QofQuimica

Thank you for starting this thread.

In your opinion are there schools in Florida which are more friendly towards non-residents?
All of the Florida allo schools heavily prefer state residents, including Miami. If you're going to apply to any of them from OOS, you should have stats better than their average and preferably strong ties to Florida.

What about schools which are more friendly towards non-traditional students?
If you're a state resident, all of them.

First, Q, since you grew up in Ga, does that mean you have a southern accent? I sort of never pictured you with a southern accent. LOL
I don't think so. But I went to med school and residency up North, and sometimes people did ask me where I'm from.

Second, just b/c one has a lot of clinical experience as a nurse, it doesn't mean that she/he couldn't benefit from shadowing certain kinds of physicians. For instance, having spent a lot of time in critical care, it wouldn't hurt me to shadow with some primary care physicians. It's a bit of a different world. Shoot it can even be very different worlds between hospitals and units.
It never hurts anyone to get more shadowing. But it's not the best use of a nurse's precious time IMO. No adcom is going to wonder if an RN-to-MD applicant really knows what they're getting themselves into!

About the invite to other Floridians, Q, be careful what you ask for. ;)
To the thread, or for shadowing? If it's the latter, it's not an issue. I always reserve the right to turn anyone down at my discretion.
 
@QofQuimica

Thanks for your replies - that is unfortunately what I am finding out from many state schools.
 
@QofQuimica

Thanks for your replies - that is unfortunately what I am finding out from many state schools.
It depends on the state. Most Southern states (including FL) do heavily protect their seats for state residents. But there are some states whose schools take a good number of OOS residents. You didn't mention what state you're a resident of, but don't forget about applying to your own state schools. Though if you're from Cali (guessing from your username), you definitely need some solid OOS options. I suggest that you look at schools in the Midwest. There are a lot of Californians going to med school in places like Ohio.
 
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In your opinion are there schools in Florida which are more friendly towards non-residents?

What about schools which are more friendly towards non-traditional students?

UCF's med school reserves a certain number of spots each year specifically for OOS'ers. I'm not sure if it's a certain number of spots or a percentage. But it's a specific reservation. USF has a program called the SELECT program which sends its students to Pennsylvania for their rotations. I believe their first two years are done in Tampa. It's supposed to appeal to OOS'ers because everyone in the SELECT program, even Florida residents, pay out-of-state tuition for the program. To me it makes zero sense to pay double the tuition for essentially the same school, but maybe that's just me. So they attract a fair number of out of state residents to that program. I believe Miami takes 70% in-staters? It's definitely way more than half.

USF has some older non-trads in their med school class this year. I think it's safe to assume that all schools accept non-traditional students. It becomes rarer to find them as they age up into their mid-30s and beyond.

This is completely irrelevant, but I died when I saw the name "Snakes on a Cane." Bravo.

Thanks--I wasn't sure if anyone would even remember when this was a big deal on House, M.D. lol

Expatriot here. Whatever I miss about the gulf coast wears off after a quick visit. I rarely go back now. It has a fascinating history full of subtropical, semi-caribbean weirdness. But that's all been subsumed by a half century of northern migration of old retried f@cks who don't give a crap about anything but their own enjoyment. The rest is rednecks. And then there's always Miami and Orlando. Whatever the hell those places are. I can't make sense of either.

I've lived in both, and I've gotta tell you, I can't either. But in a weirdo contest, Miami wins. EVERY. TIME.
 
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UCF's med school reserves a certain number of spots each year specifically for OOS'ers. I'm not sure if it's a certain number of spots or a percentage. But it's a specific reservation. USF has a program called the SELECT program which sends its students to Pennsylvania for their rotations. I believe their first two years are done in Tampa. It's supposed to appeal to OOS'ers because everyone in the SELECT program, even Florida residents, pay out-of-state tuition for the program. To me it makes zero sense to pay double the tuition for essentially the same school, but maybe that's just me. So they attract a fair number of out of state residents to that program. I believe Miami takes 70% in-staters? It's definitely way more than half.

USF has some older non-trads in their med school class this year. I think it's safe to assume that all schools accept non-traditional students. It becomes rarer to find them as they age up into their mid-30s and beyond.



Thanks--I wasn't sure if anyone would even remember when this was a big deal on House, M.D. lol



I've lived in both, and I've gotta tell you, I can't either. But in a weirdo contest, Miami wins. EVERY. TIME.
Oh, I've never even seen House. I just assumed it was a very clever Snakes on a Plane pun!
 
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Hahaha, I did too. And even after finding out the real source, I like our interpretation better.

They used the pun in a preview for one of the House seasons a few years ago, and I (mis)appropriated it for my own malfeasance. It actually fits me pretty well, ironically. I went to Miami for undergrad, so I AM a "Cane". hahaha
 
I've lived in both, and I've gotta tell you, I can't either. But in a weirdo contest, Miami wins. EVERY. TIME.

Maybe you'd have to see it from the back corner of massive hotel overlooking an undeveloped corner of natural swamp. After spending all day drilling holes in doors for new locks. One after another after another. The fancy kind with the key cards. One of the small trappings of paradise that awaits the off loading droves of America's obese elderly vacationers coming to the Mecca of amusement to see a giant rat puppet and his kingdom.

It's something you think is for kids. But no. Like anything else in Florida. Old, fat, tacky unimaginative, wrinkly old people, caravaning in tour busses that never cease to this corner of drained swamp. To see their favorite animated characters and buy trinkets to remember the magic of it all.

It was on such a night. Completely blasted from mind numbing labor that even good music and weed couldn't brighten. That I started to side with the entropy of the universe. And with the relief and amazing silence that will be the end of our species.
 
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Well, isn't that a pretty picture. I find fatalists to be interesting people. They are, however, big buzz-killers.

I've never been to Disney World or Disneyland. I'm more into nature or exploring historic stuff. It always seemed to me that Disney is just a really huge amusement park--and most of the rides aren't for me. It's like casinos. I've never enjoyed them. Maybe a decent musician or even some performers or some decent comics. That's really all.

Can't imagine planning a vaca to Vegas. Maine is nice b/c you get the mountains and the sea. Can live without the tons of snow and long winters though.

But another way of looking at entropy: Unused energy leading to an ultimate simplification of the universe. IOWs, the half empty glass isn't a bad thing, b/c it's that much closer to being used for something new. No fatalism there. ;)
 
Maybe you'd have to see it from the back corner of massive hotel overlooking an undeveloped corner of natural swamp. After spending all day drilling holes in doors for new locks. One after another after another. The fancy kind with the key cards. One of the small trappings of paradise that awaits the off loading droves of America's obese elderly vacationers coming to the Mecca of amusement to see a giant rat puppet and his kingdom.
Everything Disney is hokey, overpriced, and annoyingly crowded. That being said, they give discounts to FL residents. Walt Disney was nothing if not good at drawing people in and parting fools from their $$$.

On that note, maybe we need a FL SDN meet-up at one of the Disney parks? :D
 
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I went to Disney for the first time about a month ago. It was fun but not my favorite. I preferred Six Flags in Ga or even Busch Gardens. Rides are just way too long to wait for but it was cool trying the different foods and drinks around the world. My trip was free though which always makes things better. Apparently people of the press get free day hopper passes and a guest pass once every 6 months to Disney, Universal, and I think even Busch Gardens so my gf decided to take me.
 
Everything Disney is hokey, overpriced, and annoyingly crowded. That being said, they give discounts to FL residents. Walt Disney was nothing if not good at drawing people in and parting fools from their $$$.

On that note, maybe we need a FL SDN meet-up at one of the Disney parks? :D

Yes! I've never been. I feel like I need to experience the madness at least once.

On another note, the Florida university system is giving me a lot of frustration right now. Why is there so much red tape?! Everything feels so damned disorganized, and no one seems to know the answer to anything. Grrr!
 
I went to Disney for the first time about a month ago. It was fun but not my favorite. I preferred Six Flags in Ga or even Busch Gardens. Rides are just way too long to wait for but it was cool trying the different foods and drinks around the world. My trip was free though which always makes things better. Apparently people of the press get free day hopper passes and a guest pass once every 6 months to Disney, Universal, and I think even Busch Gardens so my gf decided to take me.
Next time, splurge for the express pass so you can bypass the lines. Yes, it's totally yet another way for them to gouge you for even more money. But when it comes to the Disney parks, in for a penny, in for a pound.

Yes! I've never been. I feel like I need to experience the madness at least once.
All right. Let's go after the holidays. I take my boards next month, so it's not a great time for me to plan (or afford) a resort weekend right now. Any preference for a park? Or are you wanting to go nuts and spend a few days hitting all of them? FWIW, I like Epcot and Animal Kingdom the best. Universal is cool too if you like movies and rides. Disney itself is more geared toward school aged kids IMO. I've never been to Busch Gardens, but that's an option too.

On another note, the Florida university system is giving me a lot of frustration right now. Why is there so much red tape?! Everything feels so damned disorganized, and no one seems to know the answer to anything. Grrr!
If it's any consolation, they've managed to lose some of my 403(b) withholdings. Well, they're not "lost" per se. They're just in a holding account somewhere, and no one so far has been able to figure out where....
 
Old, fat, tacky unimaginative, wrinkly old people, caravaning in tour busses that never cease to this corner of drained swamp. To see their favorite animated characters and buy trinkets to remember the magic of it all.

This basically describes my husband and I to a T. You'd probably have to add to the list the 2 dollar wine at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, though.
 
Everything Disney is hokey, overpriced, and annoyingly crowded. That being said, they give discounts to FL residents. Walt Disney was nothing if not good at drawing people in and parting fools from their $$$.

On that note, maybe we need a FL SDN meet-up at one of the Disney parks? :D

I'd totally be up for that. ;) My husband is from Austria, so when we moved to the US he went full-on Disney crazy. That was 8 yrs ago, and now that we have a 2 yr old and another on the way things have only gotten more Disneyesque (dear, God, help me- this one is a girl and he's been eyeing the Bibbity-Bobbity-Boutique for years!).

He does RunDisney races and we've had annual passes for years. He begged me to apply anywhere close to Disney parks if possible (FL or CA), because he wants to be in 1-day driving distance if possible. The first thing he did when I got a residency interview in Albuquerque is use google maps to figure out how far it was to Anaheim.

That being said, we do have a ton of fun everytime we go, although we tend to only take in the parks a couple hours at a time then relax at a resort/restaurants. My favorite park has always been Epcot since I was a kid (my parents called me the vacation buzzkill and I was an only child...). So, I've always been weird anyway. ;)

Also, as a side note, my husband is actually a very nice person, and you'd never know about this obsession on a day-to-day basis ;)

How do you like Jacksonville? I have an interview coming up there and know nothing about it

Jacksonville isn't bad as long as you live in the right area. PM me if you want more info, as this will be specific to where you're interviewing. As a very vague response- you want to stay away from the Westside and Northside, southside and beaches are mostly very nice.
 
Hello! I just found out my dad got a job in the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area, so I will technically be a resident of Florida when I apply June 2015!

I'm traditional age-wise, but I've had a lot of weird things happen in the past. Non-trads are cool. :D

I'd love an SDN meet-up; and where are you, @QofQuimica ? I may take you up on that shadowing opportunity. I haven't had any luck yet where I'm at, but I'm still trying!
 
Evening, Florida! Anyone else love this time of year? The semester is ending, the temperature is dropping (but not by much!).. Now if only the snow birds would stay out of the hospitals, I would be a very happy nurse.

Does anyone have a suggestion on an all-inclusive-ish resort in the state? I'm looking to get away right before the snow bird season/Spring 2015 starts. I just wanna relax somewhere quiet and, errm, luxurious. I'm thinking spas, breakfast in bed, poolside margaritas, fine dining, the works. Pulling out all the stops before I dive into the hell of full-time work and full-time college, ugh!

How's everyone's holidays looking?
 
Next time, splurge for the express pass so you can bypass the lines. Yes, it's totally yet another way for them to gouge you for even more money. But when it comes to the Disney parks, in for a penny, in for a pound.


All right. Let's go after the holidays. I take my boards next month, so it's not a great time for me to plan (or afford) a resort weekend right now. Any preference for a park? Or are you wanting to go nuts and spend a few days hitting all of them? FWIW, I like Epcot and Animal Kingdom the best. Universal is cool too if you like movies and rides. Disney itself is more geared toward school aged kids IMO. I've never been to Busch Gardens, but that's an option too.


If it's any consolation, they've managed to lose some of my 403(b) withholdings. Well, they're not "lost" per se. They're just in a holding account somewhere, and no one so far has been able to figure out where....

Holy crap.
 
Evening, Florida! Anyone else love this time of year? The semester is ending, the temperature is dropping (but not by much!).. Now if only the snow birds would stay out of the hospitals, I would be a very happy nurse.

Does anyone have a suggestion on an all-inclusive-ish resort in the state? I'm looking to get away right before the snow bird season/Spring 2015 starts. I just wanna relax somewhere quiet and, errm, luxurious. I'm thinking spas, breakfast in bed, poolside margaritas, fine dining, the works. Pulling out all the stops before I dive into the hell of full-time work and full-time college, ugh!

How's everyone's holidays looking?


IDK, what about the Keys?
 
Holy crap.
Hahaha, said 403(b) withholdings have now been found and have made it into the appropriate account. Turns out that there were *two* allocation forms, and I had only filled out one.

IDK, what about the Keys?
I was thinking the same thing.

On that note, how many people seriously would be interested in a FL nontrad get-together after the holidays? (By seriously, I mean that there is a high likelihood you would actually come.) While I would love a visit to the nether regions of the Panhandle (seriously, I think Destin might be the nicest beach in the state) or to Key West, we should probably choose somewhere more centrally located so that as many people as possible can come. Thus far mentioned options include Orlando (Disney?) and Tampa (Busch Gardens), but other suggestions welcome.
 
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