FIU vs EVMS

[gohokies45]

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FIU HWCOM
Pros

• Emphasis on service learning in curriculum with NeighborhoodHELP program
• People keep saying good things about the recent partnership with Baptist Health… (I wish I knew more about the experience of clerkships here/how hard it would be to match into a competitive speciality)
• My partner is likely attending a medical school in FL

Cons

• Seems like fewer opportunities to engage in specialized research here
• No home derm program? Seems like a few students have matched at great places each year though.
• 2 year preclinical unlike all of the other schools
• COA/COL

EVMS
Pros

• Home derm program
• Lots of service learning in the curriculum
• Near the beach!
• Have family in the Newport News area

Cons

• Seems like the research opportunities aren’t as great here (I’m curious to how they compare to FIU)
• Most students in competitive specialities that interest me seem to stay at EVMS

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums, and congratulations.

I’m interested in possibly pursuing Dermatology, and I’m also interested in healthcare for the underserved (health/skin care for homeless, mobile clinics, etc). Currently I am not as interested in primary care, I see myself doing something more hands-on, so I want to attend a school that will allow me to keep my options open.

That's curious to me. You said you didn't know more about FIU, so I wonder why you think you got picked there (partner being FL resident notwithstanding).

Mobile dermatology clinics exist. The authors of this paper seem to describe experiences around Florida/Miami (news story). Pitt also has one. So my question is, which schools on your list have an opportunity (not that it pushes you to choose them, but as part of your calculus).

 

[Hurricanado]

Miami area, and So FL, is good (and having a partner sounds nice, even though honestly - med school done right kinda sucks up a lot of social and free time no matter where you attend). I landed at a different school in a completely different place than I ever imaged and it's been the best thing ever happened for me in hindsight (may be the school your partner landed from the distance you mentioned). Anyway, IMHO you need to do some deeper on-line research re: FIU med; articles and posts (whatever else is out there) than seems you've done up to this point. You worked hard and were lucky and have options and doing more thorough due diligence just makes sense. Be brave and willing to step outside the logistical comfort zone as well. Best to you!