First of all let me say good luck to everyone applying this year. I just wanted to comment on some things that I read. I am a first year student at USF. Yes Cobragirl is correct that changes were made in the curriculum. Yes it has been challenging, but also rewarding. The main changes first involved the incorporation of a new class before the "real" classes started. This three week introductory class was called the profession of medicine. The class involved the discussion of ethics, professionalism, evidence based medicine, state of the art presentations on clinical aspects of medicine, and (my personal favorite) an intro to physical diagnosis. We learned how to conduct basic chest, lung, and abdomen exams during these three weeks. This was on actual patients, but of course they were paid. The three week course was fun but to be honest it took away much time from our other courses causing lots of cramming. The first two blocks did involve mainly four days of 8-5. However, now that is all over and it is back to three days of 8-5. Let me assure you that the mistakes made in our class will be fixed for next year.
Unfortunately we were the guinea pigs and mistakes always happen when new things are tried out. It will be better for next year?s class. They will make the POM class shorter and more concise. This will create more time for Gross and lesser class time. Another incorporation to the curriculum was the LCE class. During this class we meet with physicians in the community once a week. During these visits we gradually move forward in our tasks we are allowed perform on patients. This continues into the spring till May. You will get one specialist, primary care doc, and a doc of your choice during the first two years.
Interviews started back in the end of September. I know they were behind due to the mess with AMCAS. USF's match lists are competitive as well. I never have compared it to UF's list, but it does have matches as well into Diagnostic Radiology, Optho, ENT, Ortho, Derm, and Neurosurgery.
In my opinion, USF's greatest strength is its clinical program. Numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the Tampa Bay area are utilized ranging from Tampa General Hospital (downtown tampa), All children?s hosp, Shiners Children?s Hosp, Bayfront Medical Center, USF med clinics, USF Veterans Hosp, USF eye clinic, Moffit Cancer Center, and other facilities. With all these numerous institutions one will be exposed to many different cases involving different cultures. It will be the third and fourth year that gets you into the residency of your choice. I know for a fact that USF's clinical program is recognized nationally as a program that prepares its student well for the life as a resident. Now I am not trying to say USF is better than UF, UM, or FSU. In my opinion each school has their own strengths and weaknesses. Choose which school you feel will make you the most comfortable academically and environmentally. I just wanted to clear up any confusion anyone might have had concerning our new curriculum. Let me know if you have any questions?
