University of Miami @ FAU c/o 2013

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MonkeyChow

MonkeyChow

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Don't know where I will end up yet, but decided to make a thread.
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Yeah, it's great to have choices but difficult too! Congrats as well to you!
 
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Anyone else accepted to both UM campuses and having a hard time deciding between them? I think I like the idea of Boca with the small class sizes and easier access to attendings during the clinical years, but I am unsure about PBL and not having rotations at Jackson.
 
Hey Michigator,

I am struggling with those exact things. I really liked the "Boca experience" but Jackson was one of the things that first attracted me to UM in the first place.
 
So, I had another interview at a large school in the midwest, and being shuffled around in a group of 100+ people all day made me realize that I might be better off at a place like Boca. I can't say I've for sure made my mind up, but I am def. leaning that way right now. A few reasons:

1. Small class size, which leads to:

a. Knowing your classmates/professors
b. Individualized attention
c. Accountability (for both myself and the faculty)

2. "Real World" medicine

I've heard from numerous sources about how valuable it is to actually learn medicine the way you are going to practice it. Since I don't plan on being a hotshot attending in a major metro area, and instead plan on being in private practice, a huge academic institution is not a requirement for me.

3. Lack of Barriers

This is again related to small class size, but also the lack of the hierarchical structure that goes along with a big academic hospital. That is a big selling point for Boca: working directly with the attending, rather than the whole student<intern<resident<fellow<attending situation. The learning value in doing rather than just watching, is immense. From what I've gathered, it appears that at Boca you will get more "reps" at an earlier time, but may not see as many crazy/weird/rare cases like at a place like Miami. I am ok with that.

4. Miami vs. Boca Raton

I think Boca as a city is a better fit for my lifestyle than Miami. Most of this is based on conjecture, as I have never lived in either place, but in general I tend to prefer medium size college towns over big cities.
 
Time to get this thread goin again. I am 90% sure I will be in Boca in the fall. It just seems like the school that fits me best.
 
As previously mentioned, at Boca we will be at the top of the pecking order when it comes to rotations, and this is a very unique opportunity which I am sure will be a major selling point for us students when residency interviews come around. Moreover, we can always complete electives at Jackson during fourth year.

Also, the class size will be small, but I think they are increasing the number to about 48 students this year. Good size, small, but not too small.
 
Exactly. Boca offers so many opportunities that simply cannot be found at larger schools.

I thought the class was increasing to 64? Though, to me, I think 48 or 64 are good sizes.
 
MonkeyChow said:
Exactly. Boca offers so many opportunities that simply cannot be found at larger schools.

I thought the class was increasing to 64? Though, to me, I think 48 or 64 are good sizes.
Click to expand...


I may be wrong, but I think 64 is the number they are eventually aiming for. They are still adapting to the new four year curriculum by taking incremental steps from 32 to 48 and then 64.

But hey, if it is 64, that is still small compared to other schools.
 
Are there any current students at UM Boca who can give a quick summary of their PBL experience? I would greatly appreciate any input.
 
Hey all,

I thought I should chime in. I am trying to decide b/w UM-Boca and another school right now so I've been speaking with some current students at both schools to find out some more info. I thought I should share what I've heard about UM-Boca.

First if have not already, you should probably read this:
http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2008/06/30/daily15.html

The article above was a concern for me until I spoke to the current students. They said that they will probably be doing most of their rotations at JFK and Bethesda hospitals instead. The students I spoke with were happy about that. They seemed to feel these were better teaching hospitals anyway. The only downside they pointed out was that the commute can be a little long (with traffic) so some of them are moving. They were also told they can do as many or as few rotations at Jackson as they want, but commuting is an even bigger problem there.

One other thing I found out was that the rotations are done a little differently there. You will have some "traditional" rotations (i.e. Ob/Gyn, Psych etc.), but other then those the rest are "integrated" rotations. This means that you will see a patient in the ER, and then follow that patient after he/she is admitted to the hospital, and through surgery or other specialist care/procedures. Personally I think this is a fantastic model, but I'm a little concerned about the hours and grading, so I'm investigating that further.

All the students I spoke with are VERY enthusiastic about the school. I've heard very few complaints and those that I have heard are minor. BTW I was told that the class of 2013 is going to be 56 students (but this could change).

I apologize if any or all of this is old information for you. These were things that were not made clear at my interview day so I thought I would share my subsequent findings. I really loved the school during my visit and I'm definitely leaning in that direction right now.

Hope to see you all in the fall and good luck with your applications.
 
Thanks Oncodoc for the info! You all may have already seen this but I came across a new video on the website today: http://med.fau.edu/biomedical/ummsm_rmc/ummsm_rmc.html The video is an updated version of the one I saw at my interview in November and had lots of good information IMO.

Also, in regards to the integrated clinical curriculum. I too was concerned about the integrated rotations. After doing some research on it, I feel much better and think it may actually be an awesome way to learn medicine. Even the big H is structuring their 3rd year curriculum to be more longitudinal. One article I came across: http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=517263
"We are now exemplifying how any site in any location with any mission trains better when students have relevant interactions with the faculty and with their patients longitudinally," said Hirsh, who also helped design Harvard's third-year pilot program at Cambridge Hospital.

Here is the schematic for third year at UM-Boca: http://bioserv.biomed.fau.edu/meded_facdev/images/CDM_Graphic_calendar_M3_2009-10.jpg

Anyway, just more food for thought. :woot:
 
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Oncodoc said:
Hey all,

I thought I should chime in. I am trying to decide b/w UM-Boca and another school right now so I've been speaking with some current students at both schools to find out some more info. I thought I should share what I've heard about UM-Boca.

First if have not already, you should probably read this:
http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2008/06/30/daily15.html

The article above was a concern for me until I spoke to the current students. They said that they will probably be doing most of their rotations at JFK and Bethesda hospitals instead. The students I spoke with were happy about that. They seemed to feel these were better teaching hospitals anyway. The only downside they pointed out was that the commute can be a little long (with traffic) so some of them are moving. They were also told they can do as many or as few rotations at Jackson as they want, but commuting is an even bigger problem there.

One other thing I found out was that the rotations are done a little differently there. You will have some "traditional" rotations (i.e. Ob/Gyn, Psych etc.), but other then those the rest are "integrated" rotations. This means that you will see a patient in the ER, and then follow that patient after he/she is admitted to the hospital, and through surgery or other specialist care/procedures. Personally I think this is a fantastic model, but I'm a little concerned about the hours and grading, so I'm investigating that further.

All the students I spoke with are VERY enthusiastic about the school. I've heard very few complaints and those that I have heard are minor. BTW I was told that the class of 2013 is going to be 56 students (but this could change).

I apologize if any or all of this is old information for you. These were things that were not made clear at my interview day so I thought I would share my subsequent findings. I really loved the school during my visit and I'm definitely leaning in that direction right now.

Hope to see you all in the fall and good luck with your applications.
Click to expand...


Excellent post. I do have one question though...When you say we can do as many rotations at Jackson as we want, are you referring to 4th year electives or to both 3rd and 4th year rotations? We are required to do the 3rd year rotations in Palm Beach hospitals, aren't we?


Good luck with your decision.:thumbup:
 
When you say we can do as many rotations at Jackson as we want, are you referring to 4th year electives or to both 3rd and 4th year rotations? We are required to do the 3rd year rotations in Palm Beach hospitals, aren't we?

Good question! I get the feeling from the discussions I've had with students that these are issues that are still being worked out. Keep in mind that the class of 2011 is the first class to have their rotations in Palm Beach. It does seem like the school is very receptive to student opinions/concerns so perhaps this first class will have to serve as a "test case".

On a happier note this class is already almost done their first two years:). UM-Boca finishes second year in March to give its students time for board prep!
 
MonkeyChow said:
Thanks Oncodoc for the info! You all may have already seen this but I came across a new video on the website today: http://med.fau.edu/biomedical/ummsm_rmc/ummsm_rmc.html The video is an updated version of the one I saw at my interview in November and had lots of good information IMO.

Also, in regards to the integrated clinical curriculum. I too was concerned about the integrated rotations. After doing some research on it, I feel much better and think it may actually be an awesome way to learn medicine. Even the big H is structuring their 3rd year curriculum to be more longitudinal. One article I came across: http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=517263
"We are now exemplifying how any site in any location with any mission trains better when students have relevant interactions with the faculty and with their patients longitudinally,” said Hirsh, who also helped design Harvard’s third-year pilot program at Cambridge Hospital.

Here is the schematic for third year at UM-Boca: http://bioserv.biomed.fau.edu/meded_facdev/images/CDM_Graphic_calendar_M3_2009-10.jpg

Anyway, just more food for thought. :woot:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links! I actually had not been on the school website for a while (you would think that would be the first place I would check for info!).

As for your thoughts about the integrated clinical curriculum, I completely agree with your opinion. One thing I've realized about myself is that I learn much more efficiently when I can see things in the context of the big picture-this is part of the reason I'm leaning toward UM-Boca. I really feel the curriculum (especially the rotations) fits my learning style very well.

Good Luck!
 
So I saw in the acceptance letter than an e-mail was supposed to be sent out in Feb. with info on housing...have any of you received this e-mail? I haven't heard anything from them in a long time...
 
The only contact I've received from the school was yesterday when I got an email from Agnes with the school newsletter attached.

So with the situation referenced above about BRCH, it seems to me that a little north of Boca is now the ideal place to live. Anyone have any opinions on this?
 
michigator04 said:
So with the situation referenced above about BRCH, it seems to me that a little north of Boca is now the ideal place to live. Anyone have any opinions on this?
Click to expand...

That seems like it would make sense. Maybe not as north as Boynton Beach but in between Boca and Boynton seems like a good compromise, somewhere around Delray Beach maybe. But I am OOS so I am going to have to go back look around the area again.
 
michigator04 said:
So with the situation referenced above about BRCH, it seems to me that a little north of Boca is now the ideal place to live. Anyone have any opinions on this?
Click to expand...

The students that I spoke to who are moving are going to Delray Beach. I too am OOS and am hoping to not have to move during my time at UM-Boca. The two areas that were suggested to me were Delray and Boynton but near I-95 if I plan on living there for all 4 years. I've also been warned that, while Boca is great, surrounding areas can be hit or miss (even within the same city). If someone from the area can elaborate that would be helpful.

Also, it is important to remember that from what I've heard there are still hopes to get BRCH online in the future. I plan to call some members of the administration regarding this next week since it obviously will effect the class of 2013. I'll post what I find out (if anything).

BTW, Not that this is all that helpful, but there is some living info here:

http://www.mededu.miami.edu/Admissions/Live.htm

Hope this helps!
 
Just got an email from UM asking for my campus choice, I'm officially in the Boca/FAU camp now.

Gonna be going down to check out possible living arrangements in a few weeks. Only 5 months til we start!
 
Its a personal decision for each of us, but as for myself, the Boca campus just seems like a better fit. I am proud to be a UMMSM@FAU student.:thumbup:

A few notes:

A preliminary academic schedule for our class has been posted

http://med.fau.edu/biomedical/ummsm_rmc/meded/academ_cal.html#co2013aa

Also, I just read that the new gym which recently opened is currently undergoing a second phase of expansion. It should be very nice when all is said and done.
 
Aww... I guess that means I will finally cave in and make a Facebook account.

BTW, thanks for all of the links posted. They were super helpful, especially the schedule.
 
Hey guys, can those of you who were accepted to UM at FAU remember when you interviewed and when you were accepted? Was it by phone, e-mail, or regular mail (or a combination of the three)?

I interviewed at both UM campuses in the beginning of February. I was waitlisted at Miami a few weeks after the interview, but I still haven't heard anything from the regional campus. I called the office at FAU in early March and lady told me that I should've heard back already. When I told her I hadn't, she said that I should contact the Miami office for more info. When I called the admissions department at Miami the receptionist there told me that I'd be hearing back shortly, but still no news.

Is the admissions committee for UM at FAU independent from UM main campus? I was under the impression that they were, but it seems like the people at FAU were confused/didn't know anything about my application status. Also, do you guys know whether the class has already been filled or not?

I apologize for all the questions and the length of this post. I really enjoyed my visit to FAU and would love to be your classmate this fall. I believe the small class-size and close-knit community-environment really fit my learning style, and I think I'd be happier in a city like Boca than a super-urban place like Miami. I thought my interview went really well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 
954 MD said:
Its a personal decision for each of us, but as for myself, the Boca campus just seems like a better fit. I am proud to be a UMMSM@FAU student.:thumbup:

A few notes:

A preliminary academic schedule for our class has been posted

http://med.fau.edu/biomedical/ummsm_rmc/meded/academ_cal.html#co2013aa

Also, I just read that the new gym which recently opened is currently undergoing a second phase of expansion. It should be very nice when all is said and done.
Click to expand...

954, have you decided on UMMSM FAU over USF? Congrats!
 
Hey Spicy,

When I was accepted I was notified by phone call and received a snail mail info packet about 4 weeks after my interview. I also recieved an e-mail notification the day after the phone call.

The admissions committees are completely separate but all of my information has come from the main campus (e-mail, snail mail). Dr. Weisman is the associate dean of admissions at the main campus ([email protected]) and was the contact listed in my acceptance letter. Maybe he can help you out? I understand the agony of waiting!

I have heard that the main campus class is full but I haven't heard either way on the regional campus. Good luck to you!
 
I received a call about 2 weeks after my interviews and an email the next day. My email actually said that I was accepted to both campuses, and then I got another call about 2 days later from my interviewer at FAU to tell me I was accepted to that campus (I pretended to be surprised).
 
i just got accepted to Boca campus last week, does anyone know if there will be a second look? even though i go to FAU and know the program back and forth it would be nice to meet everyone
 
Fiko18 said:
i just got accepted to Boca campus last week, does anyone know if there will be a second look? even though i go to FAU and know the program back and forth it would be nice to meet everyone
Click to expand...

Congrats on the acceptance, Fiko! Are you decided on FAU, or are you waiting on other schools?

As far as I know, there is no second look for either Miami campus.
 
Congrats Fiko!

I believe Michigator is right, there is no official second look day :(. I think that the school will set up an individual second look if you just want to go back and see the school again/meet current students.
 
thanks guys, im pretty set on UM unless i got a nice scholarship offer from another school. its weird that they don't do a second look. I thought that the one that USF had was very helpful and informative
 
Since this thread seems to be dead I guess I'll resurrect it...

I'm moving to Boca in a month and wanted to get some ideas on how new students are planning their living arrangements. After looking on Craigslist and talking to a local realtor I decided I'm probably going to live in The Vinings since it seems like a nice neighborhood, fairly close to the school/mall/etc. It is kind of expensive but the office gave me a nice deal on a good apartment. I was wondering about how much are you guys planning on paying for rent? Most places I looked out were $900+. Also, do you guys plan on living with roommates? If anyone in the area after July 15th wants to get together and explore Boca, write me a PM.
 
karakanvas said:
Bring a roll of quarters for the turnpike in case you go exploring and get a little lost, like me.
...
If anyone else has any good tips about the city or Florida in general, let me know. I'm driving cross country in a little bit and will be there in July to settle in.
Click to expand...

First thing I would suggest you do when you get to FL would be to find your nearest Publix or CVS and buy yourself a Sunpass or Sunpass mini. The mini costs 4.99 and gives you 5.00 in free tolls (plus discount on all tolls) so it's basically free, and saves a ton of time if you are on a toll road.
 
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