USF COM c/o of 2012

[noles925]

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I was just wondering if any current USF med students could give me an idea about the amount of free time you have, if any?
I currently work out at the gym everyday for about an hour and a half (by no means am I a bodybuilder, though, I just do it to keep in shape and help deal with the stress of class) and I was wondering if that kind of schedule would be feasible to keep during med school? I was also wondering what kind of gym memberships the med students have? I know the med school has a small gym, have any of you found it useful?

Thanks so much for your input. I know it sounds kind of stupid but going to the gym is one of the only ways I find myself able to cope with the stress of class and allows me to get my mind of things for a lil while.

Thanks again
🙂

You will most defnitely have time to exercise while in medical school. As with everything in life, you will have to find a balance between everything, but your personal health is very important and you should make it a priority (which it sounds like you already do.)

The first two years of medical school are very lecture heavy (8-5) but you will have breaks, decide not to come to class, or need to take a break of your own to work out. We have students that have trained and run marathons throughout medical school. So it is definitely possible.

There are quite a few options for medical students. USF COM is fortunate enough to have a small gym right on our own campus. This is available to you from 7am to 11pm. There is also a big gym on the other side of campus that is free for all USF students. That is not idal based on hours of operation and the parking situation on campis. Also, USF COM has a deal with Lifestyle Family Fitness for a discounted corporate rate if you choose to join a gym of your own. just north of cmapus, there is also a YMCA that allows for a dicounted membership that is need-based. One of my classmates pays $8 per month for that. Hope this helps!!!

 

[mikedc813]

The gym was my main extracurricular activity during my 1st two years. I probably tried to take an hour each to work out. The rest of the time I was in class, studying, or maybe watching a little TV.

 

[ndmed4life]

Thanks so much for your advice. I usually split my spare time between the gym and church/community service activities so I hope I can find a balance in med school.

Nevertheless, I am both excited and a bit anxious to start med school. Was it everything you expected it to be? Difficulty wise and stressful wise?

Thanks and God bless

 

[mikedc813]

Thanks so much for your advice. I usually split my spare time between the gym and church/community service activities so I hope I can find a balance in med school.

Nevertheless, I am both excited and a bit anxious to start med school. Was it everything you expected it to be? Difficulty wise and stressful wise?

Thanks and God bless

Definitely a lot more work than I anticipated. It's really like a full-time job that takes some getting used to. The transition into med school was difficult for me, but when I got used to the pace and time demands things were fine. It's important to make friends in the class so you can share your concerns and frustrations with them. While your family is there for you, no one else knows what it's like to go through med school other than your colleagues.

 

[manok31]

I'm a 4th yr at USF and thought I'd share my opinion with you. Both USF and Vandy are fantastic programs and you will be trained extremely well at both. I think the main things that you should be thinking about at this point are:

1) Location: How important is being close to home? I'm from Largo and being able to go home (45 min away) and see my parents every once in a while is really nice. If you have kids, having family nearby is important.

2) Residency: I used to think that going to a more well-known med school would help you get into more competitive residencies (derm, rad onc, plastics, etc), but I'm not so sure anymore. Depending on what you think you may want to do, I would probably give the slight advantage to Vanderbilt as far as giving you a better chance at matching into the program of your choice. Name recognition is taken into account by residency programs, and face it, Vanderbilt is more nationally well-known than USF. That said, USF matches students into top programs at Harvard, Hopkins, Yale, etc consistently each year. I have already been chosen by a radiation oncology program outside of the match. My point is that both programs will allow you to do something competitive if you want, but Vanderbilt probably gives you a slightly better chance.

3) Research: Vanderbilt is tradiationally a much stronger basic science research institution than USF, not to say that USF isn't on the rise. There are plenty of research opportunities at USF, but I would say you would have more options at Vanderbilt.

Those are the main things I would consider. I hope this helps.

No way! I'm from Largo too!!! I interviewed and was accepted back in January. I really felt at home at USF, not just because it's close to home, but also because of the students and staff. Thanks for the advice above, Mike. I'm currently in the midst of sorting out my options, but I think my gut instinct is telling me to go to USF. I'm really excited about Second Look this weekend; hopefully it will help me decide!

 

[mikedc813]

No way! I'm from Largo too!!! I interviewed and was accepted back in January. I really felt at home at USF, not just because it's close to home, but also because of the students and staff. Thanks for the advice above, Mike. I'm currently in the midst of sorting out my options, but I think my gut instinct is telling me to go to USF. I'm really excited about Second Look this weekend; hopefully it will help me decide!

I think there's a dinner on Sunday at Dr. Kohler's house for the second look program. I should be there along with others from my class to answer questions. I look forward to meeting those of you who are coming.

 

[NewAndImproved]

Speaking of the second look...for those who attended, was there any mention of how USF's budget cuts might affect the medical program?

 

[Jennifer5109]

Yes budget cuts were specifically addressed several times. Dr. Specter (I believe he is the dean of academic affairs?) said that the budget cuts would not affect the curriculum. The area that takes the hit is staffing. He said that retiring professors will not be replaced and he also said some money might be pulled from patient programs (I think I heard this last part correctly, but someone might remember more specifically than I did). Finally, I believe he said that only 14% of the medical school funding comes from the state. Most comes through other sources including USFs own clinics. Therefore, a budget cut is not going to be felt as much as it might be in other departments of USF. Overall, I was very impressed with USF's second look. I hope they will be continuing this program in the future.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

Definitely a lot more work than I anticipated. It's really like a full-time job that takes some getting used to. The transition into med school was difficult for me, but when I got used to the pace and time demands things were fine. It's important to make friends in the class so you can share your concerns and frustrations with them. While your family is there for you, no one else knows what it's like to go through med school other than your colleagues.

I have to second that in that your friends in medical school will allow you to help each other get through the stressful demands and fun of medical school. Even though you hear a lot of good information about medical school on boards such as this, it's hard to understand the demands that are placed on you until you actually are exposed to it. Going to class from 8am to 5pm on some days can take some getting used to, but it's much easier to do with friends. This is why it's important to make friends, socialize, and maybe do at least a little group studying with your classmates so that you can stay connected with others. USF does a good job to get the ball rolling in the beginning of the semester so that you can get to know those in your class, so I highly recommend taking advantage of those events such as the scavenger hunt and various picnics.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

You will most defnitely have time to exercise while in medical school. As with everything in life, you will have to find a balance between everything, but your personal health is very important and you should make it a priority (which it sounds like you already do.)

The first two years of medical school are very lecture heavy (8-5) but you will have breaks, decide not to come to class, or need to take a break of your own to work out. We have students that have trained and run marathons throughout medical school. So it is definitely possible.

I want to encourage everyone going into medical school to take the time to exercise and do those activities outside of school that make you happy. There is a lot of stress that builds up during school and exams, so you need an outlet to get away from it all and recharge. There is time to do this, but YOU have to make the time. You could spend all your time studying and never leaving the histology study labs or library, but then you'd just become an insane recluse. Maintaining your sanity during school and enjoying/learning outside of the curriculum is important to your development as a doctor and a human being (don't forget that you still are one). Remember that your class rank (your cumulative GPA as it were) in medical school is calculated in a funny way. Your first year and second year grades are worth less than your entire third year clinical grades, so try not to burn out the first couple of years.

Do well in your classes, keep up your health, and stay sane. 🙂

 

[vtucci]

I and a number of my classmates live in the Courtney Palms Community (www.courtneypalms.com) near Brandon. It is almost equidistant to TGH and Campus and I would recommend it to all incoming students. It is a condo community and so there are always students selling their places and others renting out. Most of the tenants/owners are affiliated with TGH (lots of nurses, residents and students). Great area to live- lots of shops, a mall nearby and everything you could need wrapped up in a quite bow (as opposed to the complexes nearer the university where undergrads abound). Also, it is nice to not have to move between second and third year. It takes me about 7 minutes to TGH and 15-25 depending on time of day to get to USF.

Also, depending where you live on Bruce B Downs, it can take you longer to get to campus than those of us coming from I-75. Definitely do a trial run in rush-hour traffic before signing a lease if you plan in going anywhere near New Tampa or the busy USF university area.

I have also seen mention of apt complexes within walking distance. This is not an option for students. You will need a car in the first year as there is LCE and you can be assigned anywhere in the Tampa Bay area (even St. Pete). There is always someone who tries to get around just on a bike. Tampa is not Gainesville so do not try it.

 

[vtucci]

The amount of free time depends significantly on where you are in the curriculum.

As a student on surgery, the answer is just about zero free time. Medicine was also very limited. On the other hand, EM and Family were great (as is Neuropsych from what I have been told). Maternal Newborn depends on the residents you get but I enjoyed the rotation and love working nights.

I loved second year and found that I had much more time than first year. However, that may be because I struggled with the curriculum first year and thought the second year curriculum was much better and more relevant to the practice of medicine. They have since completely overhauled the first year program so I doubt if I would feel the same way today as there is now much more of a clinical focus.

USF is a special place. The administration is first-rate and the student body is extremely diverse and generally supportive of one another. Rare combination.

 

[Jennifer5109]

I and a number of my classmates live in the Courtney Palms Community (www.courtneypalms.com) near Brandon. It is almost equidistant to TGH and Campus and I would recommend it to all incoming students. It is a condo community and so there are always students selling their places and others renting out. Most of the tenants/owners are affiliated with TGH (lots of nurses, residents and students). Great area to live- lots of shops, a mall nearby and everything you could need wrapped up in a quite bow (as opposed to the complexes nearer the university where undergrads abound). Also, it is nice to not have to move between second and third year. It takes me about 7 minutes to TGH and 15-25 depending on time of day to get to USF.

Also, depending where you live on Bruce B Downs, it can take you longer to get to campus than those of us coming from I-75. Definitely do a trial run in rush-hour traffic before signing a lease if you plan in going anywhere near New Tampa or the busy USF university area.

I have also seen mention of apt complexes within walking distance. This is not an option for students. You will need a car in the first year as there is LCE and you can be assigned anywhere in the Tampa Bay area (even St. Pete). There is always someone who tries to get around just on a bike. Tampa is not Gainesville so do not try it.

Are there signs up at Courtney Palms for units that are for rent? I'm not in the position to buy a condo, but living in a condo community does sound appealing.

 

[WorldsAway]

Hey all ... just got accepted last Wednesday ^_^ Interviewed the 3rd of March if anyone came by to scope the interviewies... I'm excited to get to come back home to USF for another four years!!! GO BULLS

 

[Jennifer5109]

Congratulations!

 

[mikedc813]

I want to encourage everyone going into medical school to take the time to exercise and do those activities outside of school that make you happy. There is a lot of stress that builds up during school and exams, so you need an outlet to get away from it all and recharge. There is time to do this, but YOU have to make the time. You could spend all your time studying and never leaving the histology study labs or library, but then you'd just become an insane recluse. Maintaining your sanity during school and enjoying/learning outside of the curriculum is important to your development as a doctor and a human being (don't forget that you still are one). Remember that your class rank (your cumulative GPA as it were) in medical school is calculated in a funny way. Your first year and second year grades are worth less than your entire third year clinical grades, so try not to burn out the first couple of years.

Do well in your classes, keep up your health, and stay sane. 🙂

I would like to stress this. The first 2 years are stressful for almost everyone. Take time each day for yourself and just relax or do something fun. Also, I wouldn't say your 3rd year grades are worth more than your two years combined, but it's pretty darn close.

 

[mikedc813]

If anyone is interested in living relatively close to campus (3 miles), I'm renting out my condo in Tampa Palms for $1075/month. It's a 2/2 with vaulted ceilings in a gated community. Email me if you want more info: [email protected].

 

[Krystle11]

Those of you that went to second look, can you please tell me the important points that were covered? I was out of the country. I am still trying to decide between USF and UF (leaning towards USF), so I would like to know what was convered in second look.

Current students, do you know what opportunities there are for international medical trips? I just went on one with UF, and if I went to UF, I was told I would become a trip leader on this trip and may end up going 5 years in a row. That is extremely enticing, since I am interested in international medicine. So, if I could find a trip to latch on to at USF, I would be incredibly excited. Can anyone help?

 

[mikedc813]

Those of you that went to second look, can you please tell me the important points that were covered? I was out of the country. I am still trying to decide between USF and UF (leaning towards USF), so I would like to know what was convered in second look.

Current students, do you know what opportunities there are for international medical trips? I just went on one with UF, and if I went to UF, I was told I would become a trip leader on this trip and may end up going 5 years in a row. That is extremely enticing, since I am interested in international medicine. So, if I could find a trip to latch on to at USF, I would be incredibly excited. Can anyone help?

I'm not sure if anyone talked to you about Project World Health, but it's a pretty big deal at USF. Every year a group goes to the Dominican Republic. Also several classmates of mine did international medical trips during their 4th year. For example, someone worked in an ER in Mexico for a month.

 

[Jennifer5109]

Here's a youtube video on the Dominican Republic trip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EtnxeVYMLg.

 

[mikedc813]

Here's a youtube video on the Dominican Republic trip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EtnxeVYMLg.

Nice find. That is a great video. Thanks Jennifer.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

I'm not sure if anyone talked to you about Project World Health, but it's a pretty big deal at USF. Every year a group goes to the Dominican Republic. Also several classmates of mine did international medical trips during their 4th year. For example, someone worked in an ER in Mexico for a month.

As a first year at USF, I've had the chance to go with the other international medical group called IHSC (International Health Service Collaborative) and will also be going on the Project World Health trip over Spring Break in a couple of weeks. I enjoyed my first trip immensely, and found it to be a valuable learning experience as well as a lot of fun and hard work.

IHSC focuses on sustained health, so combines work with a project in conjunction with the Peace Corps (we generally build latrines and improved cooking stoves in the past, but the project can vary) as well as perform a few days of a medical clinic in the community we are working in. PWH focuses solely on medical care and collects tens of thousands (and more) of dollars worth of medications and equipment and holds several clinics over an entire week in various towns and villages.

 

[DayDune]

If you have class from 8-5 or 8-3 everyday, when you do you have time to study? More importantly, how many hours a day do most students study?

 

[mikedc813]

If you have class from 8-5 or 8-3 everyday, when you do you have time to study? More importantly, how many hours a day do most students study?

Class is only 8-4 or 8-5 only 2 days per week. The other days are half days, one of which you go to your LCE. I personally studied 3-4 hours per every hour of lecture, but this will vary from person to person.

 

[WorldsAway]

Is there anyway to get in touch with people who need room mates next year? I would think there would be a list of people seeking people to live with but I haven't come across one yet. Could anyone point me in the right direction. Thanks ^_^

 

[Jennifer5109]

I believe USF actually sends out a list of students that need rooms. They probably do this after May 15 when everything is more final.

 

[mikedc813]

Is there anyway to get in touch with people who need room mates next year? I would think there would be a list of people seeking people to live with but I haven't come across one yet. Could anyone point me in the right direction. Thanks ^_^

I am not sure where there is a list, but I would think Student Affairs might be a place to start looking.

 

[emlopez2]

Hello. Im currently a 2nd year medstudent at a school in NY, and I just have a few questions about living in the Tampa area. A few years ago I interviewed at a place near Bradenton and from what I saw it appeared to be pretty nice down there. Anyways I recently ran across a few people who really didnt have anything good to say about Tampa life. Prior to this I had been thinking about doing an away rotation as well as applying for a residency there. If anyone could give me an unbiased opinion about living in Tampa I would really appreciate it. You can post here or PM if possible. Thanks for your time, Matt.

 

[emlopez2]

What specifically is it you want to know about Tampa? About South Tampa and TGH? About Carrollwood? About Town and Country? About North Tampa and New Tampa? I'm confused.

Different areas of tampa are very different from one another. I'm not sure what you mean by you've heard bad, like what are your specific concerns? Is it TGH you want to know about or the city of Tampa as a whole and what aspects of Tampa are you wanting to know about?

Your question seems so broad ended and vague that I don't know exactly what it is you are wanting to know about Tampa.

Mostly i would like to know about the areas where the residents and medical students live. Like I said the only place that I saw there was Bradenton, so I have no clue about the different areas of Tampa or even where the rotating hospitals are located. As far as what I've heard that was bad about Tampa was quote "All Tampa has is factories and strip clubs" another quote from someone else "My friend moved there and left after 3 months saying Tampa is a real sh##t hole." I know these aren't the most descriptive ways to describe a place but it has kind of turned me off from even considering applying there. As a 1st year i dont expect you to know much about the hospitals there. Most of all I just wanted another opinion of someone in the medical field of what it might be like to live there for another 5+ plus years while completing a residency.

 

[Jennifer5109]

I've lived in Tampa since I was a year and a half old and I have seen it grow tremendously. The area near USF has improved so much. That being said I do think there is room for more improvement. USF area is not very pedestrian friendly or bike friendly for that matter. Having a car is pretty much a must. USF is in the Northeast area of Tampa and I think there are some nice places to live - especially the New Tampa area. USF does not have many night life activities, but South Tampa certainly does. South Tampa is where TGH is and I think it is the most fun part of Tampa. They have great shops, restaurants, and night clubs. Hyde Park area is nice because you can walk places and it is right near the water. Obviously some parts of Tampa will be nicer than others, like any big city. Your best bet would be to visit. I agree with Guju - Bradenton is not the most happening place in Tampa. It has some beautiful scenery, but not much other than that. That area is mostly retirement and tourist places. Tampa is diverse and I believe it is getting better each year. I would consider it a nice place to live.

 

[emlopez2]

Hey. Thanks for the replies. I definately will still keep Tampa on my good list of places to look into for residencies. I kinda of figured some random guy from a NYC bar would be more biased to here since everyone here thinks NYC is the greatest city in the world(i beg to differ). Anyways thanks again for your time and good luck in your studies.

 

[WorldsAway]

I was wondering what class schedules are like for first years? I know they change from day to day, but I would like to know on average how long I will be sitting in a lecture each day and what part of the days I will be in lectures? THANKS!!😀

 

[mikedc813]

I was wondering what class schedules are like for first years? I know they change from day to day, but I would like to know on average how long I will be sitting in a lecture each day and what part of the days I will be in lectures? THANKS!!😀

Mondays and Wednesdays are full days (roughly 8-4 or 8-5). The rest of the week are half days, one of which you are assigned to go to your LCE. That leaves you with 2 half days per week to do with how you see fit.

 

[wally47]

LCE is like a preceptor or local physician shadowing correct? If so how often if at all will you change physicians/specialty?

 

[WorldsAway]

On those Mondays and Wednesdays are you sitting in class for 8-9hrs straight or are their breaks in between? (I get hungry every 3-4 hrs )

 

[mikedc813]

LCE is like a preceptor or local physician shadowing correct? If so how often if at all will you change physicians/specialty?

Correct, you have a preceptor who may or may not be affiliated with USF. I've had community docs in St. Pete and someone at Moffitt. It can really vary. You are assigned to 1 preceptor for 1st year and 1 during each half of 2nd year. That assignments are random (with some exceptions). You will have at least 1 person in primary care.

My preceptors were in otolaryngology, pediatrics, radiation oncology.

 

[mikedc813]

On those Mondays and Wednesdays are you sitting in class for 8-9hrs straight or are their breaks in between? (I get hungry every 3-4 hrs )

You get 10 min breaks in between each hour, and then an hour for lunch. Many people bring food and eat during class.

 

[wally47]

Correct, you have a preceptor who may or may not be affiliated with USF. I've had community docs in St. Pete and someone at Moffitt. It can really vary. You are assigned to 1 preceptor for 1st year and 1 during each half of 2nd year. That assignments are random (with some exceptions). You will have at least 1 person in primary care.

My preceptors were in otolaryngology, pediatrics, radiation oncology.

Are you thinking of going into oto,peds,rad? Just curious about how preceptors/LCE may have an impact on specialization choice.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

You get 10 min breaks in between each hour, and then an hour for lunch. Many people bring food and eat during class.

You will find some professors go over and those 10 minute breaks disappear 😆. But, most of the time they give you at least 5 minutes of a break. Many times, those two free half days are taken up by mandatory ultrasound, LCE, small group, or physical diagnosis meetings. You really need to keep a good schedule to keep up with the schedule sometimes. Many people opt not to deal with class, and just watch the video recordings of many of the classes(at high speed, so they can get done faster and concentrate).

 

[mikedc813]

Are you thinking of going into oto,peds,rad? Just curious about how preceptors/LCE may have an impact on specialization choice.

LCE had a huge impact on my future career. I am a future radiation oncology resident and will be staying at USF. I would not have known about rad onc if it wasn't for my LCE experience. There are a few days of required radiation oncology during the 4th year oncology rotation and so many of my classmates tell me they wish they knew about the field sooner. I really just got lucky.

 

[Jennifer5109]

You will find some professors go over and those 10 minute breaks disappear 😆. But, most of the time they give you at least 5 minutes of a break. Many times, those two free half days are taken up by mandatory ultrasound, LCE, small group, or physical diagnosis meetings. You really need to keep a good schedule to keep up with the schedule sometimes. Many people opt not to deal with class, and just watch the video recordings of many of the classes(at high speed, so they can get done faster and concentrate).

That was one thing that surprised me when I asked a student about lectures. She said some people watch it in high speed and like every other word skips. How can this be helpful ? I'm grateful though that all the lectures will be available online.

 

[mikedc813]

That was one thing that surprised me when I asked a student about lectures. She said some people watch it in high speed and like every other word skips. How can this be helpful ? I'm grateful though that all the lectures will be available online.

You will find that some people will go to class religiously while others will not and will just review lectures online. It's just a matter of preference and neither is really right or wrong. Some people learn better by going to class while others don't. I went to the classes I thought were helpful, but skipped those that I thought were not and studied during that time on my own.

 

[Jennifer5109]

I've never experienced words skipping, just not being able to type as fast as fast speed lectures. :lagh:

some lecturers can be slow talkers so fast speed helpsto bring it on the same level as thosewh are aturally fast speakers which helps save time. I'm surprised its skipped around for othe rpeople but I've never had issues with my grad school classes and our video lectures.

I think the skipping was done on purpose and not a problem with the lectures. I remember hearing something like you can speed it up by 2x 4x etc. The faster you speed it up the more words are skipped.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

I think the skipping was done on purpose and not a problem with the lectures. I remember hearing something like you can speed it up by 2x 4x etc. The faster you speed it up the more words are skipped.

The skipping depends on the operating system used and the network conditions to connect to the school's streaming media servers. On Macintosh computers, people complain about skipping more than on Windows machines, though if you stay under 2x speed you shouldn't see any skipping. If you download the video to your hard drive first rather than streaming the video, you can go up to speeds higher than 2x without skipping (though the school doesn't like you downloading them, they only like streaming for various non-tech reasons).

 

[wally47]

I hear the place to live is in South Tampa, for traffic reasons. What about the apartments right near the medical school on Brucebdowns?

 

[mikedc813]

I lived in north tampa along BBD for 4 yrs and liked it a lot. S Tampa is more trendy while N Tampa is much more like suburbia. Traffic at times an issue going to TGH, but I spent most of 3rd yr on campus or at the VA across the street.

 

[ndmed4life]

I was just wondering what kind of laptop would be best to invest in? I am looking for a light laptop that I can bring to class and was wondering if any current medical students have any suggestions? I have been looking at Dell and Lenovo laptops which seem to be good laptops at affordable prices. Plz let me know if you have any input.

Also, I was curious of the printing situation at USF. I currently print slides prior to class and bring them with me to take notes. Would that be feasible for med school? Would I be able to print the slides at school or only from a personal printer?

Thanks so much and God bless

 

[mikedc813]

I recommend St. Croix near BBD. I have a couple of old acquaintances who live there. They are both med students here. An M2 friend told me he's moving with his classmates to The falls on fletcher. another place to look into since it is close to I75 and far enough away from ugrads.

St. Croix is in a good location, probably 1.5 miles from campus. I didn't live there, but didn't hear anything negative about the place.

 

[mikedc813]

I was just wondering what kind of laptop would be best to invest in? I am looking for a light laptop that I can bring to class and was wondering if any current medical students have any suggestions? I have been looking at Dell and Lenovo laptops which seem to be good laptops at affordable prices. Plz let me know if you have any input.

Also, I was curious of the printing situation at USF. I currently print slides prior to class and bring them with me to take notes. Would that be feasible for med school? Would I be able to print the slides at school or only from a personal printer?

Thanks so much and God bless

Printing at the USF computer lab (Nickels) used to be free, but they started charging after people were abusing the privileges there by printing unreasonable amounts. I am not sure if printing in the library still is free, but the last time I was there (6 mo ago) it was.

 

[Jennifer5109]

I have a question for current med student as well. I have the opportunity to get a welch allyn harvey elite stethoscope for $135. Is this a good deal and are there specific stethoscopes that you cannot use at USF? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.