COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Dean: J. Ocie Harris; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Alma Littles; Associate Dean for Health Affairs: Robert Brooks; Associate Dean for Research: Carol Van Hartsveldt; Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Myra Hurt; Assistant Deans for the Regional Medical School Campuses: Anthony Costa, Orlando Campus; Paul McLeod, Pensacola Campus; Eugene Trowers, Tallahassee Campus; Director of the Clinical Learning Center: Sarah Sherraden; Director of the Medical Library: Barbara Shearer
The Florida State University College of Medicine, in partnership with local communities, provides a four-year program of study leading to the medical degree (MD.) The college has received initial provisional accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association.
The mission of the College of Medicine is to educate and develop exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, who discover and advance knowledge, and who are responsive to community needs, especially through service to elder, rural, and other medically underserved populations. The curriculum is comprehensive, preparing students to enter residency training in any specialty; however, the program of study emphasizes the priority areas identified in the college's mission.
Premedical Education
The practice of medicine requires a sound science background, and most medical schools have the same standard list of premedical requirements. Medical schools recruit, and the medical profession needs individuals from diverse educational backgrounds who bring to the profession a variety of talents and interests. Medical schools review personal qualities, academic qualifications, communication skills, and motivation when considering candidates for selection.
Students considering medicine as a profession should consider carefully their undergraduate major area of study. Students should select a major area of study that is of interest and that will provide a foundation of knowledge necessary for the pursuit of several career alternatives. Students who select a major area of study solely, or primarily, because of the perception that it will enhance the chance of acceptance to medical school are not making a decision in their best interest. A science major is not a prerequisite for medical school, and students should not major in science simply because they believe this will increase their chances for acceptance. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data, the top six majors for the 2002-2003 entering class included biology, biochemistry, chemistry, psychology, microbiology, and science/nonscience double majors.
The AAMC describes the medical profession as demanding in terms of the time, energy, and responsibility for other people's lives, and states that the commitment to continuing service and education is essential. The practice of medicine requires physical, emotional, and intellectual stamina; the desire to work with and for people; and, particularly, the ability to use critical thinking to solve problems. The undergraduate years should be a time for students to discover if they possess these characteristics.
Undergraduate students who are thinking about medical school are encouraged to visit or contact the College of Medicine Pre-health Professions Advising Office, 112 COM, (850) 644-7678, or email the school at medinformation@med.fsu.edu.
Degree Program
The degree of medical doctor (MD) is conferred upon College of Medicine graduates. The Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee of the College of Medicine will review the overall academic and professional performance of each fourth-year student in determining recommendation for graduation. To be considered for graduation, a student must be judged to be in good standing after successful completion of four years of basic medical science and clinical medicine, including required courses as determined by the faculty of the College of Medicine. The grade average must be 2.50, the student must successfully have completed the Observed Student Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), and must have passing scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2. Further information may be found in the Graduate Bulletin and in the College of Medicine Student Handbook.
Admission Requirements
All inquiries regarding admission should be sent to College of Medicine, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, or via email at medadmissions@med.fsu.edu.
To apply to the College of Medicine at The Florida State University (FSUCOM), an applicant should apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and should have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). To receive the FSUCOM formal secondary application, an applicant should be a legal resident of Florida, should meet academic standards predictive of success in medical school (academic grade point average and MCAT score) and should have completed the required prerequisite courses. A listing of prerequisite courses may be obtained by contacting the Pre-health Advising Office in the College of Medicine or on the College of Medicine website at http://www.med.fsu.edu. An applicant's MCAT score should be dated no more than three years prior to the beginning of the year of the application cycle. A bachelor's degree is required by the time of matriculation to medical school. If an applicant currently is enrolled in a degree program, the program must be completed and transcripts provided to the College of Medicine Admissions Office prior to the beginning of classes in May.
The Pre-health Professions Advising Office
The Florida State University College of Medicine provides academic advising and counseling to students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions. Currently, over one thousand students are enrolled in this advising program. Many of the students who seek advising in the advising office are pre-medical students. However, the program is open to all pre-health students including pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-optometry. Full-time pre-health professions advisors meet regularly with these students throughout their college years, assisting with career goals, course scheduling, long-term academic planning, and professional school admission procedures.
In addition to one-on-one advising, the advising office also sponsors programs of special interest to pre-health students. Programs include panel discussions with admissions representatives from various medical and professional schools and workshops on succeeding in the application process and on interviewing strategies.
The Florida State University has a competitive acceptance rate to medical and professional schools nationwide, and many of our graduates have been recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of medicine.
To register with the College of Medicine Pre-health Professions Advising Office, call (850) 644-7678 or visit Suite 408 at the College of Medicine to set up an appointment with a health professions advisor.
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