Housing at Miami Children's Hospital?

[snitzle]

I'll probably be going to Miam for Peds in November, and was wondering if anyone who has rotated through MCH can give me any information about housing options. I've heard there's some type of "house" that the hospital rents rooms to for students, but I may prefer to have my own apartment. So, 1) any info about this alleged "house", and 2) are there any short-term apartments available near the hospital?

Also, I'm coming from CA, so I'm wondering about the car situation... should I just commit the 5-6 days and drive to Florida? Is it at all economically feasible to rent a car for 6 weeks in Miami? Do others just get by without a car at all?

Any advice will be appreciated!

[drnick07]

SGU now rents 3 houses, all with internet and cable and fully furnished with sheets and towels and are within walking distance to the hospital (5min walk max). Most rooms are singles and share a bathroom but some are doubles. I STRONGLY suggest you bring a car. The nearest grocery store is about a mile away and its hot in miami throughout the year. One of my housemates when i was down there shipped her car down on a train. I think it leaves from DC and ends up in miami, but check on that. About 1/2 of the students down there got their own apartments, which were sometimes in shady neighborhoods or a long drive away, but it can be done. The landlord and housing manager are both great.

Brush up on your spanish before you go - just simple things like Buenas días/tardes (good day/afternoon), Gracías (thank you), Mucho gusto (good to meet you) and Sí (yes). When you do your 2 weeks of ER, try to get the 7pm-11pm shift. There is usually more to see and do during that time. For the 2 weeks of clinic, you'll have to be pro-active in seeing patients because the residents won't ask you to come with them. So find a resident and tag along with them and keep an eye out for walk-ins (who you get to do the H&P on by yourself).

The program director will probably tell you that he hasn't been as pleased with the SGU students down there in the last 2 years as he was previously - so show up on time and do your work. Even if you don't want to specialize in peds, it is still a great experience.