with all the negativity around here at times, I thought I'd chime in:

I'm 2 weeks into the Miami semester...finished dominica on time in 16 months, had no problems with administration, grades, NJ office, etc. I was in the Sept. 2003 entering class, of which a huge number went straight through to Miami.

Rotations just began this past week, and while they do take up time (along with one full day of class each week on wednesday) there is plenty of time to study for step 1. It's rare that any rotation will go past 5pm, and there is usually 1-2 days per week with no clinic, depending on the week. (I"m in the 9 week class)

A friend of mine just finished his 1st rotation day at south shore ER on miami beach, and by the end of it, he was doing suture removal and placing IV's. We also were certified in ACLS / BLS training last week (life support).

There are plenty of TA's and older Ross students around to help with the physical exam, assignments, questions, etc.

stick it out, you'll be fine. The beach, food, weather is ridiculous here....

Can't wait til its my turn in May. 8)

The beach, food, weathr is ridiculous as being a good thing or bad?

Did this guy that was doing iv placement and suture removal have prior clinical experience or something?

Tell us more about the apartment situation if you have some time. Thanks

ridiculous as a GREAT thing.

For apts: lots of different opinions, here is mine:

If you live in SW Miami by the Ross office and Larkin hospital, you are in good shape for activities at those 2 sites (which is a significant amount of time). However, virtually anywhere else you go, you end up fighting AM and PM traffic up and down I-95 (US-1) Some of my friends have been averaging 1-2 hours of traffic each way when they need to get to downtown miami or North miami.

If you live on the beach (South beach or around that area): it's a bit more expensive, but there is much less traffic for the AM rush down to Ross office and PM rush back. Also much better location for getting to downtown miami (once a week all day classes). and very centralized for the clinic assignments.

Living in N. Miami: some people do it, I think it's too far north unless you have an amazing apt deal...

Anyway, you'll get a plenty of info very soon from Dr. F about where to live along with a ton of info about the miami semester... basically, you want to centralize your location. not too far south, north or west. Make sure that you get a furnished apt, and it is really helpful to hook up internet access right when you move in, unless your apt already has it. The Ross office has wireless access + computers, but I think it's best to get it at home too.

hope that helped.

Is a car necessary in Miami? Also, I have heard that parts of Miami are not good, been told the South Beach area is good but expensive, how expensive is it?