Why Internal Medicine Residency at FAU?

Picking a residency program is a challenging task.  You want to know if you'll like the area, the program, the people.  You want to know what the program is like on a day-to-day basis (not just on the fancy interview day).  You want to know what life is like outside of work because you will have days off!  Well, we asked the residents on our recruitment committee "Why should someone come to FAU for residency? What is so great about South Florida?"  Here are their responses:

• Perfectly-sized program (not too large, not too small) with great diversity among residents from geographical locations, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, and more
• Culture is non-malignant, inviting, and fun
• Interns feel there is a safe learning curve – limited number of patients in the beginning of the year
• Administration uses resources well to benefit residents. For example, buying N99 masks, buying Keurig machines, iPhones for the residents, MKSAP, keeping the resident lounge stocked with healthy snacks and beverages etc.
• $15 daily food allowance is quite generous and is beneficial in helping residents to eat healthy while at work, as well as save time and money at home preparing meals
• We are part of a University program and work at hospitals that are associated with large health systems like Baptist Health and Tenet, and we have access to the resources that come along with them
• Academic program with a culture of teaching starting with faculty members down to the interns teaching medical students
• Faculty provide lots of feedback
• Collegial atmosphere
• Good match rates into competitive fellowships
• Lots of guidance/mentorship provided towards attaining professional goals
• FAU Fellowships in cardiovascular diseases, hospice and palliative medicine, and geriatrics
• Great clinical experience across the 3 hospitals providing exposure to broad pathology and diverse patient populations
• 1 on 1 time with specialists during elective rotations gives great insight into each specialty and makes it easy to build rapport and get letters of recommendation
• Work directly with other FAU residencies in patient care
• Clinical faculty is highly trained
• Continuity clinic allows residents to develop our own cohort of patients and provide care to underserved populations
• 4 + 1 schedule prevents resident burnout and provides golden weekend every 5th week
• Flexible night float schedule
• Administration is receptive to resident ideas regarding changes to policy
• High retention of graduating residents in the area
• Schmidt College of Medicine has quickly grown into a leader in graduate medical education in South Florida
• Events and Wellness Committee is a resident-run committee that is well funded and organizes a number of events to promote resident well-being including holiday parties, basketball games, paint nights, and more
• COVID 19 Response by administration and faculty was felt to be proactive - PPE including personal N99 masks and gowns were provided to residents—entire focus was on resident safety
• Dr. Ferris provides a weekly update keeping all resident up to date with latest news regarding the program
• $1200 education stipend goes a long way in obtaining prep material for STEP 3 and board examinations
• “I Think Therefore I.M.” podcast is a fun and innovative way for residents to teach and learn about relevant clinical topics
• Our fantastic administrative staff is friendly, helpful, and responsive
• Lots of opportunities for residents to get involved (committees, research, community outreach)

Why South Florida?