Student Affairs
USF Health

Welcome MD Class of 2016 and DPT Class of 2015

To incoming students in the MD Class of 2016 and DPT Class of 2015:

Please refer to the Student Health Requirements section below for immunizations currently required for students. Our webpage will be periodically updated as details become available. Please call Morsani COM Student Affairs at 813-974-2068 with any questions.

Congratulations to the recently accepted members in the MD Class of 2016 and DPT Class of 2015. The Office of Student Affairs is pleased to welcome you to the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and we look forward to meeting you. Our staff includes the individuals listed below. Please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions or need assistance.

Steven Specter, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs sspecter@health.usf.edu
Danielle Schutz, M.A., Director for Student Affairs dschutz@health.usf.edu
Phyllis Ridgeway, Office Manager pridgewa@health.usf.edu
Linda Krausman, Administrative Specialist lkrausma@health.usf.edu
Willie Mitchell, Staff Assistant wmitchel@health.usf.edu
Michelle Williamson, Director of Financial Aid miwillia@health.usf.edu
Barbara Muffly, Financial Aid Specialist bmuffly@health.usf.edu
Marrissa Cook, Registrar mcook@health.usf.edu
Macaulay Heldreth, Assistant Registrar mheldret@health.usf.edu

Please make note of the following important information, dates, and requirements pertaining to your upcoming enrollment. Attendance at the outlined events is mandatory for all students in the MD Class of 2016 and DPT Class of 2015. Closely read this entire section taking immediate steps to comply with all requirements; many take significant time to complete.

COMMUNICATION

E-mail is our primary means of communication with students prior to matriculation, but we may also send mailings via the U.S. mail system. MD students must communicate e-mail or U.S. postal mail address changes to the Office of Student Affairs (Linda Krausman – lkrausma@health.usf.edu) and they must also be updated on the AMCAS website. DPT students must communicate e-mail or U.S. postal mail address changes to the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences (Cindy Ippolito – Ippolito@health.usf.edu).

USF ID NUMBER (YOUR U#)

In an effort to protect personal information all USF students are assigned a system generated unique identification number to be used for all official university business. To obtain your assigned USF ID# (called your "U" number), go to the USF University Network Access system. Click on "Login for more options". Then select "Don't have a USF NetID? Create an account now" to create an account. Follow the instructions to obtain your U#. You must know your U# prior to completing many items outlined below.

USF MD/DPT STUDENT BADGE/ID CARD AND COMPUTER ACCOUNTS

In order to access secure USF computer sites you must do the following:

  1. Apply for a USF Medical/Physical Therapy Student Badge/ID card at the USF Card Center located in the Marshall Student Center, Room 1505. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-6:00pm, and Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. For more information please call (813) 974-2357.
  2. Apply for an HSCNet Computer Account (a.k.a. Health account)
  3. Activate your USF NetID

The Computer Account Instructions sheet explains how to obtain your student ID card and to set up your USF Health and HSCNet Computer accounts. These steps must be completed in sequence and should be started soon. After obtaining your USF Health computer account and password you can access the Morsani College of Medicine website where significant information will be available to you.

COMPUTER AND PRINTER REQUIREMENTS

All USF Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) MD students and DPT students are required to own a notebook computer and purchase a color laser printer for instructional purposes (highly recommended). Students must also have a high-speed internet connection at their residence in order to access online course information.
** SELECT students (only) are also required to have a compatible webcam (min of 2 megapixels) for use during Mentorship/Coaching sessions. This webcam should either be built into your notebook, or be a portable model.

Students must have your network computer available for use on the following dates:

SELECT MD Program Students: Monday, July 30th
Doctor of Physical Therapy Students: Wednesday, August 1st
Core MD Program Students: Monday, August 6th


Please follow the timeline for purchasing, receiving and configuring your notebook computer and software by USF Health Information Systems (813) 974-6288 to assure you will be prepared for classes:

  • May 21, 2012 – begin placing orders with the USF Computer Store located in the Marshall Student Center by clicking here to visit the Computer Store's website or by phone (813) 974-1779
  • July 9, 2012 – last day to place computer orders with the USF Computer Store to be sure it will be ready for classes. Computer Store staff will contact you when your order arrives and to arrange payment and pickup of the equipment.
  • July 23, 2012 – last day for SELECT students to bring your computer to USF Health I/S for set-up/software installations to be assured it will be ready by July 26, 2012
  • July 25, 2012 – last day for Physical Therapy students to bring your computer to USF Health I/S for set-up/software installations to be assured it will be ready by July 27, 2012
  • July 27, 2012 – last day to bring your computer to USF Health I/S for set-up/software installations to be assured it will be ready by August 1, 2012

Plan that your computer will be with the Health I/S group from 1 to 3 days depending on the number of computers awaiting setup. Health I/S will install: Office 2007 or 2010 from disc bundle purchased with the laptop, Connectra VPN Client, Image Scope, Adobe Reader, webcam and videoconference software (as appropriate), and Symantec Antivirus. Assistance will also be provided with wireless connectivity and antivirus for any MD student with a non-Dell branded computer. If you have any technology issues or questions in the future, please contact USF Health Information Systems who provide full technical support for all students.

The Movi client can be downloaded and installed by anyone, but configuration of the client (server and connection settings) will need to be performed by Health I/S. A configuration document will be created and provided to students who feel comfortable performing the technical setup themselves.

*** USF Health I/S is located in the Faculty Office Building (FOB) at 13220 USF Laurel Dr., 2nd Floor
    Note:
  1. Most software installations can be done by you through links provided on our Health I/S website, including the Movi desktop conferencing client. It is not mandatory that I/S perform this installation; however, they are more than happy to accommodate anyone who would like assistance. (You will need your USF Health Email ID and Password to access these downloads). You can contact USF Health I/S at support@health.usf.edu or (813) 974-6288 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Friday.
  2. If you already own computers with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 home versions, you should be able to perform all tasks with no hindrance. We strongly recommend Windows 7 as Microsoft has phased out support for XP and will be doing the same for Vista before the year is over.
  3. If orders are placed with the USF Computer Store, Health I/S recommends that you pick up, verify your order is complete and meets your satisfaction before delivery to Health I/S for setup and software installation.
Financial Aid Recipients: If you need to have any component of a new computer and/or printer purchase added to your cost of attendance budget for financial aid, you must provide the Financial Aid Office with copies of purchase receipts for the required computer components.

Primary Recommendations for Computing:

  • It is strongly recommended that you purchase a Windows-based PC notebook.
    • While we have listed below specifications for a MAC (Apple), please be aware that USF Health I/S and Lehigh Valley Health Network I/S (*SELECT MD Program students) primarily supports PC units.
    • Students will be using Examsoft software for computer-based examinations. A Mac Version of Examsoft is available, and is currently used here at USF Health along with the Windows version. If you would still prefer to run Boot Camp with a purchased copy of Windows 7 on your Mac that is supported as well.
  • Recommended MAC and Windows computer models for MCOM Core MD, SELECT MD, DPT students (USF Computer Store Pricing):
    • Dell XPS 15 – Starts at $799.00
    • Dell XPS 15z (thin version) - $1569.99
    • Dell Inspiron 15R - $869.99
    • Dell Latitude E6520 – $1115.99 (Our recommended model)
    • MacBookPro 15" - $1799.00

SELECT MD Program Students – When purchasing any of the above systems, or using a laptop that does not have a built in webcam then a webcam should be purchased. Please refer to the MAC and Windows PC Specifications section below.

If a student already has a laptop, or wants to buy a non-Dell machine then these are the minimum recommended specifications.

  • Minimum MAC and Windows PC Specifications:
    • Intel 15 or 17 or AMD Athlon/Turion – 2 core processors 2.0Ghz or higher
    • 14" or higher display running 1280x1024 resolution or higher
    • 4 Gigabytes of RAM
    • 250 Gigabytes Hard Drive
    • Ethernet connection (wired)
    • Wireless B/G/N connection
    • SELECT MD Program Students – Compatible HD webcam (minimum of 2MP video conferencing with conferencing software)
    • Windows 7 , Vista or XP (Preferably Windows 7)
  • Software
    • Operating Systems
    • PC – Windows XP 32 bit or 7 32/64 bit
    • MAC OS x 10.5.8 or higher
    • Microsoft Office**
    • PC – Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010
    • MAC – Office 2008 or 2011
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader X
    • Antivirus software (Symantec is provided free of charge through the USF website with NetID--Click here to install Symantec)
    • Connectra VPN Client
    • Image Scope
    • ExamSoft – PC or MAC (Mac boot camp is not required)
  • Printer
    • HP CP1025NW Color Laser Printer - $230
    • Any Color Laserjet Printer will suffice if other brands are preferred

Note:

  1. Dell models have 3-year parts and labor, or the 3-year accidental damage coverage warranty. Depending on which option is chosen the price can change, so please make sure you verify which one you are purchasing.
  2. Systems are subject to change as new models are introduced, but comparable pricing and specs will be maintained throughout the "Back to School" rollout period.
  3. **Microsoft Office 2010 and Windows 7 are now available to all MCOM MD Core Program, SELECT MD Program, and DPT students at the USF Computer Store for a deeply discounted price (under $50) due to an agreement negotiated between USF Health I/S and the USF Computer Store. Please contact USF Health I/S at support@health.usf.edu if you have any questions.
  4. Due to recent software updates from Apple, Mac Mail may not function properly on the USF Health Network at this time, and Microsoft Office 2011 for MAC is the recommended email client on the Apple platform.

RESPONSE CARD RF LCD

All students must purchase a ResponseCard RF LCD from Turning Technologies at the USF Health Bookstore for a cost of $50 (including tax).

EXPECTED COMPUTER COMPETENCIES

Students must be able to demonstrate basic computer skills upon entry into medical school including the ability to:

  1. Launch a computer application
  2. Save work to a computer file
  3. Print a file
  4. Copy a file for use on another computer
  5. Use a standard word processing program to create and edit a formatted document using tables and graphics
  6. Use e-mail effectively, including proper etiquette
  7. Access and use the Internet
  8. Create a PowerPoint presentation
  9. Students not proficient in these skills are invited to participate in any of the training workshops offered by USF Health Information Systems.

STUDENT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

The Morsani College of Medicine has the following four (4) health related requirements that must be met prior to matriculation:

  1. Students must have health insurance in effect at all times during enrollment at USF MCOM. During orientation you will be required to sign a statement certifying you have health insurance coverage. Annual recertification is required throughout your enrollment. Information on basic health insurance policies will be available at orientation for students who do not have current health insurance.
  2. Medical students only must have disability insurance in effect at all times during enrollment at USF MCOM. The policy will be purchased at registration on August 6, 2012 for $69.31 and is to be renewed annually. DPT students do not need disability insurance.
  3. Students must undergo a physical examination prior to starting school. Complete the Physical Exam Verification form (last sheet in the packet) and take it to your health care provider for completion of their section. Return the form to Linda Lennerth, RN, Associate Director, Medical Health Administration (address on form) as soon as possible, but no later than July 13, 2012.
  4. Students must complete and provide documented evidence of immunity to specified communicable diseases listed on the Communicable Disease Prevention Certification form. All immunity documentation must have the student's name clearly identified on every page/sheet; particularly when submitting documents in a "book" format. A list of acceptable documentation is provided on the Communicable Disease Prevention Certification form. Return the form and documentation to Linda Lennerth, RN, Associate Director, Medical Health Administration (address on form) as soon as possible, but no later than July 13, 2012.

Students in the SELECT MD Program: All immunizations must be up to date at the time of matriculation on July 30, 2012. Students in the DPT Program: All immunizations must be up to date at the time of matriculation on August 6, 2012. Students in the Core MD Program: All immunizations must be up to date at the time of matriculation on August 6, 2012. Students are not permitted to begin classes or to work in any of our hospitals or clinics without providing the required evidence of physical examination and documented immunity to the diseases listed.

REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION

Registration and Orientation Day for students in the SELECT MD Program, Core MD Program, and DPT Program will be on Monday, August 6, 2012 in the Royal Palm Ballroom of the USF Marshall Student Center. We will begin with a Welcome Breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. followed by a series of short presentations and registration activities from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. It is essential for all new medical and physical therapy students to report on this date and remain in attendance throughout the entire day until 5:00 p.m. Students must dress appropriately professional (i.e. men should wear a shirt and tie; jacket is not necessary). Pictures will be taken for your class composite.

DOCTORING

Welcome to USF Morsani College of Medicine! Your first class, Doctoring, will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. You are embarking on an exciting journey. Our goal through this course is to provide you with an inter-professional introduction to healthcare practice by integrating basic and clinical science as well as introducing you to important topics on ethics and professionalism. You will meet your classmates and get to know your Doctoring small group, with whom you will work throughout the year to learn patient communication, exam skills, professionalism, and ethics. During this week you will complete required Basic Life Support (BLS) training and multiple hands-on activities. While Doctoring continues all year alongside your science courses, the first week will focus only on the Doctoring course to get you a great start.

Two weeks after school starts, on Friday, August 17, 2012, the MD students will participate in the MD White Coat Ceremony where you will receive your white coat in a public ceremony that formally welcomes you to your journey to medical practice. Details are provided below. We hope your families can attend this ceremony. DPT students will participate in their Commitment to Professionalism-White Coat Ceremony in October.

You can expect to be occupied with school activities from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. most days during the first week of school. You may be scheduled for an activity on Tuesday, August 7 and/or Wednesday, August 8 ending after 5:00 p.m. Doctoring is a pass/fail course.

In preparation for a small group activity on August 7 and August 9, we need you to bring an "artifact", which tells a story about your background (religion, culture, etc.). Be prepared to discuss why it is meaningful to you.

Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.

It is imperative to complete all personal business activities required for moving/orienting yourself to the Tampa area prior to Orientation Day on August 6, 2012.

This year will represent an incredible learning curve for you. Have fun and strive to be the best health care provider you can be. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Hugo Narvarte, MD
Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine
Doctoring Course Director

William S. Quillen, PT, DPT, PhD, FACSM
Associate Dean, COM, Director-School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

NAME TAG

The Office of Student Affairs will make name tags for each new student, which you will be required to wear daily during the first 2 weeks of school.
Name tags will contain your official name as reflected in your BANNER registration. If you prefer an alternate name (i.e. middle name, nickname) and wish to have that name printed on the name tag in lieu of your first name please email this information no later than July 13, 2012 to Danielle Schutz (dschutz@health.usf.edu). Changes will not be made once school begins on August 6, 2012.

MD STUDENT FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION

A Core MD Program Student Family Information Session will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Oval Theatre of the USF Marshall Student Center on Friday, August 17, 2012. This session is designed to provide information about the USF medical curriculum and to answer questions about medical students' experiences over the next four years. This session is targeted toward parents, spouses or significant others of medical students. SELECT MD Program Student Family Information Session from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the USF Marshall Student Center on Friday, August 17, 2012. Room will be provided at a later date.

MD STUDENT WHITE COAT CEREMONY

On Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. MD students in the Class of 2016 will be participating in a White Coat Ceremony in the Royal Palm Ballroom of the USF Marshall Student Center. The ceremony is designed to introduce new medical students to the characteristics of the complete doctor and to provide a contract for professionalism and empathy in medicine. Each student will receive a white coat signifying their transition into the medical profession. Immediately following the ceremony everyone is invited to attend a light reception. All students in the MD Class of 2016 are expected to participate in this ceremony.
DPT 2015 students will participate in their Commitment to Professionalism-White Coat Ceremony in October 2012.

CAMPUS PARKING

A valid USF Parking Permit is required on all vehicles parked on campus. Morsani College of Medicine students must purchase a Non-resident Student Permit. If you are unable to secure your Non-resident Student Permit prior to Orientation on August 6, 2012 make sure you purchase a Visitor Permit on the morning of August 6th as explained below.

  1. Non-resident Student Permit – Online sales for 2012-2013 will be available starting on July 23, 2012. If you already have a parking account you can log into myUSF with your NetID, and under the Services tab click on the Parking link to access your account. If you do not have a parking account, please visit Parking & Transportation Services to Create an Account. At the time of purchase you will be able to print out a temporary parking permit to use until the permanent permit arrives via U.S. mail. Allow one week for delivery. Temporary permits are valid for 14 days. For more information please call (813) 974-3990. You are strongly advised to purchase your permit online prior to the start of school. The cost for an annual Commuter Student Permit will be $174 plus tax.
  2. Visitor Permit – These are available from Parking Pay Stations located in Lot 19 on USF Magnolia Drive by the Moffitt Child Care Center. The cost is $5/day plus tax and payable by Visa, MasterCard or Discovery only.

Note:Students should purchase an annual permit, not a semester permit. An annual permit is effective for a 12-month period from August 2012 to August 2013. The effective dates for a semester permit do not extend through the end of the first-year curriculum in 2013. A semester permit would not allow you to park on campus during the final 2 to 3 weeks of school.

The Non-resident Student Permit allows you to park in any lot/garage designated "S" (Non-resident Student). Lot 32 on USF Hawthorn Drive is the closest lot to the medical school with over 450 spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lot 33T on USF Health Drive has over 100 "S" spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Overflow student parking is accommodated in Lot 19 on USF Hawthorn Drive by the Moffitt Child Care Center and in the Laurel Garage on USF Laurel Drive next to the Morsani Health Center and is serviced by the Bull Runner B route. The most economical parking permit is the "Y" (Park-n-Ride), and Lot 43 on USF Laurel Drive is the closest "Y" designated parking to USF Health, and is serviced by the Bull Runner B route.

HOUSING AND ROOMMATE LIST

On-campus dormitories at USF are not-well suited for MCOM professional degree program (MD/DPT) students due to differences in the academic calendars. We recommend students obtain nearby housing off-campus and room with another medical/physical therapy student. USF Health has affiliated with a housing service to assist students looking for housing in the Tampa Bay area. Visit USF Health Real Estate with Honors for more information. To facilitate the possibility of your rooming with another MCOM student, we will compile a list of MCOM students seeking roommates. Please e-mail Linda Krausman (lkrausma@health.usf.edu) with your name and applicable contact information (address, home phone number, cell phone, and e-mail address).

FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid information and instructions were e-mailed to you under separate cover. Award notices will be sent to you as your application packets are completed. If you have questions or need further assistance please contact Ms. Michelle Williamson (miwillia@health.usf.edu) or Ms. Barbara Muffly (bmuffly@health.usf.edu).

MD TUITION, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES

Various fees will be collected at Orientation on August 6, 2012 so be sure to bring your checkbook. We cannot accept cash, credit or debit cards. Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is ESTIMATED to be $34,000 for in-state students in the Core MD Program and $59,000 for the SELECT MD Program and out-of-state students. The yearly amount is split into 2 installments. The first installment, an estimated amount pending approval, and the due date will be determined by the Florida Board of Governors. The second installment will be due in January 2013. Your tuition assessment will be available online approximately 30 days prior to the start of classes. An e-mail with your login information will be sent at that time by Marrissa Cook, Morsani College of Medicine Registrar. Other approximate expenses during the first few weeks of school include: Books - $1000; Turning Point remote - $50; disability insurance - $70, and miscellaneous supplies and lab coats - $400.

DPT TUITION, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES

Various fees will be collected at Orientation on August 6, 2012 so be sure to bring your checkbook. We cannot accept cash, credit or debit cards. Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is ESTIMATED to be $22,300 for in-state students and $30,100 for out-of-state students. The yearly amount is split into 2 installments. The first installment, an estimated amount pending approval, and the due date will be determined by the Florida Board of Governors. The second installment will be due in January 2013. Your tuition assessment will be available online approximately 30 days prior to the start of classes. An e-mail with your login information will be sent at that time by Marrissa Cook, Morsani College of Medicine Registrar. Other approximate expenses during the first few weeks of school include: Books - $1000; Turning Point remote - $50, and miscellaneous supplies - $400.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Medical students were provided a copy of the Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression and Graduation from the MD curriculum during the interview process. DPT students were provided a copy with their acceptance letter. Students must advise the Office of Student Affairs in writing of any accommodations that may be needed to assist in accomplishing the requirements specified in the technical standards. Letters must be addressed to Dr. Steven Specter, Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

MORSANI COLLEGE OF MEDICINE PEER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Morsani College of Medicine Peer Advisory Committee (COMPAC) is a group of twelve second-year MD students and two second-year DPT students dedicated to welcoming new MD and DPT students into the USF Morsani College of Medicine. You will receive communications from them throughout the summer about planned events.

FILMS

During the summer incoming students are asked to view and think about the following films so that we will have a common or shared backdrop for classroom discussions. All of the film stories reveal complexities, nuances, and ambiguities that inform the human condition (doctors, patients, and everyone else).

The Elephant Man
Dirty Pretty Things
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
The Doctor
Pieces of April
The Color of Paradise

Why have they been selected? Why are the stories valuable, even illuminating? What is the context?

Art reaches the mind and the heart,
And in a way that doesn't easily get shaken off.
It's being made uncomfortable by a story,
And trying to put it out of your head…
But you can't quite succeed.

William Carlos Williams, MD