RFS Governing Council 2019-2020

Chair – Alexander Lake - HCA - Residency Program Bayonet Point
Vice Chair – Franklyn Rocha - Jackson memorial Hospital
Treasurer – Kenneth Roberts – Aventura Hospital
Secretary – Vincent Kennedy
AMA Liaison – Jayme Looper – UF Health
FMA BOG Representative – Michelle Falcone – Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Health Policy Fellowship Initiative

HPFI is an organization dedicated to education in healthcare policy and advocacy. It is their mission to provide their Fellows with the real-world experiences that define the landscape of health policy today.

One of the mainstays of their organization is providing health policy fellowships for medical students to not only gain a theoretical understanding of policy but also experience real world healthcare advocacy and reform. They provide educational, mentorship, and networking opportunities to create an unmatched fellowship experience.

Residency Survival tips

By residents, for residents:

  • Always do all of your own work. You'll learn more, improve your efficiency, be respected for not being lazy, and you won't have to rely on others.
  • Don't lie or guess. If you don't know the answer, say, "I don't know."
  • Always take responsibility for your actions. That's what people expect of you and what people will come to respect about you.
  • Plan ahead and get things done early.
  • Always take care of your sickest patients first.
  • Create an organized method for tracking your patients' daily progress, labs, needs, etc. You will improve your efficiency, ability to answer questions during your morning rounds, and your notes for the on-call team.
  • Try to be on time when relieving the night or weekend shifts. Your colleagues will be grateful for your punctuality and will do the same for you.
  • Keep in mind that nurses, clerks, and the rest of the medical staff can make your life a lot easier, so BE NICE even if you're exhausted.
  • Take 30 seconds to send a message to your spouse, or 60 to leave a voicemail. It will let him or her know that you care.
  • Eat, sleep, and read when you can. Go to sleep as early as you can every night. Keep a small snack stashed for the rough days, and a downloaded version of your textbook for the lighter ones.
  • When you feel overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. It's okay to be terrified or not know what to do: That's the whole point of residency.
  • Leave it at the hospital. When you come home, ask your spouse and children to share their days with you first. Share yours after you've had some time to unwind and see the positive at home.
  • When you miss an important event, try to understand your loved one's frustration rather than diminish it with the facts surrounding your absence.
  • Talk to more than one sounding board to lift some of the burden off your spouse.
  • Exercise consistently to keep your brain stimulated. Just 20 minutes three times a week will help to improve your mood and general well being.

Applying for your Florida medical license

The Florida Board of Medicine provides a wealth of information about the process of obtaining your state medical license, including applications. You can apply online or download and print a paper application.

If you are an allopathic physician (M.D.), use the links below to get started.

To apply: flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing
Requirements: flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing/medical-doctor-unrestricted
Process: flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing/medical-doctor-unrestricted
Fees: flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing/medical-doctor-unrestricted
Relevant Statutes/Rules: flboardofmedicine.gov/licensing/medical-doctor-unrestricted
Information on Electronic Fingerprinting: flboardofmedicine.gov/?s=fingerprinting

If you are an osteopathic physician (D.O.), click here for complete information on applying for your Florida medical license.

If you have further questions, please contact the FMA Education Department at (800) 762-0233 and they will be happy to assist you.