Preparing for the Florida State University College of Medicine interview

To truly set yourself apart in an interview at the Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM), you’ll need more than good grades and compelling experiences. FSU’s mission is steeped in serving the unique—and sometimes challenging—healthcare needs of Florida, especially its underserved and rural populations. 

This playbook dives deep: from interview structure and themes to Florida-specific health policy, relevant current events, and five high-yield questions you should expect. Use it to articulate a nuanced, locally rooted, and forward-thinking vision for your future in medicine.

1. The FSU COM Interview: Structure, Themes, and Hidden Agendas

FSU now conducts medical school interviews in a virtual panel format via Zoom. Interviewees typically face a three- to five-member panel comprising admissions committee members—often a mix of faculty, community physicians, and sometimes senior administrators. You can expect:

• Panel Interview: One 45–60 minute session, with several panelists posing questions in rotation. The dynamic encourages follow-ups, scenario discussions, and collaborative conversation.

• Student Panels: Separate segments with current FSU med students, where you can observe how students exemplify FSU’s mission in real-world settings.

• Informal Q&A with Leadership: Opportunities for candid dialogue with senior administrators such as the Dean’s Office, often interwoven with the panel schedule.

Themes: Health equity focused on rural and underserved Floridians, interdisciplinary teamwork, and resilience when practicing in resource-limited or crisis-impacted settings.

Hidden Signals: FSU’s panelists prioritize candidates with lived or volunteer experience in Florida’s healthcare landscape—such as participation in migrant farmworker clinics, hurricane disaster response efforts, or rural telehealth outreach. They’re looking for future students who will excel in FSU’s Rural Medicine Pipeline and Immigrant Health tracks.

Tip: Strategically mention FSU’s Center for Medicine and Population Health when discussing how you’d approach systemic health challenges in Florida.

2. Florida’s Healthcare Policy: Where Innovation Collides With Inequity

1. Medicaid Expansion Rejection (2023)

Florida remains one of 10 states refusing federal funds to expand Medicaid, leaving 1.1 million Floridians in the “coverage gap.” This directly impacts FSU’s clinical training sites like Tallahassee Memorial, where ERs overflow with uninsured patients.

• Current Event: The 2024 “Live Healthy” legislation (SB 7016) allocated $717M to expand residency slots but avoided Medicaid reform.

2. Rural Healthcare Deserts

23 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, including North Florida Regional Medical Center (2023). FSU’s Rural Training Track places students in towns like Immokalee, where ER wait times exceed 6 hours due to farmworker demand.

3. Opioid Crisis & Harm Reduction

Florida’s opioid death rate rose 35% since 2020. FSU faculty lead Project ECHO to train rural providers in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), critical in counties like Gadsden (overdose rate 2x state average).

Tip: Cite FSU’s partnership with Apalachee Center when discussing mental health integration.

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The Florida Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Maternal Mortality: Black women in Florida die at 3x the rate of white women. FSU’s Healthy Start Program targets Leon County’s 15.2/100k mortality rate (vs. 10.4 nationally).

• Climate Health: Red tide outbreaks (2023) spiked asthma ER visits by 40% in Sarasota. FSU’s Disaster Medical Sciences Initiative trains students in hurricane triage.

• Immigrant Health: 21% of Florida’s population is foreign-born. FSU’s Borrego Health Partnership serves undocumented communities in Collier County.

National Issues with Florida Stakes

• Abortion Access: Florida’s 6-week ban (2024) created a Southeastern care desert. FSU OB-GYN rotations now emphasize miscarriage management complexities.

• LGBTQ+ Health: Florida’s HB 1521 restricts gender-affirming care for minors. FSU’s PRIDE Clinic remains a rare safe space in the Panhandle.

Tip: Mention FSU’s Hispanic Center of Excellence to highlight cultural competency.

4. The 5 Questions Florida State University College of Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “Why FSU specifically? How does our mission to serve rural and underserved communities align with your goals?”

2. “Describe a time you advocated for someone with different values. How does this relate to practicing in polarized communities like Florida?”

3. “A patient refuses a COVID vaccine, citing state policy. How do you respond?”

4. “How should Florida address physician shortages in the Big Bend region?”

5. “What’s the most pressing health issue facing Floridians under 25?”