Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s 16th class had a busy Monday as its members took the next big step toward becoming physicians and began medical school.
It was the first day of orientation for the OUWB Class of 2030 — a day that began with a welcome from Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB, and wrapped up with an ice cream social.
In between, the school’s newest M1s also participated in teambuilding exercises at an on-campus ropes course, had lunch with M2s, wrote a letter to themselves (to be opened at commencement in 2030), and more.
The rest of the week also will be jam-packed as the new medical students learn all about OUWB. It culminates with the OUWB White Coat Ceremony this Friday.
“It’s such a thrill,” said Abhi Krishnan, Ph.D., associate dean, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “It’s wonderful to see them so happy and engaged … connecting with everybody and taking full ownership of the responsibilities that are coming their way.”
Students also expressed feelings of excitement.
“I’m so happy to be here, and so grateful to be meeting everyone … it’s the best group of people I could ever imagine,” said Amber Howard. “And talking to the M2s at lunch got me really excited to start studying.”
Carpenter congratulated everyone for joining OUWB and beginning their journey into medicine. He also introduced students to the school’s mission, culture, and upcoming experiences.
Further, he expressed the importance of the OUWB support systems that emphasize student success.
“Let me assure you, that is our number one priority,” he said. “As your dean, I am one of the many partners in your education. All of us — faculty, leadership, and staff — we are your partners.”
Carpenter also urged the new medical students to always remember why they are at OUWB. In doing so, he recounted being a “little anxious” the first time he was in an anatomy lab and how concentrating on his own “why” helped him through.
“I wanted to heal people, to alleviate suffering, and provide hope for my future patients,” he said. “I am here … we are all here … to keep you focused on that dream of becoming a doctor.”
“We will remind you of what brought you here in the first place,” he added. “We are in this together.”
Lt. Tom Danielson also met the new class on their first day to provide a brief overview of campus safety. He explained how the Oakland University Police Department is a 24/7, full-service campus police force that provides myriad services like crime prevention, investigations, vehicle assists, and emergency response. He noted that the OU campus has more than 1,000 cameras and more than 200 emergency “blue light poles.”
OUWB counselors Janae Kinn, LMSW, and Ashley Watters, M.A., LPC, NCC, shared the importance of mental health and wellbeing, especially while in medical school.
In explaining the OUWB support systems in place, they noted that they are embedded therapists dedicated to medical students and emphasized that students can seek help for anything – and that services are confidential and separate from medical school records and residency evaluations.
Further, they highlighted gratitude, connection, and realistic self-care as core protections against isolation, burnout, and stress.
Mariana Allushuski, Ph.D., assistant dean, Student Affairs and Career Development, also introduced students to the Early Alert system. The text messaging-based service is optional and essentially checks in with students once a week. Based on responses from the student, the system sends tailored resources.
Students also spent a couple of hours at the TreeRunner Adventure Park on the OU campus for teambuilding activities before participating in an ice cream social, where they learned who they would be partnered with through the Big Sib/Little Sib program.
The day had students like Kendra Edwim feeling like OUWB offers “a very personable environment.”
“When it comes to med schools, a lot of times you feel like you’re just a number … but not (at OUWB),” she said.
Other students shared similar feelings.
“Everyone has been very friendly and helpful so far,” said Margaret Cylkowski. “It seems like everyone here genuinely wants to help students, which is nice.”
“It’s been great,” said Matt Georgie. “I’m excited and ready to get going.”
|
More from OUWB Medical Student Government president seeks to ‘open doors’ for all OUWB students |
|---|
For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
