Weekly Wire Banner

December 20, 2024 Issue
(Special Winter Break Issue 12/20-01/03)


The WeeklyWire is an official communication tool of the Larner College of Medicine. Student feedback led to its development and continues to inform iterative improvements. All non-curriculum-related email communications are directed through The WeeklyWire to help support manageable email inboxes for our students; it's a one-stop-shop for all med school happenings outside of the classroom!

Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Medical Education with any questions.

WeeklyWire 12/20/2024
(Special Winter Break Issue 12/20-01/03)

THIS WEEK - SPECIAL WeeklyWire Winter Break Issue 12/20 - 01/03. The next submission deadline will be 3pm, Thursday, Jan 09, for the following issue (Jan 10 - 17).

As a reminder all UVM Administrative Offices Closed:12/24/2024 - 01/02/2025. All UVM Offices, including the Office of Medical Student Education, are closed in observance of Holiday and Winter Break. Offices will re-open at 8am, Thursday, January 02. Please plan accordingly, and we apologize for any inconvenience. Read more about this closure and impacted services in our events calendar…

FOR ALL MEDICAL STUDENTS

Community Connections 
  • UVM Libraries New Website: UVM Libraries is Launching a New Website After January 7, the Libraries will have one homepage with three landing pages for each library location. You might have the Dana Health Sciences Library website bookmarked in your browser, linked on Brightspace, or elsewhere. Though we will have redirects in place to top-level pages, you may want to replace links to deeper pages after January 7. Visit us online and after January 7 at libraries.uvm.edu (main website homepage) or at libraries.uvm.edu/dana (new Dana landing page) Note: these will not work until Jan. 7 Faith Morgan, Communications Manager in the Libraries Dean's Office 
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Available in Catamount Run – South Burlington Hi everyone, I’m moving out of my 1-bedroom apartment on February 3rd and looking for someone to take over the lease. Details: • Location : Catamount Run, South Burlington (close to Target, Trader Joe’s, and Healthy Living) • Building: Newly built with amenities including a gym and covered parking • Unit: 3rd floor, lots of natural light • Move-in Date: Management estimates the unit will be ready by February 10th, but they’ve told me they’re willing to work with new tenant to accommodate an earlier move-in. Rent: $1,900/month (includes all utilities + Wi-Fi; electricity not included) Optional Covered Parking: $80/month If you’re interested or have questions, feel free to message Rani Moshashian Asl
  • Your Access to VisualDx is Safe: If you've received a message from VisualDx about your access expiring, ignore it! UVM/Health Network affiliates have access to VisualDx through the Libraries. For more info contact Faith Morgan, Communications Manager in the Libraries Dean's Office.  
  • UVM LCOM-VT Campus Parking - Temp Holiday/Break Perks! :  12/16-01/12 If you have a UVM Parking Pass, you can park in most lots regardless of pass type, during these dates. Please be sure to review the full announcement to avoid confusion (/tickets) ... UVM Transportation & Parking Services 
  • Back to School Hannukah Party: 1/6/2025, 6:00-7:30 pm, Given student lounge. Sad the holidays are over? Let's celebrate the Festival of Lights together. Join the Maimonides Society for latkes, dreidel, and more! Contact Sarah Kohl, MS3 
  • MLK Health Equity Lecture: 1/ 22, 5:30-7 pm, MedEdCenter 200 Sullivan Classroom. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture Series: "DE Why and the Why Knot", Dr. Carla Carten, PhD. In 2020, the United States faced the dual impact of COVID-19 and heightened awareness of health disparities and systemic racism within institutions and workplaces. This convergence sparked a renewed commitment to dismantle structural barriers perpetuating racism and health inequities. Progress in these areas expanded to address other forms of discrimination, including sexism, ageism ableism and bias related to gender and religion, prompting many organizations, including those in healthcare, to reevaluate their policies and practices to ensure equitable access and participation in the American Dream: access to food, housing, healthcare, and employment, and other essential services. Despite perceptions that the tapestry of efforts intended to celebrate our differences and unite us seems to be unraveling, and potentially hindering progress in addressing significant health disparities within our country, this is not accurate. Current challenges offer an opportunity to intensify efforts to ensure health access and equity for all. Dr. Carten’s lecture offers an overview of the evolution of diversity in healthcare, assesses where we are today, and outlines future directions to advance these principles, ensuring the well-being of all members of our society. Contact Olive Gallmeyer for more details 
  • SAVE THE DATE! Seventh Annual StorySlamRx - "Voices in Medicine" Event: Thu, 01/23, 6-8pm (doors open @5:45).HSRF 100. A Moth-style StorySlam for all members of the UVM-MED community (all Larner, NuvanceHN, UVMHN faculty, non-faculty physicians, residents, staff, students, etc.) and their loved ones; RSVP as an attendee and/or a prospective storyteller...For more details contact Kiersten Tavares, Medical Student Services Coordinator.  
  • SEEKING NOMINATIONS - 2024 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty & Student Awards: Sunday, January 26th nomination deadline. Please nominate outstanding Co2025 med students and physician faculty members for Tow Awards, which are designed to recognize the value of humanism in the delivery of care to patients and their families… 
  • Volunteering Opportunities at Family Room: Deadline 12/24. The Family Room is seeking medical and graduate students to volunteer for their various programs. The Family Room is a local parent-child center that offers inclusive programming for all, including immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC families. They need volunteers for Supergroup, Supergroup Swim, Garden Days, and Family Supper. Please visit the signup genius for more info! Slots are open now through December. Please reach out to Claire Baptiste, SJC Co-leader, with any questions. 
  • William Carlos Williams Poetry Competition: The William Carlos Williams Poetry Competition introduces a separate category for physician poets. The 43rd annual William Carlos Williams poetry competition, sponsored by the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), is now accepting submissions through Dec. 31, 2024. New this year, we will award prizes in two categories: a medical student category, open to students enrolled in M.D. and D.O. programs in the US, Puerto Rico, or Canada, and a physician category, open to any rank of physician (M.D. or D.O.) at any career stage, from residency to retirement, in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada. Please preview the submission details and eligibility criteria for each category below before submitting your work. Submissions will be judged on the merits of craft, originality, and content. First-, second- and third-place winners in each category will receive a cash prize and will be considered for publication in the Journal of Medical Humanities. Winning poets will be notified by March 1, 2025.Please direct all queries to wcw@neomed.edu
Career Counseling Opportunities
  • VT AHEC Scholars Medical Student Incentive Scholarship/Loan Forgiveness Program: Event for M2’s and M3’s. Deadline:2/12, 2025.Applications are now being accepted! We are pleased to announce the next cycle of the VT AHEC Scholars Medical Student Incentive Scholarship/Loan Forgiveness Program for Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) rising third- and fourth-year medical students who are pursuing family medicine, internal medicine adult primary care, pediatrics primary care, obstetrics-gynecology, or psychiatry, and who are committed to future practice in rural Vermont. Anticipated Award Amount: $40,000; Awards will be disbursed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Number of Awards: up to 10 Apply online . This program was established by the Vermont legislature in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health, UVM LCOM’s Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program, and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). The purpose of the program is to strengthen the primary care physician workforce pipeline and increase the number of new physicians practicing in Vermont to meet the health care needs of Vermonters, with a focus on rural areas and undersupplied medical specialties. Click here for additional information about the program, its requirements, future service obligation, and how to apply. For more details, contact Jennifer Gaudreau. 
Research Opportunities
  • Community Health Leadership Conference: Application Deadline 12/23. The Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine invites you to apply for our upcoming Community Health Leadership Conference (CHLC) on March 14, 2025.CHLC is a student-run conference dedicated to enhancing community health initiatives of our nation’s medical schools through collaboration and discussion. Medical student leaders are invited to present their achievements and challenges in community health projects, network with their peers from other institutions, and engage in dialogues that further community health goals. We welcome applications for both poster and oral presentations. Awards will be given to outstanding submissions in each category. Application Link: Applicants will be notified of acceptance by January 13, 2025.Early-bird registration will be open from January 13 to January 27, 2025, at a rate of $135 per accepted abstract. Regular registration will run from January 27 to February 21, 2025, at a rate of $165. For each additional author attending the conference, there will be an $85 registration fee. Please find the conference flyer attached or visit our website for further details. We look forward to reviewing your abstract submissions! Please reach out at umdocschlc@gmail.com  
  • Data + Open Science Summit/Workshop: 1/7-1/9, Patrick Leahy Building and Given Medical Complex. Sign-up for the Data and Open Science Summit at UVM in January 2025 is now open. Reserve your spot. Events are free for everyone at UVM and include • R for reproducible data analysis – a software carpentries workshop – learn how to use R for your data analysis with NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY • Open Science 101 offered by NASA • Sessions and workshops around data research methodology to help you dive deep or broaden your scope • Unconference on emerging data topics.  Attend all days or just one or two. For more details contact Patrick Payne, Quality Data Analyst
  • Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship: M1’s and M2’s Application deadline 1/2/25. Financial support for research to be conducted either during a continual period of a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks; 30 hours or more per week; or an average of 4 hours per week for 12 months over a period of 1 to 2 years. The research should focus on clinical investigation, basic laboratory research, epidemiology, social science/health services research, leadership, or professionalism. Read More here… 

M1 STUDENTS (co2028)

  • Careers in Medicine Co-Curricular Experience: As you approach the mid-point of your first year, it’s time to think about how you will meet short-term career goals such as finding co-curricular experiences. These resources from Careers in Medicine® will help you understand how co-curricular experiences factor into your residency application and find the experiences that best meet your career goals. For more information, contact CiM Team. 
  • AHEC Spotlight Series: AHEC Summer Projects Information Session: Wednesday,   1/22/25; 12-1 p.m.; MedEd200/Sullivan Classroom SAVE THE DATE: Important Session for AHEC Scholars Participants! The Vermont AHEC Network offers a variety of opportunities for medical students enrolled in the VT AHEC Scholars Program during the summer between first and second year. AHEC Summer Projects have two tracks: Research/QI and Education/Mentoring. The typical time commitment is 100 hours (40 didactic hours and 60 project/field hours), and the stipend amount is $1,500. More information about summer opportunities will be released in January!  Jennifer Gaudreau, CPRP, Physician Placement Professional 
  • STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (self-nominations warmly welcomed) – Technical Standards Annual Review: 01/19 nomination deadline (self-nominations encouraged). LCOM completes and annual review of Policy 300.00 - Technical Standards for Admission, Advancement and Graduation, and we are seeking student representative(s) to join this Committee. Do you have ideas on how we might improve this policy or know someone who could provide incredible insights on this policy? Please submit a nomination, now… 
  • John Hopkins Curriculum for Understanding Population-based Inequities & Disparities (CUPID) Summer Translational Oncology Program: DEADLINE 2/16/25 First year medical students from accredited medical schools in the US or US territories are invited to apply. Students will be chosen on the basis of their demonstrated interest in oncology, health care disparities, and community service. Students will receive a program stipend, housing (if needed) and gym membership for the duration of the program. An application form may be found here and is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Read More Here.. 

M2 STUDENTS (co2027)

  • Complete the Y2Q! Deadline 1/2/25. Enter to win PRIZES by completing Year 2 Questionnaire (Y2Q)! We know you've been very busy and have a lot on your minds, but as you go into the winter break, we want to encourage you to take a little bit of time to complete the Y2Q if you haven't already done so. The survey takes 15-30 minutes to complete, and not only will you be eligible for fun prizes, but you will also be helping us continue to improve the LCOM experience for future students. Your feedback truly is important to us! If you can't find your unique survey link, please contact Y2Q@aamc.org. We will be drawing weekly winners before the winter break, and a monthly winner PLUS additional special prizes in the new year! Drop your completion confirmation in the box in OME or forward it to StudentCOMServices@med.uvm.edu to be entered. 
  • 2025 Herbert W. Nickens Awards: Submit nominations no later than 11:59pm EDT, Sunday, January 12. $5k scholarships given to outstanding students entering their third year of medical school (co2027 student) who have shown leadership in efforts to eliminate inequities in medical education and health care... 
  • Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarships for students who have attended Connecticut public and/or parochial schools for at least eight years and have graduated from a Connecticut public or parochial high school Scholarship award amounts $1,500-$2,000. More information here. Contact Ryan Gates with any questions.

M3 STUDENTS (co2026) 

  • Freeman Foundation Legacy Medical Scholarship: Deadline:2/12/2025 Applications are now being accepted! The Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Freeman Foundation Legacy Medical Scholarship for rising fourth year medical students. All medical specialties are eligible to apply. Typical awards range from $6,000-$10,000. Awards will be disbursed for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship honors the Freeman Family and Foundation in appreciation and recognition of their significant financial support to UVM Larner medical students. The aim of the 2001-2012 Freeman Medical Scholars Program was to strengthen the physician workforce pipeline and increase the number of new physicians practicing in Vermont to meet the health care needs of Vermonters (i.e., increase access to care), with a focus on rural areas and undersupplied medical specialties. The last Class of Freeman Medical Scholars graduated in 2012. This legacy scholarship continues work to support and incent students committed to future medical practice in Vermont. See a complete list of Freeman Medical Scholars Eligibility: Full-time enrollment in (or entering) the fourth year of the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Any medical specialty Intent to work in Vermont as a physician for a minimum of one year (to commence within one year following the completion of your medical training) Students who have existing contractual service obligations (e.g., military, NHSC Scholars) are not eligible. 
  • David and Eleanor Ignat Scholars Incentive Scholarship/Loan Forgiveness Program: Deadline: 2/12/25. Applications are now being accepted! This program was established in 2022 by the Founding Donors, David and Eleanor Ignat, and the University of Vermont Foundation and is administered in collaboration with UVM’s Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers Program (AHEC), and UVM Student Financial Services (SFS). The purpose of the program is to strengthen the physician workforce pipeline and increase the number of new physicians practicing in Vermont to meet the health care needs of Vermonters. Eligibility: Full-time enrollment in (or entering) the fourth year of the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Vermont residency is not required. All medical specialties are eligible to apply. Intent to work in Vermont as a physician for a minimum of one year following the completion of medical training (residency/fellowship). Intend to start work in Vermont within one year following completion of medical training. Students who have existing contractual service obligations (e.g., military, NHSC Scholars, AHEC Scholars Incentive Scholarship) are not eligible. Award Conditions: If awarded, recipient must sign a promissory note detailing the terms and conditions of the Incentive Scholarship/Loan. The award and its terms become binding once the promissory note is signed and executed. Disbursement of the award will not be made unless a signed promissory note is received. Recipients who work in Vermont as a physician according to the terms and conditions will have complete forgiveness of this loan. Recipients who do not work in Vermont as a physician according to the terms and conditions will repay this incentive scholarship/loan to the University. Amount: It is anticipated to be $40,000 (award amount may vary annually), with an estimated 1 to 2 awards annually. Awards will be disbursed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Selection: Personal statement/required questions, required documents, and input from AHEC/LCOM Selection Committee. The Founding Donors will have no role in the selection process. For more info contact Jennifer Gaudreau. 
  • Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarships for students who have attended Connecticut public and/or parochial schools for at least eight years and have graduated from a Connecticut public or parochial high school Scholarship award amounts $1,500-$2,000. More information here. Contact Ryan Gates with any questions.
  • ICYMI last week, the meeting recording links for 1) 4th year scheduling for students who have chosen their specialty and 2) Lottery Logistics are now available in the Advanced Integration area of the Learning Commons

M4 STUDENTS (co2025)



Wishing you all a restful and restorative winter break. See you next year!

Peace,
Karen

Karen George, MD, MPH (she/her)
Associate Dean for Students

Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science

Larner College of Medicine, Office of Medical Education
University of Vermont
Given Courtyard N-100

89 Beaumont Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405 

karen.george@med.uvm.edu

submit a posting button

Deadline for submissions is 
3:00 PM EST, on Thursdays,
for inclusion in the upcoming Sunday issue, 
unless noted otherwise.

Subscribe to the WeeklyWire

Housing Opportunities

Graduate students are highly sought tenants in the Burlington area and property owners often advertise specifically to them with special rates (less than would be offered to undergraduate students). Don't hesitate to ask housing contacts if they would consider lowering the advertised rate to secure a graduate student; it never hurts to ask!

Explore housing opportunities & housing support resources via the UVM Off-campus Housing Site...

Burlington Off-campus Living Guide: Includes information to help off-campus students have successful experiences off campus. Check out the 6th edition of the UVM Off-Campus Student and Community Relations (OSCR) Off Campus Living Guide....

Landlord/Tenant and Housing Questions and Issues: Please contact OSCR (802-656-9405)

Lost & Found

Lost something? Email the Office of Medical Student Education (OMSE) a description of the item. OMSE and the Dana Medical Library recently joined the UVM campus-wide lost & found system and search not only the College of Medicine, but campus as a whole to see if it's been turned in. If it hasn't, the office can file a claim for the item should someone turn it in soon!

Found something? Please turn it into either the Office of Medical Student Education (Given Courtyard n100) or the Dana Medical Library (First floor of the Medical Education Center) and we will be sure to log it into the Campus-Wide Lost & Found Database.

Found items are kept up to 30 days, and then are donated to various local organizations depending on the item.