Office of Medical Education

September 14 - 20, 2020

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 Wire to help support manageable email inboxes for our students; it's your one-stop-shop for all med school happenings outside of the classroom! Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Medical Student Education with any questions.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Weekly Wire Archives

 * = All postings flagged with an asterisk are not UVM-sponsored/endorse

UVM COVID-19 TESTING PROTOCOL (ALL STUDENTS)

• "Testing Weekly" Defined: Students should test at the Davis Center clinic 7 days from their previous test to remain in compliance. There is a 48-hour grace period, meaning you can test 7-9 days from your most-recent test without being flagged for noncompliance. Students may also test earlier (i.e. 4-6 days from their most-recent test) to ensure compliance. 
• Clinical Students Excused for Testing: The Clinical Level course directors support this protocol. They are aware of the weekly requirement and support students to be excused from their curriculum for 30 minute weekly testing windows. Please contact your level coordinator with any questions (Jacqueline Drouin, Clerkship Level; Emma Faustner, Advanced Integration Level).
• Updated Clinic Hours: The Davis Center clinic is open for testing 9am - 7pm, M-Th, and 9am-5pm on Fridays.
• Securing a Test: Walk-ins are no longer accepted at the clinic. Students must schedule tests via the CoVerified app/browser-based platform.
• UVM ID Required: Don't forget to bring your UVM ID with you to your scheduled test.
• Reminder Re: Vermont Travel Guidelines & an UPDATE Re: day-seven quarantine test: All students must still continue to adhere to state and local health and safety guidelines, including travel and quarantine requirements. If you enter a travel-mandated quarantine and you are not experiencing any symptoms, you may now secure your day-seven test via the Davis Center clinic (counts as your weekly test, too!) and then return to quarantine; you must secure a negative test result or reach day-14 of your quarantine prior to entering the community/returning to campus.

Fully-Remote/Off-Campus Students: If you are fully remote and do not need physical access to any part of campus for the fall 2020 semester, you may apply for a COVID testing exemption or enroll in fully-remote testing by contacting studentCOMservices (if you have not already done so; clinical level students did this via a previously-issued online form). The exemption and remote testing option are only available if you are not planning to step onto campus (UVM/UVMMC) at any point, during the fall 2020 semester.

Testing Protocol Compliance: Testing compliance will be monitored. Students who fail to remain in compliance will be notified and referred to the Associate Dean for students. Noncompliance is considered an egregious offense when referencing the sanctioning guidelines. A first offense includes a $250 fine, and referral to the Committee on Fitness may be required. For a second missed test, student will be referred to the Committee on Fitness and suspension is a likely outcome.

If you receive an email and believe it is in error, please do not hesitate to reach out to UVM Strong (and CC studentCOMservices). We are here to work with you and for you and support the rigorous protocol that is in place to ensure our campus and community remain safe.

CLASS INFORMATION

Class of 2021

• THIS WEEK - Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital Prospective Applicant Session*: 09/14 @7pm, via Zoom (pre-registration required). Inviting all underrepresented in medicine (Black/African American , Latinx, LGBTQ) students to join our current URM residents to discuss our X+Y program, Woman and Children’s Center, special interests tracks, life in Cleveland and so much more...
• THIS WEEK - Louisiana State University New Orleans Internal Medicine program virtual meet and greet*: 09/15 @5pm, Virtual (preregistration required and space is limited). Another session will be offered on 09/29.
• THIS WEEK - Anesthesiology Residency Application Virtual Forum*: 09/15 @6pm (preregistration required). Another session will be held on 10/07. An opportunity to learn more about New York/New Jersey area Anesthesiology Programs during this year’s application cycle...
• THIS WEEK - Maine Medical Center Pediatrics Residency Program Virtual Open House*: 09/16, 6-7pm EST, virtually (preregistration required). Another session will be offered on 10/01.
• EM & Peds Webinar*: 09/16, 8-9pm, virtual event (preregistration required).
• THIS WEEK - Mayo Clinic Florida - Virtual Residency Open House*: 09/17, 6:30-8:30pm, virtual event (preregistration required). Join to learn more about the residency programs at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida!
• THIS WEEK - Rush General Surgery Virtual Open House*: 09/17,7-8pm EST, virtual event (preregistration required).
• THIS WEEK - LSU Health New Orleans Virtual GME Showcase for URM Students*: 09/19, 2-5pm ET, virtual event (preregistration required).
• Starting to think about loan repayment strategies? Did you utilize loans for your MD?...
• APPROACHING DEADLINE - Step Sibs! 09/21 sign-up deadline. Encouraging all M3 and M4s to volunteer...
• CiM resources - Applying to residency during a pandemic*: While much about the 2021 residency application cycle is different this year, some tactics for applying smart are the same and even more important...
• ERAS 2021 Residency Resources: The ERAS Team shared some resources for students participating in this year's residency application process...
• New Sections of 2-week EM clerkship: 11/16-11/29 and 12/14-12/27. Two new sections of the 2-week EM Clerkship are now open for enrollment. These overlap major holidays, but the ED will be hopping! Each section capped at 6 students. Please contact Katie Dolbec, Clerkship Director, Larner Division of EM, with any questions. 
  
• Global Child Health Residency Program: The Baylor College of Medicine Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Residency Program is a unique pediatric residency program that is seeking candidates with a strong interest in global health to join our community...
• Dean McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Virtual Meet & Greet*: 09/21, 6:30 - 7:30pm ET, virtual event (RSVP required).
• Geisinger Medical Center Open House: 09/23, 8-9:30pm, Virtual Event (pre-registration required). A second session will occur on 9/28. You’ll be able to meet & speak with our Program Director, APDs as well as our surgical residents. This will be a great time to get to know our program!
• Upstate Medical University's General Surgery Residency Program Town Hall*: 09/24, 5-6:30pm ET, virtual event (preregistration required).
• Letter of Recommendation Request if Applying into Surgical Residency: 09/25 request deadline (NOTE DATE CORRECTION #weeklywirefail). If your application requires a letter of recommendation from the Chair of Surgery please  contact Lisa Beaulieu for instructions. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks for the letter to be completed.
• UCLA-Olive View Psychiatry Residency: Virtual Meet and Greet*: 09/26 @2pm ET, virtual (preregistration required).
• Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology Virtual Open House*: 09/28, 6-7:30pm ET, virtual event (preregistration required).
  

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Class of 2022

• THIS WEEK - 2020 Pathology Student Fellowship Program Informational Session: 09/15, 5-6pm, via Teams (registration required). 10/13 application deadline. Stipend provided. This is an exceptional one-year opportunity to work closely with and learn from enthusiastic faculty and resident staff in the Department of Pathology...
• APPROACHING DEADLINE - Step Sibs! 09/21 sign-up deadline. Encouraging all M3 and M4s to volunteer...
• Kaiser Permanente Scholarship Opportunity: 11/30 application deadline. Seeking a residency in northern CA?...
• Clerkship Cup September Challenge! September challenge is....yeah you guessed it... PUPPIES! Step 1. Find a puppy Step 2. play, run, snuggle, fetch, cuddle, tug of war, give some tasty treats...... Step 3. Share your photo evidence with us! Keep submitting bonus and all other entries via this form...
• Geisinger Medical Center Open House: 09/23, 8-9:30pm, Virtual Event (pre-registration required). A second session will occur on 9/28. You’ll be able to meet & speak with our Program Director, APDs as well as our surgical residents. This will be a great time to get to know our program!
  

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Class of 2023

• THIS WEEK - SUBMISSION DEADLINE - Summer Researchers - Merit Award Opportunity: Final Report Due 09/14. All students working under an LCOM Summer Research Fellowship must submit a final report. Students who obtain funding via other means are not required to, but all those who do will be eligible for the Larner $500 Summer Research Merit Award...
  
• THIS WEEK - IM SIG Case Review with the Chief Residents: 09/16, 12-1pm, via Zoom. Case reports with the chiefs is back on. Our first session will be geared for the M1s – both as an intro to clinical decision making and also on a day for which they will be remote. M2s and latecomers welcome! BYO pizza.
• Reminder USMLE Accommodations: If you plan to apply for — or are considering — USMLE Step 1 accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services now, or reach out to your assigned SAS specialist…
• LCOM Summer Opportunities Info Session Panelists Wanted! 10/19 application deadline. How did you spend your summer between first and second year? Are you available and happy to participate in a student panel on summer opportunities on Wednesday, 11/18 or Friday, 1/20, @Noon? (date being finalized)...
• Step 1 Tutor Consultations: A reminder that all M2's can request a one-hour Step 1 tutor consult session...
• Step 1 Registration: NBME has implemented a few changes to make it easier for students to register for Step 1...
• Clinical Campus Change Requests: 10/09 form submission deadline. If you are considering a campus change (i.e. you have a significant medical condition/disability requiring ongoing treatment in VT or CT or limits ability to travel, a family member with a significant medical condition for whom you provided care locally in VT or CT, a hardship that makes it difficult to live at a reasonable distance from either campus)...
  
• Site Exemption Requests: 10/16 form submission deadline. If you are considering a Clerkship site exemption (i.e., you have children under the age of 18 living in your household, you have a medical condition that limits your ability to live away from your primary residence, you have a family member with a significant medical condition for whom you provide care locally)...

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Class of 2024

• THIS WEEK - SURVEY DEADLINE - AAMC Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ): 09/15 submission deadline. 86% of you, as of 09/08; amazing! If you have not taken it, look for an email from the AAMC inviting you to take the MSQ! Survey only takes about 10min, and your participation can make a difference for the future of medical education...
• THIS WEEK - IM SIG Case Review with the Chief Residents: 09/16, 12-1pm, via Zoom. Case reports with the chiefs is back on. Our first session will be geared for the M1s – both as an intro to clinical decision making and also on a day for which they will be remote. M2s and latecomers welcome! BYO pizza.
• THIS WEEK - Primary Care Series - Why Oral Health Matters in Overall Health: 09/16 @12pm, via zoom. Please join us to learn about the benefits for promoting oral health in the primary care office; childhood caries and how to apply fluoride varnish. Contact Laurie McLean, Program Coordinator, Office of Primary Care & AHEC Program, with any questions.
• THIS WEEK - DEADLINE - ACTION NEEDED - UVMMC Mandatories: 09/18 deadline. All students must complete annual UVMMC mandatories through the Cornerstone platform...
• White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2024: 10/02 @1pm, a Virtual Event (in person for members of co2024 only). Save-the-Date for White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2024!
  • THIS WEEK - SUBMISSION DEADLINE - ACTION REQUIRED – Submit your UVMMC Badge Form: 09/20 deadline. At the ceremony, you will also receive your UVMMC Badge. In order to secure your badge at White Coat Ceremony, please complete and upload your UVMMC Badge Form no later than Sunday, September 20.
• UVMLarnerMed Student Leadership Lunch & Learn - AAMC Org. of Student Reps, UVM Board of Trustees, Dean's Advisory Council (DDACDEI), & SJC: 09/25, 12-1pm, via Zoom (passcode: LunchNLrn).
• PRIZES! NOW through October 15 (deadline extended) – Who’s Who, at the Larner College of Medicine Challenge: Pick up an autograph book at the Office of Medical Student Education (OMSE; Given Courtyard N100) and work to secure signatures (or Zoom meet and greets) throughout September & October. Submit your completed book to OMSE by 8am, 10/15 to be eligible for the prize drawings! Contact Kiersten Hallquist with any questions.
• Orientation Resource Fair SIG "Zoom Room" Contest Winners: Thanks to all who voted during our resource fair Student Interest Groups' Zoom Room Contest! Smash MD won first prize ($100 added to their budget), Table Tennis took second ($50), and Internal Medicine snagged third place ($25).

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WEEKLY UVMLarnerMed FYIs

• The UVM Prism Center Has a New Home: The new location will support students and the student experience by making the center easier to find and more accessible. The Prism Center now has a new home in the Living/Learning C Building...
• New Larner Medicine Issue: The September 09, 2020 issue (Volume II, Issue 17) of Larner Medicine recently hit the shelves. Check it out...
• OMSE Business Administration/Finance Contact Information: 08/31 was Aimee Gale's last day supporting the Office of Medical Student Education. If you have any business and/or finance questions, please contact OMSE Business Admin.
  
• Graduate Writing Center Open: Peer consultants—advanced graduate students in Biology, Computer Science, Counseling, Education, and Natural Resources—are trained to support graduate student writers across the disciplines with all of their writing and presentation projects, from brainstorming and first-draft feedback to big-picture revision and final edits...
  • Two position openings! If you are an experienced graduate student writer who would like to learn to support other graduate students with their writing projects and goals, visit uvm.edu/gradwriting/become-consultant to learn more about the position and how to apply. They will accept applications until both positions are filled. 
• Events outside of class and other obligations: 09/03 email from Dean Rick Page regarding participation in events outside of the classroom and other Larner obligations...
• Orientation Resource Fair SIG "Zoom Room" Contest Winners: Thank you to all who participated in this year's resource fair. We are pleased to share the winners of this year's Student Interest Groups' Zoom Room Contest! Smash MD won first prize ($100 added to their budget), Table Tennis took second ($50), and Internal Medicine snagged third place ($25).
  
• UVMLarnerMed in a Time of COVID-19 - Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Related Special Reports/Information: 
  • UVM COVID-19 Testing Report: The University will continue to provide weekly updates on our testing report…
    
  • On Wearing a Mask – The Very Latest: As we learn more about how COVID-19 spreads, we adjust our “best practices” accordingly. UVM has developed a web page that includes guidance on proper wearing of a face mask, where and under what circumstances masks need to be worn, and more...
    • Reminder to Pick up Your Free Masks (for All Medical Students): In case you missed it in your email, UVM Main Campus has provided FIVE free masks to all medical students (including two different swanky UVM-branded masks)...
  • A nice mindfulness info graphic for us all: Who do I choose to be during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • IT Support Changes at LCOM: "As we continue to find the “new normal” during this pandemic, we wanted to update you on changes to technology support. We made these changes to ensure the health and safety of our staff and conform to the University and state guidance. Here are some highlights and updates..."
  • Larner Leaders Describe UVM Advantage in Testing Protocols: "UVM's on-campus plan maximizes safety"...
  • WeeklyWonders: 09/02 email from Dean Zehle with updates regarding the Larner College of Medicine Medical Education...
  • Travel Reminder: COVID-19 Guidelines (including travel guidelines breakdown) & Reminders to All Medical Students, From your Medical Student Services Team (August 31, 2020 email)...
  • Clinical Site Changes: 09/03 email from Dean Page and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Zehle...
  • Study Spaces (UPDATED - you may need to clear your cached images and files to see latest version): Students can use rooms if they are available (view a quick video on how to check a room's availability).  Please note that students cannot book rooms for study space; however, If you feel you need to reserve a room on campus in our system, please reach out to studentCOMservices.

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COMMUNITY WELLNESS

Welcome to the new "Community Wellness" section of the WeeklyWire! Be sure to review this section for any announcements regarding student wellness! If you ever have any questions about this section, it's postings, or any wellness topics, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Student Well-being, Dr. Lee Rosen.

• THIS WEEK - Clinician Well-Being and Resilience - What the Data Show and How We Move Forward: 09/15, 2-2pm, webinar (preregistration required). An AAMC webinar on clinician well-being and resilience...
  

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LCOMcares: VOLUNTEER/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Local Food Shelf Volunteer Opportunities*: Feeding Chittenden is looking for volunteers to assist with their food insecurity programs here in Burlington...

Rally Together - Volunteer at the COVID-19 Student Testing Clinic: There are several volunteer shifts available all week. Any current UVM student or employee is welcome to volunteer at the testing center. Volunteering at the testing center is a fun and SAFE way to participate in this unique chapter of UVM’s history. Sign-up via the Sign-Up Genius Page (Passcode: RallyTogether)...

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UNIVERSITY OPPORTUNITIES & UPCOMING EVENTS

• UVM Events under COVID-19: Events should be hosted remotely where and when possible to support our current shelter-in-place recommendations. UVM campus will limit any events/group gatherings to no more than 75 people indoors, physical distancing must be practiced at all times (at least 6 feet apart with masks, at least 10 feet apart without masks), and hosts should always provide a remote attendance option. Review the most-recent COVID-19 Event Updates & Guidance...
  • PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT from your Student Council – Extracurricular UVM Larner Med Student In-Person Events/Meetings: While stringent event plans and guidelines were established and shared broadly, all SIG and UVM-associated extracurricular activities cannot be holding any form of in-person official UVM events until further notice...
• Larner Medical Student Activities Calendar: Our Activities Calendar in Outlook posts live online, and students can also subscribe to it on their smartphone/personal devices...
• UVM Bored Calendar: Whether you’re a student on campus or at home, the UVM Bored calendar lists virtual and in-person events making it easier for you to connect...

THIS WEEK:

• Choosing Wisely Recommendation of the Week(s) - Choose Wisely and WIN! Join the LCOM Choosing Wisely STARS in promoting high value care in medical education. Review this week's spotlight recommendation and enter our PRIZE RAFFLE...
  • Thanks for Choosing Wisely! The winners of this month's raffle prizes are: Shae Rowlandson, Alexa Golden, Elena Dansky, Sarah French, and Jimmy Contompasis! The Choosing Wisely STARS rep will email you with information on how to claim your prize. Don’t forget – every edition of the Weekly Wire includes another chance to win!
    
    

• MON, Sep 14: UVM/UVMLarnerMed community events posted for this day. 
• TUES, Sep 15: 
  • Careers in Medicine Specialty Panel Series – Emergency Medicine with Dr. Katie Dolbec: 09/15, 12-12:50pm, via Zoom.
  • THIS WEEK - Clinician Well-Being and Resilience - What the Data Show and How We Move Forward: 09/15, 2-2pm, webinar (preregistration required). An AAMC webinar on clinician well-being and resilience...
  • Monthly Medical Curriculum Committee Meeting: 09/15, 5-7pm, via Zoom (preregistration required).
  • 2020 Pathology Student Fellowship Program Informational Session: 09/15, 5-6pm, via Teams (registration required). 10/13 application deadline. Stipend provided. This is an exceptional one-year opportunity to work closely with and learn from enthusiastic faculty and resident staff in the Department of Pathology...
• WED, Sep 16:
  • Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “Close to Closing the Loop in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes: A 100-Year Journey”: 09/16, 8-9am, via Zoom.
• THU, Sep 17:
  • Careers in Medicine Specialty Panel Series – Anesthesiology with Dr. Emily Stebbins: 09/17, 12-12:50pm, via Zoom.
  • The Write Prescription- Telling Stories to Process the Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism: 09/17 @12:30, Webinar (registration required). This workshop will include both interactive prompts as well as readings by the author...
  • LGBTQ+ in Science Social: 09/17 @4:30pm, via Google Meet. Last year UVM’s first oSTEM chapter (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) became official! Our mission is to support, empower, and connect members of the LGBTQ+ community who are involved with STEM.
• FRI, Sep 18 - SUN, Sep 20: No UVM/UVMLarnerMed community events posted for these days.

UPCOMING:

• The University of Vermont Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusions Listening Session - Listening Session #1: 09/21, 1-3pm, via Microsoft Teams. Will focus on BIPOC community members’ experiences.
• Gold Human InSight Webinar on Voices in Humanism: 09/21, 1:30-3:30pm, Webinar (registration required). Eight members of the OSU community will share samples of their art, including poetry, photography, vocal music, and film...
• Lectureship series in honor of Dr. Anne Johnston - VCHIP Improving Care for Opioid-Exposed Newborns (ICON) project & KidSafe Collaborative present Dr. Hendrée Jones: 09/22, 7:30-8:30am, via Zoom. Topic: Caring for Women with Opioid Use Disorders: A Focus on the 4 Trimesters and Early Parenting Years.
• Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “Life Support: Equity as a Social Determinant of Health”: 09/23, 8-9am, via Zoom.
• Lectureship series in honor of Dr. Anne Johnston - VCHIP Improving Care for Opioid-Exposed Newborns (ICON) project & KidSafe Collaborative present Dr. Hendrée Jones: 09/23 @12pm, via Webinar (preregistration required). Topic: Collaboration and Inclusion in Substance Use Disorder Care: Supporting the Mother-Child Dyad.
• Careers in Medicine Specialty Panel Series – Otolaryngology with Dr. Mirabelle Sajisevi: 09/24, 12-12:50pm, via Zoom.
• Region 1 SNMA Presents "Allyship: A Lifestyle": 09/24, 9:30-10:30pm ET, virtual event (registration required).

RECURRING EVENTS:

• FRIDAYS:
  • WeeklyWire Submission Deadline: Fridays, no later than 7am. Want to submit to the Wire? Submit your posting using our WeeklyWire Online Submission Form.
• DROP-IN MEETINGS (Remote meetings only, until further notice):
  • Dean for Medical Education 
  • Deans for Students (preclinical, clinical, CT Campus) 
  • Director of Academic Achievement
  • Director of Learning Environment
  • Director of Student Well-being

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STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES (Scholarships, Awards, & Finance FYIs)

Resources for Students with DACA Status*: As part of the AAMC’s ongoing efforts to support students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented status, we wanted to share a few resources you might find helpful in their search for supplemental funds...

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RESEARCH, LEADERSHIP & FELLOWSHIP

Remote Medical Spanish Program*: Teaching medical Spanish since 2004 in Riobamba an Andean town in Ecuador; has helped over 1500 students polish their Spanish with the purpose of providing better care to future Spanish speaking patients in the United States...

THIS WEEK:

• Survey on Residency and State Abortion Laws: 9/6/20-9/19/20. Brief survey- influence of state abortion laws on residency applications...

UPCOMING:

• AMA Health Systems Science Student and Resident Impact Challenge*: 09/21 application deadline. Focused on how medical students and residents across the country have applied health systems science to impact patients, physicians and health systems during the pandemic...

ARTS & PUBLICATION

The Nocturnists: Season Finale of Black Voices in Healthcare*: The 9th and final episode of Black Voices in Healthcare, BIRTH, is out...

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YOU SAID, WE DID - YOUR WORDS IN ACTION

If you receive feedback from students and put that feedback into action, please let our student community know; submit postings/updates to Medical Student Services by 7am, on Fridays. Postings are reviewed by the Office of Medical Student Education Medical Education Leadership Team on Mondays for inclusion in an upcoming issue of the WeeklyWire. Community members can also view our database of current and past “You Said, We Did” submissions, in the Learning Commons.

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* = All postings flagged with an asterisk are not UVM-sponsored/endorsed

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