Office of Medical Education

October 04, 2024 Issue

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.

Weekly Wire Archives

Resource Links for Students

WeeklyWire 10/04/2024 

FOR ALL MEDICAL STUDENTS

Communications

• Medical Student Events Calendar: When planning events and/or your day, please use our UVM Larner Med Medical Student Activities Calendar. Check for conflicts when planning your event, and then be sure to post your event once your date, time, and location are locked in!
• Post to the Calendar: Simply create your event on your personal calendar, and then invite the Activities Calendar to your event. You can find the contact in our Global Address Book, “COM Student Activities Calendar” ( comstudent.activities.calendar@med.uvm.edu). Please be sure to include any event details in the meeting notes, with a primary contact for any questions, at a minimum.
• You can view this calendar online here or, if you are in our community, you can view it on Outlook and even subscribe to it on your mobile device!
• WeeklyWire: Submission deadline is 3pm, Thursdays, unless advertised otherwise. Submissions will only be included when received via our online submission form. Please note the form has requirements/restrictions, and your submission will not go through unless it meets the form requirements (i.e. 240 character limit on the “hook sentence”)

Community Connections 

• Sip 'n Tea: October 8, 12PM, Hoehl Gallery. Come out and chat with your Affinity SIG leaders! In Collaboration with: SNMA, AMMSA, SAMOSA, and LMSA With support from ODEl. Contact: Joselvin Santiny Galeas, LMSA Co-President
• LMSA Trivia Night: Thurs, October 10, 6:00-7:00 pm, MedEd 300. Join LMSA & the Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion to celebrate Hispanic-American Heritage Month with trivia & refreshments! Contact Olive Gallmeyer, Administrative Assistant ODEI, for more information.
• Starting 10/10 - Fall Yoga Series: Thursdays, October 10th-31st from 5:45-6:45, MedEd 300 (exception: MedEd 302 & 303 on 10/10). Come join us for relaxing yoga classes suited to all levels complete with relaxing essential oils, fairy lighting, tea, chocolate, apple cider donuts, and apple cider. Yoga mats and props will be available. Please sign up here - there is one sign up for if you need a yoga mat, and one for if you will be bringing your own on the second page. LCOM faculty & staff are also welcome! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions: Shannon Bennett, M2
• AHEC Spotlight Series: Community Engagement: Wednesday, October 16, 2024; 12:00-1:00 p.m.; MedEd300/Reardon Classroom. A discussion of a coordinated LCOM approach to community engagement – including general college wide collaboration within the community and guidance for individual students interested in becoming involved with community agencies. Time will be available for Q&A. Please bring your lunch—we’ll bring snacks to share. Contact Jennifer Gaudreau, CPRP, Physician Placement Professional jennifer.gaudreau@med.uvm.edu for more information. Learn about 3 community programs and opportunities to get involved in the community:
• The Janet S. Munt Family Room Parent-Child Center. Sarah Sinnott, Family and Community Engagement Director for the Family Room Katie Barker, fourth year medical student at LCOM and Family Room volunteer The Janet S. Munt Family Room is a unique parent child center providing programs that are accessible to all and flexible enough to meet the needs of our changing community. Supports connection for parents and families, provide education, promote physical, social, emotional, and linguistic development in children, and nurture a vibrant and diverse community.
• Vermont Cares Rachel Bolton, SSP Program Manager and educator with Vermont Cares Dana Kramer, fourth year medical student at LCOM and Vermont Cares volunteer Vermont CARES provides life-saving harm reduction services, education, and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas and building relationships. Vermont Cares (vtcares.org)
• The Intervale Center Representative from the Intervale Center TBD Molly Hurd, fourth year medical student at LCOM and Intervale volunteer Founded in 1988, the Intervale Center manages a 360-acre campus of farmland, trails and open space along the Winooski River in Burlington, VT. Their influence radiates out from this beloved place as they work across Vermont to enhance farm viability and land sustainability, and more broadly as a model for food and farming organizations throughout the world.
• Coffee/Tea with Dean Zehle: 10/18, 7:30-8:30am, Given Courtyard.
• Volunteer at a Bike Repair Workshop: Wednesday October 23, 5-7PM, Old Spokes Home. Join us for a fun evening repairing bicycles that will then be donated to members of the community! The event is at the Old Spokes Home Address: 331 N Winooski Ave, Burlington VT. Sign up here. Contact Molly Hurd, MS3 Community Service Chair for more information

Career Counseling Opportunities

• Anesthesiology SIG - Anesthesiology Resident Ask Me Anything Panel: October 5th, 10-11am, MedEd 206. Anesthesiology residents at UVMMC will be taking part in a panel to answer any questions about training, lifestyle, factors to consider when applying for residency, etc. Please join in-person or via Zoom to hear helpful insights into the field of anesthesiology, the process of residency application, and how to get involved in the department here at UVMMC. Questions? ~ Rhea Puthumana (M2)
• Drop-In Hours with AHEC: 10/08, 11:30-1:30, Given Rolling Table/Counter (generally located in front of MedComm office space). These drop-in hours are provided for students and residents to connect with members of the AHEC team. Drop-in hours are offered regularly to ensure AHEC staff are available on-site to discuss our programs, including the AHEC Scholars Program, AHEC’s incentive scholarships and educational loan repayment programs, Vermont physician job placement services, and more. Schedule a time to meet with a specific member of the AHEC team, or drop the Given Rolling Table/Counter (near the MedComm office) any Tuesday between 11:30-1:30 to visit with the AHEC team member on site. For more information, contact: Jennifer Gaudreau, CPRP, Physician Placement Professional and/or Patti Smith-Urie, MA, Outreach Professional
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Radiation Oncology with Dr. Chris Anker: 10/08, 12-12:50, MedEd200. The goal of this informal session will be to answer any and all questions about Radiation Oncology as a specialty choice. Attendings will be on hand to discuss the field in general and to describe the opportunities available. Special attention will also be taken to explain the residency application process and offer specific guidance to best prepare you for navigating that process. Please complete the Panel Session evaluation. Contact Emma Faustner, Advising & Residency Placement Coordinator, with any questions. View the Fall Careers in Medicine Specialty Panels Schedule >>
• Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “Procedural Training in Pediatrics”: 10/09, 8-9am, Hybrid Event - In person in Davis Auditorium (UVMMC) or Via Zoom (passcode required).
• AHEC Mentoring SIG Panel Discussion -- Bridge to Thrive: 10/09, 12-1pm, MedEd200. Join us for an inspiring panel discussion on mentorship for underrepresented minorities in medicine…
• Vascular Surgery SIG Case-Based Session: October 11th, 12-1pm, MedEd 206. Please join us for Dr. Katelynn Ferranti's session on peripheral arterial disease as we review imaging, gross pathology, and surgical interventions. All are welcome to learn more about the lifestyle, procedures, and training in vascular surgery. Lunch will be provided! Questions? ~ Rhea Puthumana (M2)
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Private Practice with Dr. Robert Emmons: 10/15, 12-12:50, MedEd200.
• Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “Social Media and Youth Wellbeing: Considerations for Clinicians”: 10/16, 8:30-9:30am, via Zoom only.
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Andrew Tranmer: 10/17, 12-12:50, MedEd200.

Research Opportunities 

• Random Chats about Data - Statistical Output: 10/15, 11:30-12:30, Dana Library Classroom (108).
• Register today for the Cardiovascular Research Institute of Vermont (CVRI-VT) 2nd Annual "Meet Your Mentor" Event: October 30th, Wednesday 12-1PM, MedEd 100 at the Larner College of Medicine Building. DEADLINE TO REGISTER via this link IS 10/29. Interested in research but unsure where to begin? Join us for our 2nd Annual "Meet Your Mentor" event—a speed-networking opportunity for early career student researchers to connect with mentors. Lunch provided! Register by 10/29. The "Meet Your Mentor" event will feature short, introductory talks from a pool of research mentors from UVM/LCOM/CVRI-VT seeking students to join their lab. This event is your opportunity to explore meaningful research mentorship possibilities. Following each mentor’s Flash Talk on their lab’s current work, as a mentee, you’ll have the opportunity to join smaller breakout groups for brief Q&A sessions. This will enable you to introduce yourself, discuss your research interests, and gain insights into the mentor’s expertise and experience. Rotate through these mini-meetings and make meaningful connections that could shape your research career! Come prepared with questions, an open mind, and willingness to connect, and accelerate your academic journey! CVRI-VT@med.uvm.edu
• NIH Research Year 2025-26: 12/02/2024 application deadline. Applications to the prestigious NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) are now open! MRSP is a 10.5-12 month fully funded research position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), located in Bethesda, MD, just north of Washington DC. Medical students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of school are eligible to apply. Stipend coverage is approximately $50,400 for the year with other additional benefits including health insurance, moving stipend, and affordable housing options are available. Application consists of a personal statement, CV, three letters of recommendation, and an unofficial medical school transcript. Note the earlier deadline this year of 12/02/2024 as opposed to prior years. If any questions, check the attached link or reach out to Richard Vuong, MS4
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year: The NIH MRSP Team will conduct a live, virtual informational webinar on Thursday, October 10^th at 1:00PM (EST). Click Here to Register or go to Zoomgov.com (Meeting ID: 161 702 4095 | Passcode: MRSP2526)
• Applications must be fully completed and submitted by DECEMBER 2, 2024 at 5:00PM EST. **Please note the earlier application cycle and deadline this year. ** The NIH MRSP is a year-long residential, professional development and research program for medical, dental, and veterinary students currently enrolled in their 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th years. 
• More information about our program can be found at: NIH Medical Research Scholars Program and in the attachments provided. Please feel free to share this information widely.  If you have any questions or would like additional information about the MRSP, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact: Dina Parekh, MD Director, Medical Research Scholars Program, Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda MD, 20892, Office 301-496-2636

• The Coffin Award for funding a particular research project or initiative: The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024. The Award is for one year and the stipend is 5,000 dollars. Due to the hiatus, we will be able to support at least two and possibly three awards for this coming year. To apply, please send an introductory letter to Julie Paris in the Department of Surgery, which should include the title of the initiative, a summary of the project with stated methodologies, goals, etc., and a simple budget describing how the money will be allocated. If you are a student, resident or fellow, a mentor should be included, as well. During the year, recipients will be expected to provide progress reports, and at the end of the year we are hopeful that there will be a finished product such as a publication, a poster board or a local or national presentation.
• The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024. All applications will be judged by three members of the Department of Surgery and the recipients will be notified prior to the new year. 
• After a lengthy hiatus due to myriad factors, not the least of which was the COVID pandemic which precluded travel and meetings, the Dr. Laurence Coffin Award will once again be available for those in need of funding for a particular research project or initiative. The Coffin Award was established following Dr. Coffin's death through the generosity of his family, friends, colleagues, and the Department of Surgery. The purpose was to both commemorate Dr. Coffin's stellar career at UVMMC and to provide support for young investigators to pursue projects that otherwise might not be funded. Dr. Coffin was Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery for over two decades. Through his leadership, dedication and skill, the CT program flourished, providing our patients with state of the art cardiac and thoracic care. Dr. Coffin was a man of many talents and interests-accomplished surgeon, painter, engineer, and lover of antique automobiles. Consequently, the Award is not limited to surgical research per se, but rather is available for any project that will benefit our institution, our patients, and the medical community. Possibilities include bench research, retrospective reviews, a question that demands an answer, and an educational experience to learn a new and compelling technique. Dr. Coffin valued creativity and enthusiasm, both of which are necessary ingredients for success. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact frank.ittleman@uvmhealth.org

Financial Services

• NBME’s Fee Assistance program for USMLE supports medical students with financial need: 10/16 application deadline. As a part of NBME’s Community Collaborations and Contributions effort to assist medical students on their path to licensure, this program will provide aid to approximately 1300 medical students to support their fees for USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) examinations. NBME Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Linda Gadsby, Esq. is excited about this next step in the organization’s enhancement of its learner support programs.

M2 STUDENTS (co2027)

• Call for Panelists - Summer Opportunities Panel: 10/20 application deadline. How did you spend the summer between M1 and M2? Think an M1 would like to hear about it?...

M3 STUDENTS (co2026)

• Preparing for Advanced Integration Part 1 Join Dean Dolbec and me for an information session on planning Advanced Integration. Time: Oct 28, 2024 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada), via Zoom ( style="text-indent:48px;">https://uvmcom.zoom.us/j/99079497075). Discussion topics include:
  • Requirements for graduation
  • Phases of the M4 year
  • Strategizing for the lotteries
  • P4P
  • Away Rotation planning
  • Things to start thinking about (immunizations, annual mandatories, etc.)
• Surgery Senior Major Info Session: Tuesday, November 12^th, 4PM; MedEd Room 200. Learn about the requirements and the benefits of pursuing the Surgery Senior Major with a pizza dinner. Our faculty will be presenting with a Q&A to follow. Contact Lisa Washburn with questions. The event is intended to be in person, however if our Connecticut students are interested, send an email to Lisa for the Zoom link.
• As many of you know the first lottery is around the corner. We will hold an Information Session for those interested in learning more about applying for surgical residency and the Surgery Senior Major Program On Tuesday, November 12th at 4pm, in MedEd 200. Topics we will cover:
• Competitiveness of general surgery
• Crafting your 4th year schedule and the timeline for applications
• Away electives
• Choosing an advisor

M4 STUDENTS (co2025)

• Residency Applications: Congratulations on getting your applications submitted!! Take a few deep breaths and then start thinking about your interviews.
• Dean Dolbec and I will host an interview prep session on 10/10 at 5:30PM.
• We will also offer mock interviews for students who don’t have this opportunity within their chosen specialty. Please contact Nausheen nausheen.azhar@med.uvm.edu to schedule.