Office of Medical Education

October 18, 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 10/18/2024 

FOR ALL MEDICAL STUDENTS

Community Connections 

• New episode of Green Mountain Medicine Podcast: Click here to listen to Dr. Amer Abu Alfa on this month's episode of Green Mountain Medicine Podcast. On this episode of GMM, we are joined by anatomic pathologist Dr. Amer Abu Alfa. We explore how pathologists find beauty in their work, from the artistry of pathology slides to the patterns they recognize that others might miss. The discussion delves into misconceptions about pathology portrayed in media, the profound role of the gut in human health, and what science still has yet to uncover about the “second brain.” Please contact Haley Bayne with more questions.
• Cultural Perspectives on Health and Health Care 10/21, 5:30-7:00 pm MedEd 200. Hear from a panel of community leaders as they discuss cultural influences on health practices and cultural humility in medicine. Read More… 
• Robert H. Moser Essay Award: 10/22 submission deadline. One award of $4,500 for an essay highlighting the life of a physician who has enriched the world of medicine. 
• Off-Campus Student Resource Fair: 10/22, 11-2pm, Davis Center 4th Floor, UVM Main Campus (LCOM-VT Campus). Whether you have lived in Burlington for years or you just moved here, this fair will have something for you - UVM organizations, city departments and local non-profits will be available to provide helpful & supportive resources...  
• Drop-In Hours with AHEC: 10/22, 11:30-1:30, Given Rolling Table/Counter (generally located in front of MedComm office space). 
• Dean Zehle Drop In Sessions: 10/23, 12-1pm, in person/via zoom/via phone (sign-up required). 
• 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 
• Fall Yoga Series: 10/24, 5:45-6:45, MedEd 300 (every Thursday, 10/10-10/31). Come join us for relaxing yoga classes suited to all levels complete with relaxing essential oils, fairy lighting, apple cider, apple cider donuts, tea, and chocolates. Yoga mats and props will be available. Please sign up - 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. Please contact  Shannon Bennett for any questions. 
• Medical Student Council Annual UVM Larner College of Medicine Apparel Sale: 10/28 ordering deadline. The Annual Larner College Apparel Sale has launched! This year, we were able to offer two local brands again, Thuja and Skida, in addition to LL Bean apparel… 
• OME Trick or Treating Event 10/31 8:30 a.m.-4:00 pm in N100 Given Courtyard; and additional haunted places across Larner College of Medicine. For more details contact, Beth Stinebring , OME Administrative Assistant 
• Free Private Yoga Series at Sangha: Saturdays 11/2-11/23 5:30-6:30pm at Sangha Studios. The Yoga SIG will be hosting a private 4-week yoga class series at Sangha Studios Saturdays 11/2-11/23 5:30-6:30pm. Classes will be an hour long each, taught by a Sangha yoga instructor, and all skill levels are welcome! There are 32 spots for each class, and you can sign up for all 4 classes. No worries if you can’t make it to all the classes; feel free to sign up for those you’ll be able to attend. Please contact Shannon Bennett for more details. 
• Volunteering Opportunities at Family Room: Now through December. 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. 
• Film Screening & Intergenerational Discussion: Sunday, 11/3 at 1 PM, in the Livac Ballroom (Davis Center). Join the Center on Aging for a screening of two short films sharing stories of social connection, provided by The Foundation for Art & Healing and its Project UnLonely Films. Stick around after for pizza and a facilitated discussion about the importance of community building for health and well-being at all ages. RSVPs appreciated at this link. Please contact Marissa Birne, Education Lead at the Center on Aging, with any questions. 

Career Counseling Opportunities  

• HemOnc Grand Rounds with Dr. Adam Cuker – “Diagnosis and Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: An Update Based on the ASH Guidelines”: 10/22, 8-9am, HSRF 200. 
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Careers in Research with Dr. Renee Stapleton: 10/22, 12-12:50, MedEd200. The goal of this informal session will be to answer any and all questions about Research Careers. Dr. Stapleton will be on hand to discuss research 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. 
• Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “Latest Updates to the NIH Asthma Care Guidelines with Practical Implications”: 10/23, 8-9am, Hybrid Event - In person in Davis Auditorium (UVMMC) or Via Zoom (passcode required). 
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Radiology with Dr. Christopher Kanner: 10/24, 12-12:50pm, via Zoom. 
• Careers in Medicine Fall 2024 Specialty Panel Series - Pediatrics with Dr. Molly Rideout: 10/29, 12-12:50pm, MedEd200. 
• Pediatrics Grand Rounds - “The Pediatrician's Role to Promote Growth and Development of Al”: 10/30, 8-9am, Hybrid Event - In person in Davis Auditorium (UVMMC) or Via Zoom (passcode required). 
• Vibe Check: Is Family Medicine Right for Me?--Join national leaders in Family Medicine for a webinar hosted by the AAMC Careers in Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Monday, October 28, 8-9 PM. Register via the AAFP website (site under repair at the time of this publication) REGISTER TODAY 

Research Opportunities 

• Random Chats about Data - "Messy Data – Clean Data": 10/25, 11:30-12:30, Howe Library Meeting Room (Howe 001B). 
• 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.  
• The Coffin Award for funding a particular research project or initiative: The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024. The Coffin Award was established 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. 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. Read more… 
• Summer Oncology Research Fellowship (SORF): Applications open: November 1, 2024. Early Application Deadline: December 9, 2024. Regular Application Deadline: January 6, 2025. The NIH-supported Summer Oncology Research Fellowship (SORF) Program for US medical students is a full time 8–12-week mentorship program in summer(s) between school years in medical school (May to August), in Los Angeles. Students receive subsistence of $600/week. Partial assistance with housing and travel to/from Los Angeles are provided to qualifying students. Read more… 
• NIH Research Year 2025-26: 12/02/2024 application deadline.  
• The UNC-Chapel Hill Medical Students Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) ) summer program is now accepting applications for Summer 2025. Applications due by January 20,2025,8:00 am EST.  The UNC-CH MSTAR program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics. Read more..  
  

M1 STUDENTS (co2028) 

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) Training: 10/28, 4-6pm, MedEd100 (Larner Classroom). Light dinner and beverages provided. Are you interested in serving as an interviewer for upcoming Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)? Join us for a mandatory training session to learn the essential skills for evaluating candidates effectively. This training will equip you with the tools to ensure a fair and insightful interview experience for our candidates. Register for the upcoming training… 
• STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (self-nominations warmly welcomed) – Technical Standards Annual Review: 11/03 nomination deadline. 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… 
• Apply to be an Admissions Ambassadors: Apply no later than November 15th, 11:59 EST. Represent the school while sharing your unique experiences with prospective medical students. As an ambassador, you'll engage with applicants, offer insights into the medical school journey, and help create a welcoming environment for future students. For details, contact Ayanna Linton, Admissions Coordinator. 

M2 STUDENTS (co2027) 

• DEADLINE THIS WEEK - 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?... 
• Step 1 Question Skills Series: There are currently two remote versions of Step 1 Question Skills Groups. This tutor facilitated Question Skills series offers attendees weekly foundational tips for approaching boards-style questions with an emphasis on applied practice. Facilitators will curate questions for each session for group practice and analysis. Please use the corresponding sign-up links below for specific details on each group
  • In person Session - Question Skills w/ Rebecca Lapides, in person 
  • 9 remote sessions - Question Skills w/ Elle Cunningham 
  • 3 remote session - group cycles (coming soon) 
• New Step 1 Peer Support Group Series:11/05, 12/05, and 01/15, at 6pm, in MedED 300. Prepare for Step 1 success with our three-part series designed to guide you through every phase of your study journey. Developed by MS3's Ava Siegel and John Rustad, this new three-part peer-facilitated support series option is designed to guide you through every phase of your study journey. From getting started and organizing your approach to maintaining strong study habits and achieving a healthy balance during dedicated study time, these in-person sessions will equip you with valuable tools, strategies, and insights. Whether you're just starting to think about Step 1 or already busy studying, this series is intended to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported — in community. Sign up & Session details here. This new series is sponsored by the Medical Student Services Team.  

M3 STUDENTS (co2026) 

• Now Open: Advanced Integration Course Browsing Period : On October 14, class of 2026 students may begin browsing the 2025-2026 Advanced Integration Level Course Catalog in OASIS. Please test your OASIS log-in, and review the Student User’s Guide to Fourth Year Scheduling as well as the related collection of Frequently Asked Questions. If applicable to your circumstances, please be familiar with Medical Student Handbook Policy 523.00 Site Assignments: Advanced Integration Level. 
• Call for Step 1 Student Panelists / Peer Advice: Please sign up to support 11/01, 12/04, and/or 01/09 sessions. MSST is looking for M3 and M4 volunteers to participate in some (or all three) upcoming M2 Step 1 support sessions. These annual noon-time sessions provide M2 attendees with valuable perspective, tips, wisdom, insight, and recommendations from fellow LCOM students who have taken Step 1. If you are interested in being a student panelist or info-fair table host, please sign up via Sign-up Genius, which includes descriptions on the November 1 panel, December 4 Study Schedule Info Fair, and January 9 panel. Please contact Dr. Tim Moynihan, Director of Academic Achievement, with any questions. 
• 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 
• Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship: Our Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship program distributes $10,000 in tuition assistance scholarships to medical students approaching their final year of school. Applications for the AMA Foundation’s 2025 Physicians of Tomorrow scholarship cycle will open on Monday, October 21, 2024. The deadline to apply and upload all associated materials is Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Read More… 

M4 STUDENTS (co2025) 

• Optimizing Your Finances During Residency: 10/22 @2pm EST, via free webinar (registration required). Join Financial Advisor, Stephen Mark Cardinal, FSCP®, hosted by the AAMC FIRST Team for an informative webinar on navigating and optimizing your finances as you transition from Medical School to Residency and beyond. 
• Call for Step 1 Student Panelists / Peer Advice: Please sign up to support 11/01, 12/04, and/or 01/09 sessions. MSST is looking for M3 and M4 volunteers to participate in some (or all three) upcoming M2 Step 1 support sessions. These annual noon-time sessions provide M2 attendees with valuable perspective, tips, wisdom, insight, and recommendations from fellow LCOM students who have taken Step 1. If you are interested in being a student panelist or info-fair table host, please sign up via Sign-up Genius, which includes descriptions on the November 1 panel, December 4 Study Schedule Info Fair, and January 9 panel. Please contact Dr. Tim Moynihan, Director of Academic Achievement, with any questions. 
• Residency Applications: Mock interviews offered by Deans Dolbec and George for students who don’t have this opportunity within their chosen specialty. Please contact Nausheen nausheen.azhar@med.uvm.edu to schedule.  

Congratulations to the Class of 2028 who celebrated their journey to medical school at the ceremonial white coat cloaking on Friday. It was a gorgeous day and wonderful to see your happy faces and proud supporters. I especially enjoyed hearing you all cheer each other on—you’ve become a tight and supportive group and this will carry you through the sometimes long days of medical school. 

I hope everyone gets even a little bit of time to enjoy this fantastic weekend in VT!

Karen

Karen George, MD, MPH (she/her)
Associate Dean for Students
Office of Medical Student Education
Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont