In addition to getting their white coats last week, several across Heersink gathered in different spots around Birmingham to welcome the incoming class of medical students and their first year with celebrations.
MS1 Student Senate Welcome
On Friday, Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m., the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Student Senate hosted a welcome mixer for the incoming MS1 class. The gathering, held at The Wine Loft in downtown Birmingham, allowed students to come and go freely and provided an opportunity to celebrate the ending of the first week of classes. It also gave new students a chance to meet with Medical Education faculty and staff. More than 130 students enjoyed the catered food while socializing with members of the Student Senate and department leadership. The event emphasized the Department of Medical Education’s commitment to help its medical students build support networks for success throughout their time at UAB.
Underrepresented in Medicine Welcome
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosted the annual gathering to welcome diverse students and trainees in Wallace Tumor Institute’s lobby Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. Remarks were given by Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education, Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH., senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion, and Raegan Durant, M.D., MPH, associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion. Several members of UAB Heersink School of Medicine faculty and leadership were in attendance for the event and Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority Chief Financial Officer Steve Payne dropped by as well. In addition to fostering collaboration and networking opportunities, events like this one offer avenues of mentorship for diverse students and trainees.
Medical Alumni Association Welcome
Hosted at Monday Night Social Club, the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) welcomed MS1s with a fun gathering. The MAA has welcomed students each August with an event leading up to the White Coat Ceremony for over a decade. This year, the MAA had support from several local organizations who donated door prizes to encourage student membership in their organization. Supporting businesses included: The Birmingham Zoo, Red Mountain Theatre Co., Vulcan Park and Museum, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Davenport’s Pizza Palace, Big Spoon Creamery, Ladybird Taco, Neighbor’s Ice Cream, Birmingham Boulders, and Sons Pops and Donuts.