UMMC SOM Newsletter
Week at a Glance
M1 School Supplies Drive
M1 DEI Committee Religion Panel
Mr. Mustache Pageant
Take a study break Wednesday night and watch your M1 and M2 classmates compete for the title of Mr. Mustache! Tickets will be for sale to vote for a Fan Favorite.. and a Least Favorite. Bring an item for the M1 School Supplies Drive and receive a free ticket to vote! All proceeds from the pageant and calendar sale will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Cookies, snacks, and drinks are provided, with laughing at the expense of your peers guaranteed!
2023 Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship Award
The Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship Award supports current or matriculating medical students interested in translating urology research into innovation by engaging them in a year-long fellowship mentored by world-class urologic scientists. One award will be provided for the July 2023 academic year. The Urology Care Foundation will provide a $20,000 stipend to the awardee, with the host institution matching the Foundation’s funds, for a total stipend of $40,000 to support participation in the program.
Applicants must be either a current or matriculating medical student at an accredited institution within the boundaries of the AUA Sections and be able to dedicate 100% of their efforts to the fellowship which must last 12 months during the anticipated award period of July 1st, 2023, to June 30th, 2024. Candidates from groups underrepresented in the scientific and medical workforce including women and racial/ethnic minorities, or applicants with research projects focused on healthcare disparities in urology, are particularly encouraged to apply. The application submission deadline is December 1st, 2022. For any additional information or questions, please contact grantsmanager@AUAnet.org.
UMMC CARES Holiday Charity Toy Drive
UMMC CARES is happy to announce that we are partnering with the Children's Safe Center to lead a holiday gift drive. All donations will be given to the patients at the Children's Safe Center, which provides care for children and young adults suspected of being neglected or abused. It is our hope that donating gifts will give the children hope and joy during this traumatic time. The collection box can be found on the first floor of the School of Medicine. In addition, an amazon wish list has been created with approved gifts for patients. If you have any questions, please reach out to Emily Davis (662)-882-2460, Katelyn Powell (662)-279-3260, or Jenna Hull (205)-528-1860.
JFC Volunteering
The Jackson Free Clinic has a GroupMe message for those interested in JFC Outreach, to keep you updated on opportunities as they arise. I promise we won’t spam you with a bunch of messages, and you can probably save yourself some time refreshing GiveGab by joining! These opportunities include BP and glucose screenings, vaccinations, preventive health, Hispanic outreach, and rural outreach. If interested, you can join with this link!
Upcoming Events
Medical Student Research Program
The Medical Student Research Program (MSRP) applications for the Summer of Research and Full Option are now open. The REDCap applications and more information about MSRP can be accessed through this link. Full Option (M2) Applications are due on December 30th, 2022. Summer Option (M1) Applications are due on January 27th, 2022. For any questions about MSRP or the application process or to obtain an updated copy of the MSRP mentor list, please contact MSRP (MSRP@umc.edu) or Meagan Follett (mfollett@umc.edu).
2023 to 2024 NIH MSRP Class Applications
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) is now accepting applications for the 2023 to 2024 MRSP Class. The deadline for completed applications is 5 pm EST, on January 6th, 2023.
The NIH MRSP is a unique, year-long residential research training program that seeks to attract talented, research-oriented medical, dental, and veterinary students to the NIH Intramural Campus in Bethesda, MD. MRSP is targeted at students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th years. MRSP is not simply a research program but a career development program for students heading toward careers in biomedical research. It is centered on a robust investigation experience: during the year, students select and engage in a mentored basic, clinical, or translational research project with an experienced research mentor that matches their professional interests, research focus, and career goals. While the focus is on a robust research experience, MRSP also provides students with a dedicated curriculum of academic activities featuring lectures by world-renowned scientists, clinical teaching rounds featuring patients from the NIH Clinical Center, a Journal Club addressing major issues in clinical research, as well as workshops in professional development such as work-life balance, CV writing, and interviewing skills.
Summer Oncology Research Fellowship Program
The Summer Oncology Research Fellowship Program (SORF) is looking for medical students who are interested in any field related to oncology to join our research program for an exciting 8 to 15 weeks during their summer vacation! The goal of this program is to promote their future success as potential physician-scientists related to oncology. SORF is aiming to be an in-person program this year, however, we will convert to a hybrid program depending on if there are any COVID restrictions. A $600/week subsistence will be offered for students’ summer work.
SORF encourages a Team Science Approach, i.e., a multidisciplinary research project with more than one mentor, with one being primary and another being a day-to-day secondary one. Students are paired with mentors based on their interests and project needs. They are to contact their mentor once paired to receive information on reading and the project. They will then present their project at the end of the summer. We encourage them to set a goal of a peer-reviewed publication and/or conference presentation/abstract/poster/oral presentation.
SORF applications can be accessed through this link. The deadline to apply is January 8th, 2023. For any questions or additional information, please contact Kendra Chan (HSOP@Chla.usc.edu).
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mentorship Program
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is now accepting applications for the 2023 Medical Student Mentorship Program. The experience will expose students to the diagnosis and comprehensive management of MS under the tutelage of MS experts located in 22 cities across the country. Students will work with neurologists and other clinicians specializing in MS (physiatrists, nurses, rehab therapists) and observe many aspects of MS specialty care. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferences for the host city.
This four-week mentorship program (June 5 – June 30, 2023) will be in person and is open to medical students who have completed at least one year of medical school. A $3,000 award will be provided to all students accepted into the program. The application deadline is January 11, 2023. For more information and to access the application visit our website.
2023 Scholars in Ophthalmology Research Program
Mass Eye and Ear and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School are excited to announce the Scholars in Ophthalmology Research Program. Research Scholars will begin in the summer of 2023 and remain engaged as alumni through activities afterward. Summer activities will include opportunities for mentoring with a practicing ophthalmologist and hands-on research in a vision laboratory. A $6,500 stipend will be provided for the eight-week internship living expenses.
All current MS1s and MS2s, from US medical schools, are eligible to apply. Students must guarantee an eight-week minimum of full-time commitment during the summer of 2023. Individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. More information on application requirements and the overall program can be accessed through this link. All required application materials and letters of recommendation should be sent by January 17, 2023, to Kahira Saez-Torres (kahira_saez-torres@meei.harvard.edu). Program admission notices will be sent by February 17, 2023.
Alpha Omega Alpha Research Award
The AOA Research Award is given by the UMMC Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha to two deserving medical students on an annual basis for the submission of the best original research manuscript. One basic science and one clinical research award are given out every year. The awards are presented at the UMMC Annual Honors Day Ceremony. In addition to a cash award, the winners receive a certificate commemorating this accomplishment and the ability to include the achievement on their CVs. Please contact Martin McCandless (mmccandless@umc.edu) with any further questions and application information. Manuscript submissions (Word or PDF) should be emailed to Zachary Kinler (zkinler@umc.edu) by February 1st, 2023.
Himalayan Health Exchange 2023 Expeditions
Himalayan Health Exchange is organizing medical and ‘wilderness medicine’ camps in north India's remote Trans- Himalayan regions and along the Indo-Tibetan Borderlands in 2023. Participation is open to physicians/residents and current dental, pharmacy, nursing, medical, dental, and allied health students. Upcoming 2023 Expeditions can be accessed through this link. Contact Ravi Singh (info@himalayanhealth.com) or Denton Shanks (denton.shanks@gmail.com) with any questions.
Telemedicine Research Study Opportunity
Dr. Vinayak Nahar from the Department of Dermatology at UMMC is conducting a research study focused on the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of medical and nursing students toward telemedicine. All UMMC medical students are invited to participate by completing a 10- to 15-minute survey. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time, there will be no penalty, and it will not affect your work. The questionnaire is anonymous. The results of the study may be published, but your name will not be known. Participation in the study is voluntary, and you will not be asked to provide any identifying information during the study. The internet protocol (IP) addresses for participants will not be recorded or stored. The questionnaire can be accessed through this link. Completion of the questionnaire will be considered with your consent to participate. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Nahar at (601) 815-5876 or vnahar@umc.edu.
Surgical Education Recruitment for Research Study
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore is recruiting MS1s and MS2s to participate in a research study comparing how video and textbook resources prepare medical students for operative cases during their surgical rotations. The study involves watching a video, reading about surgical procedures, and answering subsequent questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about various surgeries and how to prepare for the OR during clinical rotations! No prior surgical experience is necessary.
If you are interested, contact Emma Sterling (emmasterling@gwmail.gwu.edu). A member of the research team will then contact you via email with further instructions. Participation will take around 3 hours of time spaced out over 3 days and will take place within the next 6 weeks. This study was approved by the LifeBridge Health IRB (#2022 - 025) and given exempt status. There are no known risks involved in this research, and there will be no financial compensation for inclusion in the study. Participation is voluntary, and you may choose to not participate at any point.
Student Wellness
Student Counseling and Wellness Center: Operated by a staff psychologist and psychiatrist who are NOT involved in the training or evaluation or promotion of any medical students. 8th floor of the old Hospital. To make an appointment, call (601) 815-5588 or email scwc@umc.edu. More information is available on the SCWC website.
Humana Student Employee Assistance Program (previously LifeSync): Third-party, off-campus resource. Licensed professional counselors are available to speak 24/7. If you choose to call, you will talk with a trained professional who will ask you about your situation and connect you with an expert who can assist you. When appropriate, you will be referred to a local professional for up to 3 face-to-face sessions per problem at no cost. Your personal information will be kept confidential. To make an appointment with a provider, call (866) 219-1232. More information is available on the Student Affairs website.
Office of Student Success: They provide oversight to the following support services: Student Success Series (S3), Academic Accommodations, Academic Success Kiosk, Excellent Teacher, University Tutoring Services, Writing Collaborative, Academic Tools and Resources, and Student Complaints. You can access the Office of Student Success here to request help with one of the services listed above.
Academic Counseling for the School of Medicine: If you need help with time management, study skills, stress management, testing strategies, STEP Prep, or you just need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dakota Bibbs (nbibbs@umc.edu), our Academic Counselor. You can schedule a meeting with him here. You can also reach him via call or text on his cell at (901) 288-8070 if and when you need anything.
Requesting Technical Support in the SOM: Email SOMSupport@umc.edu to immediately open a ticket to resolve the issue. This is to be used for all users (Lectures, students, faculty, etc.) when needing IT assistance.
Connect with UMMC Police and Public Safety!
SOM Newsletter FAQs
What is the new SOM Weekly Newsletter?
We have a new way to distribute class announcements starting this academic year. The SOM Class Secretaries will write a weekly newsletter to distribute class announcements more efficiently and decrease inbox traffic.
How do I submit news to the Newsletter?
If you have an announcement about a class event, fundraiser, or interest group meeting, please send it to SOM-Newsletter@umc.edu. Please do not send blast announcements to the entire class or multiple classes.
Deadline for submitting information for the Newsletter?
Information for each week's newsletter must be submitted by Saturday at 6:00 PM at the beginning of each week. Don't forget to send us the Microsoft Teams/Webex/Zoom meeting links for your virtual meetings if you want them to be included in the newsletter!
Who do I contact for information about the Newsletter?
For more information, feel free to reach out to any of the SOM Class Secretaries or email SOM-Newsletter@umc.edu. Harrison Livingston, M4 (halivingston@umc.edu). Catherine Strauss, M3 (astrauss@umc.edu). Lindsay Rexrode, M2 (lrexrode@umc.edu), and Caleb Bloodworth, M1 (cbloodworth1@umc.edu).
Thanks for reading UMMC SOM Newsletter!