USF Health Morsani College of Medicine welcomes its strongest academic class yet

The end of July is one of the most exciting times of the year for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. It's when students, staff and faculty welcome the newest group of medical students.

The 130 first-year medical students representing the Class of 2028 checked into MCOM July 29 to begin their four-year medical school journey.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, evaluated thousands of applications to select the class of 2028. This cohort of students represents MCOM's academically strongest group yet, with a median MCAT score of 520, placing it in the 97th percentile, or top 3%, among other freshman classes nationally. In addition, the incoming medical students hail from a wide variety of backgrounds and participate in a wide variety of hobbies that include athletics, gardening, and playing a musical instrument.

Charles J Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of MCOM, gave a presentation to the class on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether in school or as a practicing physician, obstacles are here to stay, he said, and knowing how to successfully navigate those obstacles is the difference between success and failure in medical school and positive patient outcomes as a patient.

To conclude his presentation, Dr. Lockwood reemphasized the academic performance of the class to build confidence in their ability to persevere and graduate medical school and become successful physicians.

"Uncomfortable and risky situations should always be seen as opportunities to learn," Dr. Lockwood said. "You're very well qualified. You can do this. We know you have the brains, talent, drive, and persistence to do this. Good luck to all of you."

The Class of 2028 will spend the next two weeks adjusting to life as medical students during Professions of Health. The class will celebrate their first major milestone Sept. 6 at the Tampa Convention Center when they receive their first white coats at the Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony.

Class of 2028 Profile:

130 Students

51% Male, 49% Female

Median GPA: 3.95

Median MCAT: 520 (97th percentile)

18% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 61% Florida, 39% out of state

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