‘Culmination of everything:’ Orientation begins for the OUWB Class of 2028

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine welcomed its newest group of students Monday as a busy week of orientation began for the Class of 2028.

The 129 members of the school's 14th class were welcomed first by Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean.

The day also included an introduction to Student Affairs, a presentation on the importance of professionalism, lunch with faculty from the Department of Foundational Medical Studies, and plenty of bonding time at an ice cream social and the on-campus TreeRunner Adventure Park.

Members of the matriculating class also picked up laptops, received locker assignments, wrote notes to their future selves (to be opened at commencement), and other logistics.

Berkley Browne, Ph.D., associate dean, Student Affairs, said the day was all about setting the tone for the students' experience at OUWB.

"I want students to know how excited we are for them to be here, how much we want them here, and how much they belong at OUWB," she said. "Today symbolized that first step in really bringing them into our community. Everything is designed with that in mind, from TreeRunner to the welcome message from the dean."

Carpenter kicked off the day by sharing some background about himself, the campuses of Oakland University, OUWB, and Corewell Health, and emphasizing the importance of OUWB's mission, vision, and values.

He also offered words of encouragement for the rest of the week.

[Link] "You're going to have a great week," said Christoper Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB.

"You're going to have a great week," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you."

He said there will be challenging days for them as medical students, residents, and physicians, but reminded them to always remember key attributes like compassion and empathy and that medicine should always be about the patient first.

He cited the 1927 publication by Francis Peabody called "The Care of the Patient." On a large screen, he highlighted a quote that read "the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient."

"Keep that in mind as you're going through (medical school)," said Carpenter. "You're going to have tough days as a medical student, resident, and physicians. But you've got to remember that what you're about is helping the patient."

"You can do it," he added.

Carpenter was followed by Browne, who provided a rundown of Student Affairs' numerous areas of responsibility: career development/residency preparation; academic coaching/learning assistance; large-scale signature events; student concerns of all type; student wellness; and more.

She noted that the various services are all crafted to reflect the goals established by the department: "OUWB Student Affairs partners with our students to promote their overall well-being and success as future physicians and individuals."

"We really see ourselves as partners with you," she said. "You are our junior colleagues who we a walking alongside to develop over the next four years and make sure that you're ready to enter the field (of medicine)."

Browne was followed by Lori Stec, M.D., professor, Department of Ophthalmology, and clerkship director. She talked about the importance of professionalism.

She defined professionalism as "a set of attributes, including empathy, resilience, life work balance, punctuality and communication skills."

Among other things, Stec also talked about how different every year of medical school is, the importance of having respect for patient confidentiality, suggested generally avoiding posting anything work-related on social media, the importance of communication and accountability, and having respect for the learning environment.

"Congratulations," she said. "The next four years you will have the opportunity to really create a foundation that you will apply to clinical and surgical care of your future patients."

'Culmination of everything'

As an Oakland University undergraduate, Gabrielle Abdelmessih was "excited to still be a Golden Grizzly."

"This is the culmination of everything I've worked for, and as an OU undergrad, I'd see the medical students and I so desperately wanted to be them," Abdelmessih said. "Now that I can finally call myself an M1, it's such an honor and a privilege."

Some students said it felt "surreal" being at orientation.

[Link] "It's a great campus, and everyone is so friendly," said Amira Rabbah.

"I just feel speechless, it's surreal," said Kyle Cragg, who, like Abdelmessih, is from the area. "Knowing what OU is all about, it feels cool to get back to the community and make it home."

"It still feels surreal," said Alexis Kleid. "I just moved here last week, and now I'm here, and the campus is so pretty. Everyone's been so welcoming and I'm just so excited."

Andrew Vanlddekinge said that after a "long and difficult road" it felt "fantastic to finally be here."

"I'm also nervous and excited…a lot of mixed feelings," he said. "Overall, I'm very excited to finally get started."

"The school is beautiful and the campus is really nice," he said. "The faculty that I've talked with have been super kind and welcoming…it's been a great experience to start."

Avery Supernois said the first day of orientation felt "super exciting."

"It didn't feel real until I walked in this morning and started seeing and meeting everyone," she said. "Everyone has been super nice and welcoming so it's been great."

Other students had good first impressions, too.

"It's very welcoming. It's a great campus, and everyone is so friendly," said Amira Rabbah. "From the faculty and staff to the fellow students I've met today."

"The faculty and staff are really nice and truly care about us," said Brandon Wilkes. "As a medical student, it feels good to be cared for."

"It's everything I thought it would be," Abdelmessih said. "As Dean Carpenter said, 'they walk the walk, and talk the talk.' That's been clearly demonstrated today."

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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