ECU medical school’s newest class kicks off their Brody experience

ECU medical school's newest class kicks off their Brody experience

Members of the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine's Class of 2028 spent last week gearing up for medical school, establishing friendships and connections and getting a closer look at what their next four years will look like.

Eighty-three students were selected for the Class of 2028, with UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State and ECU producing the most graduates among the class members. The class also represents every region of North Carolina.

Dr. Kema Gadson, Brody's associate dean for student affairs, said the Class of 2028 brings a unique enthusiasm to the halls of the Brody Medical Sciences Building.

"What makes this class special is their energy and eagerness to join a community of medical learners committed to our mission of practicing in primary care and serving the health care needs of North Carolina.," she said. "What stood out the most is their level of engagement in the various orientation sessions and the immediate connections they made with each other through facilitated activities organized by the M2 Orientation Ambassadors."

The group gathered the week of July 22, starting with welcome messages from Brody leaders and icebreaker activities to begin to get to know each other. Students wore shirts representing their respective undergraduate institutions and mingled, asking each other survey questions to learn interesting facts about each other.

Gadson welcomed the students and likened medical school to an athletic event, inspiring metaphors of resilience, teamwork, effort and confidence. She urged them to learn to lean on each other throughout the medical school journey.

"A lot of you are going to learn a lot about yourselves over the four years that you're here, and definitely over the first six weeks of medical school," she said. "You're going to need each other during the time that you are here."

Dr. David Eldridge, senior associate dean for academic affairs, also welcomed the students with advice and information on resources, support and opportunities. He also detailed the structure of Brody departments and offices to support students.

"You have worked extremely hard to get here; that's the truth," he said. "It's an arduous process to go through this interviewing, put your CV (curriculum vitae) together, how many hours shadowing. Now that you're here, take this opportunity to make the most of it. Where there's hard work to be done, just embrace it, enjoy it and move forward.

During the week, the students heard from various office and department leaders, went through CPR training, learned policies and underwent other training. On Friday, the class attended the 16th annual José G. Albernaz Golden Apple Distinguished Lecture, featuring Dr. Emmanuel Zervos, professor in Brody's oncology division. Zervos urged the students to embrace the medical school experience and allow themselves to grow through every step along the way.

After the lecture, the class stood and recited the physician's pledge.

"At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession, I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity," they said together. "… I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration."

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