Welcoming the Future Physicians of Tomorrow
The hallowed halls of Stanley Park High School are about to welcome a new generation of aspiring medical professionals. As the OUWB Class of 2024 embarks on their transformative journey, the school community is filled with a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation.
On a sunny Monday morning, 129 eager individuals joined the 14th class of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB), kicking off a week of orientation that would set the tone for their next four years. These future physicians hail from diverse backgrounds, united by a common passion for healing and a steadfast determination to make a difference in the lives of their patients.
A Week of Preparation and Connection
The orientation schedule was meticulously crafted to familiarize the new students with the OUWB community and prepare them for the rigors of medical education. From introductions to the Student Affairs department to sessions on the importance of professionalism, each activity was designed to equip the Class of 2024 with the tools they need to succeed.
“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,” said Berkley Browne, Ph.D., associate dean of Student Affairs. “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.”
The day began with a warm greeting from Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, who shared his own background and emphasized the school’s mission, vision, and values. Carpenter’s message resonated with the students, who were eager to embark on their medical journey.
“You’re going to have a great week,” Carpenter reassured the class. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you.” He encouraged the students to remember the importance of compassion and empathy, reminding them that the secret to caring for patients lies in truly caring for them.
Embracing the Challenge, Celebrating the Triumph
For many of the students, the orientation experience felt like a “culmination of everything” they had worked towards. Gabrielle Abdelmessih, an Oakland University undergraduate, expressed her excitement at finally becoming an “M1” student.
“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 shared. “Now that I can finally call myself an M1, it’s such an honor and a privilege.”
Other students echoed similar sentiments, describing the experience as “surreal” and “fantastic.” Kyle Cragg, another local student, remarked, “Knowing what OU is all about, it feels cool to get back to the community and make it home.”
The sense of belonging and community was palpable throughout the day, as students bonded over ice cream socials and adventures at the on-campus TreeRunner Adventure Park. Faculty and staff from the Department of Foundational Medical Studies also joined the students for lunch, fostering meaningful connections and setting the stage for the journey ahead.
A Rite of Passage: The White Coat Ceremony
The orientation experience culminated in the highly anticipated White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic rite of passage for the OUWB Class of 2024. This momentous event, attended by nearly 1,000 people in person and online, marked the official welcoming of the new medical students into the field of medicine.
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., president of Oakland University, set the tone for the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.
“Welcome to a rite of passage in your journey in your medical career which, we are so proud to say, begins at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine,” Pescovitz said. “At the heart of your journey is a dedication to heal and serve.”
Abhinav Krishnan, Ph.D., associate dean of Medical School Admissions and Enrollment Management, highlighted the diverse backgrounds and impressive accomplishments of the class, including their more than 108,000 hours of collective service to their communities.
“Each and every one of you deserves to be here,” Krishnan said. “You are all unique individuals distinguished by the (American Association of Medical Colleges’) core competencies such as communication, altruism, leadership, integrity, and more.”
The ceremony was a moment of triumph and pride, as the students crossed the stage to receive their white coats – a symbolic representation of their commitment to the medical profession. Riya Gupta described the experience as “surreal,” while Nooraldin Kamalaldin expressed his appreciation for the school’s welcoming efforts.
Fostering a Supportive Community
Throughout the orientation and White Coat Ceremony, the theme of support and community was evident. Jay Fisher, M.D., president of Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, emphasized the importance of the students looking out for one another.
“Look around you,” Fisher said. “These are your people. This is your community. These are the people that you are going to depend on over the next four years.”
This sentiment was echoed by Shreya Desai, M2 and current president of the Medical Student Government, who shared her own experience of struggling with a test and the support she received from her peers and faculty.
“My friends helped quiz me, faculty spent extra office hours with me, and my family cooked for me every night, no matter how late I got home,” Desai said. “My support reminded me that I am still meant to be here.”
As the OUWB Class of 2024 embarks on their medical journey, they can take comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone. The faculty, staff, and fellow students at OUWB are committed to their success, ready to walk alongside them and provide the guidance and support they need to thrive.
A Bright Future Ahead
The orientation and White Coat Ceremony were just the beginning of an incredible journey for the OUWB Class of 2024. As they step into their roles as future physicians, they do so with the support of a dedicated community and the knowledge that they are well-prepared to make a lasting impact on the lives of their patients.
“Today is your turn to start your medical school journey,” Carpenter said. “And believe me, it’s a life-changing one.”
With the guidance and inspiration of the OUWB faculty and staff, these aspiring medical professionals are poised to become the compassionate, innovative, and dedicated healers that the world needs. The Stanley Park High School community looks forward to following their progress and celebrating their achievements in the years to come.
To learn more about the resources and support available to the OUWB Class of 2024, please visit the Oakland University website.
