Medicine

College of Medicine welcomes incoming medical students

Pallavi Kulkarni, a first-year medical student, models the masks provided in the welcome box during orientation at Penn State College of Medicine on July 15, 2020. Credit: Penn State College of Medicine / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State College of Medicine welcomed its incoming class of medical students during a virtual orientation July 15 to 17. The Office of Student Affairs presented the orientation online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The orientation began with welcome remarks from Dr. Kevin Black, interim dean, and Dr. Terry Wolpaw, vice dean for educational affairs. It included sessions on diversity, finances, curriculum and resources available to students.

The incoming class visited campus July 15 for ID badge photos and to receive a welcome box consisting of helpful resources, a Penn State-themed mask and a Hershey’s Chocolate bar.

“We won’t go back to how things were before COVD-19 both in health care and in education,” Wolpaw said in her opening remarks. “You’re starting medical school in the new and present normal and will help shape the future.”

The class consists of 152 new students, including 12 who will participate in the University Park Curriculum and seven who have joined the MD/PhD Physician Scientist Training Program. The College of Medicine selected the students from 8,800 applicants. The students come from 23 states and one foreign country and represent 76 different academic majors. They have participated in basic science and clinical research, have served in more than 125 service organizations and are versed in 27 foreign languages.

“These students have deep experiences in research and medicine, have served in many leadership roles and come from diverse communities,” said Dr. Dwight Davis, associate dean for medical student admissions. “The faculty and staff of the College of Medicine are proud to welcome this truly outstanding incoming class.”

See a gallery of orientation photos here

Last Updated July 21, 2020

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