The new class participated in a Learning Community Sorting Ceremony during orientation on Monday, July 25.A new class of 186 medical students was welcomed to UAB School of Medicine at orientation on Monday, July 25. Orientation will run through the week, until Friday, July 29. During this week they will meet with their Learning Communities, spend time getting to know their fellow classmates and hear from faculty members in Medical Student Services and the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education.
“I’m most excited about getting to know all of my classmates and making those friendships that will last all four years,” said Annabeth Brewton, MS1 student and Birmingham native.
Orientation Director Sara Beth Deas understands that the transition into medical school can be overwhelming and stressful for new students. She hopes orientation helps them gain confidence as they begin this new process.
“My goal for the week is to make everyone feel welcome, get them excited about starting medical school and answer any questions that they have,” Deas said.
Collectively, members of the Class of 2020 come from 16 home states, attended 53 colleges and universities and have 57 different undergraduate degrees.
“I chose UAB because it’s the center of medicine in our state,” said Savannah Johnson, MS1 student from Arley, Ala. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to come here and learn from the best and the brightest.”
Following orientation the students will complete their first medical school class, “Patient, Doctor, Society.” PDS is a two week course that provides a general overview of the human aspect of medicine, medical ethics and how doctors can serve as advocates for their patients.
The students will receive their white coats after the completion of the PDS course. The White Coat Ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 14, at 2 p.m. in the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.