To Be...A Spartan MD

Though few initially anticipated the pandemic would stretch into a new year, the College of Human Medicine worked tirelessly as the months carried on to adjust and ensure the safety of our students, communities, and patients alike. Now into a second spring, t he College of Human Medicine Office of Admissions aimed to document the experiences of our student body. Recruiting some new students to share their experiences, our diverse group recaps the winter months leading into spring. A few seasons into the pandemic and beyond initial issues, students faced evolving challenges. Click below to read their great insight.

Not many things came easy this last year. Yet despite plenty of disruptions and challenges, the Class of 2021 responded honorably in every way. That included displaying high levels of poise and patience during a residency selection cycle steeped in uncertainty amid a global pandemic that has upended life beyond just medicine. While the 2021 edition of Match Day marked the second in which fourth-year College of Human Medicine (CHM) students and their families were forced to celebrate virtually on the account of the pandemic, this year's seniors were the first to see their entire residency match process pivot to virtual.  Going online certainly presented it's hurdles, but the virtual nature of this year's interviews also helped to eliminate some of the larger barriers—time and cost—that are associated with the process during more traditional cycles.  The 2021 Main Residency Match became the largest in National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) history, with 38,106 total p

White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL), an MSU College of Human Medicine student group seeking social justice and health care equity for Black patients, is working to develop an alumni project to honor Black physicians. The group’s goal is to emphasize the importance of social activism as a necessary component to becoming a trustworthy physician within one’s community. Assistant Dean for Diversity and Cultural Initiatives and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Human Development Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, serves as the group’s faculty mentor. “WCBL’s  mission—which includes dismantling racism in medicine and promoting the health, well-being, and self-determination of people of color—aligns well the our mission that includes promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people,” Dr. Lowery said. “Being a physician provides us with an opportunity to not just provide health care but to advocate and educate improving the lives of our patients and our communities.” Wisdom for future Spartan MDs The