Dean John Chapman helps first-year medical student Rosemary Deshazo don the traditional doctor’s garment at the white coat ceremony, part of medical school orientation. (photo by Dana Johnson)
New VUSM class embarks on educational odyssey
Dean John Chapman and Chancellor E. Gordon Gee share a laugh with incoming medical students at Chapman’s annual pool party. (photo by Dana Johnson)
Dr. Deborah German hugs Dean John Chapman after presenting him with a special gift, a traditional white coat embroidered with the name “Dean of Deans.” (photo by Dana Johnson)
Understanding criminal behavior isn’t necessarily a skill that will come in handy in medical school, but it could offer some important insight someday if Daniel Hoh pursues his interest in emergency medicine.
Hoh, one of the 104 first-year students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, comes into medical school with a unique experience. He spent last summer as a college intern at the FBI academy in Quantico, Va.
“I have always been interested in forensic science and criminal behavior,” he said. “The internship is intended to give rising senior college students a taste of what the FBI does. It’s intended to erase some of the mystique around the FBI. It was a really great opportunity. I learned a lot and there were a lot of perks.”
Hoh, a neuroscience major at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was able to participate in FBI training activities, including SWAT team training.
Hoh said he has several friends who are current medical students or who have graduated from the Vanderbilt program. Their enthusiasm about VUSM is what brought him here.
“Besides having a great program, the emphasis on student community here is renowned across the country. It’s a great place to go to medical school,” he said.
First-year medical students attended the annual orientation last Monday and Tuesday. After being welcomed by Dr. Harry R. Jacobson, vice chancellor for Health Affairs, and Dr. John E. Chapman, Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the students participated in the traditional White Coat Ceremony, where they received their student coats.
They also were treated to the annual “The Good Doctor” lecture by Dr. Deborah C. German, senior associate dean for medical education, where students are asked to describe what attributes they would want in a physician who is caring for a loved one.
Dr. Bonnie M. Miller, associate dean for Medical Students, spoke to the students about maintaining balance in medical school.
Roy Eyal knows a great deal about balancing.
After five years as a national acrobatic competitor, Eyal has left his time-consuming hobby behind as he enters medical school. He took up acrobatics — different from gymnastics in that all competition is on the floor — in 1993 after visiting a San Jose, Calif. team practice.
He has been competing in the mixed pair division since. His partner was a 12-year-old girl.
Eyal, a University of California, Berkeley graduate, who is interested in addiction medicine, said that he is proud of his acrobatic accomplishments.
He and his partner reached their highest level in the fall of 1998 when they competed in the Winterthur Cup competition in Switzerland.
The first-year class includes a Stravinsky International Piano Competition finalist, selected to study with famous composers in Paris; a Pike National Forest firefighter; and a wrestler.
Amy Morris Musiek and her husband, Erik, both College of William and Mary graduates, are entering medical school together. Married July 1, they chose Vanderbilt because of the high level of student satisfaction.
“We considered waiting until after the first of the year, but felt the support would be nice,” Amy said.
Jonathan R. Watson, an Abilene Christian University graduate, also has spousal support — but a year ahead. He is married to Melissa Gibbs, now a second-year student.