This Week @ MUSM is the official student newsletter of Mercer University School of Medicine designed to keep students up to date on key information and events.
Dealing with Stress from the Pandemic
COVID cases are on the rise again, which can cause our anxiety and fear to become overwhelming. While it can be difficult to not feel stressed all the time, there are ways to effectively alleviate these feelings. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a website dedicated to COVID-related stress management resources. The site even breaks down resources by population. There are sections for healthcare workers and responders, including mental health providers, employers and community leaders, and the general population. One topic the site focuses on is unhelpful thinking. It suggests that we replace unhelpful thoughts like, “the world is a dangerous place” with an alternative helpful thought like, “most of the time I’m safe.” Seeing things in a more positive light, can make coping during this time easier. The website also offers a free mobile app called COVID Coach designed to help you manage stress, build resilience, and increase your well-being. During this difficult time, it’s important to try and frame your reality in the best possible light and always make time for self-care.

Class of 2024 Summer Research
In order to identify student research opportunities, head of student research Gretchen Bentz, PhD, is asking for all MS2s who completed research projects outside of MUSM during the summer to share the details via this form.
National Hispanic Health Foundation Scholarship
The National Hispanic Health Foundation’s (NHHF) Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship application is open now through September 24.

Family Medicine Essay Contest
The Center for the History of Family Medicine at the AAFP Foundation is sponsoring its first-ever essay contest for medical students and residents. Along with a $1,000 award, the first-place winner will be featured in a video at the 2022 AAFP National Conference. The second-place winner will receive a $500 award. Submission deadline: November 1.

Bear Health Educators
The Bear Health Educators (BHE) program is inviting medical students to speak to the BHE class on November 9 at 5pm about the effects of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping. BHE trains undergrads to help their fellow students maintain healthy habits in college. Please email Dr. Carol Bokros or Dr. Nichole Casaceli to learn more and volunteer.
Interreligious Dialogue: Religion and Health
Dr. Robert N. Nash of the McAfee School of Theology and Dr. Brian Childs would like to host a meeting of medical and theological students to discuss the relationship between religion and health. They are working to determine a date and time. The event will be held via Zoom on a Tuesday afternoon in September or October.

Email Dr. Childs if you are interested and can be available on a Tuesday between 1:30 and 3:30pm. This invitation is open to all medical students. This event may be used as a basis for a more formal relationship between the medical school and school of theology. While voluntary, a student can note participation on their CV.
Community Medicine Research Opportunity
Work on a research project run by Krista Mincey, DrPH: "Understanding What Influences Health Behaviors Among Black Male Graduate Students"
Objectives are to understand:
  • What influences the health behavior of Black male graduate students
  • How masculinity impacts the health of Black male graduate students
  • The level of influence they have on the health behaviors of those around them (i.e. family, friends, partner, kids)
This research will use in-depth interviews to gather information on the points listed.

How students can get involved: Students can assist with data collection and analysis. You do not have to be on the Macon campus to participate. Students who make a significant contribution to the research will be listed as an author on any presentations and publications that come from this work.

If you are interested in this opportunity, email Dr. Mincey with the subject line “INTERESTED IN RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY”
Bioethics and Medical Humanities Faculty Candidates
September 8 | 12 pm EST
Please join the Bioethics and Medical Humanities Department for the final presentation in the series of candidates for a faculty position in bioethics and medical humanities on the Macon campus. Every presentation will use the same Zoom link.

AAMC Money Management Webinar for Medical Students
September 10 | 2 PM ET 
Register for this upcoming webinar to learn common sense approaches to borrowing wisely and managing monies during medical school. You'll also get information about student loan repayment options and strategies, as well as tips on finding free money and improving credit.

White Coat Ceremony
September 11 | 10 am EST
Join us for the Class of 2025 White Coat Ceremony where they will be welcomed into the medical community donning their first white coats. One ceremony will be held for all three campuses at Hawkins Arena in Macon.
MUSM Research Seminar Series
September 14 | 1 pm EST
Join Jacqueline McGinty, PhD, director of the Medical University of South Carolina Brain Research Institute, as she presents her latest findings from her lab regarding the neuroscience of drug-seeking behaviors.

The series presents cutting-edge research conducted both internal and external to MUSM. Contact Dr. Bryant Smalley, Associate Dean for Research, with any questions.

ACP Women in Medicine Webinar
September 14 | 3 pm EST
In a webinar open to ACP members, Susan Hingle, MD, MACP, FRCP, FAMWA, explores the impact of gender inequity in medicine, the importance of inclusion and gender equity, and strategies for recognizing and addressing gender inequalities in medicine.

MD Class of 2024 Fundraiser
The MD Class of 2024 Student Council in Savannah is selling MUSM merch to raise funds for their events and activities. Their custom online shop is open through September 14.
Webinar for students: Effectively Utilizing ERAS
Sept 8 | 11 am EST
As a follow-up to the Effectively Utilizing Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®) webinar, ERAS staff will host a 45-minute Q&A session for 2022 residency applicants. ERAS staff will answer the most frequently asked questions submitted by applicants as well as live questions. This webinar will be recorded and shared.

Carolinas Medical Center Internal Medicine Virtual Open House
Sept 9 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm EST

SLU IM URM Meet and Greet
Sept 11 | 8 pm EST

NRMP 2022 Main Residency Match Registration
September 15 | 12 pm ET
Registration opens soon for the 2022 Main Residency Match conducted by the National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®). NRMP is a separate organization and thus requires a separate registration by applicants. Students who intend to participate in the Main Residency Match should view the resources at nrmp.org for registration, eligibility, and participation information.
Beaumont Health (Royal Oak, MI) EM Meet and Greet
Sep 15 | 7 pm EST

UCLA-Olive View Psych Virtual Info Session and Meet & Greet
Sept 18 | 11 am - 12:30 pm PT

This Week@MUSM is the official student newsletter of the Mercer University School of Medicine. Visit our website to learn more or view past issues.