MUSM announces new lectureship on bioethics and medical humanities | The School of Medicine has established a lectureship in honor of two outstanding former faculty in bioethics and medical humanities. | | |
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Celebrating Women's History Month
This month is National Women's History Month (WHM). The 2024 theme for WHM is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women throughout the country who advocate for a positive future without bias and discrimination. In honor of WHM and this year's theme, we would like to highlight our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Established in 2021, MUSM's DEI Office works to create a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. The DEI Office has three Diversity Directors: LaQuanta Hamilton (Columbus), Terri Walker (Macon), and Vanessa Wallace-Lonon (Savannah). It is spearheaded by Wanda Thomas, the Chief Diversity Officer.
When asked about the importance of DEI in medical education, Thomas stated, "...it is important to advocate for every voice, background, and perspective that enriches our collective understanding and strengthens our community. As we advocate for a future where every student feels seen, heard, and valued, we shape not only the face of medicine but we advocate and shape compassion and care.”
Learn more about MUSM's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Ramadan 2024
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months in the Islamic religion, as it is a time of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion. This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, and will end on Tuesday, April 9. During this time, Muslims will commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an by spending extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Muslims will also fast from pre-dawn to sunset for all 30 days of Ramadan. This helps bring them closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, sick or older people, and children, are exempt from fasting.
Learn more about Ramadan.
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Celebrating Holi
Holi is considered one of India's most revered and celebrated festivals and is celebrated in almost every part of the country. Sometimes called the “festival of love,” on this day, people unite, forgetting all resentments and bad feelings towards each other. The festival lasts a day and a night, starting on the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in Falgun. It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on the first evening of the festival, and the following day is called Holi. In different parts of the country, it is known by different names. This year, Holi will be observed on Monday, March 25.
Learn more about Holi
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Good Friday
Good Friday is a significant religious holiday for Christians as it symbolizes a central turning point in the religion's history. The holiday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion and recognizes his ultimate sacrifice. In the early days of Christianity, Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. The holiday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter, which marks the day Jesus is said to have resurrected. This year, Good Friday will be observed on March 29.
Learn more about Good Friday
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MUSM's Religious Observance Policy
Mercer University is respectful of the religious practices of members of the student body. Students who will be absent from class for religious observances must confer with their instructor (graduate students) or the senior associate dean of academic affairs (MD students) regarding the date of the absence at the beginning of each semester or session, or at least two weeks prior to the dates of the absence.
The disposition of missed assignments will be arranged between the instructor/dean and the student. If a mutually satisfactory solution is not reached, the right to establish a reasonable alternative is reserved by the instructor/dean. Students who feel that their academic performance will be compromised by the alternative assignment/examination timetable may appeal to the dean of the school.
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Class of 2027 Merch Sale
The Columbus class of 2027 is currently hosting a MUSM merch sale. Items include hats, T-shirts, rain jackets, and pullovers. Prices range from $17 to $64. The sale will last until the end of April. If you have any questions, please contact Julia Stager.
Order here
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Upcoming Community Health Fairs
April 27 | 10 am - 1 pm | Washington County [NEW!]
July 13 | 9 am - 12 pm | Harris County
The Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center is looking for medical students to lead teddy bear clinics, conduct blood pressure checks, and perform other health demonstrations.
If you are interested in volunteering at any of these health fairs, sign up here.
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2024 Maternal Health Observership Program
Program Dates: June 17 - July 26
Applications for the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center's maternal health observership program are open to rising second-year medical students.
Applications close Wednesday, March 27
Learn more
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AAMC Virtual Speciality Forum
March 28 | 1 - 4 pm
AAMC invites all first- and second-year medical students to register for their free annual Careers in Medicine® program virtual specialty forum. The program works to provide equitable access to specialty exposure. Information and recordings will be archived and accessible to registrants who are unable to attend during the scheduled time. if you have any questions, contact CiM.
Learn more and register
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Statement of Student Responsibilities
All students should have received an email this week, reminding them to sign the Statement of Student Responsibilities. Completion of this form is required in order to remove any registration hold before the start of the next semester. If you have not done so already, you can click here to sign it electronically.
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Special Topics in Rural Health
The Rural Health Sciences PhD Program will be hosting several guest lecture events focused on rural health this semester. Each session will start at 9 am in the LRC Commons Room 201 on the Macon campus. The sessions will also be recorded to share later.
Upcoming Sessions
March 20 | Allen Tindol, MD; et. al. | Opioids in Rural Areas
March 27 | Chris Scoggins, MPH | Aging in Rural Health
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Important Dates and Events
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events celebrating our graduating class of 2024!
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Graduate Program Hooding Ceremony
May 1 | 2 pm | Auditorium (Macon)
Doors will open at 1:30 pm. Please encourage your guests to arrive by 1:50 pm as the ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 pm. More details to come.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
May 2 | 2 pm | St. Francis Hospital Auditorium (Columbus) | Auditorium (Macon) | Auditorium (Savannah)
Doors will open at 1:30 pm. Please encourage your guests to arrive by 1:50 pm as the ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 pm. More details to come.
Commencement Ceremony
May 4 | 2 pm | Hawkins Arena - Macon Campus
Check-in for students will start at 10:00 am in the Intramural Courts. Students should be dressed in their regalia and seated in Hawkins Arena by 10:30 am for instructions. For more information, please view the commencement guide.
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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. | | | | |