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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
First Generation Scholars
Wednesday, November 4
12:00 pm
First Generation Scholars is proud to host Dr. Ulysses Davila as he narrates his journey as a first-generation student, pediatrician, and father. Join us as his experiences can help you navigate your journey. You do not need to be a first generation to attend.

National Chats for Change
Wednesday, November 4
12:00 pm
Join the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai's Chat for Change, a series of monthly dialogues focused on racism and bias. The November chat is focused on decentering whiteness. Join the discussion to share and identify strategies and tactics that can be used in medical school.


Professional NIH Grant Development Workshop
November 18 and 19
10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Master the techniques of writing winning NIH proposals. Following the workshop, you will understand how to navigate the mechanisms of grant procurement, identify the critical sections of successful proposals, and demonstrate the excellence and innovation that propels your research beyond other submissions. You will also understand the diversity of the study sections and comprehend how to respond to various NIH guidelines.

Your training covers the overall strategic plan for writing proposals including: statement of significance, hypothesis, specific aims, approach, key personnel, and budgets. Instructors will engage you in interactive exercises, lectures, and discussions so you can better understand how to research, write, and develop your individual research proposals. The workshop fee is $595.

Understanding Chronic Conditions Through a Story of Cerebral Palsy
Friday, December 4 (NEW DATE!)
12:00 pm
Join Erin Gill as she shares her journey with cerebral palsy. She will give us insight on how to deal with a chronic condition from the perspective of the patient as well as from the perspective of family, friends and co-workers.

Bears Prepare: Class of 2022
Thursday, December 10
1:00 pm
Mark you calendars for this upcoming session where we will discuss preparing for year four. Zoom information will be provided once we get closer to the session date.
WELL BALANCED
Holidays in a time of COVID
It’s hard to believe the holidays are almost here. This year you mind find them to be more stressful and lonely as a result of the restrictions set for social gatherings due to COVID-19. If you aren’t able to spend time with family and friends, there are ways you can still make meaningful connections. Reach out virtually through Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. Connect the old-fashioned way and make a call. Of course you can text or send an email, but why not try something more personal like a handwritten letter?Even though handwritten letters have become somewhat of a lost art, it's worth trying. Both you and your recipients will benefit. Sending a thoughtful letter is a wonderful way to touch the people you love, and research shows it can also make you feel happier. Writing letters is a great way to express gratitude. It can help you feel more satisfied and relieve symptoms of depression. So if you’re feeling down this holiday season, send someone you care about a handwritten letter, odds are it will not only brighten their day, but yours as well. 
GET INVOLVED
Doctor for a Day 2021
Doctor for a Day 2021 is looking for more volunteers! Doctor for a Day is a conference in Atlanta that gives high school and pre-med students the opportunity to be exposed to medicine and network with current medical students and physicians. This year there will be a "Journey & Life as a Physician" presentation, medical case review, medical student panel, two interactive sessions, and a networking lunch. Last year the interactive sessions involved chest compression coaching and exposure to pathology specimens. It really is a great learning experience!

If you're interested, email Dylan Krause, student coordinator or Andrew Hearn to learn more. We would love to have a strong Mercer presence and Andrew is currently the only medical student representing us.
Call for Entries
Each year the Association for the Advancement of Philosophy and Psychiatry offers the Karl Jaspers Award for the best paper on a topic in philosophy and psychiatry authored by a student or trainee. The award carries a cash prize of $350 and recognition in AAPP publications. The deadline for submission of entries is Friday, December 11, 2020.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Career Counseling
Macon Class of 2024: If you haven’t met with Dr. Nobles-James for an Individual Career Counseling and Academic Advising appointment, please go to https://calendly.com/nobles-james to set up an appointment at your convenience. These need to be completed by December 8.

Savannah Class of 2022: Don't forget to make an appointment for your individual career counseling and academic advising session. This is a good time to discuss the progress on your core clerkships and your thoughts on the application process. Email Jason Norris, student affairs and admissions coordinator, to find a time that works for you.
RECOGNITION & KUDOS
Congratulations
Dr. Kristen Kettelhut, MUSM faculty member and alumna, is the recipient of the 2020 Georgia Department of Public Health Award for family physicians. The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) in partnership with the Department of Public Health (DPH) bestows this award annually. 
 
The award is given to a chapter member who has supported Georgia’s mothers and children above and beyond the routine scope of family medicine. Thank you for being a pillar in your community and a leader in our professional community. Your work with Team Triumph is just one example of how your work supports children with special needs.
 
The Georgia Academy will be presenting this award to Dr. Kettelhut virtually on November 8 during the 2020 Board of Directors Meeting.
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.