In early July, 32 medical students, representing the 18th class of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, joined the Cleveland Clinic family. This year, some of the orientation activities were held jointly with the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine University Program students, and, unlike last year, all the events were held in person, with appropriate masking and distancing, and in small groups when possible.
Over the course of a full week, students had a chance to meet faculty, staff and one another. In between prosaic activities, such as receiving their parking assignments and having their ID badge photo taken, they enjoyed meals and social activities, including a scavenger hunt.
In addition to hearing presentations about financial aid, study skills/time management and campus safety, students gathered for a dynamic presentation on diversity, equity and inclusion.
A highlight of this year’s orientation was the book club lunch, led by Rachel Schafer (‘25) and Jesse Fajnzylber (‘25), to discuss “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman. Students also were presented with a gift book, “On Being a Doctor,” edited by Christine Laine, MD, MPH, and Michael LaCombe, MD.
Toward the end of orientation week, all 216 incoming students attended a professionalism workshop and then broke into small groups to discuss various aspects of professionalism and write their Oath of Professionalism.
On Sunday, July 11, all the students gathered at Severance Hall for the White Coat Ceremony, where CCLCM students received their white Cleveland Clinic coats and all stood to read their Oath of Professionalism together. Sherrie Dixon Williams, MD, a pulmonary critical care specialist with the MetroHealth System, delivered the keynote address.
Read more about the White Coat Ceremony and view the recording.
