Officials from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine welcomed nearly 100 potential medical students to its campuses in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak last week.

Called Second Look, the two-day event provided admitted students a comprehensive overview of OUWB. Participants were from southeast Michigan, the Midwest, and other parts of the U.S.

Attendees learned about the school’s curriculum, various departments, support services, student organizations, had access to current students and alumni, and took advantage of opportunities to see where they could spend the next four years preparing to be physicians.

It happened just before the April 30 deadline for medical school applicants to commit to one school.

“It’s about the students getting a second exposure to who we are and what we have to offer,” said Abhi Krishnan, Ph.D., associate dean, Admissions and Enrollment Management.

“It’s an opportunity for students to ask those specific burning questions they’ve had … and an opportunity for OUWB to really showcase what it’s all about. Second Look is special.”

Admitted applicants like Joseph Gareis of Naperville, Illinois called OUWB’s Second Look a “great experience.” He drew comparisons between being part of Butler University’s track and field team as an undergraduate and the vibe of OUWB.

“The things I look for most in a medical school are culture and community,” he said. “Coming from an athletic background, I appreciate having teammates who would keep me accountable to do the extra steps …I see that same culture and values (at OUWB).”

‘A great experience’

Second Look is viewed by OUWB as a crucial part of the school’s student recruitment and engagement strategy. It’s exclusive to students who are currently admitted to OUWB. The school’s admissions team spends months preparing for the event.

The first day is spent on the school’s home campus in Rochester.

Students were welcomed by Krishnan and Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB.

“I’m very happy that you joined us for Second Look,” said Carpenter, who went on to explain that he feels “OUWB is special.”

“That’s why I hope all of you take a really long second look at us,” he said. “We want to make sure your dreams of being a doctor come true.”

Following the welcomes from Krishnan and Carpenter, an academic overview panel discussion was held featuring clinical and Department of Foundational Medical Studies faculty and OUWB administrators.

Participants were David Thomas, Ph.D., associate dean, Preclinical Education; Rebecca Pratt, Ph.D., professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies; Kurt Wharton, M.D., professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Malli Barremkala, M.D., associate professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies; and Pierre Morris, M.D., associate dean, Clinical Education.

The panel talked about the philosophy behind OUWB’s curriculum and how that translates to how education at OUWB is structured and delivered. Among other things, panelists also addressed how basic science and clinical learning work together at the school; what early clinical exposure looks like at OUWB; longitudinal courses at OUWB; and the structures in place to help students thrive.

“We have an amazing academic success team,” said Pratt. “You just must remember you’re not alone. We want you to feel seen.”

After the panel, admitted students continued their deep dive into all things OUWB and heard from representatives of the Clinical Skills Training and Simulation Center, Student Affairs, and Diversity & Inclusion.

Abram Brummett, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, talked about OUWB’s bioethics curriculum. Specifically, how OUWB students explore complex questions and scenarios, how they navigate uncertainty, communicate with empathy, and care for patients with dignity and respect.

He emphasized the importance of addressing such topics with students while they’re at OUWB.

“The reality is that if I could download all of the medical knowledge that we have in the world into your brain right now, you might still end up being a really bad doctor,” he said. “It happens because the practice of medicine is an art and a science, and you have to have both to do it well.”

Also on the first day of Second Look, admitted students toured OUWB’s and OU’s campus, were fitted for white coats, and had even more opportunities to engage with school departments and student organizations.

“I’m having a great time,” said Yusuf Fateh of Canton, Michigan. “Everybody’s really friendly, accommodating, and trying to help us as much as possible.”

“It’s been a great experience,” added the graduate of Wayne State University.

‘The best medical school’

Day two of Second Look took place at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital (WBUH) in Royal Oak.

It began with a welcome and overview from OUWB’s financial services and alumni departments. Students — many with family members — then toured WBUH and heard from panels consisting of current students, alumni, and physicians.

M3 Zoe Michael was among current students who volunteered to lead tours.

“People who give tours can have a big impact on whether or not (admitted students) want to attend OUWB,” she said.

Admitted students expressed that the Second Look experience had left a positive impression.

“I really liked that it seemed organized and that they truly cared about the student experience,” said Rajaa Alhamd, a Grand Rapids resident who did her undergrad work at Johns Hopkins University. “Everybody seemed really happy and the faculty and staff were all engaged.”

Similar feelings were shared by Nicole Krochmal of Plymouth, who earned her undergraduate degree from University of Michigan.

“Everything felt intentional and I really appreciated that,” she said.

Family members of admitted students also said they felt good after Second Look.

Bruce Washington, M.D., a retired physician, attended with admitted student Katie Washington. He said OUWB officials “did a great job of explaining everything.”

“After spending two days here, we’re really impressed,” he said. “The school is expanding so fast and it has so much to offer … I really feel OUWB is the best medical school in the whole Midwest right now.”

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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