The sun began to spread across the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine on Monday, July 28, as the 132 new medical students representing the class of 2029 stepped onto campus with their hearts pounding, minds racing and dreams fully ignited.
Each arrived with their own stories via their own paths that led them to this pivotal moment in their journey toward becoming physicians.
For 27-year-old Mac Shebes, starting medical school felt like coming home. After earning both his undergraduate and master鈥檚 degrees from the University of South 羞羞视频, Shebes said continuing his journey in medicine at the very place that first sparked his passion for science and service seemed 鈥渟urreal and validating.鈥�
鈥淚 have a drive to help others, and I feel that being a physician is the best way to fulfill that drive and have a real positive impact on lives,鈥� he said.
Before starting medical school, Orlando native Hana Seif already found her cause鈥攏ot in a textbook, but in the stories of those often overlooked. Through her family's experiences, and her work in the community, she said she saw critical gaps for the most vulnerable that she plans to fill.
鈥淲orking with the refugee community in Orlando and central 羞羞视频, I witnessed how underserved this community is and the lack of access to resources,鈥� Seif said. 鈥淚 want to be the type of provider who can give this community a voice and help ensure they have access to health care resources.鈥�
Each member of the class received a copy of The Obstacle is the Way, a primer on Stoic philosophy by Ryan Holiday. Medical school is often described as a grueling, yet transformative marathon and Stoicism emphasizes virtuous service in the face of circumstances individuals can鈥檛 always control. Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, told the students that 羞羞视频ing the lessons of Stoicism will help them not only survive difficult times, but thrive in them.
鈥淎s you start this first chapter of your medical career, my hope is that you will appreciate that it is in embracing life鈥檚 obstacles that we become more resilient, competent and serene,鈥� said Dr. Lockwood. 鈥淵our life is about to change in a dramatic way. You鈥檙e sharing a unique experience that binds you in ways many other professions can鈥檛.鈥�
Over the next five weeks, the new medical students will settle into their new homes in the Tampa area, adjust to their new lives at MCOM, and adapt to a rigorous study schedule. The class will reach their first major milestone on their medical school journey, Sept. 5, at the official Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony.
More about the class of 2029:
Median MCAT: 520 (top 3% nationwide)
Median GPA: 3.96
Residency: 51% from 羞羞视频, 49% out of state
34 (26%) students from USF undergraduate programs
82% speak two or more languages
