Orientation | Larner College of Medicine Admissions | The University of Vermont(title)

We welcome first year students with a quality orientation program that helps them become familiar with our campus and our community. Orientation is an essential part of the transition to medical school and is a credit-bearing course; therefore, participation during the entire orientation is required.

More information about Orientation will be emailed to you in early July. We know you will have many questions! Please review the information on this page and if you still have questions, do not hesitate to email us at StudentCOMServices@med.uvm.edu

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Message from the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education

We are a college dedicated to serving patients, the medical profession, and the local community. We strive to provide a positive learning environment and a culture of respect, dignity, and compassion for one another and for our patients.

-Christa Zehle, M.D.

Orientation

What will I get from orientation?
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Through your participation in Orientation you will be able to:

  • Describe the teamwork model within the curriculum and the medical profession through curricular and social interactions with fellow students, staff, and faculty, while getting to know the Larner community
  • Understand curriculum structure, delivery methods, and academic expectations
  • Understand the LCOM’s commitment to professionalism, especially the importance of cultural humility to ensure equity and inclusion in our community and in the practice of medicine
  • Describe a local community need and contribute to addressing that need via community service
  • Understand how to locate and utilize services and resources provided by the Office of Medical Education, the College of Medicine, UVM and the community
  • Understand evidence-based pedagogy and the science of learning
  • Use computer and software tools to enable access and utilization of the curriculum content
  • Identify financial planning services available through OME
Am I required to attend the entire Orientation course?
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Orientation is an essential part of your successful transition to medical school and your first official course; thus, attendance is mandatory.
 

What should I wear to Orientation?
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Student dress should be business casual for Orientation with comfortable shoes, unless instructed otherwise (specific activities during the week may call for alternative attire).  The Medical Student Handbook Policy 640.00 - General Guidelines for Medical Student Appearance offers additional guidelines for medical students.

What should I bring to Orientation on the first day?
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Please bring a government-issued ID. We recommend that you bring a backpack/tote bag for the materials (including a laptop) you receive during Orientation as well as a pen for completing paperwork. A number of students also carry water bottles. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on the first day. 

Do I need to enroll in classes?
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Admitted students are automatically enrolled in their first-year classes; students do not need to worry about enrolling in classes.  
 

When will my first-year schedule be available?
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We will register incoming students for their classes, after which the schedules are accessible in OASIS. Your detailed course calendar will be made available on the Vermont Integrated Curriculum webpage (VIC Portal) shortly before the course begins. 

When does the Orientation course begin?
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Orientation begins in the first half of August and lasts for one week. More information will be made available in VIC portal. 

Are excused absences permitted?
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If you have an issue that will prevent you from attending any portion of Orientation, please review the Medical Student Handbook Policy 510.10 - Attendance: Foundations Level for information regarding course absences during the Foundations Level of the curriculum.

Course Director

Karen Lounsbury, PhD

Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Curriculum • Professor of Pharmacology

Karen.Lounsbury@uvm.edu