New Friends

3:20 PM

Author | Christopher Thompson

This summer I began medical school and started, once again, a search for friends and a community. I've moved three times in the last three years – from college in Rhode Island to an exploratory year in Chicago to a post-bac in Southern California. Each move has included an awkward dance of getting to know strangers and making friends. I do have good friends scattered across the country, however each year has meant starting from scratch in someplace new.

Like the many times before, this was the case when I first arrived at Michigan. UMMS has emphasized its commitment to community all the way back to interview day. Our orientation is called "Launch": an homage to the enthusiastic community-building that occurs during that first week on the medical campus. While a community is built, the process still resembled something of an awkward dance. Hours might be spent repeating our respective undergrad universities, whether or not we came "straight through," and fun facts sprinkled in here and there. I'm not sure if it was my excitement at being in med school or my fear of making no friends that propelled me forward.

Launch week was as fun as it was exhausting. Free food was plentiful. We had several opportunities to wear our white coats, which feels simultaneously cool and very much like dress-up. (I quickly got peanut butter all over one of the sleeves, making me feel decidedly the latter and not the former).

© Copyright 1995-2024 Regents of the University of Michigan

Our responsibilities were few: One afternoon I spent four hours floating down the Huron River with about fifty of my new classmates. People drank beer, ate fresh Michigan cherries, and snoozed (it's a very slow river).

School has started in full force and friendships have accelerated, have been pushed forward by the "we're all in this together" attitude that pervades the library after a certain hour. We share our experiences in the hospital, the VA, or other clinics we shadow in.

True to Dean Gay's promise, the Michigan community is strong and inclusive. This Saturday is Michigan's first home game and friends are scrambling to quiz by Friday to enjoy the game. I'll often visit the slounge (the student lounge) to interrupt other students camped out in order to socialize.

© Copyright 1995-2024 Regents of the University of Michigan
Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories deflated orange balloon on white background close up on the part that's blown into
Health Lab
The truth about penile implants
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue in the United States, but most people aren't aware of a penile prosthesis being a potential, life changing, option. An urologist, who performs these procedures, discusses what to look for in a surgeon, why high volume centers are best and dispels misinformation on the topic.
Health Lab
Cannabis & older adults: Poll looks at use, beliefs and risk
Many older Americans use cannabis products containing THC for a range of reasons, but a sizable percentage may be taking risks or facing potential addiction.
Sheeren Family wearing blue Run, Walk N Roll 5K t-shirts standing on football field.
Philanthropy News
Mott family’s 5K event has raised more than $750,000 for palliative care patients
The Sheeren family’s annual 5K has benefited several family-friendly programs providing comfort, support, and compassionate care at Mott.
man walking on treadmill in open space with person in blue scrubs and scrub hat
Health Lab
Less than 1% of COPD patients receive pulmonary rehab following hospitalization
Rehabilitation can help patients who are recovering from an injury or illness. However, new data suggests patients hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, aren't receiving it.
Madison Fitzgerald, Ph.D., after her defense, holding the department's D# sign. Every M&I grad student signs it after defending. Left to right: Melanie Pearson, Madison Fitzgerald and Harry Mobley
Department News
Congratulations to Dr. Madison Fitzgerald for defending her thesis!
On Monday, June 10, 2024, Madison Fitzgerald defended her thesis titled “Transcriptional Regulation of Proteus mirabilis Pathogenesis in Urinary Tract.”
internal medicine fall review thumbnail with fall leaves background
Department News
Internal Medicine Fall Review CME Course
Join us for the 10th Annual Internal Medicine Fall Review taking place on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, 2024.