The UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed 196 new students to the class of 2029 for New Student Orientation, held July 28–31. Throughout the week, incoming first-year medical students engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to equip them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to begin their medical education confidently.
Over several days, students attended sessions designed to lay a strong foundation for their time at Heersink. Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean, welcomed the class, followed by Nicholas Van Wagoner, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for Students, who introduced the school’s four pillars of support and emphasized the importance of balance in building a sustainable career. Kevin Leon, M.D., associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, reviewed the four-year curriculum, highlighting active learning in the pre-clinical years and hands-on clinical training at Birmingham or one of the three regional campuses based on student assignment. Caroline Harada, M.D., and Jerry Friedman discussed service learning opportunities through the Office of Service Learning, and Todd Peterson, M.D., assistant dean for Students, encouraged students to explore the wide range of career paths in medicine. These handful of sessions were accompanied by dozens of other sessions and activities throughout the week to introduce students to the faculty, staff, offices, and areas they will encounter throughout their medical school journey.
A standout moment of the week was the white coat try-on, a symbolic rite of passage marking the start of each student’s medical education. For the first time, this event was held in the newly constructed Volker Hall Atrium, providing an inspiring setting for students to step into their future roles as physicians. Thanks to a generous gift from the University of Alabama Medical Alumni Association, students received their white coats and shared in the excitement together—a tangible reminder that they are embarking on this path as a community.
Immediately following the try-on, students were sorted into their Learning Communities (LCs) during a lively event led by second-year orientation leaders at the Spain Auditorium. The ceremony featured fun sketches performed by each LC and a countdown as students opened their envelopes to reveal the groups they will join and be part of all four years of medical school. These small communities foster both personal well-being and professional growth, providing students with support, mentorship, and connection over the years.
“I’m feeling very excited and ready to start and meet new people and explore Alabama,” said first-year medical student Betlehem Mekonnen.
“New Student Orientation is one of my favorite times of year at the medical school,” said Jessica Orcutt, MPH, program manager I in Medical Student Services. “The incoming students are so energized and excited to begin their medical education, and our orientation leaders love welcoming them to the Heersink family. We have an amazing group this year, and it’s a privilege to watch them grow into their roles as future physicians.”
Throughout orientation week, new students connected with orientation leaders, senior student officers, and LC representatives—peers who have walked this path before and now serve as valuable mentors. With classes officially underway, excitement is building for the White Coat Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, at noon at the Alabama Theatre. This milestone event will formally welcome the class of 2029 into the medical profession and celebrate the official start of their medical careers.