Welcome to the family: Campbell med school holds Accepted Students Day

Debi Pipes welcomed a crowd that filled a lecture hall on the second floor of Levine Hall on the campus of the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM).

She looked into the crowd and proposed three goals centered around three words - communication, connection and community.

"We just really want you to feel like what it's like here at CUSOM," said Pipes, director of Student Affairs. "What are our values? What makes it special and why you should be here."

Although the incoming students may still choose another medical school, Accepted Students Day helps solidify their decision to pick Campbell.

"We hope to give you a lot of information on what the next four years will look like, what your medical school experience will be like and, between now and matriculation, what do you need to do." Pipes said.

The crowd, consisting of about 165 accepted students and guests - took part in the annual Accepted Students Day on Saturday, March 28, a day that included information sessions, small group interactions, tours, exhibits, a housing fair, financial aid and academic information and a panel discussion, including current med students and alumni. In all, some 60 CUSOM students volunteered to help Saturday.

"They have a heart for service," said Pipes, who introduced members of the Student Life team at CUSOM. "We are here for you. If we don't know we'll point you in the right direction. I'm always going to be in your corner."

One volunteer, first-year medical student Brendan Di Cerbo, said coming to CUSOM was the best decision he ever made.

"Just seeing how everybody interacted, how the staff really appreciates and support students … I could just see how they support each other and the camaraderie here," Di Cerbo said.

"It's just a great environment."

Students on Saturday were offered guided tours of the med school, and representatives of the Navy, Army and Air Force attended the event, providing information and answering questions about the benefits of becoming a military physician after finishing medical school.

Ten current medical students and graduates composed the panel, which covered myriad topics. They answered a plethora of questions on topics, such as prepping for clinical rotations, targeting specialties, raising a family while attending med school, serving rural communities and taking part in global medical missions.

"I tried to go on every mission trip I could," said Kirk Mattern, a second-year med student responding to a question about what he has learned at CUSOM so far. "Putting your hands on patients and knowing that they're loved and cared for."

He talked about the value of learning to connect with patients on an emotional level. People from places such as the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Ghana.

"The (Campbell University Community Care Clinic) is one of the best things about CUSOM," said Abby Cooley, a second-year med student.

Dean Dr. David Tolentino welcomed his first incoming class as leader of the medical school.

Campbell is a special place, he said. A family.

"I'm really honored to be part of this, and to be part of your journey," Tolentino told those in attendance. "I want the parents, the loved ones … to know that your future osteopathic physicians … will be cared for. They will be supported."

Osteopathic medical school won't be easy. It will be a challenge, he said. But students will get that valuable support, whether that support applies to their academic or mental health.

"CUSOM does a very good job of listening to its students," said first-year med student Dr. Janavi Mehta.

"The amount of support you have … lean into it," said Christian Long, also a first-year med student.

Tolentino struck on myriad topics, including the chance to take part in global health missions, learn in the simulation center and, as students progress in med school, in clinical rotations throughout the region.

"Welcome to this family," he said.