UNSOM Students: Incoming Class

Orientation
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Health Policies

Orientation

Orientation Week provides the incoming class the opportunity to meet with their new classmates, as well as the second year medical students. The week is planned by second year students, who create an introduction to medical school for their future classmates. The new class will also meet faculty and staff of the School of Medicine and learn about:

• Savitt Medical Library
• technology available to them
• financial planning
• student organizations
• curriculum
• professionalism

Please mark these important dates on your calendar. Attendance at orientation is mandatory for all members of the Class of 2012.

Orientation - August 11 - 15
Family Day - August 15, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
White Coat Ceremony - August 15, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Please note that both Family Day and the White Coat Ceremony provide excellent opportunities for your family and friends to join in the celebration and to learn more about the School of Medicine.

Family Day

Orientation week ends with Family Day. This event is designed to give families, friends, and significant others important information on what their student will be experiencing in medical school. It includes information sessions, a chance to meet other students and their families, and a school-wide barbecue. The day concludes with the White Coat Ceremony.

White Coat Ceremony

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation White Coat Ceremony welcomes entering medical students and helps establish a psychological contract for the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of compassionate care for the patient as well as scientific proficiency. A White Coat Ceremony or similar rite of passage takes place at more than 90% of schools of medicine and osteopathy in the United States, as well as at all four medical schools in Israel.

The School of Medicine ceremony, includes a welcome from Deans and university President. The cloaking with the white coat-the mantle of the medical profession-is a hands-on experience that underscores the bonding process. It is personally placed on each student's shoulders by individuals who believe in the students' ability to carry on the noble tradition of doctoring.

During the ceremony, the deans and faculty of the School of Medicine will present you with your first white coat, symbolizing your transition into the profession of medicine.

Scholarships

The School of Medicine works with students, through the Financial Aid Office at the University of Nevada, Reno, to offer the best financial aid package for students. There are three types of aid for medical students:

• Loans
  • Government subsidized
  • Non-subsidized
• Grants
• Scholarships

Scholarships are administered by the Office of Student Affairs, by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.  The School of Medicine Scholarship Application can be found here.

Financial Planning Timeline for Applicants/Accepted students

Health Care and Immunization Requirements

Immunizations:

1. Students entering UNSOM are required to furnish proof of immunization prior to registration.
2. Students are required to be immune to measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and hepatitis B. They must have skin test for TB within one year of enrollment.
3. Students are responsible for cost
4. Immunization cards will be issued.

Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards:

All medical students will be educated and trained to prevent or reduce exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Procedures and techniques have been developed to inform students of potential risk. In addition follow-up diagnostic and treatment regimens have been implemented.

Student Assistance Committee:
This committee will help identify, intervene, assist, support, monitor and serve as an advocate for students.

Mandatory health, disability and life insurance for all medical students

HIV and Communicable Diseases: (Link to section of student handbook)
All students directly involved in patient care, and who have an HIV or communicable disease must:

1. Be under care of a physician
2. Implement advice of that physician
3. Follow all current guidelines for health care workers provided by the Center for Disease Control.

The school recognizes the importance of confidentiality, and that the individual should be allowed to continue his or her career, as long as patients are not placed at risk. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.