August 20, 2001
Hello Again Future Physician,
Alas!!! Must all good things come to an end? Is there truly no Santa Claus? Could this really be the last mailing from Pritzker School of Medicine’s Student Orientation Committee? Unfortunately, the answer is yes (to the last question, at least), but before you go and get teary eyed on us, read on, because we’ve saved the absolute best mailing for last! It is unbelievable!
We continue to hope that your summer is going fabulously. For many of you, the next month is likely to be somewhat of an emotional limbo—part of you enjoying a relaxing summer and the other part eager to start your new life as a medical student. Our only advice is to enjoy! Do the things you love and come to Pritzker ready to take on new challenges. We have spent a lot of time planning Orientation Week so that it will be the best possible transition for you. Fun will be had by all (we promise), and by the end of O-week you will have all the information needed to get you ready and psyched to start classes. So, on that note, let’s get down to BUSINESS!! Ready?…Go!!
During O-Week, it will be helpful to have a check-book handy or some cash available for the following:
Please bring these checks already filled out except for who it goes to:
Note: you do not have to register for these groups during orientation. Talk to other medical students and see what they applied to and why.
But Wait! There’s MORE!!!!!
O-Week Schedule: We have included a copy of the O-week schedule so that you can better plan your week. A final copy will be distributed on the first day of Orientation. Note that the biochem placement exam is scheduled for Saturday, September 15th, at 8:00am in the Biological Sciences Learning Center (just meet in the lobby; come early if you want breakfast!) and the review is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14th (time and place to be announced).
Sample Class Schedule: When we were in your shoes last year, we wanted to know what our class schedule would be like, so we have enclosed a sample class schedule for the first week. Although it should be emphasized that this is a tentative schedule and is not etched in stone, it will at least give you a general sense of what to expect.
Anatomy Information: Also included in this packet are materials from Kyle Nash-your anatomy support person (i.e. nurturer) discussing some important issues about anatomy.
Mentor Match: Those of you who requested a second-year mentor will find enclosed the name of the student with whom you have been matched. Expect to receive a letter from your lucky mentor in the near future. Or if you are really ambitious, go ahead and contact your mentor first. Say "Jen and Alex sent me" and receive a gargantuan discount off your mentor’s used textbooks (participation may vary).
AMSA Clothing Sale: Buy clothes now for yourself or the padres for the coming holiday season.
White Coat Invitation: Your very own white coat invitation is included to have and hold forever.
Financial Aid Entry Interview: The internet address for the entrance interview is located at
Community Service Day: Please rank in order what community activities you would like to be a part of on Community Service Day on Wednesday, Sept. 19th. Please give to us on the first day of Orientation, Sunday, Sept. 16th.
Extracurricular Clubs and Social Groups: The most exciting part (we think!) Please peruse through the large selection of available clubs and groups that spark your interest. More information on these groups will be available at the Activities Fair on Thursday, Sept. 20th. Until then, we just want to wet your palette on what good, fun times lay ahead!
Special Invite for Family/Spouses/Friends: to the lecture of "What Medical School Means for All" on Sunday, Sept. 16 2:00pm-3:30pm. Please send the copies with the envelopes we provided in this mailing to the people in your life you think will benefit the most from this type of lecture. Please have them RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Remember: Don’t be stressed if you aren’t able to read through these mailings in painstaking detail. This isn’t homework! Everything that comes from us is only meant to help you make a smooth transition to medical school.
We promise that by the first Monday of class:
Well, that is it folks! Remember to enjoy the summer! Plan a trip, visit family and friends, read a good book, do whatever makes you happy and leave the rest to us. Please feel free to email any last minute questions or problems (we are surprisingly friendly and helpful). Twenty-two points, plus fifty special bonus points, for reading all our letters. Who’s the big winner? You are! Enjoy the rest of your summer and we will see you in September!
Sincerely,
Your loving co-chairs,
Jennifer Gnerlich Alexander Langerman
773-256-0961 773-684-7686