A truly exciting new program at the University of Maryland is a combined BS-MD program, in which undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park can embark on a path that leads to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, accompanied by dedicated mentorship from faculty on both campuses. It's an integrated program with lots of support structures built in. In this episode, we'll get to know the two directors of the BS-MD program: Dr. Ian White at UMCP and Dr. Nitin Seam at UMB. Together, they'll share the origin story, goals, logistics, and what excites them the most about this connection between the two UM campuses and the students they're recruiting.

Dr. Tonya Webb is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology whose scientific work focuses on cancer immunotherapy. She is also the Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Student Life in our Office of Student Affairs. What does this particular role mean? How does her office engage medical students, and how does she know when an initiative or project is working when it comes to enhancing student life? In this episode, we'll get to know Dr. Webb, all the hats she wears, and how she approaches meeting, engaging with, and helping our students.

We all assume that once we match at a residency program, we're set. It's practically etched in stone that we'll spend the next 3-7 years of our life at that one hospital. But what if the residency program isn't the right fit? What does it mean to transfer residency programs? How hard is it to make that choice? What happens next, and what's the process like afterwards? SOM alum Dr. Miriam Robin, an academic Med/Peds hospitalist, lived through this exact situation. It wasn't easy, but she emerged on the other side happy, thriving, and successful. She shares her story with us in this episode, along with guidance for any trainee who may find themselves in a similar position.

The Student Clinician Ceremony is a rite of passage for our medical students as they move from the classroom to clinical rotations. As a companion piece to the upcoming Student Clinician Ceremony, we are delighted to bring you the wisdom and perspectives of Aidan Wiley, MS4. He shares stories of humanism in his third year, where he received help in a moment of need, and his top advice for students at this special time in training and life.

We're continuing our Applying to Residency series with this lovely, informative, pearl-packed conversation with Dr. Vandana Racherla, pediatrician and Program Director of the Pediatrics residency program at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her guidance is highly relevant to future pediatricians, and it's also valuable for any medical student interested in different career paths.

Happy new year! For our first episode of 2026, we are featuring a topic that's not flashy, but it is so important - records and registration. What are the differences among MedScope, Vida Nova, SURFS, and UMB's MyHub? What should you do if you have a hold on your record? What if your future residency program contacts the OSA to request verification of your medical education? Mr. Brian Wynder answers all these questions and more. He is the Records and Registration Coordinator for the SOM, also known as the MD Program Registrar. He helps peel back the curtain on how records and registration work so that each student can achieve success.

Our series on applying to residency programs marches on with a deep dive into the Dermatology application process with SOM 2025 graduate, Dr. Emily Ma. She shares practical, down-to-earth advice for applying to such a competitive specialty.

We are continuing our series on applying to residency programs, this time with a warm, wise conversation with Dr. Fernando Martinez Guasch. He graduated from the SOM in 2025 and is completing his internship year before pursuing an Ophthalmology residency. He shares so many insights about the Ophtho match and about navigating this time of life in general.

Our series on applying to residency programs continues, this time with UMMC's General Surgery Program Director, Dr. Steve Kavic. He shares a wealth of information on what he looks for in candidates, how to approach personal statements and interview days, and how he supports his residents to achieve their career goals.

Our special series on applying to residency continues, this time with an interview with Internal Medicine Residency Program Director Dr. Danny Baek. She shares her approach to the residency application process and match, how signaling works in her field, what she looks for in applicants, and her best advice for students navigating this unique life chapter. This episode is filled with practical info and tons of support for our students.