On the podcast, we are highlighting some exciting new initiatives that the UMSOM has been launching. In this episode, we are shining a light on the First Generation Task Force, a group of students creating a support structure and social and educational events to help all first-gen medical students feel empowered and well informed about the medical school journey. We'll hear from three medical student leaders of the First Gen Task Force: Wasilat Dosunmo, Annice Ufoh, and Akshaya Balaji. We cover the First Gen Task Force's origin story, mission, and how to get involved, as well as a few personal stories about imposter syndrome and asking for help.

Second-year med student Jules Einhorn approached The OSA Insider's team to propose a mini-series called "Five Questions," in which he interviews different faculty members and asks five questions to get to know them better. We were all for it. In this episode, we get to know Jules a little bit and then segue right into his first "Five Questions" conversation with Dr. Devang Patel, Infectious Diseases specialist and Assistant Dean for the Pre-Clerkship Curriculum at UMSOM.

In our last episode, we introduced you to the new BS-MD program at the University of Maryland, in which a cohort of premed students at UMCP can continue to medical school at UMB as part of an integrated program with dedicated leadership and mentorship. In this episode, we're introducing you to one of the students in the very first cohort of this combined program: Nane Manukyan, a rising junior at UMCP. We learn about her journey, what drew her to this program, what she's most excited about in the future, and words of wisdom for any students considering this pathway.

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.