UMSOM Rising Third-Year Medical Students Celebrate Transition to Clinical Care Training at Annual Student Clinician Ceremony

The Class of 2027 is set to begin the next chapter in their medical education  

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) celebrated 165 rising third-year medical students at the Annual Student Clinician Ceremony on March 4, as they prepare to begin their clinical care training. Over the next two years, students will transition from the classroom to the bedside to gain experience seeing patients through a wide variety of specialties within local healthcare organizations.

The annual ceremony, hosted in coordination with UMSOM’s chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, aims to address the anxiety students can feel during this transitional period by discussing insights, fears, and expectations. Faculty and fourth-year students gathered in the historic Davidge Hall to share stories with the class and impart advice on how they can prepare for their unique experiences in patient care.

Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, reflected upon advice that he carries with him as a physician, encouraging students to embrace every experience with their patients and to dedicate themselves to continuous learning.

“My two pieces of advice are: First, embrace the relationship with your patients, their families and loved ones and reflect on those moments,” said Dean Gladwin. “My second is to become lifelong learners — you are going to set a trajectory for how knowledgeable you will be 15 years from now and for the rest of your life. Read whenever possible and always try to study the mechanism of disease of your patients.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Stephen Kavic, MD, MSHPE, who is UMSOM’s Campbell and Jeanette Plugge Professor of Surgery, Vice Chair of Surgery Education, and Director of General Surgery Residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center delivered an inspiring address to the class, reminding them of the professionalism, humanism, and purpose they embody as student clinicians.

“We chose this path because we wanted to, but also because, in our hearts, we believed that we were up to it,” Dr. Kavic said. “The reality is that you are as prepared as anyone to handle difficult things and, in fact, more ready than most. Professionalism is putting your patient’s needs above your own, while still taking care of yourself enough to keep going.”

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A lifelong learner, Dr. Kavic recently completed his master’s degree in Health Professions Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). He has also been named a “Top Doctor” by Baltimore Magazine the past ten years.

Following ceremony remarks, students helped each other place gold UMSOM professionalism pins on their white coats.

“Use the pin as a reminder of all that a Maryland student can be,” Dr. Kavic encouraged in his keynote address. “You may find just enough motivation when you are tired and worn, bored, or just old like me.”

Prior to the event, several of the rising third-year students reflected on the symbolism of the Student Clinician Ceremony and the opportunity to serve patients.

Aishwarya Iyer, a dual degree MD/PhD Candidate ’27 in UMSOM’s Medical Scientist Training Program, said the ceremony, “symbolizes the honor and duty of playing a more integral role in a care team,” she said. “The opportunity to contribute directly to the well-being of patients is both a privilege and a profound responsibility that I eagerly embrace.”

Oluchi Ogbonna, MD Candidate ’27, was inspired to pursue medicine through her public health studies and family members who pursued careers in the field. She said she looks forward to having conversations with patients throughout her clinical rotations. “Building rapport, hearing peoples’ stories, and expanding my worldview are aspects of medicine that cannot be taken for granted,” she added.

Hammad Baqai, a dual degree MD/MPH Candidate ’28, said he aims to use his public health background and medical training to reduce preventable complications by improving early interventions and providing patient education. “I hope to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved populations,” he said.

Astrid Widjaja, MD Candidate ’27, shared that being told to remind herself that she was not “just a medical student” was the best piece of advice she has received. “It’s easy to forget during stressful moments that, while I may not have the experience of being a seasoned physician, I can still bring value to patient care,” she said. “Whether it’s by providing compassion, curiosity, or a fresh perspective, I have the ability to make a meaningful impact.”

Before closing the ceremony, the Class of 2027 recited the student clinician oath reaffirming their commitment to excellent patient care and upholding the values of UMSOM.

Presenting sponsors of this year’s event included the University of Maryland Medical Alumni Association and Whiting-Turner.

Photos from the ceremony can viewed here >