Welcome to Our Second Class of Students

Last year at this time, the USC School of Medicine Greenville welcomed the charter class of students to tremendous hoopla, including a gala celebration in the rotunda of the Health Sciences Education Building.

Present were beaming students, proud parents, broadly smiling faculty, and triumphant leadership from the medical school and Greenville Health System. Chests were puffed with pride and for good reason. Many people had gone to bat for our new medical school and the dream had finally come true.

What a dream it is!

This year, there is less formal hoopla, but no less pride as we welcome our second class of students. Here are some stats:

·       2,298 applicants in 2013 vs. 1,445 in 2012

·       54 accepted students in 2013 vs. 53 in 2012

·       77% from South Carolina both years

·       33 females, 21 males in 2013 vs. 29/24 in 2012

·       7 under-represented minorities in 2013 vs. 8 in 2012

The word has gotten out that we are a new school of thought; a medical school with the vision of transforming medical education, and in the process, America’s health care delivery system. Every word is true.

Before the Class of 2017 came on campus, we took time to interview a sampling to see why they had chosen us. The answers we got were both interesting and gratifying. Most said that during their interview with us, they saw our commitment to change, our vision and our passion, and wanted to be part of it. They felt an immediate connection to the Dean, faculty and staff. Several students said, “These people could be my family.” Considering they will spend four years with us learning, discussing, caring and stressing, family is a good thing for us to be.

Several students commented it was obvious that they are not numbers at the USC School of Medicine Greenville. The people they met at our medical school were genuinely interested in them and wanted to help. That is very true! We have a vested interest in each student. Other comments included:

“The Dean and staff shared their goal of improving patient care; that’s a vision I want to be part of.”

“The hands-on learning style fits me.”

“The building is state-of-the-art. I can easily see myself spending time here.”

A few students admitted to being skeptical of a new medical school, but meeting us changed their minds. The fact that we are embracing change, rather than shying away, appealed to people. One student commented she saw something here she hadn’t seen anywhere else:

“They have a dream, a sparkle in their eye.”

To the Class of 2017, welcome! May you share our dream and never lose that sparkle in your eye!