The College Program and the College Cup

In between the hours of lecture and study, the patient interviews, lab checks, surgeries and call nights, medical students do occasionally get the chance to have some fun.

In the fall of 2015, USC School of Medicine Greenville launched the Colleges program. The Colleges are designed to promote camaraderie, wellness, and mentorship through activities related to team building, civic engagement and medical student well being.

When the fall semester began this past year, each student in the M1-M4 classes was assigned to one of five colleges named after renowned leaders in medical education: Sir William Osler, William Augustus Hinton, Abraham Flexner, John Hunter and Ann Preston. Each college is led by four students, one from each class, and assisted by faculty mentors. Together the students and faculty plan events to promote camaraderie within their respective colleges, as well as a little friendly competition between the colleges.

Over the past year, College events included the Penny Wars, which raised over $1400 for the Red Cross in Columbia, SC to aid in flood relief, Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Fitness February, Capture the Widget Competition, and College Spirit Week leading up to the First Annual College Cup.

The College Cup!
On Saturday the 19th of March, USC SOM Greenville had its first annual College Cup. The medical students put down their books, left the wards, and stepped onto the playing field. We have many unique and talented students, but they don’t just work hard in the classroom!  The day of games brought out that competitive streak as each group set their eyes on the prize. First place award: a sparkly and colorful paper hat! More importantly, the winning team would snag the most points for the college competition that has continued all year.

The morning started early with soccer and volleyball. After some intense play, Osler College managed to take home the gold in the first two events of the day.  In the afternoon, the opening ceremonies took place with the College Cheer competition. Each college created cheers and dances to show off their spirit, and had the chance to display the team banners. Dr. Buggy was deeply moved by Osler college’s “Teach me how to Buggy” and they won first place.

The biggest event of the day was the relay race, which required many different skills, several students, and took place all over the gaming facility skills. The relay consisted of gym sprinting suicides, a scrub change, potato sack race, donut and watermelon eating, egg tossing, hula hooping, and a scooter race to the finish line! Hunter College placed first in the big relay, with an outstanding watermelon eating performance. The basketball competition was a particularly intense event that took place throughout the day. Plenty of sweat and a little bit of blood was shed, but it was all fun and games. Osler College came out on top with strong work.

The afternoon continued with many events that took place while basketball played inside. Flexnor College shined in a few rounds of trivia. Nearby, Hunter College came out victorious in dodgeball.  Hinton College achieved a victory with a fierce game of cornhole. In addition to the events for the day, each college gained extra points for attendance and participation in the jellybean count contest.

The day’s events concluded with Tug-of-War. Those who had participated in events all day lined up to face each other one last time, and powered through a few tough rounds. Hunter College gained another victory to finish the day.

As the day concluded, the points were tallied and awards given. Fifth place went to Preston College, fourth to Flexner, third to Hunter, second to Hinton, and drumroll please… first place to Hunter College!

The College program was developed to promote camaraderie among all classes at USC SOM Greenville. A lot of effort, innovation and time went into this program’s development and the first College Cup. As a student, participating in the games was a great experience. It was a chance to be active, get away from my books, and socialize with students in the other classes that I don’t often see. I appreciate the support and motivation we get from the faculty who help organize these gatherings that have taken place all year. It’s important to remember that life must continue outside the classroom. Our education is important, as we are training to help save lives in the future, but we cannot be our best if we don’t live our own lives and take care of ourselves first. The chance to exercise, socialize, play games, or simply leave the books is an opportunity I greatly value.

Thank you to all students and faculty who participated and developed the College Cup games and the Colleges program! Click here for more pictures from the day’s activities.

Laura Simon

Laura Simon

I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, but have lived in Greenville for the past 13 years. I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry in May 2013 at Virginia Tech, where I swam for the varsity team. My pursuit of a career in medicine began with my interest in biochemistry and physiology. I really enjoy reaching out to my community and interacting with people. I am excited to begin my medical career and make an impact at USC School of Medicine Greenville, where I can become a well-rounded, compassionate and successful physician, improving the lives of my patients.

 

Carly Atwood

Carly Atwood

 

Carly Atwood, M3

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