Around UMHS

Welcome, Class of 2010! Faculty, staff and families attended the annual White Coat Ceremony Sunday, Aug. 6, to mark the beginning of orientation activities for the 170 incoming first-year medical students. Of these, 45 percent are from Michigan, 16 percent are minorities underrepresented in medicine, 51 percent are women and 25 percent did their undergraduate work at U-M. Competition for acceptance was intense—4,787 applications were received and 781 interviews were granted. The class’ mean undergraduate grade point average was 3.72 and its mean MCAT score was 11.44. Nearly half (49 percent) of the students are recipients of scholarship support that will total nearly $1.5 million this year. Get more info on the new UMMS class.

As you know, the Health System is growing, growing, growing…and not just in East Ann Arbor! Two major building projects taking place on the main medical campus are construction of a new Children’s and Women’s Hospital (groundbreaking Oct. 6; opening 2011) and expansion of the Kellogg Eye Center, which includes creation of the Brehm Center for Type 1 Diabetes Research and Analysis (groundbreaking Sept. 19; opening 2010). To learn more about all ongoing visit the UMHS building projects Web site.

It’s time for the annual United Way campaign, a great way to support the more than two dozen Health System programs and services funded by United Way, or numerous community agencies that feed and shelter the homeless, provide medical care to the uninsured, offer crisis intervention services and carry out other critical services that improve the lives of thousands. These organizations depend on the generosity of all of us, so look for pledge materials in campus mail and look for more information on the University’s campaign Web site.

Health System faculty and staff have a quick and easy way to get scientifically based nutrition information with MFit’s Ask the Registered Dietitian online question and answer program. If you are confused about portion sizes, trans-fats and fad diets, or if you’re just looking for general advice on healthier eating habits, you can e-mail your question/concern to an MFit registered dietitian and receive prompt, reliable and motivating recommendations. The inbox is staffed every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just send your inquiry to MFitNutrition@med.umich.edu. Also, visit MFit’s Web site for more nutrition, fitness and overall wellness information.