In September, the first-year students participated in the Whole Patient Program, featuring Dr. Timothy Flanigan and his patients. This meaningful experience was made possible by the Stanley D. Simon, M.D. Lectureship and focuses on the exploration of the patient-physician relationship. Other curricular and co-curricular events included discussions on belonging, professionalism, wellness, and research, highlighted by a successful PLME Summer Research Assistantship poster session in October.

In addition, the Program hosted its first-ever PLME Week. The week kicked off with the Whole Physician Program, which featured a panel of physicians at various stages of their careers who discussed how physician identities shape medical practice. Traditionally offered only to first-year students, a very special edition of the Whole Patient Program welcomed participants from all four class years. This session featured Dr. Julie Roth, an adult neurologist, and Dr. Ana Albuja, a pediatric neurologist, who shared the unique experience of treating a mother-child pair of patients. The week continued with a special edition of Jeopardy! hosted by Dean Liza Aguiar, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Lorrie Gehlbach, Director of the Office of Academic Support at the Warren Alpert Medical School, on strengthening college success skills. To close out the week, the Office of Financial Aid at the Medical School offered an informative session on the financial aid process, followed by a personal account from a current medical student who shared her own experiences navigating financial aid.

Lastly, more than 60 PLME students are preparing for the Winter Break Connections Program, a mentoring program run by the Center for Career Exploration for 3 weeks in January. Participating students have been matched with PLME alumni for 3 weeks of virtual conversation and connection.