Accepted Students Visit Campus for “Life at VP&S” Day
More than 150 applicants accepted to the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons visited campus last week for “Life at VP&S,” an event offering applicants a look into what they can expect if they choose VP&S for medical school.
The event offered tours of Washington Heights and the medical center and introductions to campus resources and programs, including diversity, inclusion, and belonging, student support and career advising, and student research. Prospective students also had the chance to learn more about the student-run free clinics and other community service opportunities at VP&S.
Several VP&S deans welcomed the students: Katrina Armstrong, MD, dean; Monica Lypson, MD, vice dean for education; Anne Armstrong-Coben, MD, senior associate dean for admissions; Jean-Marie Alves-Bradford, MD, associate dean for student affairs, support, and services; Salila Kurra, MD, associate dean for student career development at VP&S; William Turner, MD, assistant dean for student affairs; Anil Lalwani, MD, associate dean for student research; and Donald Quest, MD, assistant dean for admissions.
The event included campus tours for the prospective students and opportunities to mingle with current VP&S students.
“The admissions team, faculty, and students were thrilled to welcome so many accepted students to our amazing campus and community,” says Armstrong-Coben. “There was such joy and energy. We have been hearing from so many students that they can’t wait to join the VP&S family after spending time with us.”
The students also heard a presentation from Jane Bogart, EdD, director of well-being and health promotion at CUIMC Student Health, who facilitated an ice breaker activity called “Human Bingo” to help the prospective students get acquainted with their potential classmates.
The visiting prospective students are hosted during their stay by current students at VP&S, who provide opportunities to learn more about the school. The group enjoyed a catered lunch at United Palace, a landmark building in Washington Heights, and an evening event called CoffeeHouse that featured live music, singing, and dance performances by current students.