Outreach & Events

 

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Outreach and Events Committee (OEC) is to enrich the medical school experience by fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and well-being among students through the planning and execution of engaging, inclusive, and enjoyable events. The OEC is dedicated to creating a supportive and vibrant environment that complements the rigorous academic journey with memorable and meaningful experiences.

What We Do

The Outreach and Events Committee is a vital part of the medical school student council, charged with the mission of infusing the medical school journey with a spirit of unity and enjoyment. Recognizing the intense and often stressful nature of medical education, the OEC is committed to offering students a well-deserved break from their studies and an opportunity to connect with their peers in a relaxed and supportive setting.

  • Event Planning and Execution: Organizing a wide range of events tailored to the interests and needs of medical students. These events may include welcome orientations for new students, cultural and holiday celebrations, health and wellness activities, sports events, and formal balls. The committee ensures that each event is carefully planned, from conceptualization to execution, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

  • Community Building: The OEC plays a crucial role in strengthening the sense of community within the medical school. Through social gatherings, group activities, and team-building events, the committee fosters relationships among students across different years, promoting a culture of mutual support and friendship.

  • Collaboration and Outreach: The OEC collaborates with other committees, student organizations, and external partners to enhance the quality and reach of its events. By working together, the committee ensures a rich variety of experiences and opportunities for student engagement.

In essence, the Outreach and Events Committee is the heartbeat of the medical school's social and community life, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere where students can thrive not only academically but also personally and socially. Through its dedicated efforts, the OEC ensures that the medical school experience is well-rounded, memorable, and filled with moments of joy and connection.

MedProm

MedProm at OSUCOM is the highlight of the academic calendar, an annual formal event meticulously planned to provide medical students with a splendid evening of sophistication and joy. It invites students to momentarily step away from their demanding schedules and textbooks, donning their finest formal wear for a night dedicated to dancing, gourmet dining, and fostering connections with peers. Set in a beautifully decorated venue, this event combines the elegance of a traditional ball with the spirited atmosphere of a dance party, offering a unique opportunity for students to relax, celebrate their achievements, and create lasting memories. As a cherished tradition, MedProm helps students balance between the rigorous academic pursuit of medicine and the importance of community and well-being among future healthcare professionals.

2024: MedDisco themed, Saturday, March 2 @ The Kee

2023: MedProm @ COSI

2022: Roaring Twenty’s MedProm @ Columbus Athenaeum

Annual Talent Show

Student Council hosts the annual Medical Student Talent Show, a celebrated tradition showcasing our med students' remarkable talents beyond medicine. From enchanting cello and ukulele performances to soulful singing and energetic dancing, the evening promises a diverse array of entertainment. Audience members will play a crucial role in awarding the talents, alongside our esteemed OSUCOM Celebrity Judges. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary abilities of our future healthcare professionals in an event that celebrates creativity, passion, and community.

In spirit of the arts bringing everyone together for healing, we also use this event as an opportunity to support a music therapy program near us. The 2024 Talent Show supported the Heather Pick Music Program to bring music to patients with cancer at the James Cancer Hospital.

Family Weekend

Each Fall, typically late October

The Family Weekend, organized by the Medical School Student Council, is an event aimed at giving families a glimpse into the medical school experience. Over the course of the weekend, families have the chance to take part in a campus tour, attend a few student presentations, and meet some of the faculty and staff. It's a opportunity for students to show their loved ones a bit of their daily life at medical school.

The weekend includes casual get-togethers, allowing for some relaxed conversation among students, their families, and faculty members. Family Weekend serves as a nice break for students to reconnect with their families and for families to get a sense of the medical school environment.

Mid-Ohio Food Collective partnership

Student council has a long-term service partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC). our dean Dr. Carol Bradford currently serves on the board of trustees of the MOFC and we are fortunate to have this ongoing partnership

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is more than just a food bank. They are a place where caring people come together to give back with their time, talent, and treasure. They are dedicated to ending hunger and improving health in the community. Their mission is to provide nourishing meals to those in need and create thriving communities. They aim to close the 144 million-meal gap in their region and currently provide over 170,000 meals each day. The volunteer operations include packing and loading food, sorting donations, and operating a reimagined food pantry where people can select their preferred items. Additionally, they have programs like the Mid-Ohio Farmacy that involve physicians in identifying and prescribing food for patients experiencing food disparity. Over 40,000 patients are enrolled in this program.

There are many ways to get involved that will evolve over time and many different types of service opportunities including opportunities at their food sorting and packaging location, pantry service, farm and garden, kitchen food preparation, and community events. Check out their digital resources about their mission and facilities attached to this email. The MOFC directors will also be willing to give our service groups lectures on food disparities in Ohio, social determinants of health, and ensuring that food insecurity is on our radar as future providers. For now to start our partnership, I will mainly be coordinating larger group service events that I hope to recur at least every two weeks depending on interest. If there is a lot of interest, I can expand the number of events or set up our portal so that people can sign up independent of group activities. If you are passionate about their mission, serving at the MOFC, or want to see a certain event, please let us know!