MedCat Orientation
Congratulations, Future MedCats & Welcome to Cincinnati Medicine’s Class of 2026!
Your medical school Orientation marks the start of one of the most exciting and demanding times of your educational career. To help make this process as smooth as possible, please read-on to learn about our MedCat Orientation program.
Your Schedule:
- The mandatory MedCat Orientation program will begin Monday, July 18th and go through Friday, July 22nd, 2022.
- The official MedCat Orientation schedule, as well as instructions for accessing your MedCat Orientation website, will be sent to your UC email as we get closer to Orientation.
OTHER UPDATES:
White Coat Ceremony: The White Coat Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 22nd, 2022. Please note: this ceremony will now take place at Taft Theater (317 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
Fall Semester Parking Passes (7/18/2022-12/31/2022): Parking permits for the UC College of Medicine's Eden Garage are purchased each semester through the UC Office of Parking Services website. Permits for Fall 2022 will go on sale 7/1/2022 and will include orientation parking. Once purchased, your student ID (aka, "Bearcat Card") will be used to enter/exit parking. You will receive your student ID on the Monday of Orientation week during one of our Orientation sessions.
Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs): Your SOLs are eager to meet you (both for virtual and in-person small groups) and look forward to being part of your Orientation experience! You’ll hear from them in early June.
Stethoscope Sale: Cincinnati Medicine’s AMSA chapter offers an annual stethoscope sale to help you obtain your required equipment while also supporting your classmates. You are not required to purchase through this sale, but if you do your equipment will be here waiting for you by Orientation week. Please view this information within your CastleBranch portal (available mid-April).
MedCat Orientation Student Organization Fair: You'll have the opportunity to talk with our student organizations during Orientation week, as part of a fair sponsored by your Medical Student Association (MSA). Scroll down to the bottom of this page where you'll find a list of the organizations that were in attendance for past MedCat Orientations. As the list of student organizations continues to grow, we expect to add even more for the upcoming year!
Orientation FAQ
When is Orientation?
As outlined in the "Orientation Program" requirement of your CastleBranch portal, Cincinnati Medicine's Orientation for the Class of 2025 will be held August 2nd - 5th. We are excited to welcome our newest MedCats this fall!
What is a SOL?
A SOL is a Student Orientation Leader. Your SOLs are rising M2 students excited to welcome you to the Cincinnati Medicine community this fall. They will help to prepare you to begin your first semester as a MedCat and also share tips and tricks for a successful year!
Are there any fees/cost associated with orientation?
The MedCat Orientation Program is brought to incoming medical students free-of-charge. There are a few items you will take care of during Orientation week which do have associated costs (ie, payment for Scrub Service, MSA dues, etc.). These items are listed and described as part of your CastleBranch Enrollment Requirements. Beyond this, lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of Orientation week are free for students – but lunch on Wednesday will be on your own (we will have food trucks available!).
Will medical school classes continue to be online to view?
Yes. Even prior to the global health crisis, MedCats had the opportunity to view lectures online. This will continue to be the case in the upcoming academic year as well.
What things should we prepare to take care of during orientation week and the first few weeks following?
During orientation week you will have multiple sessions dedicated to preparing you for your medical career at Cincinnati Medicine. There is a specific session called “Taking Care of Business” where you will set up your scrub service, pay student fees, receive your student ID, set up your devices and more! Essentially, we aim to give you the space to take care of these necessary items before your classes even begin!
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MedCat Student Organizations
Academic Medicine Interest Group
AMIG exposes students to the triad of research, writing, and clinical practice. This is important in medicine, allowing us to provide the best patient care while developing the next generation of physician-scientists.
American Geriatric Society
The AGS is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people.
American Medical Association
AMA/OSMA is the leading policy body that advocates for bettering the health care system. In AMA/OMSA, students can author healthcare policy and have numerous networking opportunities. Look out for our upcoming social Casino Night and numerous discounts on study materials!
American Medical Student Association
AMSA is committed to improving health care and health care delivery to all people; promoting active improvement in medical education; contributing to the welfare of medical students, premedical students, interns, residents and post-MD/DO trainees; and advancing the profession of medicine.
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
AMWA is a national organization of doctors, residents, and medical students focused on empowering women in medicine and learning more about women's health. Come join us!
Anesthesia Student Interest Group (ASIG)
ASIG aims to increase the amount of exposure to anesthesiology. We host lunch talks, workshops, and provide shadowing opportunity to build awareness and skills needed in anesthesia.
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
APAMSA is committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities
Association of Women Surgeons
AWS is a not-for-profit and professional organization whose mission is to inspire, encourage and enable women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals.
Bearcat News
Bearcat News is a satirical newspaper written by the students for the students. This online news paper is released monthly with groundbreaking headlines all medical students will enjoy.
Bearcat Barbell
Bearcat Barbell is the student interest group charged with running the R&R weight room and offering opportunities for UCCOM to learn and practice new and exciting workout techniques.
Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group (CCTSIG)
CCTSIG aims to promote awareness and provide opportunities within the cardiac specialties. Shadowing sessions, informational talks, and skills sessions will be offered in both cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery.
Catholic Medical Association
Catholic Medical Association aims to link faith and medicine by building community among Catholic students at UCCOM and fostering mentoring relationships with practicing physicians.
Christian Medical Association
In CMA, we explore questions about God and the integration of faith and medicine in the context of a supportive and welcoming community. Get involved through weekly Bible studies, dinners with doctors, lunch talks, on-campus prayer gatherings, and service opportunities.
Culinary Club
Culinary Club students passionate about creating delicious meals in an open setting. In addition to our highly coveted bi-annual cooking with Dr. Giffin sessions, we have been tirelessly working on setting up a brand new teaching kitchen/cooking class to begin this upcoming year.
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
EMIG provides medical students insight on career opportunities within emergency medicine through various lecture series, clinical skills workshops, and resident mentoring.
ENT Interest Group (ENT IG)
ENT IG is dedicated to exposing students to otolaryngology and sub-specialties of the field. Throughout the year we host lunch talks and commence the year with a meet-and-greet with attendings and residents in the department.
Family Medicine Interest Group
FMIG is a student-run group for those interested in Family Medicine. FMIG hosts many physician led talks, events and workshops throughout the year including the Secrets of the Match Dinner.
Genetics in Medicine
We are an interest group that combines the field of genetics with the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with genetic abnormalities. We are also interested in the future of personalized medicine.
Global Health Interest Group
This group aims to cultivate interest in global health, inform students of global health opportunities, and aid in preparing those students for their experiences abroad.
Groovernaculum
Groovenaculum is UCCOM’s one and only dance team! Weekly classes taught by fellow UCCOM students are friendly to both novices and dancing pros and vary in style. We showcase our talents in the annual Iva-Dean benefit concert and talent show.
Infectious Disease Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of infectious disease.
Integrative Medicine Student Interest Group
Integrative Medicine Student Interest Group aims to inspire ourselves and our fellow students to use all available scientifically-proven methods to empower patients and physicians, transforming the way medicine is practiced and health is promoted.
Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
IMIG focuses on promoting the field of Internal Medicine within the UCCOM student body by hosting engaging and informative events that provide students an opportunity to cultivate and explore their interest in Internal Medicine.
IPJH
A Student Group dedicated to Community Service with a focus on the connection between poverty, justice, and health.
Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA)
JMSA serves to bring together the Jewish student community at UCCOM and provide them and others with opportunities to practice and be involved with the larger Cincinnati Jewish community.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
LMSA is interested in furthering representation and involvement in the Hispanic/Latino community in healthcare.
Med Mentors
We, over 150 of your fellow MedCats, deliver high-quality mentorship to the youth of Cincinnati by creating friendships through fun activities, educational experiences, and social gatherings. For much more information, check us out on Facebook!
Med-Peds Interest Group
Med-Peds Interest Group provides students with a direct connection to the exciting dual Internal Medicine/Pediatrics specialty. In partnership with the UC/CCHMC Med-Peds Residency Program, MPIG offers medical students the opportunity to shadow residents, to attend lecture series, and to attend clinical workshops.
Medals4Mettle
We attached our branded ribbons (lanyards) to donated finishers’ medals (marathons, triathlons, half marathons and triathlons) and award them to children and adults for the mettle and courage they demonstrate battling cancer, chronic illness, trauma and other life challenges.
Medical Chorus
Join us for low-stress singing! Once a week we get our minds off studying by making music. A couple times a year we perform for the UCCOM community. (No auditions!)
Medical Students for Choice
We work to destigmatize abortion provision among medical students and residents, and to persuade medical schools and residency programs to include abortion s part of the reproductive health services curriculum.
MedPharm
MedPharm is a collaborative group of pharmacy and medical student leaders. Past activities have included the annual volleyball tournament and Med/Pharm Student Pairings.
MedTechi
MedTechi is short for Medical Technology and innovations. We hold monthly student-led seminars where students have the opportunity to present on medical technology of their interest. We also host talks covering topics ranging from machine learning to entrepreneurship.
Medical Student Scholars Program
Students are engaged in preceptor-supervised educational experiences within a circumscribed area of interest. They participate in clinical and didactic activities that go above and beyond the required components of the medical school curriculum
MedVoUC
A student-run volunteer organization providing basic primary care and health education to the underserved community at a Men’s and Women’s Shelter in Greater Cincinnati while building medical students’ clinical skills.
Men's Health Club
We raise money and awareness for issues and diseases relating to men’s health, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, etc.
Mentis
Mentis is a unique forum for professional health students to share ideas, experiences, and opinions. Students are encouraged to explore complex themes related to healthcare.
Neurosurgery Interest Group
The UC Neurosurgery interest group aims to assist medical students in gaining exposure to the rapidly advancing field of Neurosurgery through offering and assisting in acquiring shadowing and research opportunities, lectures in the field of Neurosurgery, and surgical skills workshops.
OBGYN Interest Group
OGIG is your student interest group devoted to bringing opportunities to explore the world of obstetrics/gynecology and the world of women's health to UCCOM.
Oncology Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of oncology.
Ophthalmology Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of ophthalmology.
Orthopedic Surgery Student Interest Group (OSIG)
The purpose of OSIG is to introduce students to the field of Orthopedic Surgery and connect interested students with upperclassmen.
Pathology Student Organization
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of pathology.
Peds Club
Peds Club at UCCOM provides incredible opportunities for medical students with an interest in Pediatrics. We work to offer a variety of shadowing experiences in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, volunteering throughout the Cincinnati/NKY, and exciting lunch talks with some of the best physicians.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group
This group provides a platform for access to this exciting surgical field, including general information as well as guidance on the career, the match, and research opportunities.
PM&R Interest Group (PMRIG)
PMRIG is dedicated to helping others explore Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as a specialty.
Psychiatry Student Interest Group
PSIG organizes activities to introduce and discuss various topics in psychiatry. We aim to heighten awareness about mental health while providing informal opportunities to engage with peers, residents, and faculty.
Radiology Interest Group
RIG organizes lunch talks and special events to promote the field of radiology and its subspecialties.
Rural Health Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of rural health. We host a variety of lunch talks and workshops unique to this population.
Student Interest Group in Neurology
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of neurology.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
SNMA is committed to supporting current/future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and creating culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
Students for a National Health Program
We advocate for a universal, comprehensive single-payer national health program. We believe that a single publicly funded, privately delivered universal health care system is necessary for us to provide high quality care to all our patients.
Student-Run Free Clinic (SRFC)
A student-led initiative to open a free clinic in Springdale, Ohio aimed to serve the underserved in Northern Cincinnati with emphasis to the Latino population.
Student Wellness Committee
The mission of the SWC is to offer a system of academic, social, emotional and psychological support to the students of UCCOM. The SWC yearly wellness activities include exam stress relief and quarterly, informal social hours.
Surgery Interest Group
We provide great lunch talks, suturing workshops, and shadowing opportunities to anyone interested in General Surgery and its subspecialties.
UCCOM Golf Association
Our goal is to connect medical students who are interested in golf by hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Our goal is to cater to all lvels of players from those playing mini golf to those on the mini-tour.
UCCOM Med-Sci Mentors
Med student mentors are paired with 2-3 Medical Sciences undergraduate students, and share their experiences and advice to guide them on their pre-medical journey.
UCCOM Pride
UCCOM Pride aims to educate students on LGBTQA health, to equip students with skills to best serve the LGBTQA population, and to encourage allyship between patients and healthcare providers alike.
UC Open School
Our organization is an interdisciplinary health professional run clinic on Saturdays at St. Vincent De Paul.
UnsCripted Podcast
This podcast is hosted by upper level medical students to help provide insight on academic and non-academic components of the UCCOM journey to those who haven’t experienced them yet.
Urban Health Project
Urban Health Project is a 8 week paid summer internship for rising M2s at community non-profits.
Urology Student Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of urology.
Vascular Surgery Interest Group
We work with students and faculty to help promote and educate the student body about the field of vascular surgery.
Wilderness Medicine Interest Group
The Wilderness Medicine Interest Group serves to educate medical students on implementation of practical skills outside of the hospital/clinic setting while fostering an appreciation of nature.
Women Leading Healthy Change
WLHG created a partnership between female medical students and women healing from lives of prostitution, addiction, and mental illness. Medical students help co-lead classes at First Step Home and Off the Streets, two shelters that provide support
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Contact Us
Office of MedicalStudent Admissions & Special Programs
Medical Sciences Building Suite E-450
231 Albert Sabin Way
PO Box 670552
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0552
Mail Location: 0552
Email: MDadmissions@uc.edu