1 Welcome, new residents and fellows!
We welcomed a record 473 new trainees to the Emory family over the weekend. Most started on July 1, with pediatrics fellowships beginning on July 7 and surgical/ob-gyn fellowships starting on Aug. 1. I want to recognize and thank our GME office for their tremendous work and long hours over the holiday weekend bringing these new residents and fellows on board. This administrative office provides an invaluable service to our trainees all year long and plays a critical role in facilitating the exemplary medical training for which Emory is so well known. Please join me in thanking the GME staff for their work supporting our trainees and also in welcoming our residents and fellows to Emory.
2 Lichten named director of the Genetic Counseling Training Program
Lauren Lichten, assistant professor in human genetics, has been named director of the Genetic Counseling Training Program. For the past 10 months she has served as the program co-director and has proven herself to be an ideal candidate to continue the legacy of the late Cecelia Bellcross. Lauren received a B.A. in Molecular Biology from Colgate University and an M.S. in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University. She has previously held roles as a faculty member for the Boston University Genetic Counseling Training Program; associate director of the Brandeis University Genetic Counseling Program; and assistant director then co-director of the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program. Please join me in welcoming Lauren to this role.
3 New students on campus
We welcomed new DPT students in June, and our 139 incoming MD students will begin their medical education on Monday, July 17. We look forward to sharing more details about our incoming classes, including the five health professions programs, in August.
4 SOM prepares to launch new Center for Holistic Student Success
Beginning this year, SOM students will have access to a new center dedicated to improving their energy preservation through structures, systems, and supports that enhance learning and development. Led by Dr. Christen Hairston, associate dean of student success, establishment of this center is an important step toward creating an environment that optimizes the balance of health science students’ mind, body, and spirit at Emory School of Medicine. Look for more details about the center in upcoming communications.
5 Shujing Zhang joins SOM to focus on student support
On July 5, we welcomed Shujing Zhang, an Emory Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) psychologist embedded in the School of Medicine. Dr. Zhang will provide mental health services and support to our students in individual and group spaces. Dr. Zhang is a licensed psychologist with rich experience offering counseling services to medical students, medicine residents, allied health students, and medical providers with diverse backgrounds. She earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia; an MPhilEd in Professional Counseling and MSEd in Counseling and Mental Health Services from the University of Pennsylvania; and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Zhang.