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Networking with old & new friends at UMHS Alumni Gathering in Michigan

Posted by Scott Harrah
October 28, 2024

The Michigan Alumni Gathering hosted by the UMHS Alumni Association at the popular upscale restaurant Mex in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on Friday, August 2, 2024 was a big success. More than 60 alumni gathered to reconnect and network. Under the guidance of Vice President of Alumni Affairs Michelle Peres, attendees enjoyed an evening filled with food, camaraderie and professional engagement. The upscale venue provided a joyous backdrop for alumni and UMHS staff to sport name tags, facilitating meaningful interactions and rekindle old friendships. The strong community bond among UMHS alumni added to the fun of the festivities, showcasing the commitment to supporting one another in their professional journeys.

Listen to: Networking with old & new friends at UMHS Alumni Gathering in Michigan
5:43

Both UMHS alumni and students in clinical rotations work all over Michigan at various hospitals.

“We have a large number of students and alumni from the Michigan area coming from Wayne State, University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Dearborn, Michigan State, and several other schools,” UMHS Vice President of Alumni Affairs Michelle Peres said. “Students from Michigan are attracted to UMHS due to our strong clinical affiliations throughout the greater Detroit area and Midwest region.”

Crop 2-Alumni with Corie Helms Thayer

Left to right: Dr. Gloria Hong '18, Dr. Karla Pagan '22 & Dr. Han Lam '17 with Corie Helms Thayer, UMHS Associate Director of Admissions—Midwest Region. Photo: UMHS.

UMHS graduates also met with Corie Helms Thayer, UMHS Associate Director of AdmissionsMidwest Region; and Mary Abel, Clinical Site Coordinator for UMHS North American Administrative Offices at McLaren Oakland in Pontiac, MI.

 

REVISED-Mary Abel and Dr Alex Zayid

Mary Abel, Clinical Site Coordinator for UMHS North American Administrative Offices at McLaren Oakland in Pontiac, MI with UMHS graduate Dr. Alex Zayid '19. Photo: UMHS.

Ms. Abel spoke about why Michigan is such a great place for UMHS students in clinical rotations and explained why so many UMHS graduates Match in Michigan hospitals.

“You can come to Michigan and live in one spot and get to three of our sites—Oakland, Ascension and DMCHV,” she said. “All offer quality rotation experiences. I provide students with a housing list, including short-term, fully furnished options to help them with their stay. I also give them an orientation before they begin so they are comfortable in their new surroundings. I have a current on-site student give them a tour so they can get the lowdown on the site from a classmate’s perspective. The rotations are usually a one- on-one or two-on-one— including student, resident, and preceptor—experience. You have Match opportunities at all these Michigan sites. Michigan is beautiful and offers four seasons and a ton of things to do in all areas of interest for anyone. I have a list of options for them to see and use.  Michigan is one of our best experiences for students. Come see for yourself!”

CROP 5--Dr David Henkin and his wifeDr. David Henkin '17 & his wife. Photo: UMHS.

Although the event began at 6:30pm, many stayed late into the evening. The great turnout at the Michigan Alumni Gathering highlights the active engagement of UMHS alumni in their professional lives. This event fostered networking opportunities and also reinforced the strong community bonds that exist among graduates. The enthusiasm displayed by attendees signifies a commitment to staying connected and involved with the UMHS community, paving the way for future collaborations and support systems. Such gatherings are pivotal in nurturing the relationships that contribute to educational excellence and collective success.

Upcoming event in Dearborn, MI on November 13, 2024

UMHS is hosting a UMHS Medical School Information Seminar on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 6pm to 8pm at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, MI. Prospective students can meet our dedicated admissions team and alumni in Dearborn to learn why UMHS may be the right medical school for you. Register by clicking the link here.

Students from Michigan spend less than two years at our St Kitts campus then can return home to Michigan to complete their clinical rotations. Come learn why so many people from Michigan choose to study medicine UMHS and return to the Wolverine State for residency and private practice.

More photos from the Michigan Alumni Gathering

CROP 6-Dr David RustonDr. David Ruston '12. Photo: UMHS.

CROP 4-Dr Gloria H-Michelle Peres-Dr Lauren Touleyrou
Dr Gloria Hong '18 with UMHS Vice President of Alumni Affairs Michelle Peres & Dr. Lauren Touleyrou ’16. Photo: UMHS.

Crop 7-Hussein Shukr 21 and Bahaa ElzeinDr. Hussein Shukr ’21 & Dr. Bahaa Elzein ’19. Photo: UMHS.

 Crop 8--Dr Rosario with Michelle Peres and Dr Choudhry

Dr. Elisa Rosario '22, UMHS Vice President of Alumni Affairs Michelle Peres & Dr. Wardah Choudry '22. Photo: UMHS.

 

Crop 9-Dr OToole and others -Michigan Alumni Party 4Left to right: Dr. Shane O'Toole '19 & his friend & (opposite side of table) Dr. Ali Jouni '15 & Dr. Bassil Darwich '23. Photo: UMHS.

 

CROP-Michigan Alumn Party 1Dr. Rania Hanna '20 (in red striped shirt) & Dr. Peter Whatts '22 (in white shirt) with friends. Photo: UMHS.

 

CROP-Michigan Alumni Party 5Left to right: Dr. Chuk Dike ’22, Dr. Jason Bervaldi ’24, Dr. Emma Wry ’24, Dr. Hnin Lwin ’18 &
Dr. Emcheta Ajaero ’23. Photo: UMHS.

 

 

 

 

 

CROP-Michigan Alumni Party 9

Left to right: Dr. John Abraham ’22, Dr. Alexander Khobeir ’22, Dr. Chukwudum Dike ’22, Dr. Jason Bervaldi ’24, Dr. Emma Wry ’24, Dr. Emcheta Ajaero ’23 & Dr. Hnin Lwin ’18. Photo: UMHS.

CROP-Michigan Alumni Party 10Left to right: Dr. Alex Romano ’22, Dr. Karla Pagan ’22, Dr. Carlos Ortiz ’23 & Dr. Emma Wry ’24. Photo: UMHS.

 

(Top photo) UMHS graduates socializing at the Michigan Alumni Gathering at Mex in Bloomfield Hills, MI on August 2, 2024. Photo: UMHS.

 

 

Posted by Scott Harrah

Scott is Director of Digital Content & Alumni Communications Liaison at UMHS and editor of the UMHS Endeavour blog. When he's not writing about UMHS students, faculty, events, public health, alumni and UMHS research, he writes and edits Broadway theater reviews for a website he publishes in New York City, StageZine.com.

Topics: UMHS Alumni Feature

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