September 4, 2025

Last month, at the annual White Coat Ceremony, the College of Medicine welcomed its newest class of medical students. Upon matriculation, they are placed into one of seven learning societies, giving them the opportunity to build relationships with their peers from day one. Each society is named after a famous historical Philadelphia or Reading, Pennsylvania, landmark, including:

• Athenaeum
• Liberty Bell
• Physick House
• Rocky Statue
• Reading Terminal
• Eakins House
• Pagoda

Learning societies play a vital role in MD student life by providing social, wellness and community service opportunities to incoming medical students, offering a feel while maintaining the benefits of a large institution. Through these societies, students are encouraged to take breaks from academics to connect socially, explore their city and give back to their communities.

Each society is led by a faculty director and student representatives, all of whom are responsible for coordinating and planning society activities. In addition, faculty serve as advisers to small groups of medical students in the first two years of the educational program.

In August, students competed in the annual Dean’s Cup, a friendly competition between societies. Each year, the Dean’s Cup tradition continues to foster strong connections both within and across the learning societies by bringing first-year medical students together for fun, friendly competition and community building. Students participate in field day activities including relay races, yard games and tug of war.

“I like the learning societies because they bring students together throughout the year for things like the Dean’s Cup, service events and social events. They help unite students that may otherwise have nothing in common,” said Kaitlin Brannon, MD ’28 and president of the Rocky Statue Society. “There is always room for a little friendly competition. This year, Rocky took home the cup for the second year in a row!”

By fostering community and collaboration, learning societies enrich the student life experience beyond the classroom. As the newest class embarks on their medical careers, these traditions help them to realign, build relationships and give back.