The life of medical student extends beyond the lab and the classroom. Throughout the history of the College of Medicine, students have built connections with their peers and in their communities, through social groups and events and through everyday interactions. Their hard work and shared experiences, often supported by faculty mentors and traditional rites of passage, prepares them to practice medicine and serve their communities. This virtual exhibit duplicates the content of the physical exhibit on the 9th floor of the Health Sciences Building (HSB), highlighting the legacy of the College of Medicine through student perspectives. This exhibit is one of a series of historical displays being installed at HSB. Explore the exhibit's images and artifacts below.

See all the images from the physical exhibit with additional description

Find additional digital content related to the life of a medical student

Recreation and Relationships: Hard work requires time to unwind.

Work hard ... play hard. This section highlights moments of recreation, through social connections and organizations, within student life as necessary moments to balance the demands of medical school.

"Our fathers were barbers and vegetable farmers. It was a big deal to go to medical school … and the doors at Hahnemann were open to us."

- Herb, HMC 1956

"I entered the profession with one determination that I would show the world that a woman could practice medicine with success and receive her rewards financially as well as a man."

- Hannah, FMC 1852

View photographs of recreation and relationships

Daily Life: Everyday moments are the backdrop for studying.

What does the everyday life of a med student look like? This section reflects where students lived, studied, ate meals, slept, and socialized, capturing the more ephemeral moments of med school.

"Many times we didn’t leave for home until the wee hours of the morning. Yet there was always a little time left to enjoy the company of fellow-students."

- WMCP Iatrian, 1968

View photographs of daily life

Clinical Training: From the classroom to the clinic.

From the classroom to the clinic. A milestone in a med students' journey is the transition from theory to practice; this section showcases those similarities and differences over time.

"There (in the clinics) we obtained practical work; applied bandages; examined babies; took histories, in all languages except our own; saw a new phase of humanity, perhaps for the first time."

- Berta, WMCP 1911

View photographs of clinical training

Making a Difference: Working to make the world a better place.

Many medical students express a desire to make the world a better place for everyone. While learning the essential medical skills, students also make strides to see that wish become a reality for their communities inside and outside of school.

"We were all different, and yet, the same. We all had a love of caring, assisting the needy, giving tirelessly of our hours and days and finding a great bond of camaraderie among one another."

- Jean, WMCP 1968

View photographs of making a difference

Mentoring: Faculty shape the student experience.

Through the many change over time in the legacy schools of the College of Medicine, there have been hundreds of inspiring professors and mentors passing their knowledge onto their students. This section recognizes the lasting impact mentors leave on the students who share their journey.

"Fellow classmates encouraged, while our mentors inspired - both attending, as well as house staff. MCP turned us into fine and caring clinicians."

- Robert, MCP 1983

View photographs of mentoring

Rites of Passage: Traditions connect generations of students.

Ongoing and evolving traditions commemorate and celebrate dedication, resilience, and commitment. This section honors the traditions students share as they transition to becoming doctors.

"On March 21, four years of knowledge gained and struggles defeated culminated into 250 new beginnings. In the end, they called us doctors."

- Allison, MCPHU 2002

View photographs of rites of passage

View images of the objects currently on display in the exhibit cases.

The 3-dimensional objects in the exhibit touch on the themes found throughout the image display, offering a more complex reflection of student voices. Explore a mix of correspondence, yearbooks, scrapbooks, and other objects for a deeper look at the life of a med student.

View images of objects currently on display