Letter from the Directors

Dear MHP Alumni,

We hope this note finds you well.

So here in Gainesville, we just completed the entire 2020 – 2021 academic year under a once in a century pandemic.  With the exception of the MHP Orientation in August of 2020, the entire MHP class was never together at one time.  Despite this, courses, research, and service went on as best they could.  In this issue of the MHP Newsletter, you’ll read about how some students spent their MHP year and along the way, gained a newfound sense of grit.  You can also read about how we completed an entire MHP application season via Zoom.  Lastly, this issue of the Newsletter contains a story of how MHP Alumnus, Dr. Steven Reid, is trying to combat physician suicide. His efforts are a poignant reminder of the weight that physicians carry in our society, today more so than ever. 

As we look ahead to the start of the Fall semester in August, current plans are for the campus to return to a pre-pandemic life.  We are looking forward to that return, but we are certainly mindful of the impact that COVID-19 continues to have on those around us. 

As we have mentioned in previous versions of this Newsletter, there are a number of ways that you can give back to the program. Examples include spending one hour with our students via our monthly Lunch & Learn series, allowing MHP students to shadow you, being a Preceptor to MHP students once they are in medical school, having lunch with MHP students that are in your hometown, and/or making a financial contribution to the MHP Fund; the proceeds of which go entirely to our students.  If any of these interests you, please reach out to us for more information.  

Otherwise, wishing you a pleasant summer! 

Warm Regards,  

Peter P. Sayeski, Ph.D.
Director, Medical Honors Program

Danielle L. Thomas, M.Ed.
Assistant Director, Medical Honors Program