Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont recently welcomed its newest class of 124 first-year medical students for Orientation Week, marking the beginning of their journey in medical education. This event, held from August 10-14, aimed to build a sense of community, introduce students to the college’s facilities and academic programs, and familiarize them with the resources and faculty they would rely on throughout their studies.

Dean and UVM Chief Academic Affairs Officer Richard L. Page, M.D., kicked off Orientation Week by welcoming the Class of 2030. He emphasized that these students had earned their places at Larner and expressed commitment to their success. “I want you to take something home from this greeting: You belong here,” he stated. “We are thrilled to have identified you as the Class of 2030, and we are committed to your success. We are here to support you.” Dean Page also acknowledged the challenges ahead, reminding students that they had overcome significant hurdles to reach this point and have the necessary resilience to succeed.

The Class of 2030 comprises students selected from a record-breaking pool of 11,609 applicants. These students hail from 28 states, speak 15 languages in addition to English, and have diverse academic backgrounds, ranging from 43 different majors across 73 colleges and universities. Additionally, the class brings over 375,000 hours of clinical and medical experience. They come from various professional backgrounds, including ICU nursing and other health-related fields. Leila Amiri, Ph.D., associate dean for admissions, noted that the class was chosen not for their polished applications but for their alignment with Larner’s mission and values, emphasizing a shared understanding of what medicine is meant to be.

During Orientation Week, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and sessions designed to introduce them to key aspects of their medical education. They toured the college’s facilities, met department chairs, faculty, and staff, and connected with classmates. A highlight of the week was the “First Patient” presentation, led by Molly Rideout, M.D., vice chair for education in the Department of Pediatrics. This simulation involved interviewing a guest patient, with faculty guiding students through the clinical assessment and underlying biology needed to understand and treat the patient’s condition. This exercise also showcased how the college’s curricular competencies are integrated into medical training, providing an early glimpse into the educational approach.

The week also included community service activities aimed at fostering a sense of compassion and understanding of the social and environmental factors influencing health and well-being. Students participated in various activities, such as pulling weeds at the Intervale Conservation Nursery, removing invasive plant species at Burlington’s Callahan Park, and helping the Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Williston prepare for its grand reopening after a fire. These experiences offered an early opportunity for students to engage with the communities they will serve and better understand the broader contexts shaping health outcomes.

Addressing the ongoing physician shortage, Dean Page highlighted the importance of training and retaining the next generation of physicians and scientists in Vermont. According to a 2024 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation may face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, driven partly by an aging workforce. The AAMC also reported a 5.3% increase in applications to M.D.-granting medical schools for the 2025-26 application cycle, the largest year-over-year rise in 10 years. Nearly one-third of physicians practicing in Vermont either attended the Larner College of Medicine or completed residency or fellowship training at UVM Medical Center, and this figure rises to 38 percent for primary care physicians. Over the past five years, almost half of the residents and fellows completing their training at UVM Medical Center have remained in Vermont to practice medicine. The need for a robust physician pipeline is particularly critical in Vermont, where 64.9% of residents live in rural communities without easy access to medical care.

On August 10, 2026, Dr. Moo, alongside Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education Christa Zehle, M.D., and Dean Richard L. Page, M.D., welcomed the Class of 2030 to Day 1 of Orientation. This event marked the start of their medical education journey, representing the future of medicine and the next generation of physicians and scientists who will help meet Vermont’s evolving healthcare needs.

To learn more about Larner College of Medicine, visit the official portal.

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