The University of Louisville School of Medicine was buzzing with spouses, siblings, parents, and friends at the Class of 2027 Family Day on Friday, October 4th. Gathered in the ULSOM Instructional Building, family members were given the unique opportunity to explore the world of medical education through a series of engaging, hands-on activities led by faculty experts.

“Family Day is a meaningful way to bridge the gap between our academic lives and the support systems that keep us going,” said Ragan Howard, class of 2027 Family Day Chair. “It’s incredible to see our family members engaging in the same learning experiences we go through. We are so grateful to the faculty and staff who made the day possible and for giving our loved ones a deeper understanding of what it means to be a medical student at UofL.”

Russell Farmer, M.D., associate professor of surgery and UofL Health colon and rectal surgeon, led the elective “Medical School 101.” In this session, Farmer walked family members through the rigorous journey of medical students, offering insights into the curriculum, daily expectations, and the highly anticipated residency match process that takes place in the fourth year of medical school.

Attendees were invited to put their diagnostic skills to the test in an interactive ‘Crack the Case’ presentation led by Jennifer Brueckner-Collins, PhD., professor of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology. Participants worked on their own patient case, exploring symptoms, past medical history, pertinent lab work, and imaging to reach a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, mirroring the real-world decision-making process that students experience.

In one of the day’s highlights, Steven Ellis, Ph.D, professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, held one of his renowned Jeopardy! sessions. Medical students and their guests were able to collaborate while showing off their combined knowledge on a range of topics.

As a nod to Morton Kasdan, M.D., a retired plastic surgeon who has devoted his last twenty years to teaching students how to tie sutures, second-year medical students shared this skill with their families. These students, trained by Kasdan at his Sunday Suture Clinics, guided their families through the basics of surgical knot-tying, giving them a hands-on taste of surgical training.

The Paris Simulation Center was open for guests to complete a real-life case-based simulation. The group of guests acted as physicians to diagnose and treat a patient in a real-life hospital setting. The center’s cutting-edge technology allowed participants to engage in life-like medical scenarios, such as airway management, IV access, chest tube insertion, and central line placement, showcasing the advanced training tools that shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Family Day attendees also heard from Olivia Mittel, M.D., associate dean for Medical Student Affairs, and Shorye Durrett, M.D., assistant dean for Medical Student Affairs, who offered remarks on the importance of supporting medical students on their challenging, yet rewarding, journeys.

“It is always a privilege to welcome the families and friends of our students for Family Day,” said Mittel, “this event offers a rare opportunity for loved ones to step into the shoes of their medical students to gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to become a physician.”

The School of Medicine is proud to host Family Day annually as a way to foster connections between medical students and their families while celebrating the successes of the institution. Thank you to all who attended, and we look forward to