Excitement, anticipation, a few tears of joy were all part of the experience at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute today as the medical students of the Class of 2027 celebrated their first official day of class.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, sorted through more than 5,500 applicants to the select 182 of the best and brightest candidates representing a wide variety of backgrounds including (unique prior careers). This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% from those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine (URM). The life experiences and previous careers of the class are equally diverse with students who were NCAA athletes, weightlifters, gardeners, and musicians.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, gave a presentation on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities. He said whether in medical school or as a practicing physician, obstacles will be a mainstay in health care. Knowing how to navigate those obstacles will be the difference between success and failure in medical school, and positive patient outcomes as a physician.

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