To empower the student entering the third year, a new “rite of passage” has been developed. This ceremony marking the transition has been designed to assist beginning third year medical students as they enter the clinical stage in their medical education.

The ceremony has three primary elements. The first is the presentation of a monetary award and certificate of recognition to six residents chosen as superb teachers and role models by members of the outgoing third year class. The second element is a gift for each member of the incoming third year class of a book and a survival guide to encourage them as they advance into their clinical studies. Finally, a keynote speaker, selected as an outstanding role model by members of the outgoing third year class, gives an inspiring address and a student-provided video is shown.

A noticeable benefit has been appreciable bonding among members of the second and third year students, faculty and residents.

The goals of the third year clinical transition include finding ways to alleviate anxiety as students meet their first patients, better preparing them for their hospital training, nurturing relationships among second and third year students and mentors, providing additional opportunities for communication and re-taking the Hippocratic Oath.

We lost Dr. Steven Z. Miller, faculty advisor for this event, pediatrician, colleague and friend, in a tragic small plane crash in Kirksville, Missouri in October 2004. The official name of the ceremony has been changed to reflect Steve’s memory and is now be known as the Steven Z. Miller Student Clinician’s Ceremony.