Creighton University

The Student Clinician Ceremony is a transitional experience designed to provide guidance, information and support to medical students beginning their clerkships.

Created by the Gold Foundation in collaboration with five medical schools, the event is developed by students with the assistance of a faculty mentor, and aims to address some of the anxiety felt by students entering their clerkships. By providing insight, discussing fears and expectations, and revisiting the oath taken during the White Coat Ceremony, the Student Clinician’s Ceremony provides a forum for collective and reflective discussion of the students' experiences in medicine to date.

The ceremony also underscores the challenges and imperatives to providing humanistic care to patients at the same time as they are pressed to demonstrate high standards of skill performance.

During the ceremony, the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Awards are also presented.  These awards were designed by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to serve as a means to recognize exceptional residents and bring them to the attention of beginning third-year medical students. 

During the third year, medical students are given the opportunity to nominate residents that they feel give outstanding care to their patients and families, and who are also committed to teaching students.  These residents demonstrate compassion and empathy, and serve as role models, illustrating professional behavior by example.  Each award winner is presented with a certificate, a specially designed gold lapel pin, and a check for $250 from the Gold Foundation.

Residents recognized for outstanding patient care and commitment to teaching students (from left to right):  Dr. Hemant Satpathy, Dr. Ann Harris, Dr. Staci Rosche, Dr. Erin Evans, and Dr. Sami Zeineddine (Dr. Robert Lindau was unable to attend.)

• Dr. Hemant Satpathy is a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Students noted that Dr. Satpathy is consistently available and willing to assist students in their medical education.  With a plethora of medical knowledge and experience, he expands upon any Ob/Gyn case and shows its relevance in other medical specialties such as neurology, pediatrics, hematology, and surgery.
• Dr. Ann Harris is a resident in the Department of Surgery.  Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, she also earned her M.D. at Creighton.  Students commented that she teaches by example through hard work and a sense of humor.  Dr. Harris goes out of her way to create learning opportunities for students and she obviously enjoys teaching.  Helpful and friendly, she takes the time to listen and explain everything.  
• Dr. Staci Rosche is a resident in the Department of Psychiatry.  Students remarked that she has an extraordinary ability to see the humanity in people – even in the most delusional and ill patients.  In addition, Dr. Rosche always strives to help and teach medical students who can get overlooked against the background of a busy hospital.  Dr. Rosche’s warm and caring demeanor make her pleasant to work with and easy for students to approach.
• Dr. Erin Evans is a resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  She is a native of Salt Lake City who moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University for both her undergraduate and medical degrees.  Students commented that Dr. Evans exudes an overall aura of patience and understanding at all times and she is a very effective teacher who has an outstanding ability to encourage and inspire.  She excels at creating an environment conducive to learning.  
• Dr. Sami Zeineddine is a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Dr. Zeineddine began his residency in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, in Family Practice, but he soon realized that his heart belonged to Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Students commented that Dr. Zeineddine truly enjoys his specialty and he is well-known for giving students the opportunity to really experience everything the Ob/Gyn rotation has to offer.
• Dr. Robert Lindau is a resident in the Department of Surgery.  Originally from Wisconsin, Dr. Lindau completed medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin after serving 4 years in the Navy.  Students noted that he is an amazing teacher who always takes time for the students.  He is quick to find great teaching points in any surgical case. 

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