Medical Education News - M1 & M2 MD Student Edition

Tuesday February 17, 2026
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1. Message from Vice Dean Logio
2. Notices
3. Student Affairs & Wellbeing
4. Curriculum
5. Financial Aid
6. Research
7. Health Sciences Library
8. Events & Opportunities

Dear Students:

Happy February! It’s a short month but the days are thankfully getting longer! I appreciate walking my dog in the dawn versus the dark!

I wanted to share with all of you that Case Western Reserve University has embraced the value of artificial intelligence tools to DEEPEN your learning (not shortcut your learning). You recall that I shared with you that knowledge is constructed, like Legos. Each of you deconstruct and reconstruct the information differently, and artificial intelligence can help you fill gaps in understanding…if used correctly. 

As part of the University’s effort, MANY tools and agents are available to you at the ai.case.edu website. In addition, because of the University’s contract with Google Workplace, you also have access to Gemini and Notebook LM. I would encourage you to check these great tools out….safely and responsibly.

For example, I asked Gemini to create a picture of a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, like my dog DJ, and add a stethoscope around his neck. Here’s the result. Not bad!

I have used NotebookLM to help me dig deeply into the literature on a core topic so I can cross check what’s been done, what’s known, and where there may be gaps. It can even create a podcast, a slide deck, or a quiz on the notes I take when I pull out the key information I’m exploring.

Please remember to comply with all of the School of Medicine and CWRU policies on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence. You may not upload any copyrighted materials or any of the School of Medicine’s proprietary cases (IQ, etc).

If you have questions or want to explore these tools in more detail, reach out to Dr. Kate Weber. She’s our new faculty lead and Director of AI in Medical Education.

LL

M1s - Shape the Future of Admissions: AI Survey Reminder

First-year students, don't miss your chance to contribute to a first-of-its-kind national study!

On February 3rd, you received an email regarding a research project conducted by the AAMC Committee on Admissions. We are looking for your honest insights on how AI tools were used during the recent medical school application cycle.

Why your voice matters:

National Impact: Your feedback will directly help admissions offices across the US adapt to new technologies.

Total Anonymity: Responses are aggregated; no personally identifiable information is collected.

How to participate:

Please search your inbox for the email sent on February 3rd (Subject: AI Tools in Medical School Applications). That email contains the IRB-approved Information Sheet and the unique link required to participate.

Study Info: UVM IRB: STUDY 00004026, Contact: Christian Essman, Senior Director of Admissions

2026 Kaiser-Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award

The Kaiser-Permanente Excellence in Teaching Committee invites nominations for the 2026 awards recognizing excellence in teaching at CWRU School of Medicine.

In selecting recipients, the Committee looks for faculty members for whom teaching is an important and sustained part of their professional lives. Outstanding teachers are generous with their time and energy, thoughtful in their methods, and impactful wherever they engage with students. They inspire learners to pursue careers that reflect medicine’s most enduring values.

Nominations must be submitted by March 1, 2026. Strong supporting evidence includes statements from current or former students and fellow faculty members. The number of nominations received is not a selection criterion. Previous award recipients are not eligible - review the list of prior recipients - Previous Winners.

Please complete the Nomination Form by March 1, 2026.

If you have any questions, contact minoo.darvish@case.edu

Student Policies

A friendly reminder that The Office of Medical Education has created a centralized Policy Folder in Box that houses all current, approved student policies for easy reference. This folder is intended to serve as the primary source for information regarding academic, clinical, and administrative policies that apply to medical students. We encourage all students to review the contents regularly, as policies may be updated periodically.

Non-Clinical Career Series

There are two sessions left in the Non-Clinical Career Series! The goal of this series is to help students explore the variety of non-clinical options available to them. Please use the link below to register! Sign up for the series.

Wellbeing Wednesdays

Check out the Wellbeing Wednesday activities for February & March.

Want to get involved with promoting engagement and wellbeing?  Email  SOM-Wellbeing@case.edu to join the Office of Student Affairs - Student Engagement and Wellbeing student committees.

Follow us on Instagram @cwru_medwellbeing.

M2s - Block 4 Homeostasis Begins Monday!

Block 4- Homeostasis Begins Monday, February 16, 2026.

Tax Season is here!

Watch the 101 Tax Presentation with 101 Tax Presentation with Professor Mary Sasmaz. Gain valuable insights on tax returns, including key information that can help you navigate filing with more confidence.

Financial Wellness Tip

Maintain a small emergency fund as your “emergency kit” for unexpected expenses.

For more financial aid assistance, the SOM Office of Financial Aid can be reached directly at medfinancialaid@case.edu, 216.368.3666, or by visiting our office in the HEC, Suite 111.

2026 Kaiser-Goldberg Research Fellowship

The Endocrine Society is accepting applications for the 2026 Kaiser-Goldberg Research Fellowship. Designed to support students interested in neuroendocrine and/or reproductive endocrine research, this 10-12 week summer program offers the opportunity to work in an Endocrine Society member’s lab. The application deadline is February 27, 2026. Learn more and apply here: Kaiser-Goldberg Research Fellowship.

David and Stella Lass Medical Student Ophthalmology Research Endowment Fund

The University Hospitals Eye Institute is accepting applications for the David and Stella Lass Medical Student Ophthalmology Research Endowment Fund. This year, five awards of $250 each will be provided to qualified CWRU/Lerner College medical students. These funds can be used to provide travel support to a scientific meeting, such as ARVO, and/or pilot funds for supplies or other research costs. The 5 recipients will be invited to present their research as a poster at the department’s annual VSRC research symposium in May. The application form can be downloaded here: UH Fund Application. Please submit the signed application (by the student and faculty mentor) by NOON on March 2, 2026 to: Linda.Ohsie-Bajor@Uhhospitals.org.

Visual DX

VisualDx is an interactive decision support tool that helps clinicians and students recognize, diagnose, and manage conditions.

It supports creating differential diagnosis, patient education, and point of care learning in dermatology, infectious disease, oral health, and more. Its image comparisons, and clear summaries make it valuable for identifying conditions across diverse skin tones. 

Access VisualDX through the Cleveland Health Sciences Library (CHSL).  Email us at askCHSL@case.edu for assistance accessing this database or for other questions about CHSL’s resources.

Is Sport Medicine Your Thing? Partner with the Cleveland Browns and UH!

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has an exciting opportunity to participate in a partnership with two hometown heroes: University Hospitals and the Cleveland Browns. The NFL, NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) are committed to expanding access to sports medicine and launched a program in 2022 to encourage medical students from a variety of backgrounds to consider sports medicine careers. This exciting opportunity is for 3rd or 4th year medical students interested in primary care/sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery, so keep it mind as you consider your 3rd and 4th years! You will work directly with and under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to gain basic medical knowledge and exposure to patient care in sports medicine. The student will spend approximately one month (preferably during NFL training camp, mid/late July through mid/late August) observing and participating in the day-to-day interactions and care of players/patients with the team athletic training staff. 

With questions, please feel free to reach out to Phillip Rowland-Seymour at par77@case.edu.

Daniel Lewis Ravin Award

2026 Jerry Kowal Student Scholarship - Accepting Applications

The Ohio Geriatrics Society wishes to announce that applications for the 2026 Jerry Kowal Student Scholarship are currently being accepted. This award is to be granted to a medical student, PharmD candidate, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech therapy, physician assistant, or nursing/nurse practitioner student who is interested in attending the 2026 American Geriatrics Society National Scientific Meeting being held this year, Virtual platform. Two scholarships are to be awarded. Please complete the application and send to Himika Dalia, hdalia@metrohealth.org, by the deadline of March 31, 2026. Awards will be announced on April 10, 2026.

Academy of Medicine of Cleveland & Northern Ohio (AMCNO)

At over 200 years old, and with more than 7,200 members, the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland & Northern Ohio (AMCNO) is one of the largest and oldest regional medical societies in the country.  We are looking for medical student leaders and physicians-in-training to join our fifth inaugural class of the Future Leaders Council.

The AMCNO Future Leaders Council is dedicated to empowering our medical student, resident and fellow members with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. It will be a collaborative group of young leaders wanting to make an impact on AMCNO’s work and on our community’s health. Future Leaders Council members can make the difference they want to see in medicine and develop a career that is both enjoyable and helpful to them as they grow into the professional leaders they want to be.

Members of the Future Leaders Council will sit on AMCNO committees, ensuring that the voice of tomorrow’s physicians is included in all levels of our work. Their objectives will be to influence policy at the local, state and national levels, while also learning the skills necessary to be physician leaders and advocates. 

Interested applicants should fill out the application by March 1, 2026.  AMCNO membership is free for medical students, residents and fellows during all years of your training. If you have questions, please contact  JJohns@amcno.org. 

We Love our Future Alumni Event!

The Health Sciences Alumni Relations Teams invite all students to join them for hot cocoa and cookies on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 11:30am to 1:00pm, Samson Pavilion, 1st Floor. Learn more about the We Love our Future Alumni Event.

Medical Brigade Registration is Live!

Academic Medicine Call for Cover Art

The AAMC peer-reviewed journal Academic Medicine is accepting submissions for theirCover Art feature until March 16. Accepted Cover Art will be published online in Academic Medicine starting in late 2026 and throughout 2027! Learn more about the requirements and submission process.

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