Welcome
I welcome you to the Stritch SOM family on behalf of the faculty, students, and administrators at Loyola University Chicago-Stritch School of Medicine. We congratulate you on the many accomplishments that have led to your acceptance to Stritch. We are confident you will receive an excellent medical education at Stritch and look forward to meeting you and the rest of the Class of 2027 on Monday, July 24, 2023.
The following information should be helpful as you prepare to begin your medical school education. It is important that you review the information carefully. You are responsible for meeting all deadlines and requirements. Our goal is to be an open campus for the start of the academic year with no restrictions on in-person activities, so please plan accordingly.
Your offer of acceptance has been made with the provision that you complete all requirements for admission while maintaining the scholastic standing evidenced by the credentials currently within your application and supplemental information. Please complete your Certiphi background check as soon as possible, as reporting to schools can be delayed. Students enrolled in degree-granting programs are expected to complete their degrees prior to matriculation without exception. If you have any questions concerning these conditions, please get in touch with me directly for clarification.
We’re incredibly excited to see you here very soon! Take care and safe travels.
Thank you,
Darrell Nabers, MSc
Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment
Prematriculation
CHECKLIST
The following items are required to be complete before you can begin medical school. Please make note of the deadlines as different tasks are due at different times. Also, please check back daily for any 'NEW' items that will need your attention.
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Deadline |
Documents |
Where to Submit |
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ASAP |
Complete Declaration of Intent, Technical Standards, Confirmation of Prerequisites, and Certification of Prerequisites. |
https://vault.lumc.edu/admis_applicants/default.cfm |
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June 1, 2023 |
Order your white coat and Diagnostic Medical Equipment. |
White Coat Order Form 2023 (link to attached document) Please order your White Coat and Diagnostic Medical Equipment. |
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June 1, 2023 |
Order your blue name tag to be worn with your white coat. |
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July 1, 2023 |
RSVP for the White Coat Ceremony |
White Coat Ceremony Students are allowed to bring up to 3 guests. A brunch will be provided immediately following the ceremony. For discounted hotel room rates, click here. Rooms must be booked by June 29, 2023 to receive the discounted rate. Ceremony will also be live streamed. For questions, please email ssom-studentlife@luc.edu. |
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July 1, 2023 |
Complete the following items in the Hines Veteran Administration ID Forms: Application (VA form 10-2850D) Declaration of Federal Employment Application (OF306) Trainee Access and PIV Form Appointment Affidavit (VA Form 61) (Does NOT need to be notarized.) I-9 Form You do not need to complete TMS training or fingerprinting at this time. |
https://vault.lumc.edu/admis_applicants/default.cfm (Available June 1, 2023) Questions about these forms should be directed to Sheena Woods (sheena.woods@va.gov)
2023 M1 Student Processing Packet
Hines VA Instructions Paperwork
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July 1, 2023 |
Email a color photo of yourself with a neutral background to the admissions office for your student ID. If we do not receive a picture from you, we will use the photo from your supplemental application. |
Email to ssom-admissions@luc.edu Photos should include you entire head and top of your shoulders. Dimensions: 500 X 600 pixels If we do not receive a picture from you, we will use the photo from your supplemental application. |
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July 1, 2023 |
Register and complete CastleBranch forms and upload proof of immunizations/titers. |
CastleBranch log-in:
Please direct any questions about immunizations/titers to clinical-req@luc.edu. |
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July 1, 2023 |
Complete the Prematriculation and Orientation Form. |
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July 1, 2023 |
Register as a patient in EPIC. Let them know you are an incoming student and DO NOT need to schedule an appointment but want to be registered as a patient. |
1-888-LUHS-888 |
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July 9, 2023 |
Register for Mental Health First Aid |
Classes are offered July 18-22, 2023. |
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July 14, 2023 |
Send official transcripts from any institution where you earned a degree and/or completed any prerequisite classes. |
Transcripts must be sent directly to us from a school's Registrar to be considered official. We do not need transcripts from any schools where you did not earn a degree or completed any prerequisite courses. Any official transcripts you requested during the application process are with AMCAS, so we will need a copy for your student record at Stritch. Please send to: Melissa Wergin OR |
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July 14, 2023 |
Fill out questionnaire for our Academic Center for Excellence. |
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July 14, 2023 |
Complete the Prematriculation Registration Form. Please complete this form with all information you have currently. You will be able to update any information you don’t have, such as local address, during registration on the first day of orientation. |
https://vault.lumc.edu/admis_applicants/default.cfm (Available June 1, 2023) (Log in with your AMCAS ID and password.) |
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July 21, 2023 |
Complete the Health History Questionnaire, then upload to your Fitness Center Registration Form to gain access to our gym. |
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July 21, 2023 |
Complete Parking Form if you intend to drive to campus. This is required in order to receive a parking permit. |
Parking Info 2023-2024 (link to attached document) https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=GeaRDSxKgEy5WY_fUY5S6JCh-y-g9qlFuCsLPIdGU1VUNEhDUFdWV1RNWlJDOURINVNYOE1LQ0hEQi4u |
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July 24, 2023 |
Complete electronic verification of CALL lab documents. |
https://luc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8nM7w712t3NZBDU |
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July 24, 2023 |
Read: “What Doctors Feel: How Emotions Affect the Practice of Medicine" by Danielle Ofri, MD. |
What Doctors Feel: How Emotions Affect the Practice of MedicineBy: Danielle Ofri, MDPlease purchase a copy of this book from any retailer you choose. Prior to your orientation in July, please read the book carefully and reflect on it. Each year, the Stritch School of Medicine selects a book that is read by all members of the entering class. The book is chosen because it illustrates key values and themes that are central to the Jesuit education that you will engage at Stritch. At the end of orientation week, you will participate in a small group discussion led by a faculty facilitator. As you read, note two or three of the vignettes or “parables” in the book that move you. Savor these passages and reflect on them. How do they make you feel? What values or themes do you hear in these stories? Why do you think these passages speak to you? Do they have any importance for you as a doctor-in-training? Come to the discussion during orientation prepared to discuss the passages and share such insights as you might have gathered from your reflections. Abstract (from Beacon Press): Physicians are assumed to be objective, rational beings, easily able to detach as they guide patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. But doctors’ emotional responses to the life-and-death dramas of everyday practice have a profound impact on medical care. And while much has been written about the minds and methods of the medical professionals who save our lives, precious little has been said about their emotions. In What Doctors Feel, Dr. Danielle Ofri has taken on the task of dissecting the hidden emotional responses of doctors and how these directly influence patients.
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July 24, 2023 |
Bring proof of citizenship to Orientation US Citizens Non-US Citizens DACA |
Bring to Orientation Note: All documents must be originals—no copies! |
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July 31, 2023 |
Complete Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduates Training . |
An email will be sent to your luc.edu email address with instructions on how to access the course. (Available after July 25, 2023) |
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July 31, 2023 |
Change your Workday password. |
An email will be sent to the email on your AMCAS application with your Workday ID and a temporary password. Click on the link in the email, login, and change your password to something permanent. (Available after July 24, 2023) |
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July 31, 2023 |
Access your Loyola LOCUS account. View electronic billing, make a payment, set up direct deposit profile. |
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August 1, 2023 |
Complete Basic Life Support (BLS) Training |
Check your LUC email for details on how to complete the online portion of your BLS training. (Available after July 27, 2023) Please direct any questions about clinical requirements to clinical-req@luc.edu. |
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September 15, 2023 |
Complete the 2023 AAMC Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) survey. |
Survey link will be sent to you from the AAMC. For questions or if you are having trouble accessing the survey, please contact MSQ@aamc.org. |
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October 1, 2023 |
Decide whether you want Loyola’s Student Health Insurance
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JUMP RETREAT (JESUIT UNIVERSITY MINISTRY PREVIEW)
You’re invited! An enthusiastic team of M2s are ready to give you a great start to your medical education by bringing you together for community-building, reflection, and connection. We don’t want you to miss out on any of the amazing parts of being a Stritch student and can’t wait to share the tradition of JUMP with you.
This 2-day experience for incoming M1s will take place from Wednesday morning, July 19th to Thursday afternoon, July 20st at the Loyola Retreat and Ecology Center in Woodstock, IL, about 75 minutes from the Stritch campus.
During the overnight retreat, we’ll talk about hopes & fears, expectations, and transitions, as well as Stritch values and hallmarks of our Jesuit heritage that make Stritch, Stritch! There will be opportunities for small group conversation, activities, personal reflection, a Q&A with M2s, and opportunities to connect with classmates in meaningful ways.
Registration will open in mid-May on this website.
- Spots are limited and are first-come, first-serve. Registration deadline is Friday, June 30, 2023. If spots are filled before this deadline, we will open a waiting list.
- All are asked to commit to participating all-day, for both days.
- If you have circumstances in which the overnight part of the stay would prohibit you from attending the retreat as a whole, please reach out to us directly to discuss alternative options for your participation.
- The retreat fee of $30 is due upon registration and is non-refundable. Scholarships are available.
We hope you'll consider joining in on the opportunity to build connections with your class and get a taste of the spirit of Stritch!
M1 IMMERSION PROGRAM
The purpose of this free 16-day program is to help prepare incoming students for academic success in medical school. Through virtual and in-person interactive (group and private) sessions and an online self-paced course, the program provides: a simulation of the way material is delivered at Stritch Medical School (SSOM), an assessment of your studying and test-taking strategies and guidance for improving them, an overview of resources that can support your overall health and well-being, a presentation on financial literacy tools and resources, and an introduction to medical school peers, leaders, and the surrounding community.
Program enrollment is capped at 20 students. Participant expectations include a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, including an accelerated version of an asynchronous online course.
All students are invited to apply with preference given to those who: have a non-science undergraduate major, have been out of school for a substantial period, are changing professions, or have educational or social backgrounds that might impact academic success. More details can be found here. A calendar of the synchronous activities is available here.
This program is generously supported by the Office of the Dean, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Executive Admissions Committee.
Applications are due June 7th at 11:59pm CST. Email questions to: SSOM-Immersion@luc.edu
STRITCH SNEAK PEEK
Once your official Loyola emails are generated, you will receive an email from Vera Schalansky, the Director of ACE, inviting you to participate in Sneak Peek, a curriculum preview program to facilitate your transition to Stritch School of Medicine. Sneak Peek will provide a preview of your first class at Stritch, Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics (MCBG), as well as introduce you to commonly-used study techniques and online student resources. Feel free to go through the site at your convenience.
These two books are recommended for the pre-matriculants. They are on loan in the ACE office Cuneo 225 or can be purchased below from AMAZON.
Study Without Stress: Mastering Medical Sciences (Surviving Medical School Series)
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Hardcover
REQUESTING ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
If you need to request accommodations for the upcoming year, please read about the application process in Appendices A-C of our Academic Policy Manual, or reach out directly to Vera M. Schalansky, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence & Accessibility, at vschalansky@luc.edu.
THE MEDICAL STUDENT UNION
MSU is the student government of the medical student body. Through the MSU, students can take part in various student organizations and service opportunities throughout the Chicago area and participate on standing committees at the Stritch School of Medicine. The MSU provides a voice for medical student opinions to the faculty and administration, deals with medical student issues on a local and national level, and sponsors social events such as a St. Luke’s event and the Spring Formal. All medical students are welcome to participate in MSU activities. For more about the MSU and active student groups at Stritch, see: http://ssom.luc.edu/loyolamsu/.
NEW: STRITCH PEER M1 MENTEE SIGNUP
The Stritch Peer Mentorship Committee will be pairing incoming M1s with M2s/M3s/M4s to help ease the transition into medical school. If you are interested in signing up, please fill out this form.
NEW: MEDICAID APPLICATION
CLASS FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/600489661837034
LOCAL HOUSING OPTIONS
The Office of Admissions has compiled a list of housing options in the area. Housing Packet Information here. The MSU Facebook page will also post any additional housing options that have been made available since the creation of the housing packet.
NEW! CURRICULUM INFORMATION
We are very excited to welcome you to the Stritch Class of 2027 and hope that you will find your home at Loyola. I am confident that the training you receive with us will allow you to provide compassionate and competent care to our diverse and complex patient population.
As you might know, we are in the process of adjusting our pre-clinical and clinical timelines, and as our current students move through this transition, the Curriculum Maps for the Clinical years (M3-4) which are online will look different for your class. We have had a few emails come through the Admissions office regarding the specifics, so I wanted to provide you with that information. The goal in adjusting our pre-clinical calendar is to allow more time for students in the clinical years. Specifically, this new format will allow students to have more time in their M4 year as they (you) prepare for that transition to residency.
Your clinical rotations (and M3 year) will now start in May after your M2 year. This is two months earlier than the outgoing system, and these two months will allow the M4 year to start in May, ensuring a full 12 months in your final year of residency.
As you look at this current Curriculum Map, please note that YOUR M3 year will have the following 6-week rotations (not 5 weeks as listed): Family Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Neurology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry. Your Internal Medicine and Surgery Clerkships will be 8 weeks in length (not 7 weeks as listed). This upcoming academic year is one of transition as we reset the calendar.
Please reach out if you have any additional questions and I look forward to seeing you at Orientation!
Dr. Laura Ozark lozark@luc.edu
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
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Admissions Office: |
Darrell Nabers, MS Megan Kelly Tisdale, MAED, MALS Latrice Williams, MJ Melissa Wergin, BA, CST |
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Financial Aid: |
Tammy Patterson, MBA, MPA Lynn Wawrzyniak |
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Bursar: |
Laura Zaucha |
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Registration & Records: |
Julie Steinecker Agape Lamberis Rosemary Calcagno Claire Manor |
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Student Affairs: |
James Mendez, PhD Viviana Martinez, MEd Guadalupe Zarco, MAOL Tina Marino-Misura, MEd JoAnne Kremske, MA |
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Student Life: |
Catherine Jardien, MA Rachel Davis, MA Addie Husbands |
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Academic Center for Excellence:
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Vera Schalansky, JD Saadia Rafiq Tina Calcagno |
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Wellness Center: |
Marcella Blum, LCPC Teresa Carey, RN, BSN Kathhleen Janosky, LCSW |
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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Mark Torrez, MEd Kamran Mirza, MD Freager Williams, MD Patricia Robinson, MD Chelsea Hernandez |
Orientation
The Stritch School of Medicine First Year Orientation Program will be hosted Monday, July 24th through Friday, July 28th. Our orientation program is designed to assist you in acclimating to the medical school setting, provide opportunities for meeting and interacting with new classmates, and will introduce you to a variety of resources as you begin to prepare for the rigors of a medical education.
More Information Coming Soon!
Proof of Citizenship
As part of registration during orientation, you will need to provide proof of US citizenship, US permanent resident status, or DACA conferred status. Please remember to bring this documentation with you to Orientation on Monday. All documents must be original. Copies will not be accepted.
US Citizen:
Your current U.S. Passport OR
Your state-issued driver's license or other state-issued ID which has a photo and descriptive information about you AND either Social Security Card or original/certified copy of your birth certificate.
Non-US Citizen:
Your Permanent Resident Card with your current passport.
DACA Conferred Status:
Current Employment Authorization Document (EAD I-765) AND I-765 original DACA card.
The above documentation is required in order to begin medical school, so please do not forget to bring it with you on the first day of Orientation. Your documentation will be recorded as you go through the registration portion of orientation. Please note that all documentation presented to us must be current. We cannot accept expired documents.
Parking Information
M1s will be able to park in Deck C (the deck at the south end of campus) beginning on the first day of orientation, July 24th.
Parking will be in Deck C. The cost is $26/month and will begin July 24, 2023 through May 31, 2024. Please pre-register your vehicle prior to orientation here: register here
Parking costs $26/month and can be paid via credit card or check at orientation. It is preferred that you pay for the entire academic year (July 24-May 31) at that time, which would be $260. However, monthly payments of $26 will also be accepted. After your initial payment ($26) during orientation, you will need to visit the parking office each month to pay. Parking is available for purchase over the summer of 2023 if you need it at a cost of $26/month. Please note that extended or overnight parking is not allowed on campus, so it is recommended that you ensure that you have options for extended parking available where you live. Further information about parking and parking policies will be given out at orientation.
White Coat Ceremony
The M1 White Coat Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 29th at 11 am at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center.
Students are allowed to bring up to 3 guests.
A brunch will be provided immediately following the ceremony.
Ceremony will also be live streamed.
For any questions about White Coat, please contact ssom-studentlife@luc.edu.
Financial Information
Your LOCUS Account
LOCUS is Loyola’s online connection to University services. Here you can do things like view your e-bill or make a payment. All financial functions are located in LOCUS under Campus Finances.
Log in to LOCUS at luc.edu/locus using your Loyola ID and password and click Campus Finances to get started.
If you have trouble logging in, please contact the Loyola University Help Desk at (773) 508-4487 during regular business hours.
Electronic Billing
Electronic Bills (e-bills) are generated on the 15th of each month and are snapshots of your account at the time they are sent. An e-mail notification will be sent to your official campus (@luc.edu) email address and to those granted access when your e-bill has been generated. For more information, please visit luc.edu/bursar/billing
2023-24 e-bill Schedule
Term Sent Due
Fall 2023 July 15 Aug 5
Spring 2024 Dec 15 Jan 5
Loyola University reserves the right to assess a monthly late payment fee of 1.5% of the past due balance on the student’s account.
Guest Access
If a parent, spouse, grandparent, or another person will be helping you manage your Loyola finances, you can grant them access to your financial account in LOCUS. During setup you may select the areas your guest will be able to access and those they cannot. Set up guest access at luc.edu/bursar/parent_access.
Payment Methods
Cash, check or money order:
In person: Bursar’s Office - SSOM, Room 204
By Mail: Loyola University Chicago, 3953 Solutions Center, Chicago, IL 60677-3009
E-Check (Electronic Check or ACH):
Online in LOCUS
Drawn from a checking or savings account only (no fee)
Wire Transfers:
From any domestic bank account
International payments should be made through our partner, Flywire (luc.edu/bursar/flywire)
Credit Card:
Online in LOCUS: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa
2.85% non-refundable service fee ($3.00 minimum) added to the amount paid
For more information about payment options, visit luc.edu/bursar/payment.
Direct Deposit Refunds
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine recommends the DIRECT DEPOSIT method for all student refunds. If you have received financial aid funds in excess of the charges on your LOCUS account, you may qualify for a refund. Complete your direct deposit profile in LOCUS with a valid checking or savings account, and your refund will be deposited into your bank account within two banking days after the refund is generated in LOCUS. You only have to set up your direct deposit profile once, but can update it at any time, if your account information changes. Read more about the refund process at www.luc.edu/bursar/refunds.
1098-T
The 1098-T form reports the qualified amount billed to you by Loyola University over the course of the previous calendar year. Its purpose is to help you and/or your tax professional determine if you are eligible for the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit on your income taxes. To learn more, go to www.luc.edu/bursar/1098t.
Start-up Expenses
Most students should anticipate between $2,500 and $3,000 in preliminary expenses as you begin medical school. These expenses will include security deposits for apartments and utilities, the first month’s rent, school books and supplies, food, and other personal needs. Therefore, you should be prepared to meet your initial expenses with your own money.
New students without local bank accounts should have between $800 and $900 in cash, traveler’s checks, money orders, or access to ATMs to cover their personal expenses during the first weeks of medical school. Local banks will not cash your checks until you have established an account and funds are available. During the first weeks of school please be prepared to have money available for your use.
During the week of orientation, there may be expenses for any immunizations or titers you might need as well as for any of the optional social events.