M1 class commits to 2,013 hours of community service

UNMC’s first year medical students have committed to do 2013 hours of community service during their time at the medical center.

The time commitment of 2,013 hours is symbolic of the year the students will graduate from medical school.

“We want our class identity to be one of giving,” said Faisal Ahmed, the class president.

UNMC first-year medical students will log hours in the SHARING Clinic as wells as with other service endeavors to help them collectively complete 2,013 hours of community service before they graduate.

The 128 M1 students can do their service work in a variety fields, including at volunteer clinics as well as in non-clinical settings.

“It’s completely open,” Ahmed said. “We will look to serve in whatever capacity we can.”

The class philanthropy chairs — Andrea Mullen, Jordan Warchol and Meghan Gaule — conceived of the 2,013 hour idea, Ahmed said.

Some students already have done service work toward reaching 2013 hours.

The collective commitment to service demonstrated by the class is remarkable, said Gerald Moore, M.D., senior associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Medicine.

“The College of Medicine applauds this class for taking on this goal,” Dr. Moore said. “This is a strong indicator that the class has a commitment to our community. This emphasizes the professionalism of these students and their social conscience.”