Samuel Akidiva, M.D., was a young physician visiting from Kenya when he met Donna Sweet, M.D., in 2008. At Sweet’s invitation, Akidiva shadowed her as she worked with HIV patients and others in KU School of Medicine-Wichita’s Midtown Clinic. He completed his internal medicine residency in Wichita and then joined her as a faculty member. But that’s not the reason Akidiva spearheaded the creation of an honorary award for medical students and residents in Sweet’s name.

“She’s not done this just for me,” he said. “She’s done this for everybody. She truly deeply cares about her patients, and she cares about medical students and residents.”

It’s rather fitting that the graduation celebration for residents from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at KU School of Medicine-Wichita turned into a birthday celebration, with one resident celebrating her birthday and a birth being the major event for another. For second-year resident Peyton Harjo, M.D., going into labor at the graduation celebration was a surprise; she wasn’t due for another two weeks.

Blueberries. Pretzels. T-rex toy. Balloons. What do these items have in common? A number of unlikely items can be hidden in a gelatin mold to teach the use of a hand-held ultrasound probe. This was one of the activities hosted by KU School of Medicine-Wichita students for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

Before embarking upon their obstetrics and gynecology residencies, five KU School of Medicine-Wichita students signed up for boot camp. A new elective course for fourth-year medical students, the boot camp curriculum spans a wide range of skills that Ashley Robbins, M.D., clinical assistant professor and OB-GYN clerkship director at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, considers essential for new doctors.

The Class of 2027 arrived in Wichita this month, and during their busy orientation week, the new medical students completed Lifesaver Training. First-year medical students also spent time volunteering at sites across Wichita, including Habitat for Humanity, Rainbows United, International Rescue Committee and ICT S.O.S.

Broad smiles, cheers, tears, giant hugs, selfies and shrieks accompanied the students launching their careers in medicine in a ceremony July 21. The students were cloaked in white coats during the annual rite of passage.

The director of primary care at Hunter Health, Caitlin Chiles, M.D., said her experience serving in JayDoc Community Clinic opened her eyes to a community of people who needed help. She first served at the JayDoc clinic as a pre-med student, then continued in medical school and residency.

"That was just part of my experience the whole way, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else," Chiles said.

The Lawrence E. Lamb Prizes are among the most prestigious prizes awarded by KU School of Medicine. Grace Falk, who recently graduated from KU School of Medicine-Wichita, plans to be an otolaryngologist, working with medically underserved communities.

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