In the realm of academic medicine, the discussion often revolves around educational excellence, innovative research, and the delivery of quality patient care. However, there’s another critical element that transcends these areas: the culture we create.
At the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, this culture is nurtured by the Office of Academic Culture and Community (OACC).
Established with the mission to cultivate a supportive and interconnected environment, the OACC aims to ensure that every student and faculty member feels both valued and equipped to flourish. Their focus is not on regulation or enforcement but on proactive community building.
As a vibrant community-building branch of the medical school, the OACC plays a pivotal role in promoting a student-driven culture.
The office offers two key fellowship tracks for second-year medical students: Mentorship and Research & Advocacy. These fellowships empower students to lead and support their peers while making meaningful contributions to the school.
Fellows are actively involved in organizing workshops, participating in essential school committees, and serving as the vital link between students and school leadership. This approach is designed to integrate student voices directly into the decision-making processes at the institution.
In addition to fellowship opportunities, the OACC collaborates extensively with various student groups, facilitating events and initiatives that foster community engagement.
Whether it’s through outreach programs or celebrations of significant occasions like Women’s History Month, the OACC provides support to student-led initiatives that reflect the core values of the institution.
While these projects are primarily driven by students, the OACC ensures they are well-resourced and comply with institutional standards, enabling their success.
Moreover, the OACC recognizes that transformational culture change requires a collaborative effort.
By partnering with other offices in the School of Medicine—such as student affairs, Graduate Medical Education, admissions, and faculty affairs—the OACC emphasizes that genuine culture shifts can only occur through collective action.
This interconnectedness is fundamental to fostering a thriving community.
Beyond organizing events and projects, the OACC is committed to shaping the overall experience of medical education.
Their initiatives are focused on promoting well-being, addressing burnout, encouraging mentorship, and genuinely listening to the needs of students.
The environment cultivated by the OACC is one where no individual feels isolated.
Students are empowered to form authentic relationships, connect with inspiring mentors, and build enduring friendships that extend beyond their time in medical school.
This inclusive environment redefines medical school as a nurturing home rather than just an institution.
As emphasized by the OACC, the intention is not to ‘fix’ students or staff but rather to walk alongside them, fostering growth in a setting where every individual feels appreciated and understood.
The sentiments expressed by former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy resonate deeply within the vision of the OACC.
Before concluding his term, Murthy shared his “last prescription,” urging society to choose community over the disconnection and division often present in modern life.
“Choose joy, health, and fulfillment, where we turn toward each other instead of away from each other; where we choose love over fear,” he said.
This call to action aligns with the core mission of the OACC.
Connection is not merely a soft concept; it is vital to the well-being, education, and leadership essential in medicine.
At the OACC, the commitment to fostering deeper connections and a sense of community is profound.
The primary goal is straightforward: to create a culture where every member of the academic community—students, faculty, and staff alike—wants to belong, contribute, and grow.
This fostering of community ultimately transcends the boundaries of medical education, preparing future physicians who understand the inherent value of partnership, empathy, and respect.
This commitment not only enhances the quality of education but also enriches the practice of medicine as a whole, benefiting everyone involved.
image source from：https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/notes/2025/05/stronger-community-stronger-students-stronger-school
