Fall 2024 semester opens with annual Mizzou Med Family Day

Each year, families of MU medical students trek to mid-Missouri for the School of Medicine’s Family Day. Attendees have the opportunity to learn more about their child’s program at the School of Medicine, participate in facility tours, and meet leadership, faculty and staff.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, more than 180 total participants, including more than 50 families, spent the day at the School of Medicine facilities for the popular annual event.

The day’s activities were tailored to each year of medical students and their respective families. Sessions included hands-on demonstrations at the Shelden Clinical Simulation Center, learning more about the Springfield Clinical Campus and meeting the School of Medicine deans.

Two MU medical students in attendance this year were sisters Andrea and Ariana Espinosa. The duo was joined by their father, who traveled more than 800 miles from Houston, Texas, to take part in the festivities.

While she is a first-year medical student, it was not the first School of Medicine Family Day for Ariana. In 2023, she joined Andrea for her first-ever Family Day and had the opportunity to see firsthand what medical school would be like.

Now that they’re both active MU medical students, the event proved to be a full circle moment for them.

“I attended Andrea’s Family Day a year ago and it was incredibly special for me to see how hard she had worked to earn her spot in the medical school,” said Ariana. “Fast forward a year later, I found myself posing yet again for another group picture with her and it made me realize how far we have both come in our academic journeys.”

With two Family Day events under her belt, Andrea has thoroughly enjoyed the special time and memories created with her sister and father.

“I think this is a great opportunity to give our loved ones a glimpse into what our everyday lives are like at the School of Medicine,” said Andrea. “My dad proudly followed us to the different sessions throughout the day and enjoyed hearing our stories about our time so far at medical school.”