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STUDENT PROFILE 
Ann Marie Patterson Third-year student, Versailles, KY. Student Life: Intramural football. "We're medical students, so we're competitive." SUPPORT USC
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McMahon says students excited about SOMDr. Carol McMahon says many students tell her the most exciting thing about being at the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine is ... well, just being in medical school. "When I ask them what their greatest achievement is, many say just being here, being in medical school," says McMahon, director of minority affairs at the school and a faculty member in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. "For most people, that is what's most exciting, first and foremost. "The icing on the cake is that we have cutting-edge technology with the GE ultrasound program, an up-tick in research opportunities and research dollars, and state-of-the-art facilities." Not that the students are just-happy-to-be-here complacent. Far from it. "We've had an increase in numbers of applicants who are outstanding young people, many of whom have such competitive credentials, they could go anywhere in the nation," says McMahon, who in her dual role, recruits underrepresented student populations and teaches. McMahon is likewise content on the picturesque School of Medicine campus. She initially worked part-time at the school after moving to Columbia from Washington, D.C., in 1994. "It was a small, very collegial atmosphere," she says. Despite improvements to technology and facilities and an increase in class size, the school's quality and philosophy have not changed. "I'm glad we still provide a very nurturing and home-like atmosphere for students and faculty," McMahon says.
Though the first-year class entering in fall 2007 numbers 86, that's still a small number compared to other medical schools. "It's definitely a draw for students," McMahon says of the size. "One of the things that distinguishes us from other schools is how comfortable students are and how much they like their visit here when they come for our Day-in-the-Life of a medical student program or for their interviews and admissions day visit." McMahon spends much of her time counseling and nurturing prospective students, offering advice, feedback, and critiques to students who want to go through the admissions process. "They want advice on how to get from where they are to medical school." Once they get here, of course, they'll discover what McMahon calls "a gem.? We are a small but really great medical school right here in the heart of Columbia. The more people who know that the better. We're just a little gem out here."
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"As someone who was a transplant from a different environment and different geographic area, I always felt welcome here. I'm not sure it would be the same if I were coming from South Carolina and going to my former employer in Washington." ALL ABOUT US About SOM: Our
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"As someone who was a transplant from a different environment and different geographic area, I always felt welcome here. I'm not sure it would be the same if I were coming from South Carolina and going to my former employer in Washington."