Human Blueprint and Architecture (HBA)
Welcome to the beginning of medical school! It is a year chock full of more curriculum acronyms than you’d ever be able to keep up with, the first of these being HBA—Human Blueprint and Architecture. This is the intro to Vandy, your chance to get familiar with the class schedule and rigorous requirements, to meet some of the faculty who will be your lifeline this year (here’s looking at you Dean Pettepher!), and to learn how you study best. All you incoming Bio and Chem majors will feel right at home, delving into concepts in biochem, cell biology, and cancer genetics. Classmates coming from humanities backgrounds or gap years may feel a little slow off the start, but as someone who took two years off, it all works out. It’ll be hard no matter where you’re coming from because it’s a demanding curriculum, but HBA has been designed to give you some breathing room to get your bearings.
Perhaps less obviously, it can also be emotionally taxing. You’ll learn not only about topoisomerases, but also about the truly spectacular and awe-inspiring things your classmates did before they got here. It can be intimidating, and you won’t be the first person to genuinely wonder if Dr. Coogan dialed the wrong phone number on acceptance day. Imposter syndrome is very much alive, especially in HBA when you may feel that your classmates have jumped in head first and know exactly what they’re doing. The trick is remembering that everyone is flailing around and trying to find their way. Don’t be afraid to connect with classmates and ask for their help—chances are they’re impressed by you too and want help as well. You can also seek out mentorship from your college upperclassmen, especially SAAs and your big, as well as faculty like Dean Fleming; it’s what they’re here for!
VMS I's enjoying a day trip to Rock Island State Park
during the first month of school
As a last note, make some time in your schedule for your hobbies, exploring restaurants and the city, or whatever activity your “me time” takes. This block allows you the most flexibility with your free time, and Nashville still has a ton of summer concerts and outdoor events happening. Setting habits of wellness now, including exercise and a healthy dose of wellness, will pay off down the line when other blocks pile on the subject matter. Take advantage of pass/fail—the upperclassman and administration really mean this when we say it, and they want you to thrive in this environment.
This year is undeniably long, and looking at the uphill climb at the start of the year can be daunting. But HBA was when I made some of my closest friends, fell in love with Nashville, and finally began medical school. Work hard, seek out help when you need, but don’t forget to enjoy the process!