Last fall, the UVA School of Medicine student government piloted a program to offer free baked goods to students every month at the Charlottesville and Inova campuses by providing student chefs reimbursement for ingredients.
Mulholland Society vice president and fourth-year medical student Kavi Wick was inspired to begin this initiative after hearing about the weekly baking tradition in the UVA Internal Medicine (IM) residency program, where program director Brian Uthlaut, MD, provides his residents homemade baked goods every Friday.
“My wife Heather and I have always seen the impact of bringing homemade food to busy residents and students—going back to my time in medical school and residency. Homemade food brings a human connection to a busy and stressful hospital environment,” shared Dr. Uthlaut.
He and his wife started providing baked goods to IM residents several years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was something they felt they could do for the IM residents to support morale and contribute to a sense of program connection.
“We have enjoyed keeping up the tradition of Friday treats to celebrate and appreciate our fantastic IM residents,” Dr. Uthlaut stated.
By starting their own baked goods endeavor, the Mulholland Society hopes to build a community around food and enable student bakers to share their talents with their peers. The initiative was a smashing success! More than 15 bakers participated in the fall semester with many more planning to join in the spring.
