Schedule
Friday, February 20, 2026
McNamara Alumni Center
Friday, February 20, 2026
McNamara Alumni Center
Please check in at the Admissions Registration tables in Memorial Hall of the McNamara Alumni Center. Breakfast will be provided and the Heritage Gallery will also be open for viewing.
The Curtis L. and Arleen M. Carlson Heritage Gallery, a multimedia museum, honors the accomplishments of University of Minnesota alumni, faculty, students and staff. The gallery is housed behind the reconstructed Memorial Stadium arch, a prominent fixture in Memorial Hall. The gallery features permanent and changing photographs, videos, artifacts, inventions and interactive kiosks that tell the innumerable stories of the University.
Continental Breakfast Menu & Dietary Information
Fresh Sliced Fruit – Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Breakfast Breads and Pastries – Vegetarian (Gluten Free selection available)
Assorted Flavored Yogurts with optional Granola Topping – Vegetarian
Beverages: Orange Juice, Iced Water, Certified Organic and Free Trade Dark Roast Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Hot Tea
Dr. Carrie Costantini is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation. Her primary disease focus is breast cancer. She enjoys the long term relationships between medical oncologists and breast cancer patients as well as the multi-disciplinary approach to treating breast cancer. Her passion and academic interest is medical education. She is also the new Assistant Dean for Admissions for the Medical School.
Dr. Jeff Chipman is a Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education; Executive Vice-Chair of Surgical Specialties, Department of Surgery; Professor, Division of Critical Care/Acute Care Surgery; and Frank B. Cerra Professor of Critical Care Surgery.
Dean Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD is the dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy. He is also the vice president for Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota, board chair for University of Minnesota Physicians and co-leader of M Health Fairview, the joint clinical enterprise among the University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota Physicians and Fairview Health Services. An internationally recognized physician and researcher, Dr. Tolar is known for his care of patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. His research is focused on developing cellular therapies for rare genetic disorders. Originally from the Czech Republic, Dr. Tolar received his medical education (MD) in Prague at Charles University. In 1992, he came to the University of Minnesota, where he received his PhD in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology and Genetics.
Jessamina Blum, PhD, MEd earned her PhD in cell and molecular biology from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. During her graduate program, she had the opportunity to TA an undergraduate course where she fell in love with teaching and learning. Naturally, being a science nerd, Dr. Blum wanted to understand the scientific underpinnings of what makes "good" teaching effective. To do this, she was able to do a combined postdoc as a research fellow and as an HHMI teaching fellow, where she learned all about evidence-based teaching and learning. Fast forward to today where Dr. Blum has taken all that she's learned and leads the Foundations Phase curriculum team and faculty in its efforts to maintain and innovate the Foundations Phase of the MD curriculum.
Mee Vang has been in financial aid at the University of Minnesota since 2008. She is passionate about the work that she does, because she was a first-gen college graduate, and depended on financial aid to help fund her education. One of her favorite quotes at the moment is "You can do anything, but not everything." Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her spouse and 5 children.
Students will be divided up into three groups and rotate between the Mini Resource Fair, a conversation with our Medical School Council and Student Groups, and trying on their white coats and writing "Letters of Love" cards for local children.
The three groups are identified by (Red, Yellow and Green) dots located on the back of your badges.
Schedule: Session #1: 10:55 AM - 11:15 AM; Session #2: 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM; Session #3: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Mini Resource Fair - Johnson Great Room
This Breakout Room will feature Medical School and University resource departments.
Medical School Council - Ski-U- Mah Room
This Breakout Room will feature Medical School affinity groups,
White Coat Try On / Letters of Love - Heritage Gallery
This Breakout Room is where you will try on your White Coat with the Medical School events department. You will also have an opportunity to create a "Letters of Love" card after trying on your white coat.
Buffet Lunch Menu & Dietary Information
Grilled Salmon Salad – Dairy Free, Gluten Free
Mixed Greens, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Dill-Caper Vinaigrette
Gemelli Pasta Salad – Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Tomato, Red Onion, Bell Peppers, Corn, Black Beans, Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
Lettuce, Parmesan, Caesar Dressing
Fresh Sliced Fruit – Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Fresh Baked D'Amico Breads with Sweet Cream Butter – Vegetarian (Gluten Free selection available)
Chef's Choice of Dessert - Gluten Free, Nut Free
Beverages: Iced Water, Certified Organic and Free Trade Dark Roast Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Elise Toussaint
3rd Year Medical Student, University of Minnesota
Elise Toussaint grew up in Minnesota and has completed all her education thus far here in the state. She graduated Magna Cum Laude at The University of Minnesota where she earned a bachelor's degree in human physiology and chemistry. Following her undergraduate degree, she took a year and a half off to gain clinical and research experiences. During this time, she worked as a research tech for the UMN doing research in women's health and muscle rehabilitation/injury prevention. Combined with her clinical experience in chronic pain, it has helped guide her to pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery. As a first generation medical student, she recognizes the importance of medical mentorship and has committed to assisting those who walk a similar path as her in pursuing a career in medicine. When not in the hospital, she enjoys traveling, dog training, and participating/supporting the performing arts.
Osasuyi Tongo, MD
North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program
Dr. Osasuyi Tongo is a PGY3 internal medicine resident at North Memorial Hospital in the University of Minnesota Family Medicine Residency Program, He earned his medical degree at Chicago Medical School. Medical interests: Primary Care, Medical Education, Community Health. Career goals: Working in primary care, building a patient panel, engaging with the community, serving as an advocate, and publishing research. He eventually would like to work in a medical school or residency program as an attending/preceptor. Personal interests: Sports, chess, golf, comedy, European soccer.
Sean Huu-Tien Nguyen, MD
General Surgery Resident, University of Minnesota
Dr. Sean Nguyen is a PGY-5 general surgery resident at the University of Minnesota currently in his dedicated research time. He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research interests include surgical outcomes, health services research, and medical education, with ongoing projects in cardiothoracic surgery, simulation, and healthcare utilization. He is passionate about medical education and enjoys engaging with students to share insights about residency training and career development in surgery. He otherwise enjoys concerts around Minneapolis, trying new foods, and traveling with his partner.
Elizabeth (Beth) Davis, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota
Internal Medicine
Dr. Elizabeth Davis is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota. Following medical school, she completed her Internal Medicine residency and a year as Chief Resident at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and practices as a hospitalist at the MHealth Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center East Bank. In addition to her clinical duties, she serves as Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program and as a Clinical Lead for the Division of Hospital Medicine. Her professional interests include medical education and quality improvement.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics
Dr. Michael Kim joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics as a hospitalist after completing his bachelor's degree, Medical School, and residency training at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, Dr. Kim did his residency at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Programs. From 2005-2006, Dr. Kim served as Chief Resident in Pediatrics. A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Kim also has extensive international experience having completed a global health course in tropical medicine at the University of Minnesota, and an elective rotation in internal medicine and pediatrics at Chiang Mai University Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dr. Kim is a Pediatric hospitalist at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and will work with Dr. Abe Jacob on improving inpatient care delivery and building the general pediatric inpatient service.
Admissions Ambassadors will provide a tour throughout the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus beginning at the McNamara Alumni Center and continuing throughout the Medical School and Health Sciences areas.
Students will b divided up into separate tour groups. Your Tour Group number will be indicated on the front of your badges.
The Tour will conclude Admitted Student Day! Have a safe trip home and thanks for coming!