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The University’s Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) hosted its externship celebration May 2 for current third-year students, who are moving to clinical sites across the country for the entirety of their fourth year. OCA dean Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD, hosted the celebration in conjunction with Jonette Owen AuD ‘03, FNAP, CH-AP, associate dean of clinical education at OCA.
Salus president Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, started off the night with some kind words and encouragement for the students. He challenged them all to get out of their comfort zone and to take advantage of the difficult cases when they can.
“Because this is probably the last time you’re really going to be doing it with supervision - the next time, you’re the doctor,” said Dr. Mittelman. Some key takeaways from the faculty and administration were to not be scared to ask questions, especially the hard ones. “Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know something or you’re not sure of something. This is that opportunity to say, ‘You know I think I have this,’” he said.
The reception is an annual tradition — complete with a champagne toast and chocolate covered strawberries — to properly send off the third-year Doctor of Audiology students to their externships. The Class of 2024 includes eight students from the three-year track and 25 students from the four-year track.
The students had the opportunity to share with the guests who they are, where they are going, and any advice they would like to share. 
Danielle Baran ‘24AUD gave students the advice to take time for themselves. “It is really important because you get so overwhelmed in these four years,” she said. And, she specifically noted that it is okay to make mistakes because life goes on and you’ll learn from them.
Megan Kirkpatrick ‘24AUD provided an uplifting message to students. “Learn to take the compliments from your preceptors. We master our didactics when we’re in the clinic or in the class and it carries on everywhere,” she said. “So, just take the compliments when they’re given because they’re huge and they matter and you’re going to get to this point and you’re going to miss everything that they’ve said to you.”
Dr. Owen concluded the festivities with a little bit of inspiration: “You’ve got this,” she said. She also reminded them that when things get tough, remember the reason they are here and to remember the accomplishments they have already endured to this point.
