As we transition into May and Commencement, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journeys that we have shared with our learners. The end of April was a particularly poignant reminder of the enduring impact of mentors and teachers, as we celebrated our annual Alumni Weekend and the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards.
Reconnecting with alumni from various generations reaffirms a fundamental truth: the heart of WashU Medicine lies in its educators and those that support the education mission. Time and again, I heard from our returnees that their motivation to give back to our institution isn’t just rooted in nostalgia, but in the deep respect and gratitude they have for the teachers and staff who shaped them into the clinicians, educators, scientists, and leaders they are today. They fondly remember faces, voices, and transformative moments in the classroom, labs, offices, hospitals, and clinics.
One such moment was recounted by an MD alum after the Alumni Weekend. He vividly described a case early in his career involving a patient who suffered from lead poisoning due to prolonged exposure to lead-containing materials at work. While he gained substantial clinical knowledge about diagnosing and treating lead poisoning, what left an indelible mark on him was a question posed by our esteemed former Chair of Medicine, Dr. Carl Moore. Dr. Moore asked, “How do we adapt our plans knowing that our patient will likely return to the same work environment and face the same exposure to lead?” This simple yet profound question fundamentally altered his approach to patient care, emphasizing the need for pragmatic and compassionate healthcare plans that account for the realities our patients face.
This spirit of impact and influence continues today. Recently, we honored our exceptional educators with the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards—accolades given by our medical students to faculty, staff, residents and fellows who have significantly contributed to their education and training. Our students described the individual impact these exceptional educators have had through teaching, direct support, kindness, creating an inclusive environment, and spurring deep thinking. These awards are a testament to the lasting influence our educators have, shaping not just the minds but the future of each generation of students who walk our halls.
Just as our faculty, fellows, residents and staff leave an enduring legacy on our graduates, our students also leave a lasting imprint on us and this institution. Their curiosity, resilience, and dedication enrich our community and inspire us to continuously strive for excellence. As they embark on their next adventures, the time they’ve spent here indelibly shapes WashU Medicine into the beacon of hope that it is and reminds us of the promise of the future that these amazing learners will help bring forth.
As we look forward to celebrating Commencement, let us cherish these interwoven narratives of teaching and learning, knowing that the bonds we form and the influence we impart will continue to resonate long into the future. What a beautiful legacy.