On Tuesday, September 5th, we welcomed the last of our entering learners (MD Program) to campus. Others, including residents and fellows, have already settled in, but most started sometime in August and are still finding their bearings. I had the pleasure of welcoming some of these amazing people personally during their respective orientations. Each year at this time, I am reminded of how blessed we are.
Our learners come from all over the world. They have accomplished great things before arriving – they are athletes, writers and musicians. They have done impressive research. They have taught, volunteered, and led. They have participated in advocacy and community engagement. They bring with them these experiences, their unique academic backgrounds, and their life stories. And, because they do, they enrich us all. They make us think deeper, question our assumptions, and help us generate new ways of thinking. I encourage each of you to go out of your way to welcome the new members of our community – we are better because they are here.
We, in return, have the responsibility and privilege of training them. That training is, of course, about providing the knowledge and skills necessary for their respective professions. And, it is much more than that. It involves instilling our professional values, principles that underpin our societal contract to improve human health through clinical care, education, research, innovation, advocacy and service. It involves supporting them, challenging them, and helping them to see what they perhaps cannot yet see for themselves. This is the virtuous cycle of medical education and one that I am constantly humbled to be a part of.
The cycle of medical education causes me to reflect on my own mentors, teachers, advisors, coaches, and peers. How lucky I have been to have people who have supported me in good times and in bad. They have helped me to continually grow into the physician, educator, scholar, mentor and peer that I am, however imperfect. It is so important to take a moment to remember the impact of these individuals and show gratitude for what they have given. I encourage you to take a moment to reach out to a mentor, teacher or peer who has helped you grow into the person you are now and tell them of the impact they have had on you. It will not only bring them happiness, it will bring more joy to your life.
Welcome to our new learners – we are so glad you are here! Thank you to all our teachers – faculty, staff, residents, students, for helping us all grow, learn and improve each and every day. Here’s to an outstanding, inspirational, and meaningful year of learning and growing!