Welcome Class of 2017!

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Incoming medical students begin their journey to become physicians and leaders

Chosen from more than 5,225 applicants, the 132 future physicians in the Class of 2017 received their time-honored white coat, a traditional symbol of medicine, before their family members, friends and School of Medicine faculty on Aug. 16. Afterward, Gabrielle Meyer, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Knight Cancer Institute Center for Hematologic Malignancies, led the students as they recited the modern Hippocratic Oath, sacred to their profession, to dedicate their lives to the humanitarian goals of medicine.

 

"This is an incredibly exciting time to enter the profession of medicine. I am excited about where we are today – on the brink of a great era in medicine."

– George Mejicano, M.D., M.S., senior associate dean for education

 

Welcoming the students to the School of Medicine, George Mejicano, M.D., M.S., the school's senior associate dean for education said, "This is an incredibly exciting time to enter the profession of medicine. I am excited about where we are today – on the brink of a great era in medicine."

wc-featureDr. Mejicano spoke to the students about the future of medicine, including how burgeoning information technology and improved science will impact their careers and how they deliver health care. He also pointed out a growing interprofessional and collaborative paradigm shift that focuses on people interacting within high functioning teams and working together to provide compassionate, patient centered care of the highest quality.

 

"Listen to your heart, choose your passion and don't forget to have fun while you're here."

– Jay Waldron, Ph.D., J.D., member, OHSU Board of Directors

 

The J.S. "Dutch" Reinschmidt, M.D., Lecture was delivered by Donald Girard, M.D., M.A.C.P., professor of medicine and senior consultant to the Office of the Dean. In the lecture titled, "The Secret of Patient Care," Dr. Girard referred to a legendary quote from Dr. Francis W. Peabody, delivered to Harvard students in 1925. He also spoke about the theme of service inherent in the profession of medicine, including the principles of social justice, patient autonomy and the physician's role in helping ensure access to care. "My wish for you would be that you could have the same kind of wonder in your career that I have had," he said.

"Listen to your heart, choose your passion and don't forget to have fun while you're here," said Jay Waldron, Ph.D., J.D., a member of the OHSU Board of Directors.

Tracy Bumsted, M.D., MPH, the school's dean for undergraduate medical education, introduced the ceremony's speakers. To the students, she said, "You are an exceptional group of individuals. We are already proud of each and every one of you, and we are fortunate to have you as our 126th entering class!"

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The OHSU School of Medicine's 126th class is characterized by a wide diversity of students, all of whom have already distinguished themselves in the health care field and have accomplished many things in other areas. The 2013-14 entering class includes military veterans, an artist, teachers, nurses, EMTs and paramedics, scientists, security analysts, social workers, community activists, bloggers, ranchers, and many others.

Of the 132 class members, 112 – or 85 percent – are from Oregon. Three students will participate in the M.D./MPH program and two will join the M.D./Ph.D. program. The mean age for the class is 26 years – a figure that has held steady for the past six years.

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