This past weekend collectively, as a medical school, we came together to celebrate the graduation of our medical students—our newest physician colleagues—the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine class of 2022.
Congratulations to the new physician graduates!
Of the 203 physician graduates, 159 attended our four-year University Program built on the pillars of scholarship, clinical mastery, population health sciences, leadership and civic professionalism. Ten physicians graduated from the MD/PhD program—an eight-nine year program that prepares students for careers as physician-scientists. Also graduating were 31 physicians who attended our college program through the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine—a five-year program that prepares students for clinical research careers. And illustrating the intradisciplinary scope of our medical school, three physician graduates received a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
The breadth and depth of our medical school curriculum is one of its strengths and makes our medical school unique. The incredible strength of our programs complement each other and provide remarkable career paths in medicine and research, which have been stewarded by our dedicated team of education deans, society deans, and clerkship directors, as well as research mentors for each student. After diplomas were awarded, together as new physician colleagues, we read the graduating student version of the Hippocratic oath, ratifying our dedication to the society of healers of humankind.
One of the commencement ceremony highlights included a wonderful and thoughtful commencement address delivered by Distinguished Alumnus of the school of medicine, Dr. Lisa Mellman (MED81), the Samuel Rudin Professor of Psychiatry and Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. Next week, I will share a “Message from Stan,” focusing on her address.
As I mentioned in my remarks at commencement, obtaining a medical degree is not solely achieved by the student but is only possible with the support of family members, friends, faculty, peers and staff. I noted that a simple “Thank you” throughout the day recognizes these contributions from others, builds the web of connections essential for medical care and appreciates individual contributions to improving health.
Not only does that apply to completing medical school but to coordinating, managing and executing the graduation events. I would also like to thank everyone who worked to make the graduation events a success and took time away from their personal lives this weekend. To the grounds crew, security guards, traffic patrols, event staff at Severance Music Center, catering staff and commencement staff—thank you for creating a seamless event that allowed families, friends and students to celebrate our new graduates!
Congratulations again to these newly minted physicians—we wish them great success as they start the next formal phase of their training. We all look forward to hearing about their careers and welcoming them back as new ambassadors for our school of medicine.
Stan Gerson, MD
Dean and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (acting)
Director, National Center for Regenerative Medicine