For Immediate Release: September 12, 2001
Contact: DMS Communications (603) 650-1492


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A Message from the Dean

To All First Year DMS Students, Their Families, and Friends:

It is with regret that I write to you regarding the postponement of the White Coat Ceremony, originally scheduled for this Friday, September 14th. In light of our recent national tragedy, I felt it would be prudent to move the ceremony to another date to allow families to be together during these difficult days. We will reschedule the ceremony to a time when we can all come together to celebrate this important milestone in your medical careers.

The White Coat Ceremony itself and related events are important reminders of what it means to be a physician. The true meaning of that commitment was abundantly clear in the last thirty six hours. Within minutes of being informed of the immense tragedy that had occurred, health care professionals rushed to the aid of the victims in New York and Washington, D. C. Having been in the streets of lower Manhattan when the towers fell, I saw your faces in all of those who sought to help.

My heartfelt sympathies go to those of you who may have been affected by this unspeakable horror. This is a time to recognize the importance of your chosen career, and to remember that you represent the spirit of our nation. I would like to share with you some words written by William Allen White: "Put fear out of your heart. This nation will survive, this state will prosper, the orderly business of life will go forward if only men [and women] can speak in whatever way given them to utter what their hearts hold by voice, by posted card, by letter, or by press. Reason never has failed men. Only force and oppression have made the wrecks in the world."

I look forward to being with you during this time and to the time when we can return to sharing the joys of a long established tradition at Dartmouth Medical School. In the meantime, I send my best wishes and warm regards.

Sincerely,

John C. Baldwin, M.D.
Vice-President for Health Affairs,
Dartmouth College
Professor of Surgery and Dean,
Dartmouth Medical School

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