Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geisel School of Medicine held a virtual Class Day ceremony to ensure the health and safety of the Dartmouth community and graduates\u2019 families.<\/p>\n
Guest speaker Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, MD congratulated the 88 graduating medical students, their parents, and grandparents, during Geisel School of Medicine\u2019s 2020 Class Day celebration on Saturday, June 6\u2014an annual rite of passage for medical students marking the close of their academic studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be part of this historic moment in a special ceremony\u2014it is an honor for me,\u201d Quinones-Hinojosa said. \u201cIt will be vividly remembered because we have seen our world turned upside down by a pandemic that has significantly impacted our health, economy, and our sense of security,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a very special moment\u2014it is the beginning of a new phase of your life that will be full of achievement, and failures.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quinones-Hinojosa, who is chair of neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, recalled his own journey from migrant farm worker to physician to illustrate how perseverance and hope, rather than fear, can change the world. He also shared lessons he has learned: Provide care, not just medical or surgical management, but care (which is possible to provide through telemedicine); understand and reflect on the big picture; and always be honest and compassionate. He also encouraged the newly minted physicians to not fear asking for help.<\/p>\n
\u201cThough COVID-19 changed us and disrupted us, it has allowed us to build new bridges,\u201d he said. \u201cToday we are facing the biggest challenge of the century\u2014this situation is tough but \u2026 in the midst of this terrible disease, we have witnessed a kindness and unity of humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n
While some may view graduating remotely as unfortunate, Quinones-Hinojosa said it is the beginning of a pioneering era to imagine new opportunities in healthcare, \u201c\u2026 You, the Class of 2020, will change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geisel School of Medicine Dean Duane Compton, PhD, offered his congratulations to the class, their families, and friends, and thanked Quinones-Hinojosa for joining the celebration and for his inspiring remarks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am here today, as the humble representative of the Geisel faculty and staff. Speaking on their behalf, I\u2019d like to say that we are incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and for being such a rich part of our community,\u201d Compton said.<\/p>\n
As he talked about the connection between medicine and public health, Compton said, \u201cI\u2019m heartened to know that as a group, you recognize the importance of this connection--in your class mission statement you wrote, \u2018We will recognize the people that the system has failed and work tirelessly to give the underserved agency over their own health. Closing the gaps that plague these communities requires us to stand up to all forms of injustice.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cRacial and socio-economic disparities, considered the domain of public health, are under the spotlight because of how dramatically they are contributing to the medical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 \u2026 we are witnessing a pandemic where public health efforts directly impact medical outcomes of individual patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what our collective future holds,\u201d Compton continued. \u201cWhat I do know, is that I feel confident walking into that future with all of you knowing that you understand the best possible medical outcomes arise at the intersection of public health and medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n
In conclusion, he offered his \u201cdeepest congratulations on your graduation today.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the previous night\u2019s annual award ceremony, where students, faculty and residents are recognized for their achievements, Gabriela Kovacikova \u201920 received the Leonard Two Humanism in Medicine Student Award, and John Damianos \u201920 received the Dean\u2019s Leadership Award.<\/p>\n
You can watch the entire Class Day ceremony here.<\/a><\/p>\n