Drexel University College of Medicine - Medic Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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'N 1 I I 1 ? If 9 i fIt lf? If DEAN Ni' X . -lhxg 3 Joseph R. DiPaIma, M.D

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Dear Doctor: Now that the real trauma of four years of medical education is over, you may feel that any further words from your old teacher and advisor are redundant. Undoubtedly you are right, and I would not blame you for turning a deaf ear. The rapid pace of social change and almost immedi- ate obsolescence of knowledge lends credence to your attitude. Yet, let me try to give you some parting words that may inspire some modicum of confidence in a moment of doubt. Have you ever pondered on why the profession of medicine commands re- spect? ls it really because the physician is a person who has memorized ten million facts and knows how to cope with a variety of medical situ- ations? To a certain extent the answer must be positive. However, the ordinary diagnosis and therapy of disease is less mysterious to the com- mon man than the workings of his television or automobile. If this were the total competence of the physician, then he must be considered to be a technician, rather high class, but still a technician. The true esteem for the doctor by the public re- sides in his ability to render sound judgements on matters which concern the lives of men. It is in this respect that he vies with the other great professions: the law and the clergy. Therefore, if you would be among the foremost of your breed, ever cherish and guard the ability to make judge- ments. Attain and maintain that maturity of mind. that surety of spirit, and that sense of culture which together can guarantee the soundness of a critical mind. Never be so busy, so devoted to your trade, as to neglect the study in depth of man as a human in his expression in the arts, in history, in religion, and in philosophy. Man is not merely an ingenious assembly of plumbing which may be patched and transplanted. Man is man because he is creative, and his creations are more important to him than life itself. Man is the only animal l know of that regularly finds means of killing himself to attain peace of mind. In this parting, then, l am not telling you simply to be ever a student. Rather more. be a humanist so that you may contribute wise judgements in the social upheaval which now faces us and in those which are sure to erupt even more in the near future. With all good wishes. Most sincerely yours. ja-W Mai-afiuonso 17