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

Page 9 text:

N ' M ,4Z'f2.aaQfw .X JOSEPH R. DIPALIVIA, ivl.D. -gg, 1:r.s:...- 'i'.I..'..T'j ' vlcE PRESIDENT AND DEAN 2... Dear Doctor: The sheepskin in your hand, the many obstacles now passed and faded away, may well make you imagine that you are at the end of the rough and thorny road. True, you have achieved the requisite papers and stature to allow you to practice medicine. However, the truth is that you are only at the beginning. In the profession of medicine there are no finishes - there are only beginnings. No cure is ever complete or per- fect, no disease is ever absolutely eradicated: and, indeed, the favorable result in one direction may result in unfor- tunate complications in other organ systems. Yet, as the philosopher said, There is a cure for everything except death. One strives for the best at each occasion, and to the degree that success is achieved, that is an accomplish- ment. But this is not an end unto itself. One must begin again and again as often as is necessary. That is why physicians are often men who perform well in many fields. They have learned to start, to plunge, to fight to get results despite the obstacles, and they never accept defeat. ln other words, they refuse to end any prob- lem until a degree of perfection is achieved. This setting of the thermostat of quality at such a high level is another characteristic of the medical profession. Perhaps, that is the result of making it so difficult to get into medicine. This strong, competitive spirit carries on into later life. Changing times and customs, different requirements of health care and delivery, do not worry me. As long as the physician is of high quality, all will be well. The danger of dilution of medical education is real, but I am convinced that we are at the low point of the curve in this area, and present liberalization trends will tend to become more re- strictive in the future. Each one of you will, l am sure, fulfill a maximum potential. Many will be surprised at the directions different envi- ronments and opportunities will lead them. But having learned to make beginnings, this will not deter them. l can only wish you happy beginnings and no endings in your endeavors. 51

Page 8 text:

The four years of your stay at Hahnemann have been among the most momentous in modern history. You have witnessed the winding down of the Viet Nam war, Red China's admission to the United Nations, Watergate, the resig- nation of a Vice President, another Arab-Israeli war and an energy crisis. America has periodically staggered and then risen to meet each overwhelming challenge. Hahnemann Medical College also has been faced with challenges. Challenges which are being met. There has been much criticism of American medicine, the education of its physicians and the quality and cost of medical care. At Hahnemann, you have seen the steady improvement of our faculty and staff. Their response to the health care crisis through community involvement, regionalized medical programs and health maintenance organizations are meet- ing the challenges. You have seen the demolition of the Race Street Out-Patient Clinic and the construction of a new emergency accessway as the precursors of a new hospital. Your class has met the challenge by scoring the highest in Hahnemann's history. The dynamic Core Curriculum introduced in your freshman year allowed you the freedom and experience of more clinical practice and an oppor- tunity for earlier specialization in an area of your choice. You were the first class to benefit from the new medical col- lege building which provided you with a better physical environment for your education. Your four years here have equipped you to strengthen Hahnemann's tradition of excellence. Through your word and deed you will bring honor to your alma mater. God bless you all and God speed. WHARTON SHOBER PRESIDENT ff' fl fp' 4

Page 10 text:

To the Graduating Class: My sincere congratulations on your graduation from medical school. I know, upon your graduation, that you have attained a great degree of medical knowledge and clinical skills. Most of all, I hope that you take with you new and improved attitudes. Attitudes are preformed responses to situations. They are an essential part of personality, and, to my non-psychiatric think- ing, are the most alterable part. Attitudes can be examined: they can be changed: and they are highly detectable by others. I urge that, as you leave Hahnemann and progress through life, you periodically review your attitudes to keep them reason- able, flexible and acceptable. Acceptable attitudes toward situa- tions and your fellow men will go a long way towards assuring a smooth road to the success you are already approaching. We will miss you and your class at Hahnemann. God speed and good attitude. 'if'- 6 HUGH D. BENNETT M D ASSOCIATE DEAN