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

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DEAN DiPALMA ON THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN MEDICINE In past years this final message to you as you embark upon your careers has covered such topics as medical ethics, continuing ed- ' I' ucation and making the most of your poten- A V, tials. This year I have some words on some I 0, curious anomolies of medical economics. Quite a few years ago it was generally agreed that one did not go into medicine to make money. lt was universally true that while most doctors eventually made a com- fortable living few attained the degree of wealth possible in business and industry. The physician worked hard for what money he did make - an 80 to 90 hour work week was customary. Indeed he was required to spend many working hours doing free work in public clinics and other charitable ven- tures. Interns and residents were not paid and after post graduate training it usually took 10 years to begin to make a decent liv- ing. Despite these disadvantages most doc- tors were happy with their choice of a pro- fession. Today a net income of S100,000 annually or more, is more frequent than not for the fam- ily practitioner. He makes few or no house calls and rarely works more than 50 hours a week. I-Ie is the envy of engineers, lawyers, physicists and even business men and in- dustrialists. The main reason for this medical economic advantage is the great expansion of medical services created by medicare and third party financing in the face of a physician shortage. As long as the billions spent for medical care increase faster than the number of new physicians entering practice this favorable situation will continue. Certainly the present graduating class will enjoy this economic advantage. I-Ioweverf it will not last forever. An anxious public is looking with a jaundiced eye at soaring med- ical costs. The income of the physician will be brought more in line with other professions especially as the relative shortage decreases. As physicians I envisage for you the practice of your profession as an intellectual adventure far surpassing mere monetary gain. Despite the materialism of our age, medicine still remains as a hallmark of scholarship. This by no means restricted to medical science, but also to the societal and human problems of our complex environment. There is no greater elevation of the spirit than the satisfaction of having made some advancement, however small, which adds to the greater body of knowledge. This is a gem worth seeking rather than the gold dust which buys only tinsel. Then, I wish all of you professional success - the satisfaction of sewing your fellow man. If this brings you economic gain that's wonderful, but remember that it should not be your prime objective. With all good wishes. '34 joseph R. DiPalma, M.D. Vice President and Dean lu

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PRESIDENT SHOBER ON HAHNEMANN AND THE HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM Your graduation comes at a very signifi- cant time - our Bicentennial Year. This country has seen enormous strides in health care, many of them originating here in Philadelphia, but l believe you will see more changes in your lifetime than have been seen during all of our two hundred years. The accelerating rate of new knowledge and change will require all of you to main- tain your evident desire and ability to learn. Whether you choose clinical prac- tice, teaching or research you will have to continue your established pattern of study- ing and learning to keep up with these changes. The one attribute that exemplifies the medical profession is their dissatisfac- tion with the dogma of today. Hahnemann has recognized this need to change and adjust by our flexible curricu- lum program, by our cooperative medical education programs to help train family physicians for practice in rural areas of our state fthe Pennsylvania Planj, by our new replacement Hospital and by many other activities. We hope these examples of building on the good and, concurrently, trying new methods to improve the deliv- ery of health care, will carry through to your own performance in your chosen field. Good luck to each of you and God speed. lx Wharton Shober President and Chief Executive Cfficer

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DEAN BENNETT ON A CAREER IN ACADEMIC MEDICINE I have been asked by your Yearbook edi- tors to present to the Class of 1976 the virtues and rewards of a career in Academic Medicine. I suppose one could commence by indicating the advantages of facilities, prestige, and the stimulus of colleagues. Medicine and its practice has its own reward which must be included in the list. Academic Medicine is going to be differ- ent to each one entering the field depending upon his own needs, desires, and talents. Permit me rather than the routine approach to say what Academic Medicine means to me. To me there is only one aspect of Aca- demic Medicine that is not attainable, ac- cording to each need, in any other field. That one aspect is students. All other aspects of Medicine are available in any other career. The researcher can find research in research institutes, in college programs, and in indus- try. Service to patients and to humanity can be carried out perhaps even better in the health care clinics, the rural medicine pro- grams, and public health service corps. Only in Academic Medicine does one find stu- dents and most specifically for me the medi- cal student. The medical student is unique, a highly individual, driving, independent, and yet uniquely compliant person. Rarely will one find an environment in which teacher can feel as needed and be as proud of the product as in the schools of medicine. In almost no other teaching career can one find a student as naive in the disciplines as a freshman nor a person as trained and knowl- edgeable as the senior student. Nothing is permanent in life except perhaps your own memories. The career in Academic Medicine offers you the memories and the sharing of the lives of a group of highly talented and worthwhile individuals. Your privilege to share and perhaps in some small way help mold these lives. Who should go into Academic Medicine? Everyone should consider it as it can fit the needs of all individuals. However, a special plea is entered for the consideration of those who love people and who want to aid in their development. Most medical students are taught by a mere handful of faculty. All of whom, I am sure, you will remember the rest of your lives. This to me is the worthwhile award of Academic Medicine. L9 Hugh D. Bennett, M.D. Dean of Students, Professor of Medicine ll