Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Synapsis Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 14 text:

z HROUGH HIM, THE COOPERATIVE SPIRIT WAS FOSTERED. To the Members of the Class of 1959: Four years ago, when the members of the Class of 19 59 were being selected, there were extant certain conditions of knowledge and certain conditions of practice. In the brief time this class has been preparing itself to minister to the health needs of its fellow citizens, these conditions have changed markedly. Scientific investigation has made available new modalities in drug therapy, surgical therapy, manipulative therapy and psychiatric therapy. The teaching of the basic sciences has changed to keep abreast of advances in knowledge. The conditions of practice have changed because of the impact of voluntary health insurance plans, industrial and labor activities, and the actions of state and federal government. The attitude of the public which purchases health care either through taxes, premiums or cash for service has changed toward what it expects of physicians. There is, however, one constant which can never change, and it is the require- ment of this constant that a physician must adjust to changes in knowledge, in eco- nomics, in social and political affairs, and in professional affairs, in order that he may never be found wanting in his proper relation to this constant. A physician can never escape the demands of his duties, responsibilities, and privi- leges, in relation to a patient — either in poor health or good health. This is the constant. This is the touchstone by which his worthiness as a physician must constantly be assessed. You are osteopathic physicians. You have been educated — not just trained — to be a special kind of physician. You have those skills which set you apart, which make it possible for you to establish yourself in a special relationship to your patients. It is important, therefore, that as a special kind of physician you identify yourself as such, that you practice as such, and that you strive constantly to use your every ability, to bring out of advancing osteopathy everything you possibly can, so that in your relationship with your patients, you will never be found wantmg. Each of you has our very best wishes for a happy and satisfying career. Sherwood R. Mercer Dean

Page 16 text:

FREDERIC H. BARTH D.Sc, LL.D. President of Board of Directors and College To the Members of the Class of 1959: It gives me great pleasure to greet the members of this Class and to extend to each of you every good wish for a happy and successful career. How happy and how suc- cessful will depend on how well each of you exercise that all important attribute of a physician — judgment. My earnest hope is that the education you have been given will stand you in good stead as you make those daily judgments, the sum of which will be your life. Your happiness and success — and Philadelphia College of Osteopathy ' s happi- ness and success through you — will depend on how well you live your life in service to others. You are entering a great calling, a great profession, and you are now the pride of a great osteopathic faculty. Your career will, I know, sustain this pride as you serve those in need of your skill and dedication as osteopathic physicians. THOMAS M. ROWLAND, JR. B.S. Director of Admissions and Registrar To the Members of the Class of 1959: We have been together the past four years, and I am proud to have this opportunity to offer you my congratulations on your suc- cessful completion of the College ' s training program. Each of you is to be complimented on this achievement since you had many ob- stacles to surmount. Yours must be a life of service. In your professional life there is no room for materialism. If you serve mankind you will be more than adequately rewarded. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathy has given you the oppor- tunity not only to contribute to the welfare of our nati on but to provide for your needs. A graduate owes a debt to his college for its contribution to his life. So it is with you. Because of your accomplishments, sacrifices and perseverance I am very proud of all of you. May God be with you always.