Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Honorable Tradition Graduation is a cultural tradition considered a rite of passage from one platform in a student’s life to another. It has its origins in antiquity where many tribes were found to be celebrating their passing from youth to adulthood through various customs and observances. Today’s graduation ceremony is a manifestation of this ancient rite of passage in the modern context. An important part of the graduation ceremony is the giving of hoods. The origin of the hoods lies with the Celts and the Druids (the Celtic priests). Among the Celts, only the Druids wore mantles which had hoods attached to them as a mark of their rank in the society. In the schools of the middle ages, the hoods were worn as a head-covering to resist the frigid temperatures. But gradually, it was integrated into the academic system with much symbolic significance. Now, wearing of hoods symbolises a kind of authority, a high standing, or to identify a new graduate’s institution and the degree. A hood is always black in color, but the edges and lining have individual significance. The hood is lined in silk with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The edging of the hood is velvet, with a particular color representative of the field of study to which the degree pertains. The official colors of Temple University are cherry and white while the velvet is dark green signifying medicine. A doctorate degree has a hood length of four feet. The tradition is that a candidate for a degree should not wear the hood of that degree until it is actually conferred. One of the great continuing traditions is the presence of hooders - individuals who symbolically bestow the medical degree upon each graduate. The senior class chose four individuals to assist with the placement of hoods. These distinguished members of the faculty were selected not only for their superior quality of teaching, but for their passion, hard work and dedication, the practice of medicine, and student education. Each hood-er has committed themselves to challenging the minds of medical students and encouraging future doctors to maintain the devotion to patient care and maintain integrity to the profession. It was from these mentors that we were able to obtain the knowledge and learn the skills to become physicians - doctor, teacher and friend. Carson Schneck, MD, PhD Professor Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Kathleen Reeves, MD Assistant Professor Department of Pediatrics Associate Dean for Student Affairs 8 Temple Universiiy School of Medicine

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BELOW: Winter Surf: Dr. Harbison wears a “full metal jacket, protective gear that keeps the cold water out during a January surf competition. relationship. As physicians, Dr. Harbi-son believes that we need “human-to-human interaction and this cannot be simulated.” Dr. Harbison strives to show students that this is possible and can be successful in a busy place. I found it amusing that Dr. Harbison likened himself to Napoleon Dynamite, a socially awkward nerd from a movie. He describes himself as a person who loved science and excelled in school, two characteristics usually associated with nerddom. He ran track in high school and college, a sport not likely to propel one into the socially elite high school crowd. Yet, he found a way to balance these less socially desirable attributes with lifeguarding, surfing, and surgery. The final product is a self-assured family man who prides himself in educating medical students and providing good care to patients. We, as students, were lucky to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Scan Harbison, whose down-to-earth nature and passion for education and patient care left an indelible mark on us. -Corinne L. Bria, MD BELOW: Beach Babies: Grace Connor, who share their parents’ love for the beach take a break from surfing, kayaking, and enjoying the sun to smile for a picture! Heal with Steel, Save Life with the Knife Time well spent: Dr. Harbison his wife. Sue, enjoy some well-deserved rest relaxation at their beachhouse in Sea Isle, New Jersey! 2006 Skull

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Though a clinician, most student interactions with Dean Reeves took place not on the wards, but in her office. Conversations occasionally touched upon pediatric patient care, but tended toward cathartic discussions on the woes of being a medical student. James Ryan, PhD Henry Weisman, MD Professor Associate Professor Department of Physiology Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 2CXX5 Skull 9