USC School of Medicine - Asklepiad Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Dennis Hill ond his family Kenneth House and Grandfother John Ze andhisfomily ambition are represented here From this date our knowledge will begin to decoy and unless we keep up — the halflife of our medical education will be about five years — perhaps less. Our responsibility is clear — self education. We con no longer depend upon others to set standards for us. No more tests — well perhaps one more — . From this date we must test ourselves and grade ourselves — and if we foil? — We must not foil. On our first day of medical school this class was described as one of great potential. The record of academic achievement by its members was unequaled by any previous class and the variety of interests and accomplishments was remarkable. It is not yet possible to judge how well the potential has been realized — comparisons are not really justified. The coming years, however, are certain to demand much of medicine. The rapid advances in therapy as they become available will require determined study by every doctor to provide adequate medical care. The vast change in social and economic aspects of medicine which seem imminent will require wisdom and judge- ment of a sort not easily measured in medical school. It is my belief that here — in on area not yet clearly defined — the challenge will come — and it may be that the class of 1966 will find here the fulfillment of its great potential. 127

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so many years of hope and It is difficult to express what is in my own mind today — and how much more so to attempt to speak for my classmates. So many years of hope and ambition ore represented here — The parents who sit here today — The wives, long suffering and endlessly patient with late dinners — and tight budgets — and broken dates — they know how many years we have waited for this day. This day signifies a number of things to us. It completes another four year cycle of medical education at USC. I don ' t believe that any two dosses of medical students are give n just the some education. Medicine changes too much from year to year. To the new graduate this fact is brought home by contemplation of the number of his textbooks which hove come out in new editions since he acquired them. Since we have been in medical school the Starr-Edwards valve has come into wide use, the Vinco Alkaloids have changed the prognosis of some childhood cancers. Methotrexate has revolutionized the status of Chorio- carcinoma, Human Growth Hormone and Calcitonin have been isolated and promise great things in Endocrinology, 5FU and the thiosemicarbazone derivatives offer the first opportunity for treatment of viral disease. We ore all aware of the promise of the future but the speed with which it will be upon us is awesome.

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a moment wealways will remember M Ij fefe ' 1 9 1 m 1 , = if n ■ ' 1 wiliiam D. Evans, M.D. Commencement Speokei 128