University of Maryland School of Medicine - Terrae Mariae Medicus (Baltimore, MD)

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Frank H. J. Figge, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy and Head of Department. Anatomy Vernon E. Krahl, M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy. Theodore F. Leveque, M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy Charles G. Crispens, Jr., M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor. Otto C. Brantigan, M.D., Professor of Clinical Anatonn . 23

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Davidge Hall, and we soon realized that our spoons were left behind. The main course of the biological sciences lay aheatl, as we began to taste the Iriiits ol Physiology and Biochemistry, To many ot us this was to he the most difficult semester of our training. From a.xon to tubule, from peptide linkage to oxida- tive phosphorylation, we learned of the basic units of life. Only as seniors were some of us to realize the importance of these matters — that this was and is the medicine of the future. We learned to take notes in the dark, and became accustomed to the shuffling of galoshes. We were experts upon the topic of confusion. In time, however, the mosaic presented an image. We were beginning to under- stand. We now know that man, perhaps, shall never completely understand. And so, the first year terminated. There were many new friends, bonds that were to remain for the ensuing years, and possibly for years to come. We were beginning to mature. We were taught and taught well, only ourselves to blame for our short- comings. These are pleasant recollections. 22

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Tile treslinuin course in Anatomy has as its cliiet goal the installation ol basic anatomic knowledge to each ireshman student. By the end of this course there is not doubt in any student’s mind that this goal has been accomplished. However, anatomy also instills in the medical novice an initial feeling of cliallenge and enthusiasm followed by utter despair with the sudden realization of the seem- ingly insurmountable fund of basic knowledge a physician must possess. The following poem composed during our first semester of medical school, by a member of the Class of 1966, clearly e.xpresses most students’ thoughts about the subject ' and professors of anat- omy during that trying but enjoyable part of our medical education. ANATOMICAL 23RD PSALM Figge is my guide, 1 shall not fail, He maketh me to lie awake in my periods of darkness. He leadeth me beside the still bodies. He restoreth my quizzes. He leadeth me to follow his guide for his name’s sake. Yea, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of tests, I will feel no pain — Dr. Figge art with me. Thy laugh and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table quiz before me in the presence of mine partners. Thou anointest my hands with formaldehyde. My enthusiasm runneth over. Surely Grey and Sohotta will haunt me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the building of Bressler, forever. Anomalous These muscles, these nerves, evolution, — a masterpiece. 24