School of Medicine honors excellence among students, faculty at alumni breakfast

The School of Medicine Alumni Association welcomed 119 new members on Friday, June 3, as students from the Class of 2016 and faculty members were recognized for outstanding achievement.

Chancellor Michael F. Collins reminded the students of the oath they took during their second-year ceremony and the responsibility to their patients and their communities as they leave medical school and begin their careers.

“We have the extraordinary opportunity to hold the hands of our patients during their most difficult moments and some of their happiest,” said Chancellor Collins, after sharing a personal story of being with a patient near the end of her life.

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, described the graduating class as “phenomenal,” adding that the students are well prepared for residency and beyond. He encouraged them to learn the value of each member of their teams.

As an example, Dean Flotte recognized the tremendous effort made by the faculty and staff to implement the Opioid and Safe Prescribing Training Immersion program in time for this year’s graduating class to benefit from it. He said their work helped students become sound prescribers trained to mitigate the dangers associated with opioid therapy.

Erica Johnson, MD, representative of the school alumni association and member of the Class of 1975, welcomed the class to the association, bringing its numbers to nearly 4,000 strong. She encouraged the students to foster the connections that they’ve made at UMMS and to carry the university’s mission into the field.

“You will soon be swept up in residency and patients and your lives as doctors, but the friendships you’ve formed are invaluable. Don’t let busyness erode those friendships,” said Dr. Johnson, chief of the division of General Internal Medicine at Newton Wellesley Hospital.

During the ceremony, the following awards and recognitions were presented to students: