 |
|
|
In his oration, Dean Flotte shared his optimism about the future of medicine in Worcester. |
Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, delivered the Worcester District Medical Society’s 221th Annual Oration, “A Glass (more than) Half Full: Top Ten Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Next 220 Years of Medicine in Worcester,” on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Beechwood Hotel.
The oration is one of the most revered traditions in medicine in the region. The first oration was delivered in 1795, just a year after the founding of the Worcester District Medical Society.
In his address, Dean Flotte cited national data showing that applications to U.S. medical school has hit an all-time record number.
“The number one reason for being optimistic about the future of medicine in Worcester: Help is coming,” Flotte said. “The largest cohort of the brightest and most well rounded people in history is joining our ranks!”
“Our UMMS data parallel the trend until last year when we began taking a limited number of out-of-state students and the school’s enrollment overall has taken an uptick in parallel to the need,” Flotte said. “We have developed new clinical placements for those students at Cape Cod and Baystate Health in Springfield. And those students are the best qualified ever, as shown by our incoming class grade point averages and MCAT scores. We maintain our top ranking in U.S. News, and our students go to great programs when they graduate.”
Flotte also pointed to better physician wellness interventions; a high rate of health insurance coverage in Massachusetts; more team-based care; an increase in women in the physician workforce; and continuing science breakthroughs being made in Worcester as contributing to the local health and science outlook.
Read the full text of the oration.
Related story on UMassMedNow:
Chancellor delivers Worcester District Medical Society oration
