A Right of Passage – MEDS Class of 2013 Convocates

May 17 will be a date the Schulich Medicine Class of 2013 will forever remember. It served as their graduation date, and a right of passage from student to physician. View photos below:

Friends and family arrived to Alumni Hall early, excited to experience the special ceremony. And cheers ensued as each student walked across the stage and was hooded.

Dr. Michael Strong, welcomed the graduates into their new profession and a life that he described as "so incredibly unique and rich, and so meaningful that many of us still marvel at the fact that we get to do what we do." He shared further that as physicians, they will "experience the very best, and the very worst, of everything that the human condition can throw" at them. "We have," he said, "prepared you to diagnose and provide treatment, and your residency will build upon that very strong foundation."

In closing the Dean, urged these new doctors to "become the next great leaders of our communities and our society. Through your actions be the light that says it is no longer acceptable to be anything less than a generous and caring society." And in closing he reminded them, that their teachers are now their colleagues and will always be there for them.

Honorary Class president, Dr. Andrew Thompson, stressed to these new young doctors the importance of maintaining a balanced life. Meanwhile, valedictorian Mayoorendra Ravichandiran reminisced about the past four years, and the special relationships that developed between members of the Class of 2013.

Dr. Marjorie Johnson, who has been recognized nationally with a 3M Teaching Fellowship was honoured with the Class of 62 Award and the Douglas Bocking Award for her outstanding contributions to the education program.

Meanwhile, overall achievement awards were presented to Adrienne Delbie, Kathleen Nichols, Sundus Ozair, Melissa Torjnar and Julie Lebert. Alison Fine was awarded the Dana Winterburn Memorial Award. To read more about Alison and this very special award, please click here.

The ceremony featured the presentation of a Doctor of Science, honoris causa to Dr. Joseph Martin, former Dean of the Harvard Medical School. Dr. Stanley Dunn, Department of Biochemistry was awarded the Distinguished University Professorship. Drs. Merril W. Edmonds and Jack Jung were conferred with their Professor Emeritus.

Following the ceremony, the new graduates, family and friends gathered for their first alumni event celebrating their tremendous success.