Gerry Cooper, Associate Dean

There is an activity that takes place each year with the incoming class at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - that for me, builds on the pride I feel for the work I do each day, and also helps to bring my work as educator full circle - it is the development of the Class Mission Statement.

The process that unfolds with the students is quite exceptional and very moving. While the resulting statements ultimately help to define each class and provide a way to distinguish classes over time, they are also an important step in one's transition to becoming a member of our School and of the medical profession.

I had the opportunity and privilege to participate in the Class of 2016's Mission Statement Day. It truly was an exciting session. The journey the students take throughout the day is as important as the resulting Mission Statement.

The day typically begins with a personalized account of a health concern and/or with the health system. This year, we heard a very moving account from a young woman who lost her husband to a rare disease just a few years ago. The fact that she was just slightly older than the mean age of the students in attendance made her story even more impactful. The students then take the time to reflect on their personal values through a facilitated discussion that asks the question "How would you like to be remembered?"

From there, we witnessed democracy in action as the student groups huddled to produce their own mission statement. After reporting back to the whole group, a representative from each of the groups joined a task team who was charged with the responsibility of consolidating everything into a final class mission statement. Dr. Tithecott, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, offered some helpful instructions: make sure the statement is something of which you can be abundantly proud and is succinct enough to be printed onto a t-shirt.

As I reflect on the whole day, and await the final articulation of the statement, I am reminded of how we are all heavily invested in our Schulich Medicine learners. An event like Mission Day is an exceptional reminder of why we all go the extra mile for these eager young learners: they simply are amazing people. With our collective contributions, they will one day be transformed into amazing community leaders.