Bryan Hartley cheers along with his School of Medicine classmates last Friday at Commencement on Alumni Lawn. (photo by Joe Howell)
Graduation 2010: School of Medicine grads urged to strive for balance
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine's Class of 2010 was advised to focus as intently on excellence at home and in the community as they do on becoming excellent physicians.
Class president Eli Zimmerman carries the School of Medicine flag at Commencement. (photo by Joe Howell)
Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of VUSM, gave a heartfelt address to 118 graduating medical students and 81 graduates of health and research advanced degree programs during commencement at Langford Auditorium last Friday.
VUSM’s Maria Eugenia Carlo gives a shout at Commencement. (photo by Joe Howell)
“While I understand you get it, you have not yet lived it. Perhaps the most important thing I have to say is, it should not get too easy,” Balser told the seniors about finding balance in life and work.
He also emphasized that there has been no more critical time for the future of health care than now. He encouraged students to become involved in health care reform and to serve the community of the world.
Bonnie Miller, M.D., smiles as she puts the VUSM hood on Walter Wakwe. (photo by Joe Howell)
It was a message well received by the Class of 2010, a diverse and rich mix of national and international students. Family and friends filled Langford Auditorium for the ceremony for graduates earning the degrees of: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Education of the Deaf, Master of Public Health, Master of Sciences in Clinical Investigation, Laboratory Investigation and Medical Physics, Medical Scientist Training Program, Doctor of Audiology and Doctor of Medicine.
Balser acknowledged that because of who they are and why they were selected to attend Vanderbilt, the students would struggle to balance the demands of medical practice with the needs of their own families. But, referring to his marriage of nearly 25 years, Balser assured the seniors that finding a healthy life balance will make them better doctors.
“Don't steer too far from family. If you live as an island, you may become the good doctor but injure yourself, and, ironically, your patients. It is not just our diagnoses and treatments our patients seek, it is also our humanity,” Balser said.
Andy Chambers, M.D., and many other graduating seniors are already living that balance. During the ceremony, Chambers' daughters, Caroline, 3, and Lily, 2, were handfuls for their grandparents as Chambers' wife, K.C., gingerly handled their 10-day-old son, Drew.
“My family has helped me to stay grounded. Seeing a bigger picture at home keeps perspective and that can reduce stress. But Vanderbilt was also incredibly supportive, and that made it easier to balance home and school,” Chambers said.
Mohan Mallipeddi celebrates with some of the 14 family members who traveled from California and India to see him graduate from the School of Medicine. (photo by Joe Howell)
Alan Powers, M.D., said family was a big part of the reason he chose Vanderbilt. His father, James Powers, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, presented his son's diploma on stage.
“In high school I enjoyed being around the hospital,” the younger Powers said. “Once I got to medical school, I was pleasantly surprised that it felt like the same warm environment, like coming home in a sense.”
Laura Tharpe, M.D., also received her diploma from her father, David Tharpe, M.D., a 1972 graduate of VUSM. Now she looks forward to residency at Vanderbilt in Internal Medicine, while her husband, Nick Markham, continues to pursue his M.D./Ph.D. at Vanderbilt.
Fred Ochieng,' right, hugs his brother, Milton Ochieng,' M.D., after receiving his VUSM diploma. (photo by Joe Howell)
Brandon Litzner, M.D., celebrated two huge milestones, one in life and the other in his medical training. On Match Day he announced to all that he and his wife are expecting their first child.
Then at graduation he stood on stage at the full University commencement to accept the Founder's Medal for the School of Medicine.
“I still remember the white coat ceremony, surrounded by classmates from Harvard and Yale, and I was from Wichita State and just wanted to survive. Now I get to represent them in this way. It is a great honor for me,” Litzner said.
VUSM Dean Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., addresses graduating medical students in Langford Auditorium. (photo by Joe Howell)
A large contingent from Kenya was on hand for the graduation of both Roy Kiberenge, M.D., and Fred Ochieng', M.D.
The amiable Kiberenge often jokes about being “The other Kenyan,” in contrast to the Ochieng' brothers, who were featured in a documentary. Kiberenge, who hails from Nairobi, was thrilled his family was able to travel from Africa to see his graduation.
Brandon Litzner, left, is congratulated by Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos after being awarded the VUSM Founder’s Medal. (photo by Joe Howell)
Class president Eli Zimmerman, M.D., said he enjoyed the supportive family-like atmosphere he experienced at Vanderbilt, especially the connection he developed to mentor Bonnie Miller, M.D., senior associate dean for Health Sciences Education. Miller was also selected by the full class to lead them in reciting a professional oath following graduation.
Balser reminded the class of 2010 that all staff, faculty, family and friends will support them in the challenges ahead.
“I hope you can feel the pride and love surrounding you in this auditorium,” Balser said.
“The art of living is complicated. Listen to you inner voice. May you find fulfillment in medicine and in life.”