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June 2019 Dallas Medical Journal 3
the DCMS. Two of Dr. Sprague’s faculty,
Gladys Fashena (1976) and Frederick
Bonte (1980) were DCMS Presidents
and both gave the Oath at graduation.
From 1979 there has been a more or
less uninterrupted custom of the DCMS
President swearing in the graduating
class.
Last month it was my distinct honor
and privilege to be the most recent
DCMS President to administer the
Physician’s Oath to the UT Southwestern
graduates. It was truly the highlight
of the year for this President. The
Morton Meyerson Symphony Center
was the magnificent stage for the 236
new physicians and their families. As
a member of the UT Southwestern
faculty, I personally had the pleasure
of teaching many of these students. It
amazes me to reflect on what they have
been through. It is common for me and
my faculty colleagues to think, “Wow,
there is no way I would get into medical
school these days. These students are
so well prepared, hyper-achieving and
accomplished, even before they start
medical school.” The excitement in the
room was palpable and I was reminded
that graduation from medical school is
a magical time of transformation from
student to professional, from observer
to actor, from childhood to adulthood.
Medical school graduation, above
all others, signifies the pinnacle of
achievement.
And as I see them moving out into the
world, I worry for them. As a parent of a
new medical grad, it is my lot. Life will not
be a bed of roses for these new grads.
The practice of medicine is changing
more rapidly than ever and not always
for the best. I worry about government
and insurance companies negatively
influencing the physician-patient
relationship. I worry that most students
are burdened by debt and what this will
do to their lives and choices. I worry that
burnout will trap more physicians despite
our growing awareness and efforts to
promote wellness and resilience. But I am
happy for them.
And on this magical night standing on
the dais, as I raised my right hand and
looked deeply into their eyes, I saw no
worries. As I recited that Oath once more
I realized that the dream of becoming a
physician, practicing medicine, healing
the sick and relieving suffering is alive and
well in Dallas. DMJ
continued on page 4 ►►
The excitement
in the room was
palpable and I was
reminded that
graduation from
medical school is
a magical time of
transformation
from student to
professional, from
observer to actor,
from childhood to
adulthood. Medical
school graduation,
above all others,
signifies the pinnacle
of achievement.