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Hooding 2002
The World Awaits

by K. Friday

With beaming and sometimes teary families and friends looking on, the MSUCOM Class of 2002 could finally catch their breath and savor the moment: they were now physicians.

All 119 members of the Class of 2002 packed into the MSU Wharton Center May 2 to celebrate their achievements, recognize excellence, and reflect on the challenges and responsibilities to come.

This year’s keynote speaker was Rear Admiral Clinton E. Adams, DO, commander of the US Naval Medical Center, who spoke about the profession’s contribution to both the war effort and the morale of America herself. As for the graduates, he told them to look for inspiration in the life of the late dean, Allen Jacobs, DO, PhD. "Always remember his passion for life, family, and osteopathic medicine," Adams said, "and always put the patient at the center of your universe."

Invoking the Navy values of "honor, courage, commitment," Dr. Adams explained to the graduating class that they would have to continue their pursuit of excellence in order to face the health care crises of the coming decade. "We must improve patient safety," he explained. "There are over 98,000 deaths each year because of medical errors, and that is too many."


Celebrating a great achievement

 


Dean Strampel and Dr. Jason Heisler

 


Taking the oath as new osteopathic physicians

Other speakers included William D. Strampel, DO, dean; William M. Falls, PhD, associate dean of student services; Dan L. Hunt, DO, MSUCOM Alumni Association president; and Ali M. Saad, Class of 2002 president.

Hooding the students were Mark R. Gugel, DO, professor of osteopathic manipulative medicine and David I. Kaufman, DO, chairperson and professor of neurology and ophthalmology.

Graduate award winners included Ali M. Saad, DO, who received the Richard L. Alper Memorial Award; Sara Strong, DO, who received the Judith K. Weiswasser Memorial Award; Jason Heisler, DO, who received the Dean’s Recognition Award; and Ruth Baer, DO, who received the Michigan Osteopathic Association Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.