Michael Cassidy, MD

Class Year: 1973

Specialties: Medical Oncology

Current practice: Retired

Do you remember what motivated you to make your first gift to BUSM? When I entered BU, I could not afford it. BU offered me half of my first year tuition in scholarship. The rest I received from a loan from NY state, which was very low interest, and deferred until I had graduated. Without such assistance, I could not have proceeded with schooling.

Why do you continue to give to BUSM? I have been fortunate to have had a successful career, having benefited in so many ways from medical school at BU. I hope, having attained the financial security that I have, that I can help others in achieving similar success and gratification from their medical careers.

What would you tell current students about the importance of giving back to BUSM? The stress of paying first for college, then Medical School, both, ever more expensive, can be very great, and even eliminate entirely the opportunity for many students. Having had that privilege and opportunity ourselves, we should all be motivated to help the next person in line.

Fond memory of BUSM: So many memories!!! I thought this was hilarious when I went out with my friends after our surgery didactic was over for the day. We hung out by Grille 705 and then went out to dinner and I fell asleep for the whole dinner and no one disturbed me. I think I remember one of them telling the waitress, “He is okay, he is just on surgery. Other memories are seeing Doug Hughes doing the Dougy and the Anatomy Flash Mob. Owen Kendall (MED’15)  getting me roped in the Forest Hills Runners. At that time I did not like to run but he made it fun and I’m definitely way better since then and a few pounds lighter.

Favorite professor or course at BUSM: Dr. Peter Mozden made a big impression on me. His talents as a surgeon, as a teacher, and as a model for how to care for patients, was inspiring. I elected a career in Medical Oncology, and my short rotation with Dr. Mozden had a definite influence on that decision.

Other anecdotes/comments: When I was eagerly waiting to hear back about my application to BUSM, I finally got the letter.  It was thin, so a bit concerning. When I opened it, it only had a financial assistance/scholarship application in it.  No acceptance letter! I had to call the admissions office to find that I was indeed accepted into the class of 1973, and that they had neglected to include the congratulatory letter!  That was the start of it all!