Welcome BUSM Class of 2020

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Annual White Coat Ceremony

The traditional White Coat Ceremony held Aug. 1 on Talbot Green marked the first steps in the professional journeys for the 189 members of BUSM’s Class of 2020. 

Quotes from Alumni and Current Students giving words of encouragement to the incoming class.

“ BU Med was my favorite time. The support was great! My advice to you … Make friends, form study groups, support each other, and have fun! BUSM is committed to your success, and you WILL succeed! ”
-Jamel Patterson BUSM ’88

“Perhaps more than any other profession the practice of medicine enables one to satisfy those conditions on a daily basis. It will not be easy, and there will be so many distractions and frustrations that will pull you from your primary focus, but always remember it will be your touch that can improve the life of another and in doing so give value to your own”
-Andrew Wexler BUSM ’80

“I encourage the class to stay focused on the ultimate goal of their careers, to help people and save lives and teach the future crop of doctors. No other profession in life gave us the opportunity to share life’s joys and sadness with our beloved patients”
-James Huang BUSM ’90

“As I was often reminded during medical school, each year’s accomplishments will prepare you, not necessarily for your medical career, but as building blocks for the next year. So, you are now beginning preparation to be a 2nd year medical student. Don’t be in a rush – just grow as students and physicians day by day and year by year.”
-John Hermos BUSM ’65

“It was the happiest day of my life when I got my letter of acceptance from BUSM. The first day at BUSM is like a dream come true. Enjoy the ride in a successful career in medicine and best wishes!
-David Kam BUSM ’85

“I was once advised – when things get tough, think of it like a pile of coal. Don’t get overwhelmed by the presence of the whole pile, just pick up one piece at a time. That advice helped me many times in the last 20 years. You will inevitably get overwhelmed and overworked many times in your medical career. When it happens, just take a deep breath and focus on one “piece” of work at a time, whatever that piece may need to be. Then the next and the next – and before you know it, the long procedure will be over, the crashing patient saved, or another crazy day completed. You will get through it every time, and you will feel amazing that you did.”
-Jesse Sethi BUSM ’99

“Remember that you have been selected to become a physician. You belong there. It is possible you may experience self-doubt, but stay with your goal.”
-David Tracy BUSM ’90

“BUSM has always looked after its students, supported and guided them. The experience of faculty and student has never been adversarial but rather collegial. The clinical emphasis from the very beginning is motivating and integrative. People like it here and, in some cases (me for example) are reluctant to leave. Best of luck and enjoy yourselves!”
– Paul Kaufman BUSM ’55

“It was a transforming experience and I learned a lot which carried me forward. Medicine is awesome and patients are an amazing relationship.”
– Jeanne Arnold BUSM ’61

“Congratulations. My education @ BU undergrad and BUSM have been a challenging, exciting and rewarding experience. Cherish every moment. Best wishes.”
-Mark Cannon BUSM ’84

“Congratulations on starting medical school! I remember my first days at BUSM well. I recall feeling excited and overwhelmed. I was nervous about my academic performance and about making new friends. Years later, I consider it one of the most influential times of my life. I made lifelong best friends, explored new passions and experienced some of my proudest moments.”
-Swati Namburi BUSM ’95

“Medical school is an journey of discovery and when you finally emerge, you get to spend the rest of your life working at something that isn’t work at all. I viewed my professional experience as a hematopathologist as a daily adventure in problem solving.”
– Sandra Kaplan BUSM ’86

 “To Sami and her classmates at BUSM: congratulations on this incredible achievement. The next 4 years will be fast, crazy and, right now, almost impossible to imagine. Two things to remember; first, you are good enough and prepared enough to succeed in medical school. This admissions committee doesn’t get it wrong and you have all of the tools to do well. Second, Enjoy this education as much as you can. Getting as much out of it as possible makes your graduate medical education easier and more fulfilling. I look back at my years at BUSM with very fond memories of great friends and great experiences. I am envious.”
-Jondavid Pollock BUSM ’86

“The beginning of med school was so overwhelming, and at times I really questioned whether I could do it, but looking back I can honestly say it was the best four years of my life so far. The friends I made were incredible and the challenges I worked through were all worth it in the end. I look back on it all fondly- and I feel especially prepared now that I am a resident. BUSM was amazing. Believe in yourself and don’t forget to spend time getting to know the amazing people around you!! Have fun. It will all work out in the end”
-Sukhmani Gill BUSM ’16

“Congratulations! Be brave. Keep your sense of humor. Leave your prejudices and preconceived notions at the door. Keep your mind open. You will learn from both your professors and your patients. Listen, listen, listen. Enjoy the ride!”
– Neal Mandell BUSM ’86

“I can remember the pervasive angst when we were called by fours on our first day of Gross Anatomy with Dr. Lassek in the Fall of 1952 to descend from the lab to an outbuilding to collect our unmoving associates for the next four months. As I recall the trauma was sufficient to warrant a permanent departure from the class for at least one of us. Little did we realize that they would become our constant teachers and companions who initiated us into Medicine’s first great rite of passage.”
-’70 Warren Smith BUSM ’56

“I was in your place in 1986, very excited to start this journey which, like you all, I had been preparing for and looking forward to for a long time. And what a remarkable journey it was. As an alum I can tell you that BUSM is a great place to begin this journey. It is an institution committed to your education, an institution committed to providing excellent patient care, an institution with a unique and compelling mission: Exceptional Care without Exception. ”
-Jean Ramsey BUSM MD ’90, MPH ’08 Associate Dean For Alumni Affiar