Dean’s Corner
Exceptional Service from Exceptional Students
Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff:
Holly J. Humphrey, MD’83
Dean for Medical Education
I am tremendously proud to share with you in the pages of this issue some of the exceptional acts of humanism I have seen from our current Pritzker students, residents, and faculty members in recent months. Their commitment to service is unparalleled, and their work within our community is simply inspiring.
Many students choose the Pritzker School of Medicine because of its urban setting and commitment to serving the underserved. This dedication can be seen through both our curriculum, which incorporates and addresses health care disparities, and the abundance of opportunities available to work with the underserved in our community. The ways in which our students take ownership of this commitment and responsibility for its execution show great leadership on their part. As you will see from those involved with the Pritzker Community Service Fellowship, students are taking the lead in establishing longitudinal relationships among those interested in service. This group, which began last year with support from the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Student Service Project Award, recently planned and executed a Day of Service, encompassing four community organizations. The event was a smashing success.
We also recently honored those students in the graduating Class of 2009 who have demonstrated the utmost excellence in academics, leadership, service, and research. This year’s Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society inductees not only excel within the confines of our institution, they have shared their talents with our community. Most recently, members from these two groups worked with faculty members to orchestrate a service project at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, wherein approximately 20 medical students and faculty members spent their Saturday morning sorting food and making meals for those in need.
We revisit our mission statement frequently, as its principles are a guiding force for our institution. The statement concludes with the phrase “dedicated to inspiring diverse students of exceptional promise to become leaders and innovators in science and medicine for the betterment of humanity.” The Pritzker administration works diligently to ensure this promise is executed, but we must acknowledge with gratitude and pride the outstanding works and accomplishments of our students in leading the force for bettering humanity. I am enormously proud of you.
Gratefully,
Holly J. Humphrey, MD
Professor of Medicine
Dean for Medical Education
