Dean’s Corner
Celebrating the Continuum of Medical Education
Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff,
Holly J. Humphrey, MD’83
Dean for Medical Education
The Graduation issue of the Pritzker Pulse is always one of my favorites, as there is always so much to celebrate at this time of year. We bid farewell to the students of the Class of 2009 who have successfully matched at outstanding programs throughout the country; although you will be missed, may the lessons you have learned and the friends you have made during your time at Pritzker be sustaining forces as you continue your respective journeys as physicians. And to those who will continue their training programs at the University of Chicago Medical Center, we are delighted that you have chosen to further your education within our community and hope that you share in our excitement upon beginning this new chapter.
There has been much talk recently regarding new efforts on the part of the medical school and the Medical Center to encourage service within the community. I am pleased to announce that these initiatives will be receiving even greater support with the addition of Dr. Sarah-Anne Schumann from the Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Schumann has been named Director of Community Health and Service-Learning and will be an essential resource to our students and organizations that strive to provide service to those in our area.
I would also like to recognize the tremendous service efforts on the part of our distinguished alumni. Graduates of our institution “give back” in a multitude of ways, and this issue of the Pulse highlights two in particular: Dr. Kenneth Bridbord, Class of 1969 and Dr. Bruce Becker, Class of 1976. Dr. Bridbord has established an exemplary career at the National Institutes of Health with a focus on addressing global health threats such as HIV and AIDS; Dr. Becker has shared his time, knowledge, and expertise with one of our current students through the invaluable Day in the Life Experience. Members of the administration also find special ways to give back, and in this issue we celebrate 20 years of service from Rosita Ragin, Assistant Dean of Multicultural and Student Affairs.
As our current students transition to their next year of studies, our fourth-year students graduate and become alumni, and many of our esteemed alumni return to campus to celebrate the anniversary of their own respective commencements, it is a potent reminder of how the field of medicine gives us the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to serve.
With best wishes,
Holly J. Humphrey, MD
Professor of Medicine
Dean for Medical Education
