Every year, I look forward to sharing this moment with the OUWB students.
Take a moment, look around…. Put your arm around a friend, a family member…and enjoy your accomplishment.
No one succeeds without the support, guidance and love of mentors, friends, and family.
And….success is meaningless if you cannot share it.
On this proud occasion of Match Day, I’d like to extend my admiration to OUWB students, and my appreciation to Corewell Health, Dean Duane Mezwa, and the OUWB faculty.
Thank you for your work and commitment to your students… and for playing a vital role in preparing them for the next step along the path of lifelong learning.
So, we’ve come to Match Day.
You’ve gone through interviews, learned of open residency positions and ranked your preference.
And now, inside an envelope is the answer to: “Where do I go from here?”
It’s a moment of achievement.
Yet it can be also an anxious time.
Not too long ago, I stood in your place, and felt the excitement of knowing my life was about to change.
My primary medical-research work was on the physiologic and molecular mechanisms responsible for disorders of growth and puberty, and the development of novel therapies for these conditions.
But think about this for a moment: Here I am today, standing before you, not as a physician or medical researcher, but a university president.
Frankly, in life, you never know where the road may lead. Wherever you go, whatever you do, the key is often remaining open to possibilities and positive when the unexpected arrives.
Regardless of where you are headed, remember the pursuit of excellence will always keep you on the right path.
As you embark on your residencies, go forth with the OUWB values in mind and in your heart…
Be compassion – Serve with dignity and empathy in all your endeavors.
Seek partnerships, collaboration and teamwork
Be an innovator – Be bold and seek answers.
Conduct yourself honestly – Value decency, fairness and ethical behavior in all matters.
Medicine may by your chosen profession, but a physician’s true focus is the study of life and the role he and she plays in treating and healing people.
We are very proud of all of you and know you will carry on the OUWB tradition wherever you go.