From the Dean’s Desk | The Rhythm of Our Work

As we welcome the newest class of students to the Lerner College of Medicine, I’m struck by the rhythm of our work. Although the work is demanding, I appreciate how its rhythm lends a certain predictability and harmony.

For example, each May, we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class and then eagerly follow their progress as they begin their residency training. The momentous occasion of graduation is quickly followed by the excitement of welcoming the next class of students. These new students bring fresh energy and enthusiasm, eager to begin their own medical education journey. Especially during these times, the campus hums with a sense of energy and anticipation, fueled by the continuous cycle of learning and growth.

Among the first events for the incoming class is our annual "Welcome to the Profession" breakfast. This year’s featured speaker was Michael Steinmetz, MD, Neurological Surgery Department Chair, who shared his journey from, in his words, “humble beginnings” to becoming the Chair of Neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic.

The breakfast is followed by the White Coat Ceremony for all incoming Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine students. At the ceremony, each student receives their white coat, symbolic of the noble profession of medicine. Later that day, each student receives a stethoscope, yet another symbol of the medical profession.

At this year’s White Coat Ceremony, James E. Fleming Jr., MD, Medical Director of the Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute, offered the keynote address, using compelling personal stories to demonstrate the power of a solid education, human touch and humility toward patients.

I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the crucial role that our faculty, staff and current students play in guiding and supporting our new students. They have my deep gratitude for their efforts to ensure our students feel integrated and prepared for the challenges ahead.

Finally, I would like to share some complimentary remarks we received recently from an international student who completed the CCLCM elective program. Lukáš Filka completed a rotation in Clinical Cardiology and shared that it was “the most enriching experience of my medical education so far,” adding that “excellence wasn’t something demanded — it was inspired.”

Those words ring true. I’ve heard from many students who credit our faculty with inspiring them to excel by stimulating their curiosity, challenging them to take risks and providing opportunities for growth through mistakes. In turn, our students inspire us to continually examine how we are doing in our mission to train physician investigators who are passionate about scientific inquiry, able to think critically and eager to work collaboratively.

Bud Isaacson, MD

Executive Dean

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Clockwise from top left: Class of 2030; incoming students Erin Cowen and Phoebe Leboit; James E. Fleming Jr., MD; Michael Steinmetz, MD