The School of Medicine celebrated its 155th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20 in a traditional ceremony at Constitution Hall. Commencement speaker Dr. Francis Collins, the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, set the tone for the joyous celebration by urging graduates to seek out a balanced life, combining professionalism with faith, love, and fun.
“Medicine is full of sobering, tragic moments. So is the rest of life. Don’t forget to exercise your sense of humor; you’re going to need it,” advised Collins. To memorably illustrate his point, Collins finished his address by playing the guitar and singing “I Did It Their Way,” a playful riff on Frank Sinatra's “I Did It My Way,” highlighting the woes of medical school students (lyrics available below). His creativity was rewarded with a standing ovation.
Collins was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, by University President John DeGioia. GUMC EVP Howard Federoff read the citation for the honorary degree, noting Collins’ “outstanding leadership, formative discoveries in the field of human genetics, and commitment to the ethical care of every patient.”
Ray Mitchell, dean for medical education, called the Class of 2007 a “good cross-section of the nation today.” The class was composed of 102 women and 79 men from 30 different states and ranging in age from 26 to 40.
“Your generation will be the first to practice truly evidence-based medicine,” said Collins. “And our shared goals should be nothing less than to transform the healing art.”
I Did it Their Way
Music by Frank Sinatra; Lyrics by Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD
I came, I bought the books, lived in the dorms, followed directions. I learned, I studied hard, made lots of friends that had connections. I crammed, they gave me grade, and may I say not in a fair way, but more, much more than this, I did it their way.
I learned so many things, although I know I’ll never use them, the courses that I took were all required, I didn’t choose them. You’ll find that to survive, its best to play the doctrinaire way, and so I buckled down and did it their way.
Well yes there were times I wondered why I had to cringe when I could fly, I had my doubts but after all, I clipped my wings and learned to crawl. I learned to bend and in the end I did it their way.
But now, I find my friends, now that I am a full professor. Where once I was oppressed I have become a cruel oppressor. With me I hope you’ll see the [double e makes this the highway] but yes, you’ll learn its best, to do it my way.
Well I’m just a man, what can I do? Open your books, read chapter two, and if it seems, a bit routine, don’t talk to me, go see the dean. Just start the day, love DNA, and do it my way!
June 5, 2007
