Letter from the alumni president

Dear Alumni,

I've heard classmates say, "I didn't have a clue" and "They didn't tell us anything about this in med school. It took me a long time to find out."

What's the topic? Biomedical advances?

No.

We were discussing the life of a physician. As we progressed in our training, we wondered, How do physicians follow their calling and have a life? How do doctors aim for professional excellence and manage to be a great spouse, partner, and/or parent, and read a book, walk the dog and vote intelligently? We tried to figure it out ad hoc, sometimes in conversation with house staff (whose lives seemed remote and unattainable), sometimes with other students or loved ones and, rarely (because time for reflection is hard to come by) within ourselves.

The answers aren't easy nor is there a single formula that fits everyone.

Along with exploring the far reaches of health and science, Stanford faculty are exploring ways of preparing students for life as a physician. The newly integrated basic science and clinical curriculum may include a third key dimension: the physician as person. Advocates include: associate director of the PriSMS public service medical scholars programs Ann Banchoff; associate dean for medical education Neil Gesundheit; and director of medical student professional development Elliot Wolfe. They agree that alumni could help. You could mentor, participate in small groups, chat and also help design this new, new Stanford curricular innovation. Please get in touch with our alumni office (e-mail: , phone (650) 234-0635). Soon!

Sincerely,

Linda Hawes Clever, MD, Stanford '65
President, Stanford Medical Alumni Association

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