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There is one simple, yet essential, lesson that Chancellor Michael F. Collins always hopes to impart on new School of Medicine students at UMass Chan Medical School. And, at the welcome breakfast for this year’s incoming class, Chancellor Collins again implored the Class of 2019 to take heed.
“Always remember, it’s a great privilege for us to care for our patients,” Collins said to the group of 125 first-year aspiring doctors on Aug. 5. “It is not a privilege for our patients to be cared for by us.”
Collins also urged them to be compassionate, to choose their words carefully when talking with patients and their families, and to recognize the indelible impression they will leave, especially on those dealing with serious illness.
“I’ll never forget what the doctor said to me when my father died,” said Collins, explaining his father died 51 weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. “He said, ‘I’m sorry. The next time I hope we could do more.’ I’ll never forget those words.”
Dean Terence R. Flotte, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, also welcomed students and gave them an introduction to the School of Medicine’s curriculum.
Related links on UMass Chan News:
Chancellor gives new medical students a glimpse into their future
First-year med students settling in
