For the students, the afternoon was a brief confirmation of years of
hard work and determination. For their family and friends, it was a
moving experience to watch loved ones take another step towards
a future of practicing medicine.
Dr. Roberts might have said it best during the ceremony, telling
the students, “You look both excited and scared to death. That’s
okay. We’ve all been there. Today will be an unforgettable day in
your professional life and the memories of your families. In the
busy days ahead, do not forget the altruism and the compassion,
the desire to help people in their neediest of times that caused you
to take this path.”
The White Coat Ceremony is just the first step in a long journey,
and our physicians make e fforts throughout young physicians’
development to offer support. Once medical students begin their
courses, GLMS physicians check in with them periodically to assist
wherever possible.
One of the most fun events hosted by GLMS is Career Chats,
also known as Specialty Speed Networking, in which young medical
students sit down with established practicing physicians in a small
group setting to discover more about what specialties may interest
them. This year, nine physicians were on hand at the U of L School
of Medicine’s Abell Administration Building to answer questions
from students.
Thank you to all the physicians who graciously volunteered their
time for this special event:
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Dr. Robert Couch – Emergency Medicine
Dr. Evangelia Gravari - Pediatrics
Dr. Kendra Grubb – Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Mary Barry – Internal Medicine
Dr. Sean Miller - Otolaryngology
Dr. Michael Kommor - Oncology
Dr. Tanika Taylor – OB/GYN
Dr. Amy Quillo – General Surgery
Dr. Michael Salamon – Orthopedic Surgery
After graduating from medical school and entering their residency
program, GLMS touches their lives again when GLMS physicians
attend the New Resident Orientation, where more than 200 resi-
dents and fellows began their medical careers on the U of L campus
this year alone.
Dr. Roberts, in addition to being President of GLMS, also serves
as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the School
of Medicine. He spoke to the incoming residents and encouraged
them to use their time wisely. “It’s time for you to start developing
your professional identity as a physician. At the end of your train-
ing, how are you going to make yourself look different in a positive
way? Be proactive.”
Several other physicians offered advice and told the young doc-
tors all about the services offered by the University and the city
of Louisville alike. Among those speaking were Norton Hospital
Medical Director Henry Walter, MD, and KMA Board Chair Randy
Schrodt, MD. At the end of the day, more than 100 members of the
new resident class elected to join GLMS and KMA.
The same residents will see GLMS again as they prepare to enter
the workforce. The University of Louisville’s Residents in Business
program, sponsored by GLMS, provides those finishing their final
year of residency with a crash course in practice management, busi-
ness skills and principles: Heavy topics, but essential to building a
successful career. GLMS made another 3-year financial pledge to
remain U of L’s chief partner for the event.
This year GLMS also hosted the Personal Financial Fundamen-
tals for Physicians-In-Training event for residents. Martin, Wight
& Company, LLC, spoke to residents at the University Club and
Alumni Center about how to invest and handle the debt that is
almost guaranteed to accompany them out of medical school. We
are always looking for new ways to reach students and residents
to make the path to their careers simpler. Please contact GLMS if
you have ideas on how we can support our early-career physicians.
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MAY 2017
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