Page 8 - RUSM 2023 Commencement Program

Letter to Graduates
Letter to Graduates

Dear Graduates,
Dear Class of 2023,
Today marks the end of medical school, but the beginning of your life as a physician. Congratulations!
Congratulations to you all, our graduating class of 2020, and welcome to the Ross University
You have worked hard to earn the privilege of becoming a physician and this is a time to honor yourself
School of Medicine Alumni Association.
and embrace your passions. We each have familiar stories detailing our individual medical journeys.
There are few moments in your life such as this one. Today is a day to recognize and acknowledge
It can be a long, bumpy, and sometimes lonely road, but resiliency is essential. As a proud Ross Med
the tremendous effort that you have made to achieve this remarkable goal. It is a time to reflect on
graduate and president of the Alumni Association, I welcome you to the esteemed group of 15,000+
the choices that brought you here. To hold space for both the challenging and exciting moments
alumni that are waiting to welcome you into open arms.
throughout your journey. It is also an occasion to thank all the people in your world who supported
This is a day to remember of course, but for your life remember the commitment of this cherished
you every step of the way. Today is truly a day of celebration. You deserve it.
profession. The days will be long, the learning NEVER ends but the most important challenges you will
This graduating class is unique in many ways. Together you experienced first-hand, the
encounter individually and for your patients would be emotional, ethical, philosophical, and the tests of
devastating effects of hurricane Maria. You were relocated and thrusted into a new learning
the spirit and soul rather than of the body and mind.
environment, multiple times. And now, you are about to graduate from medical school in the
middle of a global pandemic outbreak, the likes of which have not been seen for over a century.
Be an advocate. Be a true leader and most of all, put humanity back in health care.
Your ability to focus and persevere under extraordinary circumstances will serve you well. The
We are human and your interactions will most times demand more than you can give. Take time for
adaptability and resiliency you have demonstrated will be invaluable in your tomorrow.
yourself and learn the beauty of taking a pause. The ability to practice medicine and show composure,
Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow you begin the next part of your journey. There will be new
passion, and compassion is the commitment to medicine in the service of all including yourself.
challenges, new exciting moments and a renewed effort to reach your next goal. As you ready
You will form a special bond with other alumni based on your shared triumphs, victories, and obstacles.
yourself for residency, your relationship with the Ross University School of Medicine changes. You
As president, this year I am focusing on maintaining that bond by supporting both our collective alumni
are now a member of the Alumni Association and are instantly a part of a global network of highly
efforts and the medical students following in our footsteps.
skilled, intelligent, and compassionate physicians.
As we look to the future, our mission is to help advance the interest of our alumni, to support current
The Alumni Association will be an invaluable resource for you as you continue on your journey.
medical students on their journey to becoming physicians, and to provide opportunities for alumni to
For nearly four decades, the Association has fostered and continues to grow a network of Alumni
connect with each other. Active engagement in the Alumni Association is an easy and effective way to
members who take great pride in being Ross University School of Medicine graduates. Through
ensure our association remains strong.
our programs and events, we aim to provide opportunities to forge strong relationships among
alumni, students, faculty and friends.
Alumni support and vision make us the wonderful institution we are, and the enthusiasm and
participation of our more than 15,000 alumni are integral to shaping and realizing our goals. We are
I encourage you to be active in the Alumni Association through both participation in events and
excited for you to be a part of this amazing group of individuals.
programs, and also through the many ways to volunteer. For more details on what the Alumni
Association can provide you and how you can get involved, please contact the Office of Alumni
Communication is vital for a robust relationship between alumni and their alma mater. I encourage you
Relations or visit our website at https://medical.rossu.edu/alumni/.
to visit the alumni website at https://medical.rossu.edu/alumni/stay-connected to ensure your contact
information is updated. This is where you can learn about upcoming Ross University School of Medicine
As Alumni members, we are ambassadors of our alma mater, strengthening its reputation with
alumni events to connect with other members, get the latest in RUSM news, as well as other valuable
all of our collective professional achievements and accolades. I invite you to continue the Ross
information.
University School of Medicine legacy as an educational leader through your active participation as
an Alumni Association member. Tomorrow marks the start of the next chapter in your story. But
Medicine is the greatest profession that exists. Through your education, training, and interactions, you
for today, let me once more give you enthusiastic congratulations.
will have the ability to heal the minds, bodies, and spirits of others. Congratulations to the class of 2023!
Sincerely,
Panagiotis (Taki) Galanopoulos, MD MSc FAAFP CCFP
Sincerely, Welcome to our Alumni Family
President, Ross University School of Medicine Alumni Association
Jessica Shepherd, Class of 2023
MD, MBA, FACOG
Class of ‘05 rusmalumni@rossu.edu 754-707-5549
Welcome to our
President of Alumni Association rusmalumni@rossu.edu 754-707-5549
Alumni Family @RUSMalumni @RossMedalumni
Class of 2020 @RUSMalumni @RossMedAlumni
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