BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Dr. Dennis Bazemore, Vice-President for Student Life, brought words of welcome and advice to Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at the end of the 2016-2017 academic years’ first week of classes.
First and second year medical students as well as faculty and staff gathered in Convocation to formally welcome the beginning of the fourth year of classes. The fourth class of medical students at Campbell (CUSOM 2020) began classes with the now second year students (CUSOM 2019) while the third and fourth year medical students (CUSOM 2018 and 2017) began their second week of rotations at five regional campuses throughout North Carolina.
“Welcome,” said Dr. John M. Kauffman, Jr., dean of the medical school. “By this time next year, we will have graduated our first class- Amazing!”
The students were also welcomed by CUSOM student leaders.
Tyler Iodence, CUSOM’s Christian Medical and Dental Associations President, shared Psalm 106:1 and offered an opening prayer.
“Lord I want to lift up these first year student doctors …even before they knew they wanted to become doctors you prepared a place for them…Allow CUSOM to be salt and light…and Guide Campbell University students.”
Emilie Pinto, President of the Student Government Association, invoked the fable of the Golden Goose to encourage the students to strive for balance.
“Congratulations Class of 2020! Out of more than 4,800 applications, 162 of you sit here,” said Pinto. “We all want to be successful…Dream big – chase after good grades and a sought-after residency and take care of yourself…these things in balance will make you a better physician one day.”
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Bazemore challenged the medical students to pursue their calling with passion.
“Calling is not reserved to ministers,” said Dr. Bazemore. “You have a strong desire and passion to serve others – this calling has lead you to Campbell University, and it may lead you in many different directions – to research, to the Emergency Room, to a clinic in a rural area – don’t miss out on answering the calling.”
He challenged the students with quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Success is not born out of being lazy; you must be passionate and work hard. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said ‘If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’ Be the best at whatever you are. Be the best medical student at Campbell University. Be the best in this profession.”