Dr. Andy Wakefield, Dean of the Campbell University School of Divinity, brought words of welcome and advice to Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at the end of the 2015-2016 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 third year of classes in Buies Creek. The week began with the third class of medical students at Campbell (CUSOM 2019) beginning classes while the third year medical students (CUSOM 2017) began their second week of rotations at five regional campuses throughout North Carolina.
Dr. Wakefield reminded the medical students of the similarities between ministry and medicine.
“I will share with you today three things I want my future docotor – or my future minister – to know – 1) you are not God 2) you are not able to heal me, but you can invite me into a healing process and 3) listen.”
The students were also addressed by CUSOM student leaders.
“I thought for a long time about what I should speak to you all about, and I had a number of different thoughts on things I would have wanted to know when I was sitting in your seat last year,” said Kaitherine Haga, CUSOM Student Government Association President.
She shared a conversation she had with a mentor who said the difference between those who are successful and those who just get by is that they believe they get to do their job instead of have to do their job.
“There will be times in this journey where you will be tired…in those moments, if you’re able to tell yourself…you get to go to medical school… Then one day, when you’re physicians, I hope you’re able to start each day telling yourself that you get to go to work, that you get to serve people.”
Scott Bland, President of the Class of 2018, also brought words of encouragement to his fellow students.
“You may even begin to fear that you aren’t up to the challenge. But, I would remind you of what Kipling once said, “Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.” So, ignore the lies your fears will try to tell you. You can do this. You can do this because you are being trained by people who know what it takes. You are learning the the things that they wish they learned and you will be better for it. And, never forget that we did chose you…there are over 4000 people not sitting in your chair because we chose you….and we made a good choice.”
You are one of us now and will bear our name as long as you live. We believe you can do this. We believe we are better because you are here, and we believe you are better off for being here as well…..welcome to the family….welcome to the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.”
Dr. Andy Wakefield Brings Address at the 2015 Medical School Convocation