A total of 65 interns celebrated the completion of their training programmes at a special hybrid ceremony in the Medical College’s courtyard that saw graduands attend in person, while observing physical distancing, as their relatives attended the event virtually.
Speakers at the event praised the graduating interns, who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, for their resolve and steadfastness in the face of challenges.
In his speech, Chief Guest Dr Saud Anwer – a state senator for Connecticut, critical care physician and graduate of the medical college’s class of 1991 – appreciated the graduating interns for striving to serve in conditions that are likely to have been as challenging as the 1914 Spanish Flu pandemic over a century ago.
He urged the graduands to remain committed to following seven key skills throughout their lives: be a good listener, keep family first, cherish friendships, self-reflect, build optimism, serve the public and never stop learning.
In his speech, Dr Anwer said: “As a doctor of medicine, I prescribe you a liberal dose of optimism, faith and action…Rise up, your community needs you, your region needs you, your country needs you and the world needs you.”
In a humourous and insightful valedictory speech, Dr Shazaf Masood Sidhu reflected on the trials of the past year and urged her class fellows to remain true to themselves and their profession.
She said: “Let us all take a moment and cherish those innumerable small victories that each one of us has had over the last year that has culminated in today’s celebration…There have been times when we were struggling with ourselves, we wanted to run out of so many challenging situations, but we fought and stood strong no matter what.”
While congratulating the graduating class, Medical College Dean Dr Adil Haider reminded them that the day also marked a new beginning where the class would be required to recommit themselves to lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence in the practice of medicine.
Dr Haider said: “As you move on in your healthcare journey, I believe that you will carry with you the skills, competencies and values you have learnt during your time at the University, so as to make a sustainable and meaningful impact on the society you (will) serve…As a healthcare professional, always remember to respond passionately to your calling even when you feel like the odds are stacked up against you!
“At the same time, be humble: acknowledge your shortcomings and address them. Arm yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to make a remarkable contribution to your chosen area of work.”