Alumnus Tuckson Tells New Doctors They Leave Georgetown Prepared for Their New Roles

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On Sunday, May 23rd, Georgetown University School of Medicine’s Class of 2010, consisting of 99 women and 96 men, walked across the stage in their formal regalia to receive their much-anticipated medical degrees.

For some, this is the day they have been waiting for all of their lives. For all, the MD represents four (or more) years of rigorous medical training through medical school.

Meghan Bernier (M’10), said she knew she wanted to be a doctor since she was born. “My mother was a nurse, and my aunt is a nurse, so I always knew I wanted to work in the medical profession,” she said. “I never doubted I would do anything else.” Today, Meghan stood in front of her proud family as she accepted her degree and will continue her family’s legacy of caring.

There are many others in the School of Medicine who have a family member that is a physician—in fact, 30 percent of Georgetown’s Class of 2010 has a spouse, parent or other extended relative who is a medical doctor.

On Sunday, the 195 graduates heard from one of their own in the Georgetown family. Hoya Reed Tuckson, MD, executive vice president and chair of medical affairs at UnitedHealth Group, delivered his commencement address to the graduates.

“I am pleased to stand here before you and welcome you to the Georgetown family,” said Tuckson. “Your generation emerges in a time of unprecedented opportunities and challenges.”

Tuckson expressed his confidence in the students and said that despite the challenges, Georgetown graduates are well-prepared to handle the many obstacles they may encounter. He also had one very important message: “On your special day, remember that it’s not only about you but about the people out there—your patients,” he said. “Celebrate your patients who have allowed you access to their intimacies and diseases--the patients who have accepted your diagnoses and enrolled into your clinical trials,” he said. “Georgetown has prepared you, and you are so lucky to know what to do.”

Tuckson also pledged his allegiance to Georgetown, and with extreme gratitude, thanked Georgetown for preparing him for a successful career in the medical sector. And, in front of nearly 1000 family, friends and faculty, Georgetown’s President, John J. DeGioia, PhD, and Howard J. Federoff, MD, PhD, executive vice president for health sciences, presented Tuckson with the Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa. Tuckson received the honor for his dedication as a committed caregiver and his work to reduce health disparities. “Dr. Tuckson has lived his life for others,” said Federoff. “He reflects a strong commitment to healthcare and provides a positive change in medical care delivery.”

After the doctors walked across the stage to receive their degrees, students flocked to their proud families and reveled in the moment with their loved ones, to enjoy some time together before they begin their residencies in June and embark on a very exciting journey as medical doctors.

By Tressa Kirby, excerpted from the GUMC Update