Always be honest to yourself and your patients. Love your work; it’s the best of all the professions.

John Dobson, MD 1951

A very warm welcome to all of you who have been successful in starting your career in medicine. I expect most of you are currently thinking about the possibilities that lie within the front line clinical world. Medicine can be much more. There will be opportunities for teaching, research and physician leadership. in the 45 years since I graduated I have been involved in all these areas at some point in my career. Most importantly, I want to remind you that medicine can be stressful and burnout is very real in physicians. Make sure you take excellent care of yourself. You will be a much better doctor when you do.

Don Atkinson, MD 1976

There will be time to learn everything you need to; take a few moments every day to step into the world outside of medicine.

Caroline Just
London ON, Canada
@carolinejust

Empathy is key for excellent patient-physician communication.

Suha Ghoul, Alumnus Fellow 2014
London ON, Canada
@Suhaghoul

I spent the last 30 years of my career in the wonderful Department of Medicine at Western. You are privileged to not only treat patients, but also truly listen and learn from them. Enjoy!

Joel Hurwitz
London ON, Canada

To our incoming students, welcome. Although we're not able to meet with you in person, as your Dean, I look forward to getting to know you and seeing what you will accomplish. During this time of change and transition, I hope you find an opportunity to reflect on the goals and passions that brought you to the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Your passion is what will inspire you to engage, innovate, persevere, and succeed. Although it may seem very far away, you are the future of health care, research, and innovation. Remember that we are not only rooting for you, we as a community are on this journey with you.

John Yoo
London ON, Canada

Today will be a memorable day for you. A start of a journey that is without compare. Enjoy today. This profession is without compare and you will never forget day 1.

Jeremy Keller, MD 2007
London ON, Canada

This is such an exciting time for you maybe with a bit of nervousness as well! Savour the moment, get to know your classmates and help each other in the next four years. Enjoy the journey!

Melvin Hum, DDS 1991
Oakville ON, Canada

Try to enjoy the next four years, as they will be the best years of your lives. Make lasting connections with classmates. Explore all areas of medicine. There is something in medicine for everyone.

Monique Christakis, MD 1990
Toronto ON, Canada

Hang in there. It is worth it.

Anthony Veale, DDS 1998
Arnprior ON, Canada

Welcome to Schulich Medicine! We're very excited you are now part of our community & look forward to working with you in the years to come.

Melanie Beaton
London ON, Canada

Your journey is about to begin. It will be filled with a lot of hurdles and at times you may wonder why you chose this path. The light at the end of the tunnel should be your motivation.

Abdulhalim Abdulrahman, DDS
London ON, Canada

Step 1 to a successful medical career is to be present in the moment and make the most of each learning opportunity. If you learn one new thing each day in class or clinic you're on track.

Steven Macaluso, MD 2007
London ON, Canada
@mskmedicine

You belong here and we need you.

Nicholas O'Brien, MD 2019
London ON, Canada

What a time to be entering medicine! In addition to taking care of your patients, please make sure you take some time to take care of yourself as well during this lifelong journey.

Melissa Huynh, MD 2013

Give yourself the chance to make mistakes. Then, forgive yourself for erring. Take some time to learn from those mistakes, and finally, cheer yourself on to try, and try again.

Ashley Eugine, DDS 2024
Toronto ON, Canada

Welcome to Schulich Dentistry. You are about to take off upon an exciting, life-altering experience. Your journey will be challenging, but think always that you will have enormous impact on the world. Stay positive and be proud of yourself.

Selma Saadaldin, PhD 2014
London ON, Canada

Always remember that you deserve to be here! Stay humble, open-minded and remember that your patients will be your best teachers.

Erin Klar, MD 2024

Trust and be confident in yourself; you're here for a reason! Remember to make time for hobbies and your own wellness!

Aaron Regis, MD 2021, MSc 2017
London ON, Canada

Welcome to Schulich! Congratulations on your achievement. These years will be challenging, but you have your support team all around you. Embrace the adventures and the challenges. Good luck!

Karissa Sarkioja, MD 2020

Congratulations on starting your new journey! Medicine can seem overwhelming, but remember you're qualified to be here and that many people have done this before - you will too!!

Anna Branch, MD 2022

As you walk this journey remember that this is the place to learn from your successes & mistakes, that your worth is not attached to your grades but to your core values. Enjoy learning!

Fabiana Crowley, PhD 2010
London ON, Canada
@FabianaCrowley

Start your four-year journey with gratitude and respect. Be gracious with your time, energy and knowledge. Be grateful for this privilege. Respect others and your environment and life will be full.

Marjorie Johnson, PhD 1987
London ON, Canada

You have succeeded and will continue to succeed! My life motto is: Have fun at work, and work at having fun! What is yours?

Claudio Martin, MD 1984
London ON, Canada

Welcome to the beginning of an amazing learning journey. This is a time of opportunity - together we will work towards a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning and working environment.

Shannon Venance, MD 1997
London ON, Canada

There is a true saying about medical, that the days can feel long but the years are short. You've made a great choice to become and physician, and I wish you all the best!

Brian Rotenberg, MD
London ON, Canada

Remember your initial reason and passion that made you work hard towards this goal, to help and save lives.

Brandon Lam, MD 2025
London ON, Canada

Hey you :) Congratulations on this great achievement! I hope you've taken some time to appreciate and celebrate yourself. You deserve it. Take care and best of luck! Go you!

Mostafa Alimari, MD 2024
Windsor ON, Canada

Welcome! 52 years ago I was sitting where you are today. After all these years I am still in awe of this profession. Be grateful. Be amazed. Enjoy the privilege of helping others.

Paul Cooper, MD 1973
London ON, Canada

A warm welcome to the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Your years in dental school will be busy, but also exciting, and very rewarding at the end.

Mark Darling, MChD 1998, MSc 1991, BChD 1985
London ON, Canada

These four years you are about to embark on will be some of the best years of your life! Even if it gets a bit busy, keep your family and friends close and do not hold back on any adventures!

Ala El Baba, MD 2019
London ON, Canada

Welcome to Schulich & congratulations on achieving a milestone. Your time here will change your life and shape your career. Stay humble, always be compassionate, and learn from adversity.

Michele Weir
London ON, Canada

This is your day of celebration. You made it. The hard work and sacrifices led to this. Congratulations. Celebrate your accomplishments in medicine but stay focused on your journey & growth.

Matthew Ryckman, MD 2023

You made it! Congratulations! These next four years are going to be full of amazing memories so remember to stop and smell the roses. We're happy to have you as a future colleague!

Shozab Ahmed, MD 2023
Sudbury ON, Canada

Congrats! Long hours and challenges are ahead but be sure to try to 'smell the roses', cultivate friendships, and be kind to yourself along the way. Remember to 'bring the weather' with you.

Stewart Long, MD 1982
Coldstream BC, Canada

Capture everything the pandemic and its physician leaders can teach you. Remember equity underlines everything. Grow, learn, get to know your classmates, and don't forget to have fun!

Lawrence Loh, MD 2006, BSc 2002
Toronto ON, Canada
lawrence-loh-70b5001/

Welcome to the "family". Keep in your heart that which inspired this decision, and let empathy guide your way.

George Kim, MD 2003
London ON, Canada
@GeorgeKimMD gkim53

Be humble, be positive, be a good listener, and above all, be kind. Get to know your peers as they will be a great support to you now and in the future. You have worked very hard and we are very proud of you!

Alison Ryckman, HBA 1986
London ON, Canada

Welcome to medicine, which is such a long and rewarding journey - you got this, enjoy the ride and all the privileges that medicine has to offer. Good luck!

Abeer Syal, MD 2003
Langley BC, Canada

By this offer of acceptance into the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, you have already proven that you possess the ability, aptitude, and affability to be a GREAT physician. Relax, go forth and enjoy the journey!

Robert Black, MD 1989
St. Thomas ON, Canada

As a member of the Medical Affairs team with LHSC and St Joseph's Health Care, I want to welcome you and wish you all the best as you start this exciting adventure! I'm sure our paths will cross in the future.

Jennifer Joyce
London ON, Canada

You are starting on the journey of your lives! Enjoy every moment! You deserve it! Your hard work has paid off!

Magbule Doko, MD 2011
Windsor ON, Canada
@drmagbuledoko drmagbuledoko

Congratulations on selecting Schulich. You are an excellent student. We are here to support you in becoming an excellent doctor.

Leslie McAdam
London ON, Canada
leslie-mcadam-37909668/

Congratulations on your big achievement! Your hard work has paid off and will continue to support you in this new journey. Remember to take time for yourself! Have fun out there! Cheers!

Michael Van Ginkel, MD 2023
Ingersoll ON, Canada
med_mike_

Learn to be an effective, ethical physician. Don't get attached to pieces of medical knowledge. The qualities of a good physician are timeless; medical knowledge is ever-changing.

David Eden, MD 1987
Hannon ON, Canada

Congratulations, Doctor! It never feels right the first time you hear that, but from this day on that's who you are. The path ahead is long, but I know you'll be up to the challenge, Doctor.

Mobolaji Adeolu, MD 2021
Toronto ON, Canada

I have never forgotten the advice given to my class on our first day of medical school in 1978 by the Dean: Throughout your career, work hard, play hard & relax hard. Do it!

Philip Stuart, MD 1982
Nelson BC, Canada

Congratulations and welcome! We look forward to having you as part of our community/family!

Sean Pierre, MD 2001
Ottawa ON, Canada
@PierreUrology

Doctor to be, welcome to the Schulich family! You are beginning a challenging, but very rewarding career. Always be kind to yourself - you have absolutely earned that white coat. Congratulations!

Sarah O'Neill, MD 2021
Calgary AB, Canada

Your dream of becoming a physician is being realized! It is a privilege to be with patients at their most vulnerable moments (birth to death). Remember to be gracious. Yes! You CAN do this!

Laura Diachun, MD 1993
London ON, Canada

Hello, and congratulations! You have likely been through so much already, but rest assured there is much more to come - most of it wonderful. Delighted to have you as a new colleague.

Michael Baker, MD 2020
Vancouver BC, Canada

Your hard work and achievements have earned the gift of a medical education and the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of so many. Enjoy the journey!

Cindy Hutnik, MD 1994
London ON, Canada

Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment! Always remember that you are cherished, within medicine and beyond. Welcome to the Western family!

Shaily Brahmbhatt, MD 2024
London ON, Canada
@justshaily justshaily

Welcome! You have embarked on the beginning of a long journey. Some days will be dark, some days will be uplifting. I wish you luck on your journey and hope you find it fulfilling.

Gordon Ngo, MD 2018
London ON, Canada

Congratulations on getting to this amazing milestone. Take a deep breath and enjoy the whirlwind of fun, learning, friendships and self-discovery that awaits you over the next years.

Nathan Tam, MD 2020
North York ON, Canada

Have fun! You're about to make some lifelong friends. Feel nervous? So does everyone else, that's normal. My advice? Choose your specialty carefully. Ask lots of questions from those who have been there. You have a bright future. Good luck.

David Larke, MD 1991

Welcome to Schulich Dentistry. Never forget, Dentistry is as much an art as science. May you gain wisdom as well as knowledge and may the next four years be the foundation for a wonderful career.

Sharat Pani, DDS 2008

Congratulations and welcome to Schulich Dentistry! You must be so excited to be starting dental school. Remember that feeling and use it to motivate you through the challenging times. It is all worth it in the end!

Caroline Alpert, DDS 2021
Caroline.alpert.art

Congrats and welcome! Dental school will be one of the most challenging, yet memorable experiences in your life. Stay true to why you are there, and the life and career that you want!

Joel Napenas, DDS 2002
Charlotte NC, USA
joel-j-napenas

You made it! Congratulations! Don't forget to celebrate the highs and lows. During the lows, remember the feeling when you opened your acceptance letter. I can't wait to meet you!

Brittany Pollock, DDS 2023
London ON, Canada

Welcome to Western Meds. My experience at Western was a transformational experience. At Western Meds, I met my wife, and acquired the tools I needed to achieve my dreams. Best wishes.

Shiva Jayaraman, MD 2002
Toronto ON, Canada
@cutitoutpodcas1

Don't be too hard on yourself if you fail something on your first time. You can do it. You will still be a success. Just keep working. You got this!

Chris Ciriello, MD 2007
San Francisco CA, USA

It was a long road already to get here, and under difficult circumstances. Congratulations. It must seem like a long road still, but the privilege of caring for people is worth it. Enjoy!

Wael Haddara

The secret is to make a strong start. Carry on with a stronger middle race and finish with the strongest you've got. Ask for help when you need it. Never tell lies. Care about every patient!!

Catherine Stubbs, MD 1973
Duncan BC, Canada

Welcome to the Schulich fam! We are SO happy to have you and so excited to see you become an amazing physician! First year can be tough, but be sure to take time for yourself and have fun!

Audrey Gruneberg, MD 2024
London ON, Canada

Congratulations and welcome to the Schulich family! You will have an exciting time here studying medicine. I hope you learn lots but also take the time to take care of yourself. Good luck!

Jordan Lively, MD 2024
London ON, Canada

Welcome to your next chapter, one that I hope is every bit as exciting and fulfilling as it was for me!! You belong here and you earned this, so enjoy the ride because it's worth it! Congrats!

Adam Roath, MD 2019
Windsor ON, Canada

Congratulations! You have just received a ticket to the Greatest Show on Earth. Never forget your patients, THEY teach you how to practice medicine. Make waves, be kind.

David McLeod, MD 1988

You are beginning your journey to enter the most honored profession. Your four years of medical school are only the beginning of lifelong learning. Enjoy it!

Martin Throne, MD 1969, MSc 1965
Atlanta GA, USA

You are starting an exciting new phase of your life and career. Lots of good, but it will also be tough at times. Think back to why you entered Medicine, and the rest will fall in line.

Christopher Langley, MD 2017
Ottawa ON, Canada

Medicine has offered me a variety of opportunities, most importantly the privilege of helping people when they are at their most vulnerable. I hope you enjoy being a doctor as much as I have.

Andreas Laupacis, MD 1985
Arthur ON, Canada

Never let technology replace humanity and patient-centered care. Ian McWhinney would remind us of 4 reasons patients visit: limit of tolerance, limit of anxiety, ticket in, or admin reasons.

Keith Thompson, MD 1987
London ON, Canada
@the60secchkup keith-thompson-322125140

You made it! Now, forget trying to get top marks - learn for knowledge, ask questions, get to know your classmates and have fun! Finally, be kind - to patients, to each other, and to yourself.

Julia Wilhelm, MD 1994
Kitchener ON, Canada

Good luck as you begin your studies. My best piece of advice is to maintain a balance throughout your studies. Don't get too low or too high, enjoy your days, and always maintain perspective.

Christos Papadopoulos, MClD 2017
Quispamsis NB, Canada

You have the power to change lives with your knowledge and compassion. Your words to your patients and their families will be remembered for a long time. Take care of yourself too! Enjoy the experience.

Daisy Pavri, MBBS, FRCPC
London ON, Canada

Congratulations as you start your journey in medicine. It is a wonderful profession. Never lose sight of your "Why." It will carry you through the challenging times.

Gillian Kernaghan, MD 1982
London ON, Canada
@drgkernaghan