This month marks a special time of recognition and celebration for individuals who have chosen to practice medicine.
On National Doctors’ Day, March 30, we celebrate the dedication and compassionate care that transforms patients’ lives.
Pursing the path of a physician is rooted in a deep sense of purpose. I chose to study medicine as a way to serve others. The Dalai Lama reminds us that the two ways to true fulfillment are in 1) the service of others; and 2) the recognition of the deep interconnection of all people and all things. In addition, Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote, “I slept and dreamed life was joy. I awoke and saw that life is service. I acted and behold, service is joy.”
My purpose has evolved from my time as a student at WVU, but it is still founded in service. As we are each part of a bigger whole, I now see that my purpose is to learn and grow to reach my highest potential and to help others do the same. As chancellor and executive dean for Health Sciences, it gives me incredible joy to be able to continue that journey every day.
On March 11, more than 100 students in School of Medicine’s Class of 2025 for the John W. Traubert White Coat Ceremony as they marked their transition from foundational science to clinical care. During the ceremony, each second-year student received a handwritten note with words of inspiration, encouragement and advice of from a WVU alum that was placed in the pocket of their coat – another symbol of the white coat serving as a cloak of compassion.
One week later, on March 17, our graduating medical students celebrated Match Day with their peers, families, faculty members and friends on the Morgantown, Charleston and Eastern campuses as they learned in which U.S. residency programs they will continue their training. Our 108 students were placed in 21 different specialties across 21 states.
I hope each of you – whether you just entered medical school, are a practicing physician or have retired and taken on new pursuits – take time to reflect on your purpose and the impact you are making on individuals and in your communities.
Thank you for your commitment to learning and for your remarkable efforts toward improving education and health care in West Virginia.
Happy Doctors’ Day.
Clay Marsh, M.D.
Chancellor and Executive Dean
WVU Health Sciences
Last week, the University held its annual Day of Giving with record-making results. My wife, Gail, and I thank all of the generous supporters who contributed to our scholarship challenge for the Health Sciences schools or the area of need that is closest to your heart.
Whether ‘thank you’ is said with a smile at the bedside, a card in the mail or a gift on Day of Giving, the patients we serve consistently show gratitude for the expert compassionate care they receive from our WVU physicians.
Practicing gratitude toward others not only makes them feel appreciated, but it is also shown to improve our own well-being.
“After five trips to the emergency room, a gallbladder surgery and a series of stomach tests, my brother, Keith, continued to feel ill. Eventually, we made the two-hour trip to the Ruby Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and finally got some answers and a glimmer of hope. Keith was treated by honest, kind and knowledgeable cardiologists who answered all our questions and got my brother on the organ donor waiting list for a new heart. Words could never express how this medical institution of healing has changed our lives. God Bless each and every employee, and may you always know what a difference you make, each and every day!” – Deborah Kent, of Parkersburg, sister of WVU Heart & Vascular Institute transplant patient Keith Eaton
“I recently had to have two different retinal surgeries. All of the residents and physicians who treated me at the Eye Institute were extremely knowledgeable and kind, but Dr. Ghorayeb has a particular gift for compassion. I thank Our Lord for gifting Dr. Ghorayeb with his compassion, knowledge and skills. He is a valuable asset to our program, and we cannot allow him to leave.” – Beth O’Neil, of Morgantown
“Dr. Anne Murray, a neurologist, makes herself available to talk with my husband and myself whether through phone calls or Zoom at our convenience. She is truly a one-of-a-kind doctor whom we are pleased to know.” – Patricia Bright, of Summersville
To show appreciation for our faculty and resident physicians at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, a Doctors’ Day grab-and-go breakfast will be available Thursday, March 30, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bruce McClymonds Conference Center. At other Morgantown locations, gifts will be distributed to faculty physicians.