Monday, 6/2/97 UCLA medical students graduate COMMENCEMENT:
Proud families look on as 180 new doctors take oath
By Quyen Ta Daily Bruin Contributor Almost all of the UCLA
campus was deserted and quiet on Friday afternoon. That is, except
for Perloff Quad, where hundreds of parents, family members and
friends were gathered. Many were laughing and smiling, holding
bouquets of flowers and shiny mylar balloons. The reason for
celebration was that after four years of hard work and dedication,
180 students from the UCLA School of Medicine were graduating.
Though many people were sitting in the glaring sun, few had
something to complain about — for Friday marked a happy and
exciting moment for those who knew the graduates. "I feel great,
wonderful," said Barbara J. Watson-Shoemake, mother of graduate Dr.
Allen R. Watson. Some parents saw the day as one of reflection on
the accomplishments of their son or daughter. "She was so bright. I
am very proud. Her success is my success," said Jimmy Quilala, of
his daughter Dr. Florizza Quilala. Other parents were especially
moved by this occasion as they remembered their importance in their
child’s life. "I used to joke that my role was writing checks, but
it really is a lot of emotional support," said Eileen Gregson,
mother of Dr. Aric Gregson, as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Although many parents were proud or excited for their children, a
few expressed the nervousness some of the graduates were
experiencing. Prior to taking their seats in Perloff Quad, the 180
medical students were lined up in Schoenberg Quad. While Dr.
Connell Bost received last-minute hugs from friends and family, Dr.
Maggie Yu was pacing back and forth. When asked how she felt, all
she could say was, "really nervous." After the graduates took their
seats in Perloff Quad, the commencement exercises began. Provost
and Dean of the UCLA School of Medicine, Gerald Levey, began by
saying that the day was a time "to reflect upon a job well done,"
but that "the journey has just begun." The graduation program
itself included a speech given by a graduate of the class, Dr.
Michael Frumovitz. Frumovitz was chosen by his classmates to speak
at the event. Frumovitz spoke on how he considered his profession a
combination of "art and science." He stressed the need to "be more
than a scientist, to have an understanding for life." Chancellor
Charles E. Young also made an appearance for the graduation
exercise. Young presented the UCLA Medal to Leslie and Susan Gonda
for their altruism and and contributions to the medical profession.
He concluded his remarks with a "good luck and best of wishes" to
the medical school graduates. With Young’s closing remarks, chosen
faculty members began the presentation of hoods and the conferral
of degrees. Students were called one by one, and as the title
"Doctor" preceded each graduate’s name, parents and family members
could be seen wiping away tears. The ceremony reached a climax as
the graduates were asked to stand while Dean Levey administered the
Hippocratic Oath, a version adapted by Dr. Sherman M. Mellinkoff,
Dean Emeritus 1962-1986, from the original Greek. "It is the oath
that physicians have taken for 2000 years," Levey said. "It sets
the moral standard by which we practice medicine." Levey went on to
encourage all doctors to recite the oath to renew themselves as
well. As graduates sat down, Reverend David Myler began the
benediction. He told medical students to remember their profession
as one of service to others, and to "care – always, always,
always." As trumpet music played through speakers on both sides of
the stage, medical students stood up and began to walk back to
Schoenberg Quad for a reception. Many students hugged and
congratulated one another. Others began to look for family members
who were making their way to Schoenberg Quad. Some students
expressed relief that the formalities were over. "I’m happy.
Relieved," Dr. Carolin Hubbard said. Other students were excited
about their futures. "I’m thrilled," Dr. Lorin Guillory said. "I
can’t put it even into words. I’m really excited and looking to the
future. I’m doing an internship for a year." Guillory will be
working for Brooklyn Hospital Center Program in New York. Overall,
Friday was a day of happiness, excitement and reflection. Graduate
Dr. Trent Woods put it best when he said, "It’s a good culmination
to a long journey." CHARLES KUO/Daily Bruin Graduates at Friday’s
Medical School Commencement ceremony.