It’s been 35 years since the first class entered the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Much has changed since then, including the name of our medical school, but as you’ll read in our cover story, much remains the same. We asked several members of our charter class about the changes they’ve seen in medicine since they entered medical school in 1976. We think you’ll find their answers insightful.
One of the things that has not changed is our school’s commitment to diversity. The Boonshoft School of Medicine has been a pioneer in bringing non-traditional students into the fold since admitting its first class. From its inception, our medical school sought out diversity in all its forms. In this issue, you can read about two of these non-traditional students: faculty member Dr. Jan Duke, who started medical school at the age of 48 after raising a family; and Dr. Jake Deister, a member of our 2011 graduating class, who as an M.B.A., left a promising career to take undergrad premed courses and pursue his dream of medical school.
Since our first class graduated in 1980, we’ve seen 2,719 graduates walk through our doors. And I never cease to be amazed by their accomplishments. In addition to hearing from several members of our first class, you can read about Dr. Evangeline Andarsio, who has been a statewide leader in professional-liability issues and spirituality in medicine; and Dr. Sophia Apple, who serves as the director of breast pathology at UCLA Medical Center—evidence that another thing that has remained the same in the past 35 years is the quality of our graduates.
Howard M. Part, M.D.
Dean
Doria Thomas strikes a pose as the graduates line up to enter the Mead Theatre for the 2011 Commencement ceremony. Thomas was one of the 101 members of the Boonshoft School of Medicine class of 2011 who were awarded M.D. degrees during the school’s commencement ceremony on May 27. Photo by Chris Snyder.
