Dear alumni and friends,
I begin this quarter’s message with a hearty welcome to the alumni of the University’s medical laboratory science (MLS) and occupational therapy (OT) programs. As you’ve read in past issues of The Record, we have been integrating these programs into the College of Pharmacy over the past year and a half. With this edition, MLS and OT alumni are now part of our distribution and we look forward to sharing more highlights from these programs over time. Moreover, we are eager for the future college events that will bring all of our alumni together.
The synergies and interprofessional collaboration of our programs, along with the University’s other health science programs, is essential as health care workforce pressures increase. We are educating and training all of our students to be leaders who work collaboratively across all disciplines to solve some of our biggest challenges, whether it’s through scientific discovery or delivering care to individuals, patients and communities.
On a personal note, my recent medical issues have given me the opportunity to meet some of our alumni from all three programs and see them in action. Each time, I was struck by the care, compassion, and ingenuity they brought to every encounter. I saw health care professionals who had to be creative (I couldn’t use either hand!); who were committed to excellence; and who brought me joy throughout a very difficult time. These U of M alumni weren’t just doing a job; they were doing meaningful work that exemplified our college’s values.
Being a patient can be humbling. However, my most recent experience as a patient also reminded me that it can be a source of tremendous pride, too. I am so proud of our students and their pursuit of excellence; our alumni who are driven to make their work and their world a better place; and our faculty, staff and college leadership team for continuing their great work in supporting me, one another and the greater community.
Be well,
Lynda S. Welage, PharmD, FCCP
Dean