A Special Cohort Makes it Through to Graduation

The evening of April 30, was characteristically "feverish" and you could see it in the attendance. Reason: students were tucked between the pages of text books and class notes in preparation for the finals. As a result, only four of the six graduating students who were being being honored by the LANE Premedical Society, turned up for this year's LANE Premedical Senior Salute Reception.

"This is the only day and time this ceremony could be squeezed in .... as many students are busy preparing for their finals," said Dr. Karen Patricia Williams in her opening speech, Coordinator of LANE Premedical Society.

That did not diminish the society's tradition, as Dr. Williams noted, to honor "this special cohort for their achievement." She noted that even as many students who came to MSU abandoned their degree program mid way, this special class of students tugged on till the end.

Each of the graduating student had a space in the occasion's program to express themselves. Interestingly, each student extolled the importance of family support they have enjoyed, a theme that segwayed into Dr. Wanda Lipscomb's speech.

"Each of you talked about your families which is interesting because the family is an extraordinary foundation. So as you think about your future, we want you to remember your foundation so that whatever you become you can always make your mark with these realities in mind."

The Director of Center of Excellence in Minority Medical Education and Health, and also the CHM Assistant Dean for Student Services, added, "We will be delighted to hear from you about your accomplishments and progress in life. You have demonstrated to us that you have the ability to do that and you have been wonderfully been prepared to make your mark in life."

She also emphasized the need for each of them to continue to keep in touch with each other in keeping with the spirit of camaraderie that had run through their LANE Society activities in the last couple of years.

Finally, and in reference to a week-old National Institute of Medicine publication on healthcare disparities in America, Dr. Lipscomb noted: "If we are going to change the healthcare system we are going to change it from inside out.

The LANE Premedical Society is sponsored by the Michigan
State. University College of Human Medicine through the Center of Excellence in Minority Medical Education and Health (COE). The LANE Premedical Society is an enrichment program that recognizes students' early academic achievement and dedication to careers in medicine. The standard of LANE is excellence. The LANE Premedical Society strives to create a supportive environment and encourages trust and confidence among its members, mentors and program facilitators. It is also hoped that lasting relationships with CHM students, faculty and alumni will be fostered through LANE.