Seventy-three new physicians have graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.

Commencement exercises for the 30th graduating class of S-I-U School of Medicine took place this past Saturday (May 22) in Springfield. The keynote speaker was Dr. Thomas Inui, (Ah'-new-ee), president and CEO of the Regenstrief Institute of Health and associate dean for health care research at Indiana University School of Medicine. He offered advice to the Class of 2004.

SOUND BITE: "Welcome, you are not just degree holders, although those are precious and hang on to them. Instead for me, for all of us, for your guests, for your families, you embody the future of medicine. We have all been waiting for you and waiting eagerly."

Dr. Inui encouraged new physicians to learn from each patient experience and use that knowledge to practice medicine with respect, compassion, integrity and honor.

Dr. Jillian Tyler, chair of the graduating class of 2004, expressed her sense of honor and commitment of caring upon becoming a new physician, when she spoke on behalf of the graduating class.

SOUND BITE: "More important than any title is the absolute honor it will be to care for the patients each day who will come to us for help. Oftentimes our patients will need much more than simply a prescription or procedure. They will need to know that someone cares for them and will look out for their best interests."

The new SIU physicians will begin their residency training in their chosen specialty fields in July. They join the 1847 physicians who have earned SIU medical degrees since 1975.