August 13, 2002

MEDIA ADVISORY      

Medical students in the Class of 2006 at Southern Illinois University start their medical training this Friday in Carbondale.  The students will participate in a “white coat ceremony” beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, August 16, in Shryock Auditorium. 

The keynote will be given by Dr. Constance Shabazz, who has focused on working with underserved populations including those with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and smoking addiction.  A native of Chicago and a 1986 School of Medicine graduate, she heads Med-Serve of Illinois, a consulting firm that provides technical assistance to community health centers. 

During the ceremony, the students will be welcomed by Dr. J. Kevin Dorsey, dean and provost and a 1978 graduate of the School.  They will receive the first white coat from the president of the School’s Alumni Society Dr. Kathryn Bohn, a Bloomington emergency room physician and 1983 graduate, who will be assisted by Dr. Sharon Hull, assistant professor of family and community medicine, associate dean for student affairs in Carbondale and a 1987 graduate.  The students also receive a pin made up of the words “Compassion, Respect and Integrity” from the SIU Foundation.

The class of 2006 is expected to again have most of the students from the lower two-thirds of the state.  Dr. Erik J. Constance, associate professor of internal medicine, associate dean of student affairs and a 1988 graduate, says that SIU applicants continue to come to SIU intending to train for practice in primary care.  With such commitments, he believes that the School should be able to maintain the success of graduates – 53 percent of those alumni who are now in practice entered primary care specialties.

The event is designed to establish a “psychological contract of professionalism and empathy” in medicine.  Students entering most U.S. medical schools this fall will participate in this rite of passage. 

For information, contact Ruth Slottag or Nancy Zimmers, SIU School of Medicine Public Affairs (Springfield), 217-545-2155, or SIUC Public Affairs Office, 618-453-2276.