Together Again was the theme of the Spring DAG Conference in Cleveland.  I will have to admit, I was excited about the conference, but also nervous.  It was my first big trip after restrictions were lifted in most places due to the pandemic.  After the past two years of major changes and adapting to so many unknowns, it took some getting used to going back to a familiar routine.

When I arrived in Cleveland and saw so many familiar faces, I immediately felt more relaxed, and felt like no time had passed between the last time we were all together and now.  I was excited to meet the new members who were able to attend, and help them to be at ease and truly enjoy their time with their new colleagues and friends.

THAT is what DAG is all about.  Building relationships, both professional and personal.  Networking with colleagues around the country.  Knowing that you have someone out there, who is your counterpart, who understands what you go through at work daily, but also truly cares about you as a person, and what happens beyond the workplace.

Over the last two years, our group has adapted in the way we communicate and interact, just as your schools have adapted to conduct business and students' learning opportunities.  Though we were not able to meet in person, we still met virtually, checked on each other, shared ideas, and invited speakers for professional development opportunities.  I hope to continue to build on this so that we stay connected, and help each other with continued development.

I am truly honored to be able to serve as your chair, and I look forward to seeing DAG continue to grow and develop.

Together Again.  The unofficial theme of our Cleveland meeting.

As COVID cases are rising, again, across the country and the US reached that horrible milestone of loved ones lost, the DAG group that came together in Cleveland embodied what you don't see in the news:  kindness - hope - friendship - caring - love.  This pandemic has changed us forever, in both good and not-so-good ways, but I was comforted in seeing old friends, and making new ones, this past April.  The optimism I saw, and the laughter I heard, only renewed my belief that we will come out from this experience as better versions of ourselves.

So as my time as chair has ended, I want to thank all of you for being part of this amazing group!  And I especially want to shout out to my board and advisory board members for their help over the past 18 months - we wouldn't have stayed connected if it wasn't for you!

I hope you all have a spectacular summer, a fabulous fall and here's to Nashville in November.

Susan

Stephanie Thompson, M.S. M.Ed., is a curriculum administrative specialist providing high-level support to the COM medical education deans as well as the curriculum committee and subcommittees.  Stephanie is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine with a master's degree in medical education and has a bachelor's degree in integrated health studies - health care administration from Kent State University.  Stephanie came to NEOMED with extensive experience in graduate medical education within northeast Ohio hospitals.  

Stephanie is passionate about medical education and has fully enjoyed her time working with trainees at both undergraduate and graduate medical education levels.  She grew up in the Cleveland area and is a huge fan of their sports teams.  She enjoys spending time watching her children play lacrosse and baseball.

Pictures from the DAG Cleveland Conference here

Enjoy looking at other schools Commencements

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony took place on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the Hippodrome Theatre Baltimore MD

We were honored to have Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA United State Surgeon General, as our keynote speaker 

To view the video click here

Western Michigan Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Graduation 2022 Photos click here 

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine graduated 203 students this year. Keynote speaker was Lisa Mellman (CWRU Med Class of 1983), the Samuel Rudin Professor of Psychiatry and Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. for a photo of the graduating class, click here

Of the 203 students, 159 were from our SOM university program, 10 from our MD/PhD program (started in 1956), 3 physicians also received a DMD in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and 31 were from our college program, the Cleveland Clinic lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM).

NEOMED Commencement Commencement speaker was Dr. Skorton from AAMC.  He also received a Honorary Degree.

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Commencement held on May 13, 2022. 125 Graduates.  Commencement Speaker Nina Abubakari, MPH, BgA, JD FACHE, President/CEO Advantage Health Centers  click here for photos

Watch for upcoming Coffee Break and Speaker Presentation schedule. Looking forward to seeing you soon.