Message from the Dean

As the years advance, I have an increased recognition and appreciation of the many mentors who contributed to making me the professional that I am. To whom do you owe your choices? Your success? Who has influenced your life in a meaningful way?

The first time I was asked, I had no reply. As a young man, I'd never really given it much thought. I could recall a favorite teacher with whom I had great rapport and a college classmate whose intellect I admired, but I wasn't sure about a mentor.

The term itself springs from Greek mythology. Mentor was Odysseus' trusted friend who stayed behind to guide his son Telemachus into manhood. Few among us have not grown through the guidance of a trusted friend, been shaped by the wisdom of parents, aunts or uncles, or been improved through the magnanimity of a teacher or a colleague. How have we learned from this common, inspirational human experience?

Reflecting on my years as a student, physician, teacher and leader, I have come to understand that individuals do not proclaim themselves mentors; instead, mentors are "created" when others choose to emulate them. In medicine, they are the individuals we stand beside in the patient's room, research with in the laboratories, or work with to enhance patient care delivery systems. We affirm these experiences by translating their lessons into our own practice, applying their discoveries to improve our patients' outcomes, and emulating their habits as we personalize the art of medicine.

Indeed, our profession is based upon teaching and mentoring. I believe every practicing physician would attribute part of his or her success to a mentor. The individual medical student will remember the surgeon with outstanding manual dexterity and skill, the internist with outstanding problem solving abilities, and the family physician with a global perspective of his or her patients' complaints and illnesses within the context of their families and self-identities.

Further, I believe all committed and passionate professionals are mentors. In our world, men and women who give unselfishly of their time and their knowledge transform students of medicine into the caregivers, scientists and teachers who will contribute to society in the most positive way.

I recommend that all of us go beyond our actions and deeds to express our heartfelt thanks to our mentors who have enabled our profession of medicine. As Shakespeare wrote, unexpressed gratitude feels the same as "benefits forgot."

Robert W. Holden, MD '63
Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine
Walter J. Daly Professor