Message from the Dean

During football and basketball seasons, we're entertained, often moved, by fans of Indiana University when they show their colors and join in song for the old alma mater. It's a ritual that builds bonds with both seasoned and young alumni, and spurs the new generation to seek their own experiences in a place that becomes greater with time.

For our IUSM alumni, faculty, staff, students and residents, the show of pride is not quite as boisterous nor does it stir the blood as do the beating drums that excite fans at the games, but it does exist. It exists in everything we do to move our mission forward, be it in small steps or large strides. It's in the new knowledge physicians gain from their patients, which allows them to teach others more about disease. It's in the research and development of therapies that lead to better treatments. And it is in the revelations we gain from our patients who, through their trust, faith and inevitable mortality, define our humble role as physicians.

Through all these experiences and opportunities, our faculty learn to do a better job of teaching tomorrow's physicians, of doing research, and of living their professional commitment to advance the art and science of medicine. This commitment underlies the honor and pride they possess as members of Indiana University School of Medicine. They want our School to be at the top of the nation's medical schools - not an afterthought or the place where people turn when they've run out of options. They also know that striving towards such a high level of excellence takes hard work, the courage to make difficult choices, a firm commitment and a strong identity.

Our players' individual accomplishments, however noteworthy, are most significant because they are made as part of a team. For our 1,000 faculty, 2,000 volunteer faculty, 1,100 students, 1,000 residents and 2,000 staff members, being recognized as a team player within the School of Medicine is crucial. Our fans and our patients demand it.

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