In August 2008, I was honored to be the speaker at the White Coat Ceremony that welcomed the Medical College of Wisconsin class of 2012 . My suggestions to them at the time were to:
 

  • Remember where you came from

  • Listen to your friends and family

  • Find a mentor

  • Keep your white coat thin by letting patients' stories affect you and letting patients feel your compassion

Now, four years later, those students are graduating. Most of them forgot my talk long ago. It has been great to meet many of them during their time at MCW and I am proud that a few have chosen careers in otolaryngology! The world is in good hands. 

This week, I reflected on the differences between college commencement and medical school commencement on WUWM's Lake Effect.

Congratulations, Class of 2012!

The following is feedback received for this blog:

Thank YOU, Dr. Campbell! I hope that other students in the future will be as inspired by you as I was.
- Appreciative

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About the Author

Bruce Campbell, MD, grew up in the Chicago area, graduating from Purdue University and Rush Medical College. He completed an otolaryngology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a head and neck surgery fellowship at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He was a faculty member, ENT specialist and surgeon with Froedtert & MCW health network from 1987 until his retirement in 2021.

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