The American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine (FM) and the Medical Center held the Graduate Medical Education (GME) graduation ceremony on June 2, 2021 at the Assembly Hall. In attendance were AUB President, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, Interim Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Ghazi Zaatari, Chief of Staff, Dr. Samir Alam, Medical Center Director, Mr. Joseph Otayek, Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Salah Zeineddine, Program Directors, and distinguished guests. The ceremony included the distribution of specialty diplomas for 122 graduates and was live streamed for parents to witness those special moments in their children's career path.
Dr. Zeineddine welcomed the attendees and congratulated the graduates on their well-deserved achievement. “Resilience defines you. These past years carry different flavors and mixed feelings. Pain, pride, sorrow and glory. You were the spearhead in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and I salute you for that," he started. “The group we are celebrating are well-trained physicians, fully dedicated to the wellbeing of their patients and community. They will serve the profession knowing that there are no boundaries to academic ambition and excellence," he added.
Dr. Khuri congratulated the residents and stressed on their relentless effort and dedication. He said, “Today, we celebrate hard work, sleepless nights, tears of joy and sadness, and dedication amidst challenges that you and your mentors, families, and friends have endured. You have been on call; you have worked countless grueling and long hours and you have realized that your job does not end after eight or even a 12-hour shift. This is not a job like any other. It is a calling. Dr. Khuri added, “The journey so far has not been an easy one and the next steps won't be easy either. The past year has shown us all just how daunting and demanding the world can be. The COVID-19 pandemic has pressured the global healthcare system in ways no one was prepared for. During a time of extremely high uncertainty, obscurity and resulting fears, the whole world turned to doctors. You stand here and hereon as symbols of knowledge, needed action, and hope." Dr. Khuri stressed on the fact that the residents have been trained for this most honorable of professions in this fine university that provides high quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective patient care integrated within the values of respect, integrity, accountability, and stewardship
Dr. Zaatari applauded the graduates and welcomed them to medical ranks of medical professionals and specialists. He stated, “Today you have completed the second stage of your medical education and are getting ready for the third stage of life. Our profession is highly demanding, but we are rewarded by its human mission aiming at reducing the pain and suffering of fellow human beings. I know your path until now has been arduous and was compounded last year by serious challenges. Your generation experienced firsthand the violence that came along the social uprising, the catastrophic aftermath of August 4 explosion, and the health impact of the devastating pandemic of COVID-19. Wherever and whenever you extended helping caring hands, be it at AUBMC or outside its premises, I salute you as true heroes who combated the vicious virus successfully, and I admire the marvelous prompt response you demonstrated to the call of securing coverage at all critical areas of the medical center during this period. Because of this spirit of dedication, altruism and volunteerism, AUBMC sustained its national image as the leading center in Lebanon to handle and treat the victims of these sad events."
Representing the graduates, the Resident Staff Organization (RSO) president, Dr. Rami Hallak gave a speech in which he thanked AUB and AUBMC leadership for their support and his colleagues for their perseverance in this difficult past year. He expressed his great gratitude to the parents who have tirelessly supported him and his colleagues throughout this hard journey. In his message to his fellow colleagues, Dr. Hallak said, “It was tough, nothing like we would have imagined or planned, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Those heavy days and nights made us grow into the well-rounded confident physicians we are today. Now, we proceed to our next milestone, head high, to dazzle the world and maybe one day bring back our significant achievements to invest in our country, " he said.
In the end, Dr. Hallak announced that the RSO cabinet has voted to announce the class of 2021 as the COVID front-liner class in appreciation for the tremendous effort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each graduating resident and fellow was offered a bronze medal for his/her devotion and dedication.