In the midst of the dramatic changes occurring on our campus, and the eventual hiring and installation of a new UA COM-Phoenix leadership team, it is important to reflect on the role that students can play through this process. Rumor has it that leadership team turnover is a common thing in academia. However, there has been a pervasive suspicion surrounding the leadership exodus, leading to some uneasiness amongst the students. Regardless of the reason, this change has been an emotionally challenging time for our campus. We were lucky to have had such a strong leadership team, who established the collaborative, energetic, student- and community-centered climate of our school. The vision and action of the outgoing leadership team fostered an environment for such values to grow and attract like-minded individuals on all levels. And they will be missed.
During this time, I would like to put forth a few reflections and encouragements to my fellow student colleagues of UA COM-Phoenix.
Gratitude
I would like to invite everyone to experience and extend their gratitude to the outgoing leadership team for the legacy they have forged and the mammoth shoes they left to fill. The meaningful impact they had on our medical school is evidenced by weight with which we feel their departure.
I would also like to highlight the earnest efforts of the faculty and staff who are guiding our school and students through this transitional period. It is their behind-the-scenes work that has always and will continue to make our day-to-day experiences smooth and enriching.
Finally, our greater Arizona medical community has continually demonstrated their solidarity and commitment to our school and student’s success. We have a robust team and many people who deserve our sincere appreciation.
Remain inquisitive, involved, and discerning
As physicians in training, we are natural truth-seekers. I want to encourage everyone to ask questions, read emails and articles, and talk with peers, faculty, administration, and the incoming leadership about the transition and road ahead. As physicians we will be called upon to be advocates for our patients, our profession, and right now we are to be advocates for our school. The first step is to simply know what is happening, so do your best to remain up to date on the progress of the transition. Also, you will likely be asked about it by community physicians, other students and family members, and being able to answer knowledgeably is of benefit to everyone. Stay involved, be discerning truth-seekers, and remember that knowledge is a powerful tool.
Do not fear change
As the old adage goes “everything changes but change itself.” Change can be uncomfortable, especially when unexpected and unknown and when things were good to begin with. However, all types of change can lead to a positive outcome. It will only be in retrospect that we can determine what this time has meant for our school. We need to play our part to help assure that looking back we can easily identify the positive actions that came about from this time of precipitous change. Act from a heart-centered space; do not react from a place of fear, and give people a chance to rise to the occasion.
Educate and lead by example
I think it is fair to say that a shared goal of the students is to maintain the culture and values of our school, which is an important factor as to why many of us chose to come here. The reality is, for many of us, our remaining experience here will not be considerably altered due to this transition. Our day-to-day experience will still be guided and supported by many of the same faculty and administration as before the great Texas migration of 2016 occurred. However, years from now, we still want to be able to proudly advise pre-med students to apply to our medical school alma mater, knowing that it is not only an excellent forward-looking academic institution but also that they will feel valued and supported as an individual. We want to leave a legacy that will attract quality students, who will become competent physicians and will be good friends along the way.
It is our task to help select and educate the new leadership team as it assembles. Our new interim dean, Dean Ramos, has confidently assured Medical Student Government that students will be involved in the leadership selection process. While only a few representatives can be involved in this aspect, it is the responsibility of every student to help teach the new leadership about what it is that we value at our school, what is it that sets us apart. One of the best ways to do this is to exemplify these values in your daily actions, on campus, on the wards and in our community, what I know each of you has already been doing.
We stand on the shoulders of those before us. We have a strong foundation, and we need to do our part to ensure the foundational integrity for future classes. As the new incoming class of 2020 joins our campus this month, let our actions reassure them that the reasons they chose to come here are still at the core of UA COM-Phoenix.
Tiana Blank is an Arizona native and a proud member of the class of 2018 at The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. She attended University of Colorado at Boulder earning degrees in integrative physiology and psychology & neuroscience. Since the start of her medical school career, she has been involved in medical student government both as vice chair and class representative. Personal interests include spending time with family and friends, travel, running, laughter, and mind-body health.