Solutions Magazine, Summer 2006 - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

Unique Thank You Note: Words of gratitude surround this photo taken by Tulane student Sharron Mason in a New Orleans mausoleum. The framed photo, signed by Tulane students, was presented to BCM President Dr. Peter Traber at Match Day.

Things have come full circle for the students of Tulane University School of Medicine. Last August, students were only three weeks into the school year when Hurricane Katrina blew ashore, flooded their school, and sent their education into a whirlwind.

"I was certain we wouldn't graduate," said Sharron Mason, a fourth-year medical student at Tulane. "And then Baylor said, 'Come on down,' and we all showed up, and they just welcomed us. It was amazing."

After eight months filled with unprecedented events, Sharron and her classmates returned to New Orleans for their graduation on May 13. Speaking at the event was Dr. Peter G. Traber, BCM president and CEO, whose personal interest in these students has almost made him an honorary member of the class.

"Looking back on this incredible year, one of the most amazing feats was how quickly all the schools in the South Texas Alliance of Academic Medical Centers worked together with Tulane to resume the education of these students and residents," said Traber. "I am extremely proud of everyone who made it possible for Tulane to continue its great tradition of education."

Tulane Match Day

In all, BCM became home to about 300 first- and second-year Tulane medical students, another 150 third- and fourth-year students, and about 150 of Tulane's resident physicians.

"What would we have done without BCM? We can't thank you enough for opening your doors and hearts to so many people."
–Randi Sokol

The ability to accommodate these students required institutional support, but, more importantly, it was made possible through the support of individuals. For example, many members of the BCM Family opened their homes to those needing places to live. Others dedicated countless hours to the details required to ensure all aspects of the situation were handled accurately. And, students shared physical space and academic resources.

These efforts were recognized at the national level when the Association of American Medical Colleges honored BCM and the other Alliance institutions with an Award of Exceptional Service to Academic Medicine. "The warm Texas welcome and the unwaivering support that the Tulane academic family received from Baylor exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and was a remarkable demonstration of service in the national interest," said AAMC Immediate Past President Dr. Jordan Cohen.

In a year filled with memorable moments, two of the highlights act as bookends: on one end, the emotional orientation attended by both Traber and BCM chancellor emeritus and Tulane alumnus Dr. Michael E. DeBakey; on the other end, Match Day, when, for the first time in history, two medical schools matched at one place.

Tulane graduatio

Out of devastation, something wonderful arose: a special bond between BCM and Tulane that will be forever linked to the memory of Hurricane Katrina. As a result, the return of Tulane to New Orleans evokes both joy for their homecoming and a tinge of sadness as our halls are a bit quieter now that a part of us is gone.

"An unbelievable leap for both institutions. Thanks for allowing us to progress even in the most extreme circumstances."
–Alanna Higgins

Tulane's Journey Back to New Orleans

Patient Care

Research

Education

Community Service

Alumni & Development

College News

Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2006


	Tulane's Journey Back to New Orleans by Lori Baker Unique Thank You Note: Words of gratitude surround this photo taken by Tulane student Sharron Mason in a New Orleans mausoleum. The framed photo, signed by Tulane students, was presented to BCM President Dr. Peter Traber at Match Day. Things have come full circle for the students of Tulane University School of Medicine. Last August, students were only three weeks into the school year when Hurricane Katrina blew ashore, flooded their school, and sent their education into a whirlwind. "I was certain we wouldn't graduate," said Sharron Mason, a fourth-year medical student at Tulane. "And then Baylor said, 'Come on down,' and we all showed up, and they just welcomed us. It was amazing." After eight months filled with unprecedented events, Sharron and her classmates returned to New Orleans for their graduation on May 13. Speaking at the event was Dr. Peter G. Traber, BCM president and CEO, whose personal interest in these students has almost made him an honorary member of the class. "Looking back on this incredible year, one of the most amazing feats was how quickly all the schools in the South Texas Alliance of Academic Medical Centers worked together with Tulane to resume the education of these students and residents," said Traber. "I am extremely proud of everyone who made it possible for Tulane to continue its great tradition of education." Tulane Match Day In all, BCM became home to about 300 first- and second-year Tulane medical students, another 150 third- and fourth-year students, and about 150 of Tulane's resident physicians. "What would we have done without BCM? We can't thank you enough for opening your doors and hearts to so many people." –Randi Sokol The ability to accommodate these students required institutional support, but, more importantly, it was made possible through the support of individuals. For example, many members of the BCM Family opened their homes to those needing places to live. Others dedicated countless hours to the details required to ensure all aspects of the situation were handled accurately. And, students shared physical space and academic resources. These efforts were recognized at the national level when the Association of American Medical Colleges honored BCM and the other Alliance institutions with an Award of Exceptional Service to Academic Medicine. "The warm Texas welcome and the unwaivering support that the Tulane academic family received from Baylor exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and was a remarkable demonstration of service in the national interest," said AAMC Immediate Past President Dr. Jordan Cohen. In a year filled with memorable moments, two of the highlights act as bookends: on one end, the emotional orientation attended by both Traber and BCM chancellor emeritus and Tulane alumnus Dr. Michael E. DeBakey; on the other end, Match Day, when, for the first time in history, two medical schools matched at one place. Tulane graduatio Out of devastation, something wonderful arose: a special bond between BCM and Tulane that will be forever linked to the memory of Hurricane Katrina. As a result, the return of Tulane to New Orleans evokes both joy for their homecoming and a tinge of sadness as our halls are a bit quieter now that a part of us is gone. "An unbelievable leap for both institutions. Thanks for allowing us to progress even in the most extreme circumstances." –Alanna Higgins		Search all issues: Patient Care People, Protocols and Promise An Infectious Enthusiasm Canvas for Creativity Research Seeing the Invisible Trekking Into New Territory: Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Closing the Gap Between Lab and Clinic Education Tulane's Journey Back to New Orleans Community Service PUSHing for a Skate Park Alumni & Development Making Sense of Antisense Million Dollar Treatment Artist, M.D. Moving a Medical School College News A TEN-dency Toward Excellence Building Baylor Seamless Science

	Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2006



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