Carrie Wilson stood before family, friends, and faculty on Friday afternoon, reciting a promise that will bookend her time at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
“I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity,” Wilson repeated in unison with 161 peers in the Class of 2017. “The health of my patient will be my first consideration; my colleagues will be my sisters and brothers.”
Marking entry into the profession, the Declaration of Geneva came at the end of Founders’ Day, a ceremony that serves as the official start of the academic year. Students also declare the modern equivalent of the Hippocratic Oath four years from now, as their final act before becoming doctors.
“You have opened a new portal to your life’s work that focuses on medicine and science very few are privileged to enter,” said Eric G. Neilson, MD, vice president for medical affairs and Lewis Landsberg dean. “There are myriad of exciting times ahead for you, not the least of which is working in a medical center, teaming with world-class hospitals.”
