A New Vantage Point 

I’ve often said that Alumni Weekend is an opportunity to return to campus to reconnect and reminisce. Alumni Weekend 2024 was no different in that regard; however, this year I found myself with a new vantage point: seeing the weekend through the eyes of the current Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine students. From eagerly showcasing their programs to seeking mentorship, the current batch of students demonstrate their intent to succeed at Feinberg and beyond. 

The Alumni Weekend festivities kicked off on Thursday with a mock patient encounter and tour of the impressive Simulation Center. Next, we moved to Hughes Auditorium for a performance from the Northwestern Medical Orchestra (NMO), a group comprised of Feinberg students, faculty, residents, investigators, and staff. In addition to the fantastic performance showcasing the high caliber of these musicians, there was a panel of students that led a discussion on what NMO means to them in terms of community and well-being. It was enjoyable meeting students at the reception afterwards, hearing about their commitment to NMO, and their plans to seek funding to make it sustainable for years to come. 

On Friday, Alumni Weekend was in full swing, with exciting events taking place on and off campus. I attended the Mentoring Lunch with the students, and while my table was for those interested in neurology, our discussion quickly expanded to life beyond medical school. Fielding questions about work-life integration, I recognized that students view us alumni as sounding boards and can speak candidly with us as we are not one of their current instructors. The students received our counsel with enthusiasm and reverence, and we were happy to provide such guidance. 

The Women in Medicine (WIM) Tea at the Drake never disappoints, and this year a student was among the panelists who shared her story, setting the tone for the attendees to share their own unique experiences when the tea moved into an informal conversation. Following Conversations with the Dean, we moved into Celebrate in Chicago, an event I look forward to as I have the distinct honor and privilege of welcoming all reunion years and recognizing the 50-year class and those attending from our Half Century Club, in particular. 

Saturday morning began with the Pancakes and Perspectives breakfast, which is one of the many mentoring events sprinkled throughout the weekend. At noon, we reconvened at the Commitment to Scholarships Luncheon where we met with current scholarship recipients. It was a grand event that focused on the students and the unique paths that led them to Feinberg. Their trajectories (all upward, of course) are truly remarkable. It was another opportunity to form alumni-student connections and learn of their plans moving forward. In the evening, many of us attended the Founders Society reception. While I met up with my classmates, I chatted with several students, including a medical school aspirant who planned to take a gap year and was interested in discussing how best to use her time. I introduced her to Northwestern’s Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) which provides funding to summer interns. 

I ended my evening with a raucous reunion with my class, and we marveled at the current Feinberg students and how they are ready to take on the world. And whether it be through direct patient care, tackling big data, or getting involved with pharma or med tech, the possibilities are endless for these stellar students. 

As the weekend came to a close, I was left with a few thoughts, and for you, my fellow alumni, a call to action. In our practices we all strive to be patient- centered. When it comes to Feinberg, I encourage you to offer a similar student-centered approach to connect the past to the present by providing mentorship. It is a crucial first step towards paying it forward to our current students and soon-to-be fellow alumni. Please reach out to the Medical Alumni Association Board or me to engage in mentorship and learn about other ways to get involved in student outreach. Keep your eyes open, these students are going places, and you are in the position to guide them.