Now Surgeons, Graduates Return
To Their Countries

By Luis Antonio Flores Ayón

Close to 100 American and Puerto Rican students from the “Dr. Salvador Martínez Esparza” 2004-2008 graduating class concluded their studies from the International Program of  Medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG). They celebrated their graduation as Medical Surgeons, now they are able to practice under the requirements of their countries of origin.
In the ceremony, held in front of graduates’ friends and relatives, Dr. Francisco Martínez Sandoval, Director of the School of Medicine said, “You have acquired the tools of knowledge to practice medicine but your studies do not end today. This is only the first step on the path that you must continue following, with an intention of specializing.” 
“UAG has proudly given you quality medical training sending you back to your countries as doctors with integrity,” he added.
Dr. Salvador Esparza Martínez, sponsor of the graduating class, told his students, “What was at first a dream is now a reality. Today you ended your life as students within this school.
“In this age of skepticism and doubt, it is encouraging to find ourselves gathered here to graduate this group of doctors, who have dedicated one of the best times of their lives to train themselves to serve and protect the community’s health.” he said.
After the Hippocratic Oath, in which doctors swear to use their knowledge to protect human life, Michael Kuncewitch thanked the families in attendance on behalf of his classmates for traveling so far to be with the graduates on their special day.  
“We gained a lot of academic experience. We learned Medicine here. We were taught to overcome obstacles through perseverance and dedication. We made friends, broadened our minds, and now we’re ready to confront any adversity,” he said.
Moments later, Dr. Harris Burstin, who graduated from the Medical School 31 years ago and now practices in the United States, showed appreciation to the UAG saying, “The experience I gained here as a student, prepared me and made me see things differently. I was given the tools to communicate with my patients in the U.S. who speak Spanish. UAG taught me to love science. I have nothing else to say but congratulations and best wishes for you in your professional lives.”