Returning Home Good Students, Good Human Beings

By Luis Antonio Flores Ayón
Translated by Megan Power

“These four years of your lives are a reflection of the sacrifice and responsibility which have led you to become good students and human beings,” declared Ricardo León Bórquez, Dean of the Health Sciences Department, at the graduation ceremony for students of the International Program of Medicine of Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG).

Dr. León Bórquez, also Dean of the Medical School, asked the recent graduates to remember that the work is glory and the road to success. He added: “You are a shining example. This is a wonderful moment for your parents. Now it is your turn to give back to society, your families and, in the future, your children, this great opportunity you have been received.” 

The ceremony took place in the Magna room of Ciudad Universitaria, presided over by university authorities, teaching faculty and directors, including Dr. Francisco Martínez Sandoval, Director of the International Program of Medicine.

Dr. Josefina Ramos López, sponsor of the 2003-2007 graduating class, professor, UAG alumni and member of the Joseph Lister College of Medical Surgeons, told the graduating class that although they had completed an important phase in their personal and academic preparation, another one was set to began; another step which would require more effort. She recommended they continue to ready themselves to meet new challenges and not let any opportunities pass them by.

Dr. López said she felt proud to be the sponsor of such a brave graduating class, who she acknowldeged not only for their truimph in acquiring the necessary knowledge but also for overcoming the homesickness of being far from home.

Dr. Alfredo de la Rosa, a doctor from the state of Texas representing the UAG graduating class of 1975 said he considered it an honor to be asked to speak at the ceremony.

“I can’t stop the memories flooding my mind. I remember my professors, the facilities, the rounds...what a joy to remember. In a few minutes, you too will lose your first name, and your new first name will be Doctor, “ said an emotional Dr. Rosa. 

Speaking on behalf of the students, Ricardo Luis Machado Torres said he felt very grateful to the many people who had supported the class and for the privilege of ending up at the graduation ceremony. “We give thanks the entire Faculty of Medicine teaching staff, for helping us and believing in our abilities. You gave us the tools for find our own talents and our destinies, and here we are, so proud of ourselves.”

The new doctors happily showed off their diplomas, which bestowed the enormous advantage of a bilingual education.

Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez condcuted the swearing of the Hippocratic Oath. This new generation of international doctors, largely made up of students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico, swore in turn to uphold the oath’s ethical practices.

International Program of Medicine students attend UAG for four years, during which time they engage not only in academic class work but also in social service, which benefits the society they serve upon returning home.