By Julia Chapman, CBC News
Posted: Oct 17, 2012 8:54 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 17, 2012 9:11 AM ET
Perry Guo was anxiously anticipating receiving two items at Monday night's White Coat Ceremony for first-year medical students at McMaster University.
One item was obvious — his white doctor's coat and a right of passage into the medical school's class of 2015.
The other was something no first-year student had received before — something he had to dig into his coat pocket to find. It was a handwritten note of confidence from a McMaster medical school alumnus.
"Everyone was excited to hear about what these notes would entail," Guo said.
One note each for 205 first-year students
As part of celebrating the McMaster medical school's 40th anniversary, alumni were invited to write handwritten notes to new students.
"It really is a time for us to reflect and for us to think about our alumni and the contributions they make to the future of our school and our medical students," said Ron Whyte, assistant dean of undergraduate medical education.
The school received more than enough notes to present a different one to each of the 205 first-year students along with their white coat.
"When McMaster started with problem-based learning, this was very novel. [The alumni] were revolutionary at the time," Whyte said. "They have this spirit of giving back to the school and a real sense of pride for McMaster."
Advice from the class of 1976: Herodotus and time management
Dr. Achilles Thoma, from class of 1976 and a Hamilton-based plastic surgeon, wrote the note that ended up in Guo's coat pocket. He said it included three main pieces of advice.
First, was knowing the past before accepting something new. Here, Thoma recommended reading The Histories by Herodotus for some words of wisdom. Second was the importance of empathy for patients. "Listen more to what others have to say and speak less," Thoma wrote.
Below are some "wisdoms" I gained over the years, and I would like to pass on to you:
1. As a society we forget the wisdom of the past. This applies to research. Before you embark on a research project, you need to do systematic review and learn the "boundary of knowledge" of the subject you are studying. i.e know the past knowledge on the subject. This applies to life in general. If you haven't read "The Histories" by Herodotus by now, you should read it. Herodotus the acknowledged father of history provides many words of wisdom that will guide you through life.
Third was time management, the key to getting enough sleep, study and leisure time.
"It calmed me and made me think everything is going to be okay," Guo said about the note. "This was something that went through medical school, and 30 years ago was sitting in my seat and they're fine ... it's soothing to have that reassurance."
That was the desired effect, said Whyte.
Advice from the class of 2005: curiosity and compassion
"[The medical program] has always been very self-directed so we give a lot of space and time for students to explore," he said. "It was an opportunity for 40 years of alumni who went through the same things to reassure students that they're going to be great physicians when they finish."
Guo said what was interesting about the notes is that each one was as unique as his class is diverse. Each student's credentials were read out as they crossed the stage to receive their white coat. The class of 2015 has students with backgrounds ranging from music to business administration.
Dr. Rebecca Anglin, class of 2005, reflected on some lessons taught to her during her training, the importance of continuing to learn and always maintaining intellectual curiosity.
Anglin wrote: "Approach each opportunity with curiosity and compassion and I'm sure your experience will be as rewarding as mine was."
"For me, it was an opportunity to celebrate the fact that they're joining the fraternity of medicine and a chance to pass on some words of wisdom to reflect on as they go through their training," said the Hamilton-based psychiatrist.
Guo said he has not been in touch with Dr. Thoma yet but is planning to write him a thank-you note soon.
Though it's just a piece of paper, the note will stay close to Guo's white coat pocket for as long he is at McMaster.
"For me, I'll keep the note very near and dear to me and let it help me through my journey through medicine," he said.
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