Thread: What was said at White Coat Jan 09?

Was just reading through the SGA minutes from the school and I read that something was said in the honor society speech that didn't sit well with the attendees and/or the school. The e-mail mentioned something about (paraphrasing) "profound disappointment regarding the subject matter discussed." Was wondering if anyone who attended could shed some light?

Originally Posted by Itempest

Was just reading through the SGA minutes from the school and I read that something was said in the honor society speech that didn't sit well with the attendees and/or the school. The e-mail mentioned something about (paraphrasing) "profound disappointment regarding the subject matter discussed." Was wondering if anyone who attended could shed some light?

i was wondering the same thing too. someone probably said something about how they partied and got wasted all the time but still managed to get good grades. that's the only thing i can think of.

The guy who spoke on behalf of the honors society made an entire speech about flip cup, drinking, and shout outs to his friends. Everyone kept thinking that he would somehow cleverly tie it into what it means to be a medical student, but no such luck. Possibly the most unprofessional speech that I've ever heard.

Well, being one of the people who go a "shout out" I feel I have a slightly biased opinion. I agree that much of the subject matter, including flip cup was in poor taste for this venue, there was an underlying positive theme. It was not ALL about drinking and partying, although the beginning focused on a "passion of beer." It was not about how we all can drink and party and still make good grades. Flip cup was an analogy for the need of solid people in your life and through medical school. I think the "shout outs" were out of place, mostly because 99% of the people attending had no idea who the people were. The point again, was to emphasize that the people you will attend medical school with will have a major impact in your life and help you through the down times. The message was a good one, the delivery could have been revised. But in the end, I feel this is being blown way out of proportion, as most things are at this school.

You may not have seen the looks on the faces of the first semester students who very obviously didn't think it funny. Or, for that matter, the parents sitting in the back who were no doubt thinking "I'm sending my son/daughter to this?" Or the two ladies present to accept a charitable donation from the Honor Society. It was a funny speech, but entirely in the wrong context. Teamwork and the friends you make here who support you are good themes, but the metaphors used to deliver them were crass and inappropriate for a major ceremony at a medical school.

Sounds like a juicy speech, which sounds like it would be fun to hear.

The sad reality, there are many students partied too much and are no longer at AUC. Then there are the students who never partied, studied all the time, and still did not make it. I think it is great if a student can party it up and still make great grades. Unfortunately, most students that I remember had to study quite a bit and party moderately to maximize success.

Anyway, sounds like it was an experience for all there.

Originally Posted by ScottE

Well, being one of the people who go a "shout out" I feel I have a slightly biased opinion. I agree that much of the subject matter, including flip cup was in poor taste for this venue, there was an underlying positive theme. It was not ALL about drinking and partying, although the beginning focused on a "passion of beer." It was not about how we all can drink and party and still make good grades. Flip cup was an analogy for the need of solid people in your life and through medical school. I think the "shout outs" were out of place, mostly because 99% of the people attending had no idea who the people were. The point again, was to emphasize that the people you will attend medical school with will have a major impact in your life and help you through the down times. The message was a good one, the delivery could have been revised. But in the end, I feel this is being blown way out of proportion, as most things are at this school.

And I didn't think there would be someone to defend that point of view

I found it to be very unprofessional, and while it seemed funny to his friends... it definitely was not funny to many of us.

I was sitting there like "is this guy serious, there has to be a tie-in somewhere"

I am disappointed to hear that, wen I was at my white coat I wanted to be up on that stage and was given a speech about work and pay-off and good friends. It made me feel like I made a right choice by coming to AUC. From what I understand this speech is far away from that.

[quote=Lemacfar;1030836]And I didn't think there would be someone to defend that point of view

Well, of course I am going to defend my friend. Although I agree with the majority in that the context of the speech was unprofessional for a white coat ceremony, I know what his intentions were. Unfortunately, not everyone knows this person like his good friends do. That being said, I stick to what I stated earlier, a majority of what was said was not appropriate for the audience or the event. Even if following the event the majority of students had there fair share of drinks, not excusing the contents of the speech of course. I feel that there was an attempt to make a connection, but unfortunately fell short. This person, who had no intention of being unprofessional, is now being dragged through the mud not only on ValueMD but through the SGA minutes via e-mail to the entire school, not to mention ridiculed in front of his entire class by a faculty member. I realize the nature of the speech, I understand the views of guests attending, and I know my friend. A standout student and stand out guy who I know I will be able to count on throughout my professional career, despite of giving a bad speech. (bring on the flames)

[quote=ScottE;1030913]

Originally Posted by Lemacfar

And I didn't think there would be someone to defend that point of view

Well, of course I am going to defend my friend. Although I agree with the majority in that the context of the speech was unprofessional for a white coat ceremony, I know what his intentions were. Unfortunately, not everyone knows this person like his good friends do. That being said, I stick to what I stated earlier, a majority of what was said was not appropriate for the audience or the event. Even if following the event the majority of students had there fair share of drinks, not excusing the contents of the speech of course. I feel that there was an attempt to make a connection, but unfortunately fell short. This person, who had no intention of being unprofessional, is now being dragged through the mud not only on ValueMD but through the SGA minutes via e-mail to the entire school, not to mention ridiculed in front of his entire class by a faculty member. I realize the nature of the speech, I understand the views of guests attending, and I know my friend. A standout student and stand out guy who I know I will be able to count on throughout my professional career, despite of giving a bad speech. (bring on the flames)

It doesn't take much common sense to know whether that speech was going to be appropriate or not. Even if there was a little chance (which I just don't see how anyone would not), he should have atleast checked in with his so called friends/colleagues to make sure it was appropriate. I'm glad it's being discussed because that kind of behavior should be unacceptable under the circumstances. Sorry to say this, but your friend deserves what he's getting. It's better for him to learn right now, than later.