"Mission Unchanged": Rockford Graduates Weigh In on Medicine's Future

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - As 51 students took their first steps as physicians Friday, their peers address the challenges facing the medical field.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford held its graduation ceremony April 25, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

“Today’s a wonderful day, probably the best day of the year for us as administrators and faculty. These students came four years ago, they worked so hard. They dedicate their lives to becoming physicians and today they’ve hit that first critical milestone,” said Alex Stagnaro-Green UIC College of Medicine Rockford Regional Dean.

Keynote speeches acknowledged the current state of the health care industry, including medical breakthroughs and political controversy.

“No matter what’s going on in the world, the practice of medicine stays the same and what our goals are. The mission doesn’t change,” said Alex Stagnaro-Green.

Graduate Nabil Khan will begin his residency in Psychiatry in Springfield. While he’s excited about moving on, he admits politics threw uncertainty into the medical field.

“There’s very legitimate fears that people have because everything is kind of chaotic and we don’t need that as a county, that’s not good for our health,” said Khan.

Khan received the James E. Rebel Award for his passion for medicine and compassion for patients. He was nominated by his peers.

Dr. Lucas Jurasek from Byron recognizes the political hurdles, yet he intends to concentrate on forging significant relationships with his patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

"It’s truly difficult times, and I doubt anyone has the perfect solution for moving forward. The only thing I am certain of is that we must rely on one another and build strong personal connections. We should take the time to learn more about each other, understanding the reasons behind our beliefs. In my view, this is the most promising way ahead," stated Jurasek.

Jurashek was selected by his fellow students to represent their class as the spokesperson during the event.

Stagnaro-Green expresses his hope that the graduates maintain their reverence for human life as they start their medical practice.

"The belief in medical treatment remains strongly tied between the patient and their doctor," stated Stagnaro-Green.