As I cross the four-month mark as Dean, I reflect on how energizing it has been. Between many meetings, strategy sessions, reading, learning and lots of listening, it has been a joy to experience many “firsts.”
I went to the Dane County farmers’ market, attended Concerts on the Square, and discovered the Terrace. With fall in the air, it’s exciting to keep exploring. If you have a favorite Wisconsin autumn activity I should try, I’d love to hear from you.
Of all these moments, the most meaningful have been spent with our SMPH community. Everyone continues to be warm and welcoming. A medical student kindly helped me with my pronunciation of “Ooon, Wisconsin!”
It started with MD White Coat in August, where we welcomed our incoming medical students. I have also appreciated meeting students across our health professions and graduate programs and joining the welcome social for the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association. At White Coat, I shared how our students will begin to define their “ikigai” — a Japanese concept that translates into “a reason for being.” It’s about discovering your purpose and doing something the world truly needs. I have recently revisited my own ikigai, its contours evolving the more I learn about the Wisconsin Idea and our calling to uplift our communities. I encourage us all to consider how we can bring our “why” into daily moments and big decisions.
Earlier this month, I greeted new members of our faculty at New Faculty Orientation. In total, around 200 new faculty members have joined us throughout the last year. I saw attendees coming together to build community and foster collaboration across research and medicine. It was amazing to see, and I oriented them to our school and health system alongside UW Health CEO Dr. Alan Kaplan. Chancellor Mnookin also celebrated our faculty during her annual reception for newly promoted faculty and picnic for new faculty, which I was happy to be part of as well.
Something else I have enjoyed is stepping out of my office to start a series of visits to meet the people and teams that power our work. Soon I plan to expand my trips to meet departments, centers, institutes and others, in addition to our statewide partners, alumni and supporters. I hope to learn about your ikigai: your story and your purpose.
