Welcome to a new academic year!

There is so much that excites me about the upcoming academic year. 2022-23 marks the roll-out of a new Heritage College strategy, which will simplify, focus and elevate the ways we work together. On the Athens campus, we are forging ahead with plans for new research facilities across from Heritage Hall, which will better connect our educational and research missions. I’m equally excited about the recent additions to our college leadership team, including our new Athens Campus Dean Tracy Shaub, D.O., and several new department chairs. The energy and passion of these individuals will help to ensure that our teams are functioning at their highest and best. 

While new strategy, facilities and leadership are certainly worth celebrating, they are not what sets the Heritage College apart from other medical schools. Our “secret sauce,” as I like to call it, is the caring atmosphere that we create. That’s why the tagline “Care Leads Here” resonates so well with me.  

No one articulates this sentiment better than our students and their families. With this in mind, I would like to share a Facebook message recently received by the college from parent Tammy Miller, who has instructed students from numerous medical schools on end-of-life care during her career with OhioHealth Hospice:  

“We were always so impressed with the students from OU. We could pick out the students the minute they walked through our door. Their attitudes were always uplifting. They continually asked questions and were eager to learn about our roles in hospice as well as the teamwork approach in the health care field … I was enamored with each one and always wondered what OU offered (that) other med schools did not.  

“I learned teamwork was the piece. The sense of collaboration between these students was apparent. It wasn’t a competition between students like I observed with other med schools. They never looked at their watches. They stayed afterwards to further explore the needs of patients who suffered physical, spiritual and emotional pain. Some students even sent thank you cards! This did not happen with other schools…  

“This is a result from the passionate physicians and professors of your program. It was obvious to me the respect of peers is a vital piece to what you offer.  

“Imagine as I sat in (Memorial Auditorium) yesterday to watch my daughter cross the stage and receive her white coat. My mind was full of wonderful memories of the past as well as hope for our future, knowing what type of doctors come from your program. My daughter will be one of them. Thank you for all you add to our world.”  

Notes like Tammy’s provide wonderful affirmation of what we already know: Care is the heart of everything we do at the Heritage College. It is what binds us and what sets us apart -- as students, staff, educators and physicians. And I have no doubt that care will continue to fuel amazing progress in the year ahead! 

Sincerely,

Ken Johnson, D.O.