A year of significant progress

The 2020-21 academic year has been defined by great challenge and significant progress. Thanks to vaccine development and rollout, the fears and uncertainties that characterized our arrival on campus last fall are slowly but surely giving way to relief and hope. This is the power of focus and the impact of medicine.

It brings me tremendous pride when I consider the incredible impact that the Heritage College community has made over the course of the past year. So many of you have given in so many ways: sewing masks, distributing care packages, volunteering at our clinics, etc. Walls between organizations have been broken down as we worked together to move our community forward. Unprecedented collaboration between public health, education, private health care and care provision resulted in innovative problem solving every step of the way. I have never been so proud to be part of the medical community and the Heritage College community; our work is more important than ever. 

Five years ago, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 352, designating April as Osteopathic Medicine Recognition Month to honor the "significant contributions made by the osteopathic field of medicine to improve the health of Ohioans." At that time, no one could have imagined the role that osteopathic physicians would assume on the front lines of an impending global pandemic. In the face of continued adversity, Heritage College graduates continue to shine. Their success is a testament to our collective success.

This week, as we wrap up Spring semester classes and finalize preparations for our 2021 Commencement ceremony, I encourage you to consider how far we have come in one year’s time. From vaccine distribution to Monday’s verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, signs of progress are all around us. It is up to us to build upon that momentum to further advance compassionate care, medical discovery, health equity, and social justice. Our work in these areas is far from finished.

On a personal note, please know that your care for one another and your commitment to medical education have been a constant source of strength to me in a difficult year. It is a true honor to partner with you in this incredibly important work: preparing a new generation of physicians for the challenges that lie ahead.  

With Warm Gratitude, 

Ken Johnson, D.O.