Dean Billy Hughes Greets Class of 2016
“Professionalism starts today.”
by Stephen Vodhanel, PhD
Student orientation for the class of 2016 began Monday, September 17th, with a warm welcome from Linda Williams, MS, assistant dean of student affairs and admissions. The week long student orientation at the School of Pharmacy is a tradition aimed at informing the students about the many topics necessary to be successful at Loma Linda University. Following a devotional by Young Adult Pastor Dr. Timothy Gillespi of Relive Ministries, Loma Linda University Church, Dean Hughes challenged the class of 2016 with the declaration that “professionalism starts today.”
During the week, student pharmacists will receive CPR and First Aid training which will be utilized during APhA Immunization certification training, be introduced to the PharmD curriculum, learn about various professional pharmacy organizations, and receive a historical review of the university conducted by LLU historian and author, Dick Schaefer. “Make no mistake about it, pharmacy is a complex profession”. The number of drugs and all the combinations for chronic and acute disease management makes for a very complex profession. The successful pharmacist must begin now to nurture professional relationships with all members of the healthcare team. Those important relationships begin today”, said Hughes.
Dean Hughes finished the welcome greeting with a reminder and an invitation of wholeness by growing in one’s faith, integrating health, values, and spirituality. “Regardless of your faith tradition, we at Loma Linda University want each and everyone of you to grow. Grow spiritually, live healthy lifestyles, work and study with values important to you and those around you…or in the words of the university, live with intentionality to achieve wholeness.”
Students will also enjoy an off-campus retreat in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains. Located one hour from campus and above the 6,000 foot elevation, student pharmacists will enjoy cool autumn weather. The over-night retreat has meetings and events, and also provides everyone with a relaxing opportunity in which to meet classmates and the many people associated with the School of Pharmacy.
The entire School of Pharmacy welcomes the Class of 2016!
Dean Billy Hughes with the School of Pharmacy Class of 2016.