KEY TOPIC
60-Second Commencement Speech
Cue “Pomp and Circumstance.” We asked Cleveland Clinic leaders: Briefly, what words of wisdom would you offer to the next generation of caregivers?
Edited by John Soeder
Illustrations: Ken Kula
Conor Delaney, MD, MCH, PhD, FACS, FRCSI, FASCRS, FRCSI (HON), MAMSE
Conor Delaney, MD, MCH, PhD, FACS, FRCSI, FASCRS, FRCSI (HON), MAMSE
I feel privileged to have had the career I’ve had in healthcare. How fortunate are we to be in a profession where even on the very worst day, we’re helping people? We hear a lot about the challenges in healthcare at the moment, but to those who are now entering the field, I would say: This is probably the most exciting time ever in healthcare. It's uniquely fast-moving and ever-evolving. Stay focused on quality, teamwork and value. Strive to do the very best for each patient. Remember that you can’t do what you do without being part of a team, so be supportive, collaborative and kind to your colleagues and teammates. Never stop asking yourself: How do we deliver the best value to our patients, to our hospitals and to society?
Dr. Delaney is President of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. He holds the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Distinguished Chair in Healthcare Innovation.
Hometown: Dublin
First job: Surgical intern at Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin.
Undergraduate education: University College Dublin.
Currently listening to: "Acquired” podcast.
Pastime pleasure: Tennis and spending time with family.
Serpil Erzurum, MD
Serpil Erzurum, MD
“The difficult we do right away. The impossible takes a little longer.” This quote from Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Capecchi is one of my favorites. It reminds me, as a physician and researcher, to be courageous. To ask big questions and persist to get answers. As the future generation of caregivers, you are stepping into one of the most promising times in healthcare. We are on the cusp of solving the most challenging problems affecting humans today — cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders, to name a few. As you embark upon this next chapter in your lives, nurture your spirit of curiosity and optimism. Ask big questions, and do not be discouraged by failure. For failure is never the end; it is merely a destination on the road to the impossible.
Dr. Erzurum is Chief Research and Academic Officer of Cleveland Clinic. She holds the Alfred Lerner Memorial Chair in Innovative Biomedical Research.
Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio.
First job: Bookkeeper/accountant for a small business in my hometown (non medical); physician at Sioux San Hospital, an Indian Health Service hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota (first job after residency).
Undergraduate education: Youngstown State University
Currently reading: Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong.
Pastime pleasure: Spending time with family and friends and gardening.
K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN
K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN
When you dare to take risks, doors will open. You’ll uncover things about yourself you didn’t know were there, challenge yourself in new ways, find your true passion and become an even better caregiver. Education is a lifelong process; the skills and knowledge you possess today are just the beginning. There will always be new avenues to explore, and different ways to grow and develop. In the complex and ever-changing landscape of healthcare, staying curious and informed is key. Embrace change, stay informed and move forward with confidence. We also need to provide care beyond the patients we see and care for our communities. With compassion at our core, we must give back where we can. Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it.
Dr. Hancock is Chief Caregiver Officer of Cleveland Clinic. She holds the Rich Family Chief Caregiver Chair.
Hometown: North Royalton, Ohio.
First job: Cashier at Revco Drug Store.
Undergraduate education: Ursuline College.
Pastime pleasure: Spending time with family and friends, gardening and exercising.
Rob Lorenz, MD, MBA, FACS
Rob Lorenz, MD, MBA, FACS
Our Cleveland Clinic values are the same throughout the world, and give every caregiver the framework within which to pursue their career aspirations. The combination of educating the next generation of caregivers, researching the problems that afflict our patients, and delivering outstanding care that never stops improving and innovating, is a recipe that translates globally to all communities. While the impact of technology, innovation and changing expectations of the generations will vary over the decades, whatever country and continent you come to find yourself practicing in, a Cleveland Clinic caregiver can be proud to carry the common priorities for delivering world-class patient-centered care throughout the globe.
Dr. Lorenz is President of Cleveland Clinic London.
Hometown: Castleton-on-Hudson, New York.
First job: National Ski Patrol.
Undergraduate education: Yale University
Currently reading: The Longevity Imperative by Andrew Scott.
Pastime pleasure: Walking the dog along the River Thames.