Welcome to the Class of 2010. Like you, I am a newcomer to P&S and am experiencing my new surroundings with awe and expectation. Since beginning my new position in July, I have met many of our spectacular physicians and scientists who epitomize our excellence. As we begin our first academic year together, our roles will be different, but I am sure we will learn from each other as we explore the breadth and depth of this great school. As you get to know each other, you will find that your shared aspiration to be doctors is surpassed only by the impressive talent and experience that earned each of you a place at P&S. You will discover for yourself why many students say they love Columbia because of their fellow students.

This is a superb institution with international leaders in research, education, and clinical care. It is a vital partner to an equally great hospital, New York-Presbyterian, located in the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood, and part of one of the greatest cities of the world. This medical center is like no other, and its uniqueness will be valuable to your education and personal growth over these next several years. In your educational settings, you will interact with an outstanding group of physicians and scientists who will guide you in combining the fundamentals of medical science with the principles of humanity that will define the patient-doctor experience.

Taking advantage of what Columbia offers requires your active participation, not a passive curiosity. Your discovery of our assets - both the obvious ones and those that will surprise you - will be an important part of your transformation from first-year medical student to physician, from a short white coat to a long one, from a vantage point of learning to a mantle of teaching, first as senior medical students, then as residents. No matter how the field of medicine changes, your potential to use your talent and education to improve health outcomes will not change. You will become leaders in medicine and science, have fulfilling careers, and look back on P&S as an extraordinary catalyst in your lifelong medical education.

I will look forward to meeting you and helping you simultaneously benefit from P&S and make it an even better place.

Lee Goldman, M.D.
Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine