May 13, 2005

Invitation to Cover
Penn’s School of Medicine Holds Its 239th Graduation Ceremony

Great photo opportunity!

WHO & WHAT: Graduating Class of 2005 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

As part of a memorable rite of passage, 147 PENN medical students will receive diplomas, awards, and recite the Hippocratic Oath for the first time as new doctors.

The Graduate Address will be given by Dr. Helene Gayle, a Class of 1981 PENN Medicine alumna, who is currently Director of the HIV, TB, and Reproductive Health Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s.

Special guest Dr. Alfred Gellhorn, who served as Dean of PENN’s School of Medicine from 1969-1973, will present his grandson Alfred Gellhorn Campbell, with his diploma and hood.

WHEN: Sunday, May 15, 2005
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The agenda includes:
3:00 p.m. Processional
3:05 p.m. Opening remarks by Dr. Arthur Rubenstein, Dean, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and EVP, University of Pennsylvania for the Health System.
3:15 p.m. Graduation address given by Dr. Helene Gayle
3:45 p.m. Presentation of diplomas and hoods
4:50 p.m. Recitation of the Hippocratic Oath
5:00 p.m. Recessional

WHERE: The Ballroom of Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
12th & Market Streets

Editor’s note: Please contact Olivia Fermano in the Department of Public Affairs via pager (215) 980-5378 if you plan to attend.

###

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is one of the premier medical schools in the country – ranked #4 by the US News & World. PENN was ranked in the “Top 10” medical schools in four specialty programs, including pediatrics (2nd), women’s health (3rd), internal medicine (5th), and drug/alcohol abuse (7th). PENN’s School of Medicine also ranked among the top 50 medical schools for students going into primary care practice and is ranked #3 in the nation for receipt of federal research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Penn’s School of Medicine was the first and only medical school in the 13 American colonies when, in the fall of 1765, students enrolled for “anatomical lectures” and a course on “the theory and practice of physick.” During those pre-Revolutionary times, the School of Medicine was called the College of Philadelphia. For a complete history of Penn’s School of Medicine go to http://www.med.upenn.edu/history.html.

This release is available online at http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/may05/SOMgrad.htm