From the Rocky Vista University Alumni Association
V U A LU M N I
A SSO C I AT ION
Students, faculty and fellow alumni, The past few months have been a challenge as humanity has been put to the test in a way that is similar to moments of infamy such as the World Wars, the Vietnam War, and the Spanish Flu of 1918. It is in these moments that all inhabitants of earth will have surreal firsthand accounts of having lived during months of quarantine, market instability, and fear. It is my hope that when you are reading this, we are on the way out from all of this uncertainty and fear. As I wrote to you this time last year, I was preparing for my upcoming trip to lead the Osteopathic Oath for the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. I am reminded of the words: "I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients...keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery." We have been given a great responsibility which comes with great rewards—but, at times, greater risks. Our oath has been most assuredly tested lately, but I have no doubt that every one of you selflessly carried on to make sure those who are less fortunate or sick were cared for in the best way possible. I offer my utmost humble thanks and praise to all the first responders, physicians, nurses, technologists, and other ancillary staff who were in the highest of risks on the frontlines of the hospital wards and emergency departments. The burden to carry society through this crisis was firmly placed on the backs of everyone in the field of medicine and you have all elevated the field of medicine and fought for humanity with sweat, blood, and tears. I have never been more proud of the decision that I made long ago to be a part of this great profession. Though many events have been overshadowed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, I want to congratulate the Class of 2020 on their recent match into residency programs across the country. The transition between student doctor to members of excellent hospital teams can be fraught with self-doubt and anxiety. I want to assure the Class of 2020 that RVU has thoroughly prepared you during your four years as a medical student. You are as prepared, if not better prepared, than your osteopathic and allopathic peers. The best advice that I can offer you now is to not take any moment or loved one for granted. Use the final months of medical school to virtually connect with loved ones or to read that one book that you just couldn’t find the time for during school. You will know enough for and learn even more through your residency. Now is the time to slow down and unwind before the whirlwind starts! I thank you for your time and wish you the best in your pursuit to learn from yesterdays, live every day as a new day, and never give up hope for each tomorrow. As always, I look forward to hearing about all of the wonderful things you have all accomplished before I have the pleasure to address you next.
Christopher Mutter, DO ‘14 Alumni Association President
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