Stritch Magazine 2020

From Dean Sam J Marzo, MD

In my first draft of this note, I began by writing about Loyola’s 150th anniversary as a time to reflect on how Stritch has contributed to the University’s rich history and on the unique qualities of a Stritch education. But as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe and closer to home, I paused, and instead reflected on the resilience and adaptability of Stritch and the University during this challenging and uncertain time. With care and concern for our students, faculty, and staff among our top priorities, Loyola University Chicago moved more than 3,400 class online within 10 days and closed our campuses, all while maintaining academic continuity.

When our students matriculated, I doubt any of them ever imagined they would be studying medicine or graduating to their residencies during a global pandemic. But this semester was unlike anything that any of us have experienced. When students were unable to continue in their clinical experience, they found new ways to serve, such as volunteering to answer the COVID Hotline at Loyola Medicine and organizing a GoFundMe to provide locally sourced meals to hospital staff.

Our faculty and staff, too, are dedicated to ensuring current and prospective students experience the traditional medical school milestones. For example, more than 570 people joined us virtually for our first-ever online Match Day. We also welcomed over 300 prospective students to our first virtual Second Look.

During this 150th anniversary year, while we are called to re-examine how we teach and engage with the Loyola community and our various partners, I continue to take great pride in the education we provide to the next generation of clinicians and researchers. Clearly, we are poised to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

I hope we will be able to welcome many of our alumni back to campus for the Stritch Reunion Weekend, which we plan to have September 25-27. To register and get updates on the status of this year’s event, visit LUC.edu/stritchreunion.

Please stay well and safe, and follow your community’s public health guidelines. Thank you for your interest in and support of Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine.

Patients and their families can encounter a mountain of questions when faced with health care challenges. What is the best course of treatment? What are the patient’s wishes if they are unable to advocate for themselves? In situations where those questions are unclear or concerns arise, a bioethicist can provide a unique perspective and help ensure the patient receives the best care. Read more about how Stritch's Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Healthcare Leadership is confronting questions at the bedside and beyond.