June 7, 2001, was a very special day for a senator, a nationally recognized volunteer and 228 new doctors as the Wayne State School of Medicine conducted its annual commencement ceremony. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2001, the medical school recognized Michigan Sen. John J.H. Schwarz, MD, and longtime hospital volunteer Fannie Dell Peeples at its 124th commencement exercises at the Detroit Opera House.

Dr. Schwarz, a 1964 alumnus of the School of Medicine, received an honorary doctorate degree. Dr. Schwarz has enjoyed a diverse and highly successful career as both a physician and public servant.

Opening his surgery practice in Battle Creek after graduation, Dr. Schwarz became the city's mayor in 1985. Now in his fourth senate term, Dr. Schwarz serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he chairs the subcommittees on higher education and public health, among other appointments. He remains an advocate for positive legislation in higher education and health care and an active member of the WSU community as a member of the medical school's Board of Visitors.

Upon receiving the honorary degree, Dr. Schwarz expressed his hope that the honor not go unnoticed by his peers in the medical profession and that they would be encouraged to engage in "extra-medical" pursuits.

"It is no longer appropriate or realistic for physicians to stay on the sidelines," Schwarz told the new graduates, encouraging them to get involved in some form of public service. "Tomorrow-with diplomas in hand-hit the ground running."

Miss Peeples, a Detroit Medical Center volunteer and member of the Detroit Receiving Hospital ethics committee, received the School of Medicine's Distinguished Service Award. Born with a number of major skeletal abnormalities and orphaned at a young age, Miss Peeples spent her early years in foster care. She overcame adversity to become an honor student and receive a scholarship to Missouri Lincoln University. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was class valedictorian.

In 1986, she became a member of the Detroit Receiving Hospital ethics committee, made up mostly of doctors and other health-care professionals. Through self-education she has become a valued member of the committee for more than 15 years.

Her work has caught the attention of national and local media, community organizations and civic groups. She has been the subject of a photo tribute in Life Magazine, named one of People Magazine's "Most Intriguing People," celebrated as one of the "Outstanding Mothers of Detroit" in African American Parent Magazine, and selected "Michiganian of the Year" by The Detroit News. She has been presented the Community Service Award of the Randolph W. Wallace Sr. Kidney Research Foundation.

Although a recent fall prevented her from attending the celebration, Miss Peeples addressed the audience through a previously recorded interview with WSU Associate Dean Robert Frank, MD. She reminded the new doctors not to let the ever-increasing influence of technology "dehumanize" their interaction with their patients.

"The most important thing to that patient can be that simple hand on his or her shoulder," Miss Peeples said.

In contrast to the wealth of experiences that were shared by Dr. Schwarz and Miss Peeples, the members of the Class of 2001 are just beginning their journey into the world of health care. The majority of class members-64 percent-will continue their training in the state of Michigan, a point of great pride in the School of Medicine community. A select group of students will serve at nationally renowned institutions, such as Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Stanford University Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center.

In his remarks, WSU President Irvin Reid offered his best wishes and his hope that the members of the class grasp the full weight of the awesome and rewarding challenge ahead of them.

"The medical profession provides an endless stream of opportunities to share your talents and gifts with others," President Reid said. "I hope that you look forward to and cherish this aspect of your profession."

School of Medicine Dean John Crissman, MD, also had best wishes for the new graduates, reminding them that-regardless of ever-increasing economic and procedural demands-their primary role as doctors is always to heal.

"In the world of modern health care, it's easy to think in terms of a delivery system rather than a value system," Dr. Crissman said. "Don't let it happen to you."