Peter Densen, executive associate dean, reflects on
how loss of students reminds us to care for our relationships

As in touch as deans of students may be it is impossible to know each and every student by name. Yet a close bond develops between students and those charged with the responsibility of guiding them through medical school. In fact, it's hard to imagine a better and more fulfilling position than to work with smart and eager students who are excited about their studies, are highly altruistic and truly care about patients, and who have unlimited potential. During medical school our students learn to think for themselves, problem solve and to explore their talents and interests. Many pass pivotal milestones in their lives: getting married, having children, making career choices. When they graduate, it's as if one of our own family members is walking across the stage. Is it any wonder then that deans revel in their students' successes?

That joy can turn to sorrow, though, when a member of our collegiate family is lost. As many of you are aware, within the past two years we have seen the unexpected deaths of four very dear members of the Class of 2003. Cameron Lewis, an academically exceptional student, died giving birth; Austin Goldsmith, an Iowa native, died following a head injury incurred in a seemingly minor fall; David Rasanen, an outgoing student, respected class leader, talented athlete and musician, died with his wife in a car accident; and John Milleman, who many knew as the glue that held the Class of 2003 together, died in a car accident alongside his wife while returning to Iowa for the couple's first wedding anniversary. In June of this year, tragedy also touched the Class of 2005 when Megan Moritz died in an auto accident.

As a former dean of students reflecting on these untimely deaths it is impossible for me not to think about the lost promise of these young lives. But it also reminds me of how vital the College's learning communities are in promoting a culture of connectedness that helps students overcome feelings of isolation and stress, and in doing so helps them become aware not only of how to take care of ourselves but also of one another. A goal of these communities is to help students develop a sense of self-awareness so that as physicians they will tend not only to the health of their patients but also to their own well-being. Paradoxically, the success of our learning communities in promoting a culture of connectedness makes the untimely deaths and the lost promise even more acute while simultaneously providing support and a vessel for an outpouring of our grief.

These recent deaths are a reminder to us all that life is ephemeral and that we must live every day to its fullest. We must take time to care for our family, friends, colleagues, and fellow students. We must not forget the special connections we have to both The University of Iowa and to our larger community of physicians and health care providers.

As you take a moment to remember these students and what they have meant and will continue to mean to us, I encourage all of us to also reach out to others within our UI family.