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Detroit, Healthy Activities, Education, Family Medicine, Speaking Engagement Paul Thomas Detroit, Healthy Activities, Education, Family Medicine, Speaking Engagement Paul Thomas

Dr. Paul Thomas Welcomes 300 New Medical Students to Detroit

Last week, Dr. Paul Thomas welcomed 300 new medical students to Wayne State University School of Medicine. Typically, the incoming students are packed into a large lecture hall at WSU SOM’s Scott Hall. But this year, due to Coronavirus, the event was held outdoors at Chevrolet Plaza, adjacent to the Little Caesars Arena. This open air venue accommodated 100 medical students at a time, and there were three “Welcome to Detroit” sessions throughout the day.

Dr. Paul Thomas gave a “Welcome to Detroit” lecture to the incoming medical students that emphasized the significant history and culture of the City of Detroit. There are so many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in service learning, by volunteering at local free clinics and by giving back to Detroit and the surrounding communities, by working with grade school students and the elderly, by volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens.

Dr. Paul Thomas shared a quote from Jeanette Pierce, “Detroit is big enough to matter in the world, and small enough for you to matter in it.”

Wayne State University School of Medicine Dean Margit Chadwell with Dr. Paul Thomas, MD, guest lecturer and Clinical Assistant Professor.

Wayne State University School of Medicine Dean Margit Chadwell with Dr. Paul Thomas, MD, guest lecturer and Clinical Assistant Professor.

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Last week, I welcomed 300 new medical students to Wayne State University School of Medicine. Typically, the incoming students are packed into a large lecture hall at WSU SOM’s Scott Hall. But this year, due to Coronavirus, the event was held outdoors at Chevrolet Plaza, adjacent to the Little Caesars Arena. This open air venue accommodated 100 medical students at a time, and there were three “Welcome to Detroit” sessions throughout the day. I gave my “Welcome to Detroit” lecture to the incoming medical students that emphasized the significant history and culture of the City of Detroit - the city’s founding, our flag, the Arsenal of Democracy, the 67 Rebellion, municipal bankruptcy, coffee shops, restaurants, Belle Isle, bike lanes, and volunteer opportunities. There are so many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in service learning, by volunteering at local free clinics and by giving back to Detroit and the surrounding communities, by working with grade school students to teach reading and healthy behaviors, and the elderly by visiting nursing homes and providing enrichment, and by volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens. I shared my favorite quote from Jeanette Pierce, “Detroit is big enough to matter in the world, and small enough for you to matter in it.” Here’s to these incoming student doctors, the future leaders and innovators in medicine. May your time here in Detroit teach and enrich you, and may your presence here reciprocate that gift. #WayneState #WSUSOM #ClassOf2024 #detroitdoctors #plumhealth #directprimarycare #detroitmedicine #chevroletplaza

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