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Raft Debate arms students with ship of tools
by Kim Miller
Tommy Bernard has yet to choose his medical specialty, but after witnessing the third annual Medical College of Georgia Raft Debate, he feels better prepared to make the call.
“It showed me what the life of a surgeon might be like vs. the life of a family practitioner,” said the second-year medical student who helped organize the debate with classmate Sarah Szlam. “In some ways, it drew me away from family medicine; being able to specialize really appealed to me.”
The Raft Debate, sponsored by the School of Medicine Alumni Association April 14, gives insight to sophomore and junior medical students about the pros and cons of different medical fields.
The ceremonial sinking ship included a one-person life raft and three passengers: a pediatrician, family medicine physician and surgeon. Each physician, played by MCG faculty members, must prove why he should be the sole survivor. The evening included a low-country boil and time for students to mingle with faculty and alumni.
“I was laughing the entire time,” said Ms. Szlam. “I think people were really surprised by how much fun it is. I had so many people tell me they were glad they came and looked forward to it next year.”
The physician actors were Dr. Bruce LeClair, associate professor of family medicine; Dr. Davidson Freeman, assistant professor of pediatrics and Dr. Scott Lind, chief of surgical oncology.
MCG President Daniel W. Rahn moderated the debate as devil’s advocate. Dr. Stephen Peiper, chair of the Department of Pathology, challenged the debaters and took questions from the audience.
“It was great to see Dr. Rahn get out of his presidential element and really enjoy himself,” Mr. Bernard said. “And our professors are so funny and relaxed… we get to see a side of them we don’t usually see in class.”
Event Photos
For more information
Contact Director of Alumni Relations
Scott Henson,
shenson@mcg.edu, at (706) 721-3821